Childhood Cancer
Camp Ramah New England’s Family Weekend: Childhood Cancer is a free weekend experience for Jewish families whose child is in treatment for cancer or in the years following treatment. Rooted in the warmth, rhythm, and community of Jewish camp, the weekend gives parents, siblings, and children a chance to connect with others who understand, enjoy camp activities and Shabbat, and spend meaningful time together as a family.
Cancer creates common ground, but it does not have to lead every moment of the weekend.
Ages:
Child who was diagnosed and siblings age 18 and under
Who attends:
The whole family, including up to two parents or guardians and siblings
Location:
Camp Ramah New England, Palmer, MA
Dates:
April 2-4, 2027
Cost:
Free to attend for all families, including lodging and meals
Transportation:
Need-based transportation subsidies are available
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Is this the right fit for your family?
This camp may be a good fit if:
- Your family includes a child age 18 or younger who is in treatment for cancer or in the years following treatment
- You are looking for an experience that includes the whole family, including siblings
- Your children may benefit from being around peers who understand their experience without needing to explain it
- You want to connect with other Jewish families through camp activities, Shabbat, and time together
- You are looking for a camp experience that includes connection, fun, and time together as a family
What the camp experience is like
Families spend the weekend together at Camp Ramah New England, with a blend of camp activities, Shabbat, time outdoors, and time to simply be together. Children and teens spend time with other kids who understand, parents and guardians connect with other adults, and families share experiences throughout the weekend.
What families can find here
A Jewish community that understands
Families spend the weekend with other Jewish families who understand how childhood cancer can shape family life. Shared experiences and time together can help relationships form naturally.
Space for the whole family
Childhood cancer affects parents, siblings, and the child who was diagnosed in different ways. The weekend creates space for each person to connect with peers while also giving families time to reconnect with one another.
More room for camp, connection, and fun
Cancer is part of what brings families together, but it does not have to define the weekend. Children and teens can play, explore, and make friends, while parents and guardians have time to connect, rest, and enjoy being together as a family.
Connection without pressure
Families do not need to arrive ready to talk about difficult experiences. Conversations and connections can happen naturally. Families are welcome to engage at their own pace throughout the weekend.
What families are saying
1. Submit a registration form
Share a few details about your family so we can understand your needs.
2. Connect with our team
A Camp Ramah staff member will follow up to answer questions, learn more about your family, and talk through any health, food, accommodation, or other needs.
3. Confirm your participation
Completed registrations are reviewed as they are submitted. Our team will follow up with any remaining requirements, including medical clearance, before confirming participation.
4. Prepare for the weekend
You’ll receive information about lodging, meals, the schedule, activities, Shabbat, and what to expect before you arrive. Our goal is to make this process simple and supportive from the first conversation.
Family Weekend: Childhood Cancer is for Jewish families whose child is age 18 or younger and is in treatment for cancer or in the years following treatment. Siblings age 18 and under are also invited to attend, along with up to two parents or guardians.
No. Families may attend while their child is in treatment or in the years following treatment. If you are unsure whether the weekend is a good fit for your family, please reach out. We are happy to talk it through.
Yes. The weekend is designed for the whole family, including the child who was diagnosed, siblings, and up to two parents or guardians.
Yes. The child who was diagnosed with cancer must be medically cleared by their doctor to attend. Our team will explain the requirements during registration.
We understand that treatment schedules, illness, and family circumstances can change quickly. If the weekend dates work for your family, we encourage you to register. If something changes, please let us know.
The weekend includes Shabbat, camp activities, time outdoors, age-appropriate activities and conversations, shared meals, and family time. Families are welcome to engage at their own pace throughout the weekend. The weekend begins with lunch on Friday and concludes after lunch on Sunday.
Families stay in rustic, fully winterized and heated accommodations. Housing is assigned based on family needs and available space.
No. The weekend is free to attend for participating families, including lodging and meals. Need-based transportation subsidies are also available.
Families do not need to be observant or affiliated to participate. The weekend includes shared Jewish experiences such as Shabbat, and families from a range of observance levels are welcome.
Shabbat is a special part of the weekend at Camp Ramah, with shared meals, shira (song), and meaningful tefillah (prayer) experiences for all ages. Out of respect for the practices of Camp Ramah’s Shabbat-observant community, participants are asked to refrain from using electronics and technology, writing, and turning lights on and off in public spaces. There is also an eruv (a symbolic enclosure surrounding the camp), which is checked before Shabbat begins.
All food will be cooked in Camp Ramah’s onsite kosher kitchen. The kashrut of Ramah New England is overseen by the Ramah Camping Movement (affiliated with JTS of the Conservative Movement), under the senior direction of Rabbi Mitch Cohen with a representative mashgiach (kosher supervisor) present throughout Camp Ramah Sasson.
Baystate Children’s Hospital in Springfield, MA is approximately 30 minutes from camp. Boston Children’s Hospital is approximately 80 minutes away.
Interested in learning more?
If you’re considering whether this is a fit for your family, we’re happy to talk.
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