Staff Resources

Summer Staff Info

FAQ

Summer staff information

1. Exceptional and Highly Skilled Staff Community

Ramah in the Rockies hires an outstanding team of individuals with extensive wilderness training and backgrounds in outdoor education. We pride ourselves on having a mature, experienced, and well-trained tzevet (staff) that is uniquely accomplished and considered among the most highly regarded of any Jewish summer camp in the country.

2. Prioritizing Personal & Group Safety

We know that safety is absolutely critical to the success of our program. That’s why every masa (backcountry excursion) that leaves our base camp is staffed with at least one madrich (counselor) who has been trained as a Wilderness First Responder. This ensures that our chalutzim (campers) are in capable hands, no matter how remote the adventure may be.

3. Mentorship Through Jewish Values

Our madrichim also act as role models for our chalutzim. By sharing Jewish values, teaching outdoor skills, and forming meaningful connections, our summer staff creates a safe support system. Our non-competitive environment encourages chalutzim to step outside of their comfort zones and reach new levels of growth and confidence.

Summer staff experience

Ramah in the Rockies aspires to educate and inspire a new generation of young Jewish leaders who:

And we mean it. Our staff members step into their own leadership while inspiring the next generation to do the same. Get a glimpse into what the staff experience is like below.

Summer staff information

2026 Staff Dates

Sunday, May 17
Pre-Camp Setup Begins

Wednesday, May 27
Wilderness First Responder (WFR) Course Begins
(Open to Select Staff)

Wednesday, May 27
Kitchen/Maintenance/Hospitality Staff Arrival

Thursday, June 4
Hanhallah (Leadership Team) & Israeli Staff Arrival

Sunday, June 7
Staff Arrival

Thursday, June 11
Late Staff Arrival (By Prior Arrangement)

Thursday, July 9
Second Session Staff Arrival

Tuesday, July 14
First Session Staff Departure

Thursday, July 30
Six Week Staff Departure

Wednesday, August 12
Staff Departure

Thursday, August 13
Hanhallah (Leadership Team) Departure

 

Staff Requirements

Ramah in the Rockies summer staff must have a high school diploma or equivalent.

All program staff new to Ramah in the Rockies (i.e. staff who did not attend as campers and have not previously been on our staff) must arrive by Sunday, June 7 and stay through Thursday, July 30 or Wednesday, August 12.

(This does not apply to certain positions, like drivers, medical professionals, and camp wellness team members.)

Former campers and returning staff have the option of working one session, six weeks, or the full summer.

(To be a madrich (counselor) or miktzoi (live-in specialist), first-time staff must be able to arrive Sunday, June 7 for first session staff training or Thursday, July 9 for second session staff training.)

To best set up campers and staff for success, staff who have not completed our full staff training may not live with campers.

Other than medical providers, we rarely hire new staff who are parents of first-year campers. We have found that it is exceedingly difficult for new campers to adjust to camp for the first time with a parent present.

Working at camp is more than a job – it is an opportunity to develop skills and experience ongoing learning opportunities.

We offer both informal and formal training to our summer staff, including:

Wilderness First Responder certification through SOLO Wilderness Medicine

Mental Health First Aid

Backcountry leadership training

Jewish leadership development

Training and Conferences

As part of the Ramah camping movement, we offer a variety of off-season training opportunities to our summer staff.

  • Bert B. Weinstein Institute for Counselor Training – for first-year counselors
  • Leadership Institute for College Sophomores – for experienced senior counselors
  • Louis & Shoshanah Winer Institute for Rosh Edah Training – for division heads

Ramah Service Corps Fellowship

Ramah in the Rockies staff can also participate in the Ramah Service Corp Fellowship.

Ramah College Network Coordinator

Are you interested in bringing the ruach and values of Ramah to your campus? Become a Ramah College Network Coordinator! Skilled leaders on their campuses, Ramah College Network Coordinators are passionate about Ramah and creating strong, engaged Jewish communities. Coordinators plan 6-8 events on their campuses throughout the academic year for Ramah alumni and extended friends of Ramah.

Reshet Ramah Internship Program

Are you looking for an internship that will allow you to grow your skills and professional networks and also return to work at camp? Check out the Reshet Ramah Internship Program for current internship opportunities in a field of your choice, in addition to a stipend added on to your camp paycheck.

For questions about any of these opportunities, contact Martha.

Interested in the nitty-gritty details of being on staff? Check out our staff handbook here!

Join our summer team

Ramah in the Rockies is hiring on a rolling basis. Explore our program areas and roles to see which ones best fit your interest and skills.

Join our summer team

Ramah in the Rockies is hiring on a rolling basis. Explore our program areas and roles to see which ones best fit your interest and skills.

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Camp food information

What is food at camp like? Explore our values on nutrition and communal eating.

Transportation to camp

Wondering how your child will make it to the ranch next summer? Read up on our modes of transport them here safely.

FAQs

We’ve answered the most common questions from families so you can feel more prepared.