Machon Logo Design Project

A key part of the Machon experience is the Ma Ramah program!

Ma Ramah literally means “What is Ramah?”  We feel that, before one can become a transmitter of the Ramah experience to others (a process that chanichim begin to explore in Nivonim), one must first be able to step back and consider what the Ramah experience is really all about.  And so, throughout the summer, our Machon chanichim have opportunities to explore many different aspects of the Ramah experience in an effort to pinpoint for themselves the things that make Ramah so special.  Ma Ramah programs explore different aspects of Ramah including (but not limited to): Israel, ruach (shira/rikud), t’fillah, Shabbat, and the camp community (friendships).  Our Machon campers also have an opportunity to connect with various senior staff-members from around camp and other Ramah guests, asking them questions about their Ramah experiences and learning about their perspectives on Ramah and its mission.

Last week I had the pleasure of running a Ma Ramah program in which we took a look at the many different Camp Ramah New England logos from over the decades.  (I was involved in creating some of the more recent ones!)  We talked about marketing and branding, and how a great logo can convey qualities of whatever organization (company, business, sports team, or summer camp) it’s representing.  As we looked at each logo, the chanichim talked about how that image/design made them feel and what it made them think about.  We also did some activities in pairs in which I asked the kids a few questions about camp: what is their favorite place at camp, what are some of their favorite camp activities, what do they think is special about camp, what words would they use to describe the “vibe” of camp.

Then came the big challenge: working alone or in small groups, I asked the kids to design their own logo for Camp Ramah New England!

They only had about 15-20 minutes to do this, but what the kids came up with was INCREDIBLE.  I was blown away by their creativity!!  Many chanichim blended different elements of some of their favorites of the older logos together in fascinating and creative ways, while some came up with entirely new ideas, new slogans, and more.  I’ve run this activity before, but the work of these Machoners was astonishing.

Take a look at some of their fantastic logo designs and ideas!  (These are just a few of the dozens and dozens of great designs the kids created!)