Introducing Camp Ramah Sasson – A New Program for Families Facing the Challenges of Childhood Cancer

Ramah New England is thrilled to announce the launch of Camp Ramah Sasson (Joy), a trailblazing initiative aimed at providing comfort, support, and an immersive Jewish experience for families facing the challenges of childhood cancer. Camp Ramah Sasson, which is open to the entire family at no cost, will be held April 12-14, 2024 on our beautiful campsite in western Massachusetts. Through a combination of Shabbat celebration, outdoor fun, and therapeutic activities, Camp Ramah Sasson will provide a nurturing environment for families to come together and forge lasting connections with each other and to the greater Jewish community.

Rabbi Ed Gelb, CEO of Ramah New England shared, “Over the eighteen years of directing Ramah, I have met many families who are facing the challenge of having a child with cancer. Up until now, we have not been able to provide the Ramah experience for them. Now, we hope to bring the community, support, meaning and joy of camp to the entire family and let them know they have a home here.” Camp Ramah Sasson welcomes these families into our larger Ramah New England community.

Through the celebration of Shabbat, traditional camp fun, therapeutic activities, and a supportive environment, Camp Ramah Sasson seeks to uplift families and provide them with a respite from the daily struggles associated with childhood cancer. Families will experience camp together, and will also have opportunities to attend separate programs designed specifically for parents, siblings and children living with cancer. The camp will provide a platform for families to share Jewish experiences, foster emotional healing, and establish an invaluable network of support.

Camp Ramah Sasson extends an open invitation to Jewish families who have children in cancer treatment. This program is free of charge to all participant families.

We are looking for community partners to help spread the word and recruit families for this unique Shabbaton. We are also recruiting camp counselors and medical and educational professionals who would like to volunteer to staff this life-changing weekend.

For more information about Camp Ramah Sasson or to inquire about enrollment, please fill out this form of interest.

Interested in volunteering to staff this incredible weekend? Let us know here.