Faqs

Q: What percentage of campers attend day schools?
A: About 46% of our campers attend Hebrew Day Schools, about 48% attend public schools and about 6% attend other private schools. Campers participate equally regardless of Judaic background for the vast majority of activities. Campers are evaluated for their Hebrew language skills at the beginning of their camp session and when appropriate are placed in a group with other campers of similar background.

Q: Can campers request a friend to be in the same bunk?
A: Yes, each camper may request two friends who are in the same grade in school and are attending the same session of camp. A bunk request form is mailed to each camper in the spring. All requests should be made by completing this form and returning it to the camp office.

Q: Do campers have to pray 3 times a day?
A: All campers and staff participate in Shacharit (morning services) each day. Mincha (afternoon) and Ma’ariv (evening) services are held at camp for those who wish to participate but are not required.

Q: What if financial help is needed?
A: Camp Ramah in New England has a generous scholarship fund. Please contact our office to obtain a scholarship application. We also encourage you to speak to your rabbi, contact your local federation and ask community leaders if they are aware of other funding opportunities in your area. We also offer payment plans. We don’t want any camper to miss out on a Ramah summer due to finances.  Please refer to the Financial Info section for more information about payment and scholarship.

Q: How do campers get to camp?
A: Campers arrive by car, bus and airplane. Families arriving by car are welcome to stay and help campers settle in their bunks. Camp Ramah in New England also has a bus on the first day of the summer and the last day of the summer which picks up/drops off campers in Tenafly, NJ, New City, NY and Fairfield, CT. There are staff members on the bus to help along the way and campers are greeted when they arrive and assisted with their luggage by additional staff. Campers arriving by plane fly in to Bradley airport in Hartford, CT and are transported by camp bus to camp. Staff members greet campers at the airport assist them onto the camp bus and load their luggage. Additional staff members greet the bus at camp and help the campers settle in.

Q: How do I communicate with my child while they are at camp?
A: Parents are encouraged to write letters and to sign up for our email service. Postal mail and email messages are delivered 5 days a week to campers.

Q: Can I visit camp before I enroll my child?
A: We have two “Open House” visiting days during the summer for potential campers. Please see the camp calendar for the current dates. Tours are not currently available during the off-season.

Q: Can I visit my child during the camp season?
A: There is a scheduled visiting day at the end of first session for full session campers. All visitors to camp on days other than Visiting Day require the approval of the Camp Director. We will only be able to accommodate a request for a visit under very compelling circumstances and well in advance of the visit date. Although most visits to camp are disruptive to the program and the campers, we provide the opportunity for a limited number of Shabbat guests in order to let parents and others experience the magic of Ramah. Rooms in the guesthouse at Camp Ramah are available for families and other guests who wish to visit overnight or stay for Shabbat. Please call the office to request a reservation in the guesthouse. Approval of your request is subject to the Director’s discretion and room availability.

Q:  What should my child pack when coming to camp?
A:  Feel free to use this Suggested Packing List  when packing your child for camp!