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ANSFORMATIVE JEWISH EXPERIENCE CAMPERS STAFF FAMILIES COMMUNITIE
OUR MISSION Camp Ramah in the Berkshires is a vibrant summer camp community, where children grow in a beautiful and safe setting, surrounded by life-long friends and nurtured by spirited role models. From sports to the arts and from swimming to outdoor adventure, camp is infused with the best of the tradition and values of Conservative Judaism: love of mitzvoth, Hebrew language, and the land and people of Israel; commitment to inclusion and Tikun Olam; and the joy of learning and prayer. Ramah is a transformative Jewish experience for its campers, staff, families and the communities of the New York metropolitan area, and a place where Judaism is lived, Shabbat is cherished and every moment is elevated.
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SH N ATO N 2015 C AM P R AM AH I N T HE BERKSHI RES
MESSAGE FROM CRB PRESIDENT & DIRECTOR
“ Rabbi Paul Resnick and Dr. Hugh Pollack
CAMP PARTICIPATION IN 2015
719 CAMPERS 43 MISHLACHAT
(ISRAELI STAFF)
1:2 STAFF TO CAMPER RATIO
88% OF THE
2014 CAMPERS RETURNED TO CRB IN 2015 CA M P RAMAH IN T HE BERKSH IR E S S H N AT O N 2 0 1 5
….We cannot fail when we envision and dream together, and when we support and commit to each other as part of this extraordinary community— machaneh Ramah—Camp Ramah in the Berkshires.”
W
E BELIEVE THAT OUR COMMUNITY is filled with visionaries and dreamers who empower us to realize those dreams. Our destiny demands that we move forward incorporating segments of the nostalgic past with the determination of building a future. We are forever grateful to our Board, donors, volunteers, alumni and supporters who partner with us. Together, we produced a robust annual campaign and surpassed our goal. This, in turn enabled us to provide adequate financial assistance for families in need. Your generosity not only helped to ensure affordable tuition but enhanced programming for campers and provided a variety of venues for staff-training. Changing the landscape of Camp through our Art Opens Doors Capital Campaign came to fruition this summer with the completion of the Welcome Center. The Welcome Center transformed the old dilapidated “office” into the heartbeat of Camp. Now, buzzing with activity, staff easily collaborate on projects in indoor and outdoor open spaces. Visitors feel comfortable and welcome in the state-of-the-art building. Additionally, designated funds were utilized to improve the Beit Am Bet theater where better lighting was installed, a make-up room built, and a sturdy back staircase was completed. The Art Opens Doors campaign, successfully raised $1.2 million of the $1.8 million necessary to complete the plans for the new Omanut (Art Center). As we mature and evolve we realize that today our parent community not only seeks Jewish values and mission but a space that is aesthetically nice and programmatically enhanced. In 2012, the Ulam was constructed to house two air-conditioned dance studios, a weight room and an enclosed basketball court. These projects along with the new Frisbee and soccer fields, completed in 2010, exemplify the Board’s commitment to build with vision and in the finest possible way. Thank you for supporting us today, tomorrow and forever. Your partnership in the Annual Campaign, Capital Campaign and the Legacy Endowment Campaign will sustain this remarkable community—Camp Ramah in the Berkshires for many years to come. Kol Ha’kavod and Toddah Rabbah.
Rabbi Paul Resnick Dr. Hugh Pollack Director President
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NT BEAUTIFUL TIKUN OLAM THE JOY OF LEARNING SAFE SETTING LIFE-LONG
DS HEIDI SILVERSTONE LOVE OF MITZVOTH HEBREW STEVEN SEIDEN HEBREW
UAGE SARAH KLAGSBRUN & ERIC WEINSTEIN COMMITMENT TO INCLUSION TI-
OLAM THE JOY OF LEARNING AND PRAYER TRANSFORMATIVE JEWISH EXPERI-
CAMPERS STAFF FAMILIES COMMUNITIES NEW YORK METROPOLITAN AREA JUSHABBAT ELEVATED VIBRANT SUMMER CAMP COMMUNITY BEAUTIFUL AND
SETTING LIFE-LONG FRIENDS SPIRITED ROLE MODELS SPORTS ARTS SWIMMING
OOR ADVENTURE BEST OF THE TRADITIONS AND VALUES OF CONSERVATIVE
SM LOVE OF MITZVOTH SARAH KLAGSBRUN & ERIC WEINSTEIN COMMITMENT
CLUSION TIKUN OLAM THE JOY OF LEARNING AND PRAYER TRANSFORMATIVE
H EXPERIENCE CAMPERS STAFF FAMILIES COMMUNITIES NEW YORK METRO-
AN AREA JUDAISM SHABBAT ELEVATED VIBRANT SUMMER CAMP COMMUNITY
TIFUL AND SAFE SETTING LIFE-LONG FRIENDS SPIRITED ROLE MODELS SPORTS
SWIMMING OUTDOOR ADVENTURE BEST OF THE TRADITIONS AND VALUES OF
ERVATIVE JUDAISM LOVE OF MITZVOTH HEBREW LANGUAGE LAND AND PEOPLE LEARNING AND PRAYER TRANSFORMATIVE JEWISH EXPERIENCE CAMPERS FAMILIES COMMUNITIES NEW YORK METROPOLITAN AREA JUDAISM SHABBAT
TED VIBRANT SUMMER CAMP COMMUNITY BEAUTIFUL AND SAFE SETTING
ONG FRIENDS SPIRITED ROLE MODELS SPORTS ARTS SWIMMING OUTDOOR
NTURE BEST OF THE TRADITIONS AND VALUES OF CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM
OF MITZVOTH HEIDI SILVERSTONE OF ISRAEL COMMITMENT JOY OF JEWISH
NING IENCE CAMPERS STAFF FAMILIES COMMUNITIES STEVEN SEIDEN NEW
METROPOLITAN AREA JUDAISM CAMP COMMUNITY MITZVOTH AND SAFE SET-
LIFE-LONG FRIENDS SPIRITED ROLE MODELS SPORTS ARTS SWIMMING OUT-
ADVENTURE TRADITIONS AND VALUES OF CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM MITZVOTH
EW LANGUAGE LAND AND THE JOY OF LEARNING AND PRAYER PEOPLE OF
L COMMITMENT TO INCLUSION TIKUN OLAM THE JOY OF LEAR TRANSFOR-
E JEWISH EXPERIENCE SHOSHI TALESNICK & RABBI BARRY DOV KATZ MET-
LITAN AREA JUDAISM SHABBAT ELEVATED LEARNING FAMILIES COMMUNITIES
ER ROLE MODELS ADVENTURE JEFFREY TEITELBAUMSH NLIFE-LONG 4 ATO N 2015 C AM P R AM AHFRIENDSHIP I N T HE BERKSHI RES
TS ART VALUES OF CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM LOVE OF MITZVOTH JOY OF JEWISH
ANNUAL FUND DINNER
L Amy Feilbogen and Adam Wallach, 2015 Annual Fund Dinner co-chairs
$602,256 RAISED FOR ANNUAL FUND IN 2015
HOW WE RAISED IT ➜ >> Individual gifts >> Journal Ads >> Eric Steinthal Fund >> Ramah Basketball Association >> Annual Fund Dinner Auction >> Golf Outing >> Golf Auction >> Staff Enhancement Fund >> Gesher Fund >> Scholarship Fund >> Rav Platek Memorial Fund >> Nachshon Project >> Harold Grinspoon Founation >> Macy’s Foundation >> Richman Family Foundation >> The Mel Ilberman Philanthropic Fund
IGHTING THE FIRST HANUKKAH CANDLE and singing the brachot with 380 Ramah friends, alumni, and supporters elevated spirits and cemented the bonds of a vibrantly strong Ramah community. Seven esteemed honorees welcomed the crowd at Temple Israel Center in White Plains on Sunday evening, December 6, 2015. With years of dedication and commitment of our honorees, Shoshi Talesnick and Rabbi Barry Dov Katz, Sarah Klagsbrun and Eric Weinstein and Heidi Silverstone, and Alumni Leadership Awardees Steven Seiden and Jeffrey Teitelbaum, all spoke passionately about their personal connections to Camp Ramah in the Berkshires. Heidi Silvestone remarked, “Camp Ramah rocked my world in terms of my Jewish identity…” and it was a scholarship that helped her get to Camp. For Steve Seiden, “…camp is about family….I guess that is what happens when your brothers and sisters marry into Camp families…” Like Steve all the honorees would agree that “…when Ramah fulfills its mission, the entire Conservative movement benefits…that is the reason why the Annual Fund is so important”. Raising over $602,000, the 2015 Annual Fund met the challenge of surpassing its goal and enabling Camp to award financial assistance, enhance programming needs and provide extensive staff training. Demonstrating the importance of the Art Opens Doors Capital Campaign, camper, Dina Ocken, enchanted the audience with a review of her creative artistic talents that flourished in Camp this past summer. Matt Arons, Gesher 2015, also bedazzled the attendees with his guitar playing and melodic voice confirming the amazing opportunities that Camp provided for him throughout his years at CRB. Adina Avery-Grossman, Development Chair, acknowledged that in just a matter of a few months, the CRB Board and a few special friends pledged $1.1 million in gifts to the Welcome and Art Center and the Theater Arts campaign. Referencing these accomplishments as a miracle, she remarked,” It is our turn to build for today and tomorrow…By giving, by spreading the word that art really does open doors to confident leadership, joyful Judaism and community…” Concluding with dancing and delicious desserts, all felt the palpable energy, joy and support for Camp Ramah in the Berkshires. May we go from “strength to strength”!
Annual Fund Campaign 2011-2015
0
65K
130K
195K
260K
325K
390K
455K
520K
585K
650K
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
ANNUAL FUND DISTRIBUTION ➜ FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE / STAFF TRAINING / PROGRAM INNOVATIONS / PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CA M P RAMAH IN T HE BERKSH IR E S S H N AT O N 2 0 1 5
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NT BEAUTIFUL TIKUN OLAM THE JOY OF LEARNING SAFE SETTING LIFE-LONG
ONG KESHARIM FRIENDS YOM GIVE BACK LOVE OF MITZVOTH HEBREW LAN-
E HEBREW LANGUAGE WELCOME CENTER LAND AND PEOPLE OF ISRAEL TIKUN
THE JOY OF LEARNING AND PRAYER TRANSFORMATIVE JEWISH EXPERIENCE
ERS STAFF FAMILIES COMMUNITIES NEW YORK METROPOLITAN AREA JUDAISM
BAT ELEVATED VIBRANT SUMMER CAMP COMMUNITY BEAUTIFUL AND SAFE
NG LIFE-LONG FRIENDS SPIRITED ROLE MODELS SPORTS ARTS SWIMMING
OOR ADVENTURE BEST OF THE TRADITIONS AND VALUES OF CONSERVATIVE
SM LOVE OF MITZVOTH SARAH KLAGSBRUN & ERIC WEINSTEIN COMMITMENT
CLUSION TIKUN OLAM THE JOY OF LEARNING AND PRAYER TRANSFORMATIVE
H EXPERIENCE CAMPERS STAFF FAMILIES COMMUNITIES NEW YORK METRO-
AN AREA JUDAISM SHABBAT ELEVATED VIBRANT SUMMER CAMP COMMUNITY
TIFUL AND SAFE SETTING LIFE-LONG FRIENDS SPIRITED ROLE MODELS SPORTS
SWIMMING OUTDOOR ADVENTURE BEST OF THE TRADITIONS AND VALUES OF
ERVATIVE JUDAISM LOVE OF MITZVOTH HEBREW LANGUAGE LAND AND PEOPLE LEARNING AND PRAYER TRANSFORMATIVE JEWISH EXPERIENCE CAMPERS FAMILIES COMMUNITIES NEW YORK METROPOLITAN AREA JUDAISM SHABBAT
TED VIBRANT SUMMER CAMP COMMUNITY BEAUTIFUL AND SAFE SETTING
ONG FRIENDS SPIRITED ROLE MODELS SPORTS ARTS SWIMMING OUTDOOR AD-
URE BEST OF THE TRADITIONS AND VALUES OF CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM LOVE
TZVOTH HEIDI SILVERSTONE OF ISRAEL COMMITMENT JOY OF JEWISH LEARN-
ENCE CAMPERS STAFF FAMILIES COMMUNITIES STEVEN SEIDEN NEW YORK
OPOLITAN AREA JUDAISM CAMP COMMUNITY MITZVOTH AND SAFE SETTING
ONG FRIENDS SPIRITED ROLE MODELS SPORTS ARTS SWIMMING OUTDOOR
NTURE TRADITIONS AND VALUES OF CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM MITZVOTH HELANGUAGE LAND AND THE JOY OF LEARNING AND PRAYER PEOPLE OF ISRAEL
ITMENT TO INCLUSION TIKUN OLAM THE JOY OF LEARNING TRANSFORMATIVE
H EXPERIENCE OMANUT ART CENTER METROPOLITAN AREA JUDAISM SHAB-
LEVATED LEARNING GOLF OUTING HOFA'AH PERFORMING ARTS SPIRITED ROLE
LS CONNECTIONS ADVENTURE BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION SPORTS TIKUN 6 SH N ATO N 2015 C AM P R AM AH I NART T HE BERKSHI RES
THE JOY OF LEARNING AND PRAYER TRANSFORMATIVE JEWISH EXPERIENCE
ART OPENS DOORS CAPITAL CAMPAIGN WELCOME CENTER
“
$1.2 MM RAISED FOR CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
WHERE DOES IT GO ➜ WELCOME CENTER
>> Reception area >> Administrative offices >> Staff offices >> Synergetic workspace
PERFORMING ARTS (HOFA'AH) CENTER
>> Dressing rooms >> Back stage staircase >> Enchanced lighting >> Improved acoustics >> Improved stage design
ART (OMANUT ) CENTER To be completed in 2017 >> Creative studios >> Painting & drawing >> Mosaics >> Metal work >> Pottery & ceramics >> Jewelry making
CA M P RAMAH IN T HE BERKSH IR E S S H N AT O N 2 0 1 5
…Today people (parents) want values and mission but also a space that is aesthetically nice and programmatically enhanced”
I
N 2009, A MASTER FACILITIES PLAN envisioned the need for an inviting welcome center for guests and superior office space for executive and support staff. In the fall of 2014, the visionary thinking became an urgent need when the existing building housing Camp’s offices suffered severe structural damage and became unusable. Camp’s Board of Directors immediately took action to approve development of a new building in time for summer 2015. The exterior of the rustic brown office building intentionally bears a striking resemblance to the original structure. Yet, the light, open and airy, clean state-of-the-art office space is refreshing, inspiring and welcoming. With creativity at its core, the new facility is designed to inspire new ideas and foster productivity. Rabbi Resnick remarked, “Providing a good space for everyone only enhances the possibilities for good programming.” Theater Arts, Hofa’ah, is integral to the Art Opens Door Campaign. Ready for use in 2015, the construction of a dressing room and back stage outside staircase successfully enhanced all of our summer theater productions. The 1.2 million dollars of the 1.8 million dollar goal was realized by the end of 2015. With funds available, the Art (Omanut) Center foundation was laid in the Fall 2015. Its work continues with the goal of nearing completion post summer 2016—another step in deepening a love of Judaism through the Arts. Thank you to the Capital Campaign Committee and the Arts Advisory Board for their commitment and dedication in bolstering the Arts Opens Doors Campaign. CAPITAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Marc Damsky Sam Goodman Shelly Handel Alison Holden Moshe Horn Ilana Kustanowitz Chava Ortner Adam Wallach Dana Fine Adam Fine Gena Cobrin Leah Silberstein Rachel Schneider Dan Labovitz
ARTS ADVISORY COMMITTEE • • • • • • • • •
Barbara Ackerman Ellen Alt Brenda Deener Ricki Gorman Ilene Greenbaum Miriam Hertzson Marc Kushner Yve Ludwig Jon Adam Ross
Sarah Sokolic Eric Weinstein Co-chairs, Art Opens Doors Campaign
Adina Avery-Grossman, Development Chair
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NT BEAUTIFUL TIKUN OLAM THE JOY OF LEARNING SAFE SETTING LIFE-LONG
ONG KESHARIM FRIENDS YOM GIVE BACK LOVE OF MITZVOTH HEBREW LAN-
E HEBREW LANGUAGE RESHET CONNECTION LAND AND PEOPLE OF ISRAEL OLAM THE JOY OF LEARNING AND PRAYER TRANSFORMATIVE JEWISH EXPERI-
CAMPERS STAFF FAMILIES COMMUNITIES NEW YORK METROPOLITAN AREA JUSHABBAT ELEVATED VIBRANT SUMMER CAMP COMMUNITY BEAUTIFUL AND
SETTING LIFE-LONG FRIENDS SPIRITED ROLE MODELS SPORTS ARTS SWIMMING
OOR ADVENTURE BEST OF THE TRADITIONS AND VALUES OF CONSERVATIVE
SM LOVE OF MITZVOTH SARAH KLAGSBRUN & ERIC WEINSTEIN COMMITMENT 1 2 3
CLUSION TIKUN OLAM THE JOY OF LEARNING AND PRAYER TRANSFORMATIVE
H EXPERIENCE CAMPERS STAFF FAMILIES COMMUNITIES NEW YORK METRO-
AN AREA JUDAISM SHABBAT ELEVATED VIBRANT SUMMER CAMP COMMUNITY
TIFUL AND SAFE SETTING LIFE-LONG FRIENDS SPIRITED ROLE MODELS SPORTS
SWIMMING OUTDOOR ADVENTURE BEST OF THE TRADITIONS AND VALUES OF
ERVATIVE JUDAISM LOVE OF MITZVOTH HEBREW LANGUAGE LAND AND PEOPLE LEARNING AND PRAYER TRANSFORMATIVE JEWISH EXPERIENCE CAMPERS FAMILIES COMMUNITIES NEW YORK METROPOLITAN AREA JUDAISM SHABBAT
TED VIBRANT SUMMER CAMP COMMUNITY BEAUTIFUL AND SAFE SETTING
ONG FRIENDS SPIRITED ROLE MODELS SPORTS ARTS SWIMMING OUTDOOR AD-
4 5 URE BEST OF THE TRADITIONS AND VALUES OF CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM LOVE
TZVOTH HEIDI SILVERSTONE OF ISRAEL COMMITMENT JOY OF JEWISH LEARN-
ENCE CAMPERS STAFF FAMILIES COMMUNITIES STEVEN SEIDEN NEW YORK
OPOLITAN AREA JUDAISM CAMP COMMUNITY MITZVOTH AND SAFE SETTING
ONG FRIENDS SPIRITED ROLE MODELS SPORTS ARTS SWIMMING OUTDOOR
NTURE TRADITIONS AND VALUES OF CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM MITZVOTH HELANGUAGE LAND AND THE JOY OF LEARNING AND PRAYER PEOPLE OF ISRAEL 6
7
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ITMENT TO INCLUSION TIKUN OLAM THE JOY OF LEARNING TRANSFORMATIVE
H EXPERIENCE YOM BORGEI RAMAH METROPOLITAN AREA JUDAISM SHABBAT
TED LEARNING GOLF OUTING FAMILIES COMMUNITIES REPACKATHON SPIR-
ROLE MODELS CONNECTIONS ADVENTURE BASKETBALL SPORTS 8 SH N ATOASSOCIATION N 2015 C AM P R AM AH I N T HE BERKSHI RES
IKUN OLAM THE JOY OF LEARNING AND PRAYER TRANSFORMATIVE JEWISH
ALUMNI REACHING OUT AND GIVING BACK
“ 40% SECOND
GENERATION CAMPERS
5+ DECADES
OF ALUMNI
184 ALUMNI
Whether you are giving your time through volunteering as a lay leader, working at Camp during the summer, or donating funds for financial assistance–you are ensuring that the wonderful home that nurtured us can do the same for the next generation of campers….”
T
HIS YEAR, the Ramah Berkshires Alumni Association, raised funds and created “giving back” opportunities for all alumni, spanning the decades. Yom Give Back, in its second year, succeeded in feeding the hungry and elderly, providing clothing and toiletries for the homeless, creating gifts for children exposed to domestic violence, and making cards for the infirmed. More than 70 alumni worked tirelessly reaching out to those in need. Alumni year-round “give back” efforts provide benefits for others while promoting core Ramah values. ALUMNI ACTIVITIES (See photos on the left)
• • • • •
Yom Give Back (1, 6, 7) Ramah Basketball Association Eric Steinthal z’l Memorial Basketball Tournament and Scholarship Fund (2) Kesharim Social Media: LinkedIn Project and Facebook Page
Shabbat Across America Yom Bogrei Ramah (4, 8) Repackathon (5) Reshet Connection Hanhallah planning meetings Labor Day Weekend Golf Outing (3) Internship Project
2015 GOLF OUTING The 8th annual Ramah Golf Outing, held on July 13th at the Salem Golf Club, drew 85 camper parents, alumni, friends and an additional 30 dinner guests. Co-chaired by Josh Hirsch and Ari Saposh (both Gesher ’01), the golf outing raised $37,000 which benefits Camp’s Annual Fund by supporting scholarships for campers-in-need.
MET IN CAMP AND LATER MARRIED
75 YOM GIVE BACK
+
ALUMNI PARTICIPANTS
+
=
$37,000
FOR CAMPERS-IN-NEED
2 CO-CHAIRS
CA M P RAMAH IN T HE BERKSH IR E S S H N AT O N 2 0 1 5
• • • • • • • •
85 GOLFERS
30 GOLF DINNER ATTENDEES
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NT BEAUTIFUL TIKUN OLAM THE JOY OF LEARNING SAFE SETTING LIFE-LONG
DS LOVE OF MITZVOTH PRE-CAMP INTERNSHIPS HEBREW LANGUAGE LAND
EOPLE OF LIFEGUARD TRAINING COMMITMENT LIMUD NY THE JOY OF LEARN-
ND PRAYER TRANSFORMATIVE JEWISH EXPERIENCE CAMPERS STAFF FAMI-
OMMUNITIES NEW YORK METROPOLITAN AREA JUDAISM SHABBAT ELEVATED
NT SUMMER CAMP COMMUNITY BEAUTIFUL AND SAFE SETTING LIFE-LONG
DS SPIRITED ROLE MODELS SPORTS ARTS SWIMMING OUTDOOR ADVENTURE
OF THE TRADITIONS AND VALUES OF CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM LOVE OF MITZ-
SARAH KLAGSBRUN & ERIC WEINSTEIN COMMITMENT TO INCLUSION TIKUN
THE JOY OF LEARNING AND PRAYER TRANSFORMATIVE JEWISH EXPERIENCE
ERS STAFF FAMILIES COMMUNITIES NEW YORK METROPOLITAN AREA JUDAISM
BAT ELEVATED VIBRANT SUMMER CAMP COMMUNITY BEAUTIFUL AND SAFE
NG LIFE-LONG FRIENDS SPIRITED ROLE MODELS SPORTS ARTS SWIMMING
OOR ADVENTURE BEST OF THE TRADITIONS AND VALUES OF CONSERVATIVE
SM LOVE OF MITZVOTH HEBREW LANGUAGE LAND AND PEOPLE OF OF LEARN-
ND PRAYER TRANSFORMATIVE JEWISH EXPERIENCE CAMPERS STAFF FAMI-
OMMUNITIES NEW YORK METROPOLITAN AREA JUDAISM SHABBAT ELEVATED
NT SUMMER CAMP COMMUNITY BEAUTIFUL AND SAFE SETTING LIFE-LONG
DS SPIRITED ROLE MODELS SPORTS ARTS SWIMMING OUTDOOR ADVENTURE
OF THE TRADITIONS AND VALUES OF CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM LOVE OF MITZ-
OF ISRAEL COMMITMENT JOY OF JEWISH LEARNING IENCE CAMPERS STAFF
IES COMMUNITIES NEW YORK METROPOLITAN AREA JUDAISM CAMP COMMU-
MITZVOTH AND SAFE SETTING LIFE-LONG FRIENDS SPIRITED ROLE MODELS
TS ARTS SWIMMING OUTDOOR ADVENTURE TRADITIONS AND VALUES OF CON-
TIVE JUDAISM MITZVOTH HEBREW LANGUAGE LAND AND THE JOY OF LEARN-
ND PRAYER PEOPLE OF ISRAEL COMMITMENT TO INCLUSION TIKUN OLAM THE
F LEARNING TRANSFORMATIVE JEWISH EXPERIENCE METROPOLITAN AREA
SM SHABBAT SONG LEADERS BOOTCAMP ELEVATED LEARNING COMMUNITIES
ED ROLE MODELS STARFISH AQUATIC CERTIFICATION LIFE-LONG FRIENDSHIP
TS WILDERNESS FIRST AID TRAINING ART JEWISH EXPERIENCE STAFF 10 SH N ATO N 2015 C AMCAMPERS P R AM AH I N T HE BERKSHI RES
IES COMMUNITIES NUTRITION TRAINIG AREA JUDAISM SHABBAT CAMP COM-
YEAR-ROUND STAFF TRAINING
“ STAFF TRAINING ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2015
4STAFF ATTENDEES AT SONG LEADER BOOT CAMP
20 STAFF ATTENDED
WEINSTEIN INSTITUTE FOR COUNSELOR TRAINING
5WINER INSTITUTE PARTICIPANTS
10 WILDERNESS FIRST AID AND TRAINING CERTIFICATIONS
22 CERTIFIED
STARFISH AQUATICS INSTRUCTORS CA M P RAMAH IN T HE BERKSH IR E S S H N AT O N 2 0 1 5
Ramah’s young leaders instill a love of Jewish life and nurture campers’ personal and spiritual growth…encouraging campers to find a balance in their lives…”
C
AMP RAMAH IN THE BERKSHIRES places tremendous emphasis on well-trained staff. As a core value, we continuously search for new ways to enhance skill sets in all disciplines, from child development to wilderness first aid training. Professional development opportunities are offered during the year in a variety of venues and continue through the summer in an intensive one-week pre-camp and weekly in-season training. We believe in exposing our staff to experts in the field in order to create a platform in which our staff can internalize lessons and then filter them to our campers in a most productive approach. Becoming positive Jewish role models while developing a variety of skill sets benefit both counselor and campers immeasurably. Thank you for your significant support in helping our emerging young professional leaders immerse themselves in amazing growth opportunities. PROFESSIONAL TRAINING PROGRAMS
• • • • • • • • •
Ramah Shabbaton in Israel Song Leaders Boot Camp Limud NY Conference Winer Institute for Roshei Edot (Division Heads) Cornerstone for 3rd year staff Daber Hebrew Language Fellows Lifeguard Training Starfish Aquatic Certification Pre-Camp Internships
• Wilderness First Aid Training • Ramah Service Corps • Weinstein Institute for Counselor Training • High Ropes Training • Dance Training for Instructors • American Camping Association Conference • Nutrition Training • Special Needs Training
JEWISH CAMP BUILDS JEWISH COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
1OUT OF 3 Jewish proffessionals
(Rabbis, cantors, teachers) started out as counselors at Jewish Camp.
1OUT OF 5
Jewish educators cited Jewish camp as a key experience that caused them to enter the field.
7OUT OF 10
Young Jewish leaders in their 20s and 30s attended Jewish Summer Camp (Foundation for Jewish Camp study)
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PROGRAM INNOVATIONS
“
When I was petting the chicks at the Teva shack they felt fuzzy, warm and soft. It was awesome”
C
ONNECTING JEWISH VALUES AND CONCEPTS through biking, hiking, rock climbing, farming and playing sports is second nature to the highly trained Ramah Berkshires staff. Realizing the beauty in the nature that surrounds each camper every day and pushing oneself beyond a comfort zone is at the core of Al Hagova (Camp’s Outdoor Adventure program). Counselors help campers find strength within themselves. Forging a connection to nature on the farm allows campers to appreciate plants and animals. Campers and staff, together, see how we get food from the ground and eggs from chickens. The whole process suddenly unfolds in a magical setting—Camp. The profound nature of Camp permeates every realm of activity. From bunk bonding to diving into the lake; competing on the soccer field to performing a play or creating a ceramic dish, each camper embraces the magnitude and beauty of every day at Camp. Thank you for your generosity in providing incredible program enhancements and innovations that last a lifetime. With the infusion of Annual Fund contributions, innovative enhancements allow for individual growth and transformative moments. Your donations and generosity made a significant difference in Camp this summer which enabled us to: • • • • • • • • • •
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Expand the farm to include chickens and sustainable planting areas for vegetables and herbs Offer Wilderness First Aid training and Starfish Aquatics certification courses Introduce guitar and percussion in tefillot with world renowned singer, musician and composer, Noah Solomon Increase our omanut program techniques utilizing paper cuts, micography, ceramics, and jewelry making Make our texts come alive by engaging the charismatic Bible Players Teach theater arts, lighting, costume design, and make-up artistry Expose campers to radio broadcasting on CRB’s Kol Ramah (102.3FM) with an acclaimed Israeli DJ Provide clinics in Circus Arts, Outdoor Cooking, Hip Hop, Jump Rope, Basketball and Frisbee Upgrade our state-of-the-art water toys Present creative programmatic training by camping experts to our counselors enabling them to create extraordinary bunk activities with a sensitivity of developmentally appropriate programs
SH N ATO N 2015 C AM P R AM AH I N T HE BERKSHI RES
SUCCESSFUL NEW INITIATIVE— CRB OUTDOOR ADVENTURE FAMILY CAMP
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ARKING ITS INAUGURAL SUMMER, the 2015 CRB Outdoor Adventure Family Camp offered 9 families a three-day, end of August, thrilling program, geared to adults and children ages 4-16. From high ropes to low ropes; bike trips to hikes; caving to farming; boating to swimming; and sports to arts each day was packed with adventures. Outdoor cooking, yoga, archery, rock climbing and a glorious Shabbat enticed all to return next summer. An incredibly well trained staff provided an unforgettable Ramah experience. One parent remarked: “… we had the run of Camp, with all facilities open to us. Over the course of 4 days, we swam in lake (and got to ‘play on the toys’), used the boats, climbed the rock wall and did the zip line. We hit tennis balls, played ga-ga, kicked some soccer balls and threw a football. We hiked, some biked, and everyone ate… Just beyond an impressive high ropes course (for kids ages 12 and up), there's a well-manicured working farm, with chickens, plenty of ready-to-eat vegetables and tiki torches to light the way for a nighttime walk. The kids collected fresh eggs from the chickens, gathered various herbs to make tea, and picked cucumbers to make pickles… this summer was a special, fun and wellexecuted family-centric program.”
GESHER FUND PROJECT
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RODUCING A CULTURE of philanthropically minded teens, since 2009, the Gesher Fund continues to sensitize our oldest campers and their parents to the art of giving back to a place that has enriched their lives. To the delight of the Gesher campers, Machaneh Ramah has benefited from a variety of creative renovations, innovations and beautification enhancements. Designing a shiron (Shabbat song book), building a Hammock Garden, or remodeling Gan Eden, enables Camp to continue to enjoy the annual funding produced by each Gesher Fund Project. The 2015 parent co-chairs, Orlie Prince, Illana Margolis and Beth Spickler Lerman, look forward to earmarking the edah contribution towards a significant and enduring project.
CA M P RAMAH IN T HE BERKSH IR E S S H N AT O N 2 0 1 5
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
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…I received a scholarship to Camp Ramah…it changed my world. Thank you Camp Ramah for not only setting me on the right Jewish path, but for also giving my children a great foundation and a love for Judaism which will only continue to grow”
138 CAMPERS IN NEED $280,825 SCHOLARSHIPS PROVIDED
2015 CAMP IMPROVEMENT FUND DISTRIBUTION ➜ > Renovation of medical staff housing > Exterior painting of bunks > Relocation of Camp Canteen > Overhaul of low ropes course > Installation of Emergency Notification System > A-side Bottled Water Fountain > New beverage station in the dining room > Renovation of 2 bathrooms in staff housing > Mirrors in dance studio > Front porch on bunk B-15 > New Telephone system > Office WiFi > Aquatics upgrades: Wibit systems > Mattress replacements 13
YERUSHA LEGACY SOCIETY
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The Yerusha Legacy is a wonderful component of Camp Ramah in the Berkshires fundraising efforts. Donors are able to leave a lasting impact while ensuring the long-term sustainability of our camp.”
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AUNCHED IN 2010, the Yerusha Legacy Society, was established to lay the foundation for a solid future for Camp Ramah in the Berkshires. By 2015, its membership quadrupled in size as it increased CRB’s generous group of donors who provided for camp in their estate planning. Bordering Camp’s farm, a unique legacy grove currently yields over 150 evergreen trees, with individual plaques, bearing the names of each benevolent benefactor.
Jerome Abrams Barry Allen Timberly Whitfield & Robert Allen Amy and Rick Atlas Audrey Atlas Mark Badash Sheri & Ira Balsam Andrea Barnett Ira Beer Diane Spiegel Belok Suzanne Brown Berkowitz & Jack Berkowitz Jane Berkowitz Pearl Berkowitz Rebecca & Ari Berman Aaron Blum Joan & Harvey Bucholtz Marim D. & Paula S. Charry Stacey & Marty Chazin Amir Cohen Burton Cohen Renee & Mark Covitt Karen and Dan Covitt Betsy Covitt Marc Damsky Pat & Al Davidson Brenda & Jerry Deener Michelle & Michael Dittelman Melinda & Matthew Dunn Moshe Edelman Shulamith Elster Amy & Rob Feilbogen Miriam Feldstein Jacqueline Simons & Kenneth Fink Saul Finkelstein Ezra Finkelstein
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Josh Flug Richard Friedman Jonathan Funk Matthew Futterman Nina & Gary Glaser Arielle Glaser Marlene Noveck & Steve Goldstein Betty Golomb Karen & Howie Goodman Daniel & Vicki Granek Harold Grinspoon Adina Avery-Grossman & Harman Grossman Hillel Gruenberg Yehuda Gruenberg Fanny & Shelly Handel Stephanie Handel Judy & Rob Hirsch Josh Holden Leslie & Moshe Horn Susan & Mark Horowitz Marcia Jacobson Judith & Andrew Jaffe Ilana Kahn Rebecca Kahn Marcia Kahnowitz Naomi Katz Shoshana Klayman Michael Kraner Paul Kurland Lani Kustanowitz Esther Langer Mindy Smith & Ira Leiderman Miri & Jeffrey Levine Alyssa & Sam Levy Alex & Deb Kroll-Mandel Mandel
Beth Mann Ben & Aliza Mann Charlie & Barbara Mann Judy Marcus Ehud Marcus Marge & Norman Milekowski Fredric Miller Joyce Miller Roberta Morse Cliff Nerwen Helga Noveck Susan Och Chava & Craig Ortner Lloyd Parodneck Joy Perla Sheri Perlman Rebecca & Ari Perten Vivian Fried & Podair Lee Martha and Hugh Pollack Heather & Adi Rabinowitz Renah & Mayer Rabinowitz Laura & Larry Reiter Martha & Rabbi Paul Resnick David Rosenblatt Susan Ticker & Henry Rosenblum Amy Perle Rosuck Amy Roth Adina Rothman Suzanne & Howard Samelson Arielle & Yoni Saposh Hal Greenberger & Shoshana Savitz Naomi & Josh Savitz Daniel Schafler Mindy & Alan Schall Lisa & James Schlesinger Carol & Steve Schulman
Karen Legman Segal & Eric Segal Aviva & Steve Seiden Debra & Michael Seiden Julia Keltz & Zachary Seiden Harriet & Joel Shaiman Saul Shapiro Jeffrey Shlefstein Heidi & Rob Silverstone Gerald & Robin Skolnik Mike Slifer Sarah & Josh Smith Sarah & Jeremy Sokolic Philip & Elizabeth Solomont Harriet & Harold Spevack Ricky Stamler-Goldberg Deanna & Howard Stecker Ellen & Jay Steinberg Michele & Jay Steinmetz Sarah & Michael Stern Sandi & Alexander Stern Janice & Matt Tannin Ayelet & Jeffrey Teitelbaum Janet & Irwin Tobin Skip Vichness Judith Wachs Adam Wallach Randi Weingarten Eric Weinstein Eileen & Larry Weiss Judy & Stuart Zeitlin Elaine & Joseph Zeitlin Ross Zelman Ruth Zelman
SH N ATO N 2015 C AM P R AM AH I N T HE BERKSHI RES
WHY GIVE
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AMP RAMAH IN THE BERKSHIRES is
a unique immersive experience with a program that has lasting impact on all participants who eventually become engaged members in their own communities. Sports and outdoor adventure complimented by cultural arts, drama and media linked by spiritual development is Ramah. Enduring friendships, celebration of Shabbat, Jewish life and learning Hebrew language define a summer experience that can last forever. “The Ramah brand has incredible staying power today, recognized by all as a gold standard for Jewish continuity �, says Jeremy Fingerman, CEO, Foundation for Jewish Camp and Ramah alumnus. We could not ask for a better return on an investment. Donors understand that giving to Camp Ramah in the Berkshires means providing a summer for a camper in need and ensuring the future growth and vibrancy of Jewish communities.
2015-2016 BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND ADVISORY COUNCIL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Dr. Hugh Pollack President
Ira Balsam Marc Damsky Amy Feilbogen Shelly Handel Atara Jacobsen Steven Kauderer Ira Leiderman Benjamin Mann Dr. Cliff Nerwen Lee Podair Orlie Prince Adi Rabinowitz Steven Seiden Jeffrey Shlefstein Heidi Silverstone Dr. Jay Steinberg Jeffrey Teitelbaum Adam Wallach
Richard Friedman Senior Vice President Sue Och Financial Vice President Adina Avery-Grossman Vice President Eric Segal Vice President Harriet Shaiman Vice President Eric Weinstein Vice President Rick Atlas Treasurer Sarah Sokolic Secretary
Mark Covitt Alumni Association Representative Rebecca Kahn Alumni Association President Pat Davidson Honorary Vice President James Schlesinger Honorary Vice President Paoline Siegel z'l Honorary Vice President Steve Goldstein Past President Dr. Charles Mann Past President Richard Skolnik Past Chairman
Robert Hirsch Chair
ADVISORY COUNCIL Ari Berman Joan Bucholtz Brenda Deener Moshe Horn Dr. Marty Keltz Dan Labovitz Beth Spickler Lerman Illana Margolis Adin Meir Dr. Fred Miller David Morris James Rothman Yoni Saposh Alan Schall Dr. Neil Schluger Phil Sherill
Deanna Stecker Leslie Teicher Susan Werk
Karen Legman Segal Director of Strategic Initiatives and Communications
Marcia Kahnowitz Alumni Association Representative
Adina Rothman Enrollment and Operations Manager
CAMP RAMAH IN THE BERKSHIRES
Michelle Moalem Communications and Social Media Coordinator
Rabbi Paul Resnick Director Rabbi Ari Perten Assistant Director
Dania Rothenberg Development Assistant and Alumni Relations Coordinator
Amy Perle Rosuck Business Director
Rabbi Jerome Abrams Director Emeritus
CAMP RAMAH IN THE BERKSHIRES 25 Rockwood Place, Suite 345 Englewood, NJ 07631 www.ramahberkshires.org
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