View the Tikvah Summer Experience Video.

Apply for Summer 2013 - Applications will be available soon.  All Tikvah applicants can enroll online. Once you have submitted your online application you will be notified to complete the online supplemental information form required for all Tikvah campers.

• 2013 Tikvah (Amitzim & Ezra) On-line Application

The Tikvah program at Camp Ramah is designed for Jewish adolescents, ages 11 to 18, with learning, emotional, and developmental disabilities. The Tikvah campers, known as the Amitzim group at camp, are included in all the programs at Camp Ramah. All of the campers come to camp for the same reasons: to have fun, make friends, and learn about Jewish things. They are included with their non-disabled peers throughout the day. During the academic hour, a teacher with special education training is able to provide self contained education to those campers for whom it is more appropriate.

Along with the regular Ramah programming, Tikvah campers are fortunate to have the opportunity to be involved in many special programs in camp. A buddy program pairs Tikvah campers with campers from our oldest group. Buddies learn about each other and work on special projects while making new friends. In addition, time is spent with the Madors (counselors in training) and the Lishma adult studies program. Our programming is designed to increase independent living and self-help skills.

The counselor/camper ratio is greater in the Amitzim tents, to provide increased individual attention. Counselors in the Tikvah program have prior experiences as Ramah counselors, and receive an intensive special training during staff week. An advisor with experience in working with children with special needs is available at all times.

Ezra

Ezra, a 7-week vocational training program, captures the passion and excitement of Camp Ramah. During the summer, young adults live at camp, along side 1400 staff and campers. They fill their days with job site experience, life skill classes, recreational activities and living Judaism.

The Ezra Program allows participants to take their existing skills and enhance them to live more independent and productive lives. The independent living experience at Camp Ramah improves functioning through:

• Vocational Skills
• independent living abilities
• self-image
• social functioning
• Jewish community skills

Camp provides an ideal setting for Ezra participants who live in communal, independent living quarters with peers under adult supervision. Participants learn lessons of responsibility, kinship, sportsmanship and sharing.

Participants receive job-training experience in a number of service areas throughout camp and are held accountable for their interpersonal relationships in the Ramah community. Program goals include preparing young adults for independent living and teaching them employment related skills.

In addition to personal development, the Ezra program includes specific components to enhance their independent living experience:

• Cafe Ezra - participants devote one evening a week to running a cafe for the entire camp staff
• Buddy Program - participants are designated a special staff buddy to enhance friendships and interpersonal skills
• Days off - each week participants will collaboratively plan their day off activity

For more information on Tikvah, please call the Ramah office at (310) 476-8571 or email tikvah@ramah.org.