Welcome םיאבה םיכורב
Dear Camp Ramah Families,
Welcome to Camp Ramah in California. We see our younger chanichim (campers) as taking the first steps on their Ramah “Journey for a Lifetime.” We know that to succeed, special care and attention are needed to create a smooth and successful transition into our kehillah (community). For your children to come home as avid Ramahniks, it takes thought, attention, nurturance, parental partnership, and age-specific staff training.
Our schedule, meals, rituals, and programming reflect a developmentally informed approach. We continue to recruit strong, enthusiastic, and nurturing tzevet (staff) who can’t wait to welcome our kids for an incredible kayitz (summer) at Ramah! We have some new and exciting programs this summer for our youngest chanichim, including beach days for Nitzanim and Giborei, and a special sleep-under and evening program for our Gesher chanichim.
Each edah (age group) has a value they focus on at Ramah as part of our educational scope and sequence. This teaching comes through our programming, play, conversations, modeling, and more. We hope that a Ramah graduate embodies these midot (Jewish values) not just at Ramah but also in the outside world. For our Gesher chanichim, the midah is friendship, as this is the foundation for the love of camp and often the reason our campers return year after year. For our Nitzanim chanichim, the midah is good deeds. Immersing in this value allows campers to think about how to build trust and create a community within their tzrif (bunk) by caring for each other. For our Giborei chanichim, the midah is language, focusing on Hebrew language, kind words, and the power our words have. Below you will see the visual of our “midah L’edah” as they build throughout the years, increasing complexity as campers mature.
We hope these pages help you to prepare your child and get them ready for a wonderful summer experience!
םולשב B’Shalom,
Rabbi Joe Menashe Ariella Moss Peterseil & the Ramah Team Chief Executive Officer Chief Experience Officer & Camp Director
WHO’S WHO?
Kayitz 2025
Rabbi Joe Menashe Chief Executive Officer
Ariella Moss Peterseil Chief Experience Officer & Camp Director
Michal Kogen Kress Assistant Camp Director
Dr. Andrea Kasowitz Medical Consultant
Dr. Aviva Levine Jacobs
Associate Director: Community Care
Rory Carmer Tikvah Director
Lisa Cooper Family Relations Director
Katie Weiss Chief Operating Officer
Kristina Calamia, BSN, RN Marp Manager
Ben Strom Senior Administrator & Registrar
Maria Brewer Director of Operations
A Day in the Life of a Ramah Camper
7:45AM המיק Kimah (Wake Up!)
8:15AM רקוב תחורא Aruchat Boker (Breakfast)
9:00AM תירחש Shacharit (Prayers)
9:45AM ןויקנ Nikayon (Clean Up)
10:15AM גוח Chug (Elective 1)
11:30AM דוקיר / הריש / תודהי Yahadut/Shira/Rikkud (Jewish Learning/Singing/Dance)
12:45PM םיירהצ תחורא Aruchat Tzohorayim (Lunch)
1:30PM החונמ Menuchah (Rest Time)
2:30PM טרופס Sports
3:30PM הייחש Schiya (Swimming) 4:20PM Snack
4:45PM גוח Chug (Elective 2)
5:30PM תוחלקמ Miklachot (Showers) 6:30PM ברﬠ תחורא Aruchat Erev (Dinner)
7:15PM ברﬠ תלועפ Peulat Erev (Night Activity)*
8:30PM בוט הליל Laila Tov
*Gesher: ברﬠ תלועפ Peulat Erev (Night Activity) takes place before dinner, followed by showers and bedtime.
• Archery
• Art
• Baseball
• Basketball
• Bishul (cooking)
• Circus
• Fencing
• Gymnastics
• Jewelry making
Here is a list of SOME chug (elective) options that might be offered during your session at camp:
• Pickleball
• STEM
• Tennis
• Woodworking
What Will I Eat?
At Ramah we work to create balanced meals, made from fresh ingredients, that are both healthy and tasty for our campers. All meals are served family-style and we have plenty of gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegetarian options!
Aruchat Boker
BREAKFAST
Sunday
Bagels & Scrambled Eggs
Monday
Pancakes & Bananas
Tuesday
Breakfast Burrito
Wednesday
Cheese Omelet & Hashbrowns
Thursday
Yogurt Parfait Bar –Blueberries and Granola
Friday
Waffles & Strawberries
Saturday
Chocolate Muffins & Hardboiled Eggs
EVERYDAY ITEMS
Every Breakfast
• Cereal & Granola
• Yogurt & Cottage Cheese
• Fresh Fruit
• Oatmeal & Berries
Every Lunch and Dinner
• Tuna & Hardboiled Eggs
• Plain Pasta
• Salad Bar w/ Fresh Vegetables
• SunButter & Jelly Sandwich
םיירהצ תחורא
Aruchat Tzohorayim
LUNCH
Sunday
Mac & Cheese
Monday
Pizza with Salad, Carrots & Celery
Tuesday
Wrap Sandwiches & Bissli
Wednesday
Falafel with Pita, Hummus & Israeli Salad
Thursday
Turkey Burgers
Friday
Make Your Own Burrito
Saturday
Deli Sandwiches, Cholent & Cole Slaw
SAMPLE MENU
Aruchat Erev
DINNER
Sunday
Taco & Burrito Bar
Monday
Stir Fry & Egg Rolls
Tuesday
BBQ (Hamburgers, Hotdogs, French Fries & Watermelon)
Wednesday
Chicken Nuggets & Mashed Potatoes
Thursday
Tortellini & Tomato Soup
Friday
Shabbat Dinner (Chicken, Broccoli, Potatoes, Chicken Noodle Soup, Challah)
Saturday
Spaghetti & Garlic Bread
THE BASICS
• Kosher – All food is certified kosher and under the supervision of the Conservative Movement.
• Vegetarian – When we serve meat or fish there is always a vegetarian option.
• Gluten-Free – There is a selection of gluten-free food offered at meals for those who need.
• Dairy-Free/Vegan – We offer dairy-free options and can accommodate vegan diets. Milk alternatives are available at breakfast.
• Daily Snacks – We provide healthy snacks like fruit, popcorn, or cheese sticks for all campers and staff during the day.
• Nut-Free – Camp Ramah is a completely nut-free community.
Meet Your Kayitz 2025 Roshim
Bali Lavine
ROSH GESHER
Entering 3rd – 5th graders, two-week program
SHALOM GESHER 2025!!
I am counting down the days, hours, and minutes until we all arrive at the happiest place on earth: CAMP! I can’t wait to get to know you all, but for now, here is a little about me! My name is Bali Lavine and I am thrilled to be your Rosh Edah (unit head) this kayitz! I first attended Camp Ramah as a Nitzanim chanicha (camper) in 2013, and I have been lucky to spend the past four kayitzim as a madricha (counselor). Gesher has always held a special place in my heart, so I am thrilled to be back on the Gesh Pad (our very own hangout space) with all of you. During our two weeks together, we will spend lots of time swimming at the breicha (pool), playing sports, and trying new chuggim (electives) such as bishul (cooking), omanut (art), rikkud (dance), krav maga (Israeli self defense), and robotics. In Gesher, our middah (value) is chaverut (friendship), and I am excited for us all to become one mishpacha (family) this kayitz. See you on the givah soon! B’ahava, Bali
Becca Martin
ROSH NITZANIM
Entering 4th – 5th graders, four-week program
Jonathan Cosgrove
ROSH
GIBOREI YISRAEL
Entering 6th graders
SHALOM NITZANIM 2025!!!
Buckle up, because this kayitz (summer) is going to be the most Nitza-licious kayitz (summer) there has ever been in the history of Machaneh (Camp) Ramah! Two years of Nitzanim were not enough for me, your rosh edah (unit head) Becca Martin, so I’m returning for my third round of kef (fun) with the best edah (unit) in the whole machaneh (camp). I’ve been going to camp for more years than I have fingers, and I think this marks my 13th kayitz (summer). I can’t wait to swim in the breicha (pool), participate in awesome chuggim (electives), and take our special trip to the beach! In Nitzanim, there is always something to look forward to, and your madrichim (counselors) and I can’t wait to spend a month chilling on the givah (hill) and enjoying all sorts of peulot (activities). We are counting down the days until we are all beyachad (together), screaming our edah (unit) song and sprouting like Nitzanim all around camp!
With more excitement and joy every passing day, Becca
SHALOM GIBOREI YISRAEL!
My name is Jonathan Cosgrove, and I’ll be your Rosh Edah this upcoming kayitz (summer). I started at camp in Gesher all the way back in 2011. Giborei was one of my favorite edot as both a chanich (camper) and madrich (counselor), so I absolutely can’t wait to be back leading THE BEST EDAH IN CAMP! Giborei Yisrael means Heroes of Israel, and that’s exactly what we’ll become together— having fun, making awesome friends, and discovering how each one of us can be a hero every day. Get excited for an amazing kayitz full of ruach, adventures, and unforgettable memories. See you in Ojai so soon.
GIBOREI 2025 LET’S GO! Jonathan
Gesher Highlights
A Camp Style Sleep-Under
Gesher chanichim will adventure to a spot in camp for their nightly harga’ah (nighttime wind-down ritual) but with a special guest to play the guitar while singing songs together before going back to their tzrif (bunk) to sleep.
Hanging on the Gesh Pad
Our Gesher chanichim are a part of the Shetach Hatzrifim (bunk area) and also have their own space that we call the Gesh Pad! The Gesh Pad is a patio found between the Gesher tzrifim (bunks) where chanichim and tzevet (staff) alike can hang out during menucha (rest time), play gaga, and make new friends!
Shir Gesher
Anu adat hagesher v’anu chadasheem
Lomdeem v’shareem
Ut’feelot bayn hehareem
S’cheeyah bab’raychah u’shabbat
bak’heelah
Anu ohaveem et machanaynu Ramah
Anu adat hagesher v’anu chadasheem
Sport v’chugeem chavayreem
m’yuchadeem
S’cheeyah bab’raychah v’shabbat
bak’heelah
Anu ohaveem et machanaynu Ramah
Nitzanim Highlights
Day Trip to the Beach
Nitzanim chanichim will get a chance to take a trip to a nearby beach to play in the sand, swim in the ocean, and hang out with their friends and madrichim (counselors).
Tiyul to the Treehouse
Chanichim will spend time up at our camp treehouse with special activities.
Maccabiah (Color War)
Make sure to pack red, blue, green, and yellow so you’re ready to join your Maccabiah team for a full-out, all-camp team spirit competition with sports, art, obstacle course, and more!
Shir Nitzanim
Ma ha’aydah hatovah b’ramah Adat hanitzanim
Lomdeem, M’sachakeem
S’maycheem lee’hiyot Yihoodeem toveem
G’doleem vachazakeem
N’h’yeh tameed hareeshoneem
Giborei Yisrael Highlights
Surfing in Ventura
Our Giborei chanichim get to throw on their swimsuits and rash guards, grab their towels, sunscreen, and water bottles and spend a day learning to surf at the beach! It’s an amazing opportunity to swim in the ocean, learn a new skill, and play in the sand with new friends and madrichim
Giborei Machazemer (Musical)
Each summer, the machazemer is revealed to the chanichim when they arrive at camp. They spend the session learning lines and songs (all in Hebrew!), preparing their dances, and practicing to perform their machazemer in front of others.
Leading Shetach Talks
Giborei chanichim are the oldest campers living in the shetach hatzrifim (bunk area) — and our younger chanichim look to them as leaders! At the beginning of each session, Giborei chanichim plan skits with their tzrif-mates to teach everyone living in the tzrifim how to communicate kindly, pick up their trash, be a good friend, and more.
Shir Giborei
Giborei israel kadima (huh!) u’veyachad koleinu narima giborei (hey hey) giborei (hey hey) giborei israel
yesh lanu ruach maleh gevora darkeinu batuach tavo hatzlacha anachnu anachnu anachnu anachnu anachnu giborei israel anachnu anachnu anachnu anachnu anachnu giborei israel
Link to YOUR edah song on Spotify:https://ramah.org/ShirGiborei
Hebrew Words Commonly Used at Camp
רשג Gesher – 2 week edah for entering 3rd–5th graders
םינצינ Nitzanim – edah name for 4th/5th graders
לארשי ירובג Giborei Yisrael – edah name for 6th graders
םולש תדע Adat Shalom – edah name for 7th graders
םיללוס Sollelim – edah name for 8th graders
םיפוצ Tzophim – edah name for 9th graders
םיבכוכ Kochavim – edah name for 10th graders
ןוכמ Machon – edah name for 11th graders
םיצימא Amitzim – edah for kids with disabilities
ארזע Ezra – Vocational ed program for young adults with disabilities
םינב Banim – boys
תונב Banot – girls ןוזמה תכרב
Birkat Hamazon – the prayer after a meal
הכירב Breicha – the swimming pool
םיכינח Chanichim – campers
לכוא רדח Chadar Ochel – dining hall
הדע Edah – a division in camp divided up according to grade
ןג Gan – a group of young children with parents working in camp
העבג Givah – the hill
אי צ ומה Hamotzi – Blessing Over Bread
העגרה Harga’ah – story or other “soothing” program in cabin before sleep ץיק Kayitz – Summer
Kikar Zion – the outdoor sanctuary area in front of the breichah
המיק Kimah – morning wake-up
םיכירדמ Madrichim – counselors
האפרמ Mirpa’ah – (known as the “Marp”) – Health Center
תספרמ Mirpeset – porch or patio area
להוא Ohel – tent ברע תלועפ Peulat Erev – evening activity
תולועפ Peulot – activities
הדע שאר Rosh Edah – a division head
חור Ruach – spirit
הייחש Schiyah – swimming
תוליפת T’fillot – morning, afternoon or evening prayers
תווצ Tzevet – staff
ףירצ Tzrif – cabin
דחוימ םוי Yom Meyuchad – special day
Wow! This ____________(season) is going to be so fun! I can’t wait to pack my _____________(noun) and go to Camp Ramah! I am excited to meet new friends and do ______________ (adjective) activities together! I can’t wait to meet my ________________ (Hebrew word for counselors).
I know I will love going to the breicha (pool) and I know I won’t forget my __________________ (noun) and _______________ (noun). After schiya (swimming) maybe I will head down to the sports courts and play _________________ (favorite sport) with my new bunk mates! And I am excited to taste the delicious camp food — I hope they serve ___________________ (favorite food).
Yay! That would be a pretty awesome day. After such a long day, I am sure I will be __________________ (adjective) to head back to my tzrif (bunk) for bedtime. I hope my madrichim (counselors) sing ___________ (favorite song) or read _______________________ (favorite book).
Lailah Tov! Good Night! Can’t wait for camp to start in _______ (number) days!
COLOR ME IN!
