Great Ramah News: PCR Test Results and Updates

Shalom Ramah First and Full Session Parents,

We wanted to update you on our COVID testing results and our plans for our tzevet (staff) day off plans for this upcoming week.

The news is all good: The PCR pool tests for unvaccinated campers that were conducted on Wednesday, July 14, all returned negative (which is positive). Additionally, our sewage surveillance testing, which we conduct three times a week through a University of Connecticut laboratory, also shows no COVID in camp, through our most recent test on Wednesday, July 14. We will conduct the last First Session PCR pool tests for unvaccinated campers on Wednesday, July 21, with results expected by Friday, July 23.  

For our next round of days off, which will be the last of First Session, we have decided to return to our tzevet sleeping in camp, with options for them to go on camp-sponsored excursions. We anticipate that over intersession (July 25-26) and the first eight-day cycle of Second Session, tzevet will remain on site except for supervised outings. After that, we will continue to decide day off policies week to week and adjust our overall COVID protocols based on conditions on the ground, the advice of our medical experts, and consideration of the needs of our entire camp community.

For Full Session families, next week you will be receiving a link to sign up for virtual visits with your campers. We are sad that we can’t have Visiting Day this year and will miss you. 

Overall, camp is running great and we look forward to a wonderful Shabbat experience.

Kol tuv,

Rabbi Ed Gelb Rabbi Ed Gelb (He/Him/His)
CEO, Ramah New England