COVID 2021 Update #3: Transportation

Shalom Chaverim,

This is our December COVID planning update focused primarily on transportation to and from our overnight camp. Our medical committee is hard at work and advising us to implement the following policies. Please know that plans may have to be adjusted as the situation evolves.

For day camp families, the information in this email is not directly relevant to you; we will send our next update in January.

We prioritize the health and safety of our campers, staff and community. In addition, we are thinking about camper care and how to make the transitions as comfortable as possible for everyone. Please reach out to Talya Kalender, our Director of Camper Care, or any of our senior staff if you have any questions or concerns.

We anticipate that we will require virtually all campers to utilize our luggage trucks or an independent luggage service this year no matter where you are coming from. More details on that to follow.

Transportation to Camp

1. Group flights from the Greater DC area: Our medical committee believes that flights with proper medical safety precautions are the best choice (over busing) campers to camp this summer. We have heard that Southwest Airlines will be releasing their flights through most of the summer on December 10th. For those living in the Greater DC area, you should expect an email from Marggi shortly with the details on how to plan your travel.
2. Those driving their campers to camp: Our medical committee believes that dropping off  campers at camp is preferable to bus service. We are working on the logistical details and anticipate that parents will drop off campers at camp. Parents will not enter camp/leave cars. Our staff will handle all the unpacking, bed making and set up with your children.
3. Those flying from other locations: We are still working on these plans and will update you in January.

Transportation from Camp Back Home

1. We expect to fly campers home on chaperoned group flights to the Greater DC area.
2. We are exploring whether it is better to bus or have individual pick up for campers within driving distance. Since camp will be bubbled, it may make sense to bus home. We will update our plans in January.
3. Those flying home to other locations, we anticipate that will be possible, but want to do some more research and will update you in January.

Thank you so much for your continued patience and support. We feel so blessed to have such a great community working with us to make sure Camp Ramah can open and run safely this summer.

Kol Tuv,

Rabbi Ed Gelb

CEO, Ramah New England