Without a doubt the best part of doing this job has been the opportunity to speak with so many people who are passionate about the outdoors and excited that Ramah is finally opening an outdoor adventure camp. Some are Ramah alumni, other are campers while others are active members of their Jewish community and have seen the positive effect that Ramah has had on their friends and family.
From the time that this camp was conceptualized over 18 months ago, we have received numerous requests to expand our reach beyond the original proposal which was an outdoor adventure camp for high school students. People have suggested we create programs for underprivileged inner city kids, as a base camp for other camps to bring their older edot for outdoor training and as a camp for younger kids to come and learn about the outdoors. While we wish we could accomplish all of these (and many other wonderful ideas) in our first year, we are committed to staying true to our mission which is to provide outstanding outdoor adventure activities that teach Jewish values and leadership skills and influence the character development of Jewish youth.
The summer of 2010 is only the beginning of this adventure. We plan to add camper capacity over the years and to broaden our programs in keeping with this mission. But while some programs will have to wait, we decided this past week that one program can wait no longer. . . .
It is now official: In the summer of 2010 Ramah Outdoor Adventure will offer a one week and a two week session for entering 6th/7th graders! Session III (August 3-10) will remain open for this age, and in addition, we decided to open session II (July 18th-August 1) for this age group.
We made this decision after numerous conversations with prospective parents who said that they wished that they were able to send their rising 6th/7th grader to this camp. While we had always anticipated running a one week session for this age group, we had not realized how much interest there would be in a longer program. While we will not offer a full month long program for 6th/7th graders until 2011, we hope that this new two week session will satisfy at least some of the families who have been requesting additional programming for their children.
More details about this new session will be forth coming (check back on the website for additional information). In the meantime, if you have any specific questions, as always please be in touch with me – Eliav – or our 6th/7th coordinator, Elyssa at 303 261 8220.
