A Vision for Our Future
A Vision for Our Future
A Strategic Plan for the National Ramah Commission 2026–2030 January 2026
Introduction
A Vision for Our Future
For nearly eighty years, Ramah overnight and day camps, Israel programs, and year-round retreats have provided immersive experiences that forge deep bonds among our participants. These individuals become vital contributors to the vibrancy of North American Jewry. As we look toward the horizon, we do so with profound gratitude for our history and an unyielding commitment to our shared future.
Our Sacred Mission: Identity and Resilience
Ramah’s most important mission is Jewish identity formation. We ignite a passion for Jewish living that motivates Ramahniks to build communities of meaning at all stages of their lives.
In a world that feels increasingly fragmented, we empower Ramah participants to face complexity with resilience. We work to ensure that, through all these challenges, they emerge as proud, confident, happy, literate, and well-educated Jews. Ramah remains the most influential Jewish community for thousands of young people because at Ramah, we live our values every single day.
The Power of the Collective: One Movement, One Brand
The strength of Ramah is our ability to work as a unified movement. While each of our camps and programs is a unique and beloved home, we are woven together by a singular, powerful brand into a seamless tapestry of Jewish life spanning a lifetime. The strength of our brand will drive our growth and expansion into the future.
Our commitment to Jewish time, ethical principles, the land and people of Israel, and religious observance guided by a Conservative halachic framework is amplified when we stand together. By aligning our vision, we ensure that the “Ramah experience” remains the gold standard recognized across the globe for developing leaders who are deeply rooted in their Judaism and passionately committed to the Jewish people and Am Yisrael.
The National Ramah Commission: A Strategic Engine
The Ramah Movement is a cornerstone of North American Jewish life, and the National Ramah Commission (NRC) is its strategic engine. The NRC gives voice to the mission of Ramah—dedicated to sustaining, championing, and scaling our work for a new era. We believe that North American Judaism thrives when Ramah mobilizes our collective power to support every camp, every leader, and every soul within our care.
The Path Forward: Our Priorities
Over the next five years, NRC will channel our energy into investing in leadership, expanding our growth, gaining deeper insights through research, and fortifying our core infrastructure. Guided by these priorities, we will strengthen the bonds of the Ramah family and pave the way toward an even brighter, more vibrant future together.
Ramah is the camping arm of Conservative Judaism, operating under the educational and religious supervision of The Jewish Theological Seminary.
Shared Educational and Religious Guiding Principles
We inspire lifelong commitment to Judaism through joyful observance of mitzvot.
Ramah builds Jewish identity through the following enduring principles. They are the foundation of our brand and the heartbeat of our community:
We cultivate empowered and adaptive leaders who are prepared to navigate a changing world with vision, integrity, and a deep commitment to the Jewish people.
We foster a love and sense of responsibility for and connection to the land and people of Israel, the Hebrew language, and Jewish communities around the world.
We foster Jewish friendships that thrive well beyond the camp years.
We intentionally make Jewish literacy and education the centerpiece of our work.
We encourage each individual to value being in Jewish community and to be, in turn, valued for what they bring to their communities.
We model kindness, empathy, gratitude, and other character strengths.
We are guardians of our land.
Our Successes
“Camp Ramah [was my most formative Jewish experience]. It changed my life. I remember no place feeling more at home as a Jew than surrounded by that environment.”
— Julie Platt, immediate past chair of the Jewish Federations of North America
Building Resilience and Identity
Ramah immersive experiences build a foundation for lifelong Jewish commitment. Strong Jewish identities provide North American Jews with a joyful stability from which to navigate the complexities of the modern world.
Upon returning from a visit to Ramah in 2025, JTS Chancellor Dr. Shuly Rubin Schwartz wrote, “[Talented Ramah staff leaders are] dedicated to ensuring that their charges will have the same life-changing, joyous, challenging, fun experiences that they had—and that they will leave camp more Jewishly engaged, literate, and connected...[I was] reminded yet again how important a role Ramah plays—and will continue to play—in the lives of young Jews.”
A Vital Link to Israel
Ramah generates a lasting connection to Israel. These bonds empowered Ramah alumni to respond with authentic compassion and moral clarity in the aftermath of October 7th. As journalist John Podhoretz noted in 2024, “[Ramah] is one of the backbone institutions of American Zionism, and given the horrors of the past year, its continued existence has never seemed more urgent or more necessary.”
Building on Accomplishments: Our Proven Impact
This success is by design. Our Ramah directors and professionals intentionally create immersive environments that transform individuals and fortify the entire Jewish community. In an era of uncertainty, Ramah’s expertise is a critical differentiator. As a catalyst for the movement, the NRC drives the leadership development, crosscamp collaboration, and educational innovation necessary to secure a vibrant Jewish future.
In a landscape of shifting headwinds, one thing remains certain: Ramah works. The Bottom Line
Ramah by the Numbers 2025
Campers
New Camper s Teens and Twenties
Participants in National Ramah Leadership Development and Trainin g
Tikvah and Vocational Pr ogram Participant s
Total Funds Raised by the Ramah Movement in 2025
m (Israeli Y o ung Adults)
Shlichi
NRC: Our Intended Impact
Powering Our Programs
With the NRC’s vision and backing, and in collaboration with our camps, the Ramah Movement will:
Transforming Our People
Through Ramah experiences, participants will:
Secure the Future Deepen Their Roots
Benefit from a surge in funding—for programmatic excellence, facility and retreat upgrades, and scholarships—that keeps Ramah camps accessible and cutting-edge.
Retain and Nurture
Excellent Leaders
Access powerful leadership development for camp staff, professionals, and board members at every stage of their journey.
Hone Resilient Character
Immerse themselves in a vibrant Jewish life that includes strengthening bonds with the people and land of Israel.
Develop the confidence and adaptability needed to navigate a complex world with a firm foundation.
Scale with Purpose
Leverage centralized resources in education, business, and marketing with camps maintaining their own unique local identities.
Embrace a Lifetime of
Purpose
Discover their power to contribute, moving from participants to active builders of Jewish life.
Today’s Reality
NRC is well-positioned to navigate a rapidly changing world.
NRC’s Strengths
Deep expertise in camp leadership and proven track record of spearheading movement-wide collaboration to respond to changing community needs
Today’s Challenges
Rising costs and increased fundraising needs for programmatic excellence, facility and retreat upgrades, and scholarships
Contributing to a Brighter Future
Funding is exponentially increased, enrollment grows, and Ramah is sustained for generations to come.
Unwavering commitment to instilling a deep and abiding connection to Israel
Changing reality of what it means to support Israel and increasing antisemitism
Ramahniks feel connected to Israel and are willing to engage in its complexities. They respond to antisemitism with confidence and resilience.
Decades of experience as innovators of Jewish education, working with The Jewish Theological Seminary, and developing partnerships with clergy, educators, and other Jewish institutions
Shifting demographics and denominational affiliations in the North American Jewish community
NRC’s research, thought leadership, curricular materials, new and expanded partnerships, and convenings prepare North American Jewry for its next chapter.
Our Four Priorities
NRC is committed to supporting our camps and programs with strategic vision, educational innovation, staffing, professional development, and shared operational support. The priorities outlined in this strategic plan for the NRC build on our strengths and outline a path for addressing key challenges:
Leadership
Investing in Our Jewish Future
We will cultivate the visionary talent and adaptive leaders who will guide the Jewish people.
Growth
Expanding Ramah’s Reach
We will open new doors and bring the Ramah experience to a greater number of people.
Insights
Harnessing Data to Propel Ramah
We will utilize deep research and community insights to drive smarter, more impactful decision-making.
Core
Strengthening the Infrastructure
We will strengthen the essential infrastructure that secures our movement’s resilience and long-term vitality.
Invest in Our Jewish Future Leadership
The Ramah Movement is known for being a source of incredible leaders in the Jewish community. To address today’s complexities, NRC must double down on Ramah’s commitment to train and inspire the next generation of visionary leaders. Through deliberate planning, we are ensuring a robust leadership pipeline that inspires young adults to stay deeply engaged with Jewish life, navigate modern challenges, and lead with conviction.
BOLD STRATEGIES
Formalize the Ramah Leadership Institute: A training ground for high school, college, and graduate students to master the skills of Jewish communal leadership.
Elevate Professional Excellence: Strengthening year-round staff through advanced education and professional development.
Launch the Innovation Lab: Providing cohorts of young adult leaders with the platform and resources to test out solutions for the critical challenges facing the Ramah Movement.
OUR ASPIRATION
The NRC will grow the number of young people participating in leadership training through Ramah. These participants will emerge more Jewishly educated and empowered, and go on to serve as the backbone of our camps and the broader Jewish world for decades to come.
Growth
Expand Ramah’s Reach
Increase Participation in Ramah:
Drive enrollment, reach expanded audiences, and support new year-round programmatic growth for overnight, day, and specialty camps, and other immersive experiences.
Map New Frontiers:
To strengthen the fabric of Jewish life, we must bring the Ramah experience to every family that wants it, moving beyond the barriers of affordability and geography. By better understanding today’s Jewish families and by enhancing our brand storytelling, we keep Ramah as the gold standard for immersive Jewish education across North America.
Commission demographic studies to identify and engage more members of the Jewish community who want to participate in Ramah camps and immersive experiences and to determine where new programs should be implemented.
Amplify the Ramah Brand:
Strengthen our marketing to ensure the Ramah name is synonymous with excellence in camping, Jewish education, and identity-building.
Scale Camp Support:
Exponentially increase funds distributed to camps for programmatic excellence, facility and retreat upgrades, and scholarships.
Build on the Legacy of Tikvah:
Ensure ongoing inclusion of campers and young adult participants with a wide range of needs.
OUR ASPIRATION BOLD STRATEGIES
The NRC will ensure that Ramah is a powerhouse movement characterized by significant growth, where every Jewish family is aware of our mission and many more participants are transformed by the magic of a Ramah experience.
Insights
Harness Data to Propel Ramah
To best respond to the Jewish community’s changing demographic needs, remain strong and relevant, and promote growth, the NRC must sponsor proactive research and pursue intentional engagement with key Ramah Movement stakeholders to translate that research into action and educational innovation within camps and programs.
BOLD STRATEGIES
OUR ASPIRATION
The NRC will be a trusted source for ideas and information guiding the decision-making and strategic direction of the Ramah Movement and aligned Jewish institutions in meeting the evolving needs of North American Jewry.
Commission Strategic Research:
Help Ramah understand and respond to urgent Jewish community-wide issues including shifting denominational affiliations, changing attitudes towards Israel, and increasing global antisemitism.
Field-Test Research Insights:
Harness our camps as unique “learning laboratories” to quickly and iteratively test new ideas.
Maximize and Expand the Brand:
Utilize market research to innovate exceptional programs within our movement.
Produce Exceptional Educational Materials:
Work with partners to create high-impact curricula and robust Israel education resources that set a new bar for excellence in Jewish learning.
Shape a Shared Vision:
Develop the language and ideas that strengthen the Ramah Movement while providing a valuable framework for the broader Jewish world.
Strengthen the Infrastructure Core
By synchronizing business models and operational strategies across North America and Israel, the NRC will ensure that every dollar and every hour is maximized for Ramah’s mission.
BOLD STRATEGIES
Streamline Movement Operations:
Deploy shared business solutions and support networks to maximize efficiency and professionalize Ramah’s collective infrastructure.
Secure Our Institutional Future:
Build a sustainable financial and operational base that ensures the long-term health and resilience of the NRC.
Align Ramah Israel Strategy:
Position our Israel operations as a central pillar of the movement, creating a more seamless connection between North American and Israel-based initiatives.
OUR ASPIRATION
The NRC will build a resilient operational framework that leverages every resource to support our camps, our programs, and our movement.
Outcomes by 2030
Leadership
Launch of the Ramah Leadership Institute and Innovation Lab and the cultivation of a new generation of visionaries for Ramah and the broader Jewish world, equipped with the skills and passion to lead deeply engaged Jewish lives.
Growth
Expanded pipelines for new audiences to Ramah overnight, day, and specialty camps; Tikvah programs; and other immersive experiences; exponentially increased funds for programmatic excellence, facility and retreat upgrades, and scholarships.
Core Insights
Ongoing research process for decision making and responding to urgent communal needs; updated Jewish educational initiatives compelling to a 21st-century audience; language and tools for Israel education.
Shared finance/operations collaborations implemented; optimized Ramah Israel team; expanded NRC professional staff to support initiatives.
Fueling Our Vision
To turn this blueprint into reality, we must secure the resources that match our ambition. We invite our community to invest in the vibrant future of Jewish life.
Development Action Steps
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Conduct Rigorous Feasibility Studies: Evaluate and prepare for major, multiyear initiatives that will secure the financial stability of the movement.
Deepen Philanthropic Base: Identify and engage new philanthropic partners who share our vision for the Jewish future.
Articulate a Compelling Case for Support: Translate the “Ramah Magic” into a clear, powerful narrative that demonstrates our value to the broader world.
Strengthen Lay Leadership: Establish a high-level board of governors and a specialized development committee to broaden our reach and influence.
Staffing Action Steps
To meet these new strategic goals over the next 1-3 years, the NRC will expand our professional team in the areas of development, education, operations, and research, and in the Israel office. We are adding specific expertise to:
Expand Development Capacity: Secure the major gifts and donor support required to fund the Ramah movement.
Direct Educational Initiatives: Lead the new Ramah Leadership Institute and mentor rising talent.
Professionalize Movement Systems: Advance shared-service models to streamline operations and programs.
Interpret Movement Data: Analyze the research and information that informs our decision-making and growth.
Advance Israel Engagement: Link our North American and Israel programs through cohesive educational strategies.
The Implication
This is a critical juncture requiring goal-oriented action steps. By growing our professional talent and philanthropic base, we ensure that NRC has the capacity to support our camps and the resources to sustain the Ramah experience for generations to come.
This is a moment of profound transformation.
We must move forward with the clarity and purpose required to continue delivering a resilient, joyful, and thriving Judaism. As we embark on this plan, we invite our partners, alumni, and supporters to join us in building upon the Ramah legacy for generations to come.
When the National Ramah Commission provides financial support, expands our reach, empowers the next generation of leaders, and amplifies our impact through new research-driven practices, we secure a stronger future for the Ramah Movement and for the North American Jewish community.
