Camp Ramah Sasson Hosted Inaugural Comfort Weekend
Last month (Nov 1-3, 2024) Ramah New England was privileged to host 7 incredible families healing from the devastating loss of a parent at Ramah Sasson’s second Shabbaton. The participants came from all over the Northeast and Maryland and the program was fully staffed by loving and dedicated volunteers. The weekend included a joyous and energetic Shabbat, nature walks, crafts, family fun, separate camper, teen and adult time, and age-appropriate grief education and emotional support for each member of the family.
One participant shared: “My son who never talks about being sad opened up to me during the weekend. This meant so much to me and gives me hope that he will continue to talk to me about it.” She went on to say, “At first, I thought just 7 families would feel way too small. But within a couple of hours, I knew it felt just right. I feel connected to every single parent who was there, even though some of us are quite different. I felt accepted, and so did my son. I also want to say that I really appreciate all of the activities. There were SO MANY things to do each day – art projects are always my favorite, whether with children or just for the grown-ups. The memory walk felt like a holy experience, it was perfect. The weather, the movement, the privacy, the togetherness, the representation of the people we so desperately miss.”
Some special four-legged friends also visited during the weekend. K-9s for Kids (A group of dogs and handlers who donate their time to bring smiles and joy to children suffering from a wide range of physical, emotional, and learning disabilities) sent two teams of therapy dogs and their handlers to spend time with us. This was much anticipated and a clear highlight for many of the campers, teens, and adults alike. It was remarkable to see how much positive energy and calming influence these special dogs brought to the participants. Thank you to K-9s for Kids for all the healing work you do!!
A particularly moving and powerful activity was the Shabbat memory walk. On the first day, families had an opportunity to “decorate” pictures of their missing loved one through words or illustrations. They were encouraged to share memories, character traits, personality, favorites, etc. These pictures were hung on a nature trail to create a memory walk for all the participants on Shabbat afternoon. Families were encouraged to leave pre-decorated rocks as a permanent memorial in camp and place stickers on each other’s pictures as a sign of support.
As a welcoming, inclusive, and egalitarian Jewish program, Camp Ramah Sasson is in the unique position to meet participants wherever they are on their Jewish journeys. We offer a “Jewish spin” on all experiences and open space for participants to question, search for meaning and we offer opportunities to strengthen their relationship with God, prayer, and the Jewish community.
This Shabbaton was a part of Ramah New England’s growing efforts to support Jewish families facing challenging times. Our next weekend is:
Camp Ramah Sasson: Pediatric Oncology Family Weekend: April 25-27, 2025 a Jewish family camp, designed to provide support, solace, and transformative Jewish experiences for families with children in or having recently completed cancer treatment. We extend an open invitation for this program that is offered free of charge to all participating families.
Contact Riki Wiederhorn for more information.