Shechunah Shel Ramah Meet Adam Offit Rosh Sports

I sat down with Rosh Sport Adam Offit, it was really more like running around with him as he zooms from Tzad Aleph (A-side) to Tzad Bet (B-side) all day teaching and overseeing the sports program at machaneh ramah. I got to learn all about Adam, what he does here in camp and about his life outside of machaneh ramah. It was a lot of fun to see first hand what Adam does and what an amazing job he does making sure that the sports program at our camp is really the best! Here were the top ten questions we asked Adam~

What is your job/position at Machaneh Ramah?

Rosh Sport

What brought you to Machaneh Ramah?

When my brother was the program director, he called me frantically one summer because they needed a flag football instructor for the final two weeks of camp. I was already coaching football and was able to get some time off from work, so I thought it would be a cool opportunity. Five years later I’m still here!

What is your favorite part about your job?

Seeing our chanichim (campers) and madrichim (counselors) enjoying their sports activities! I am a small cog in our massive operation, but when I see and hear about positive experiences in sports, I like to think I played a small part- and that to me is very rewarding.

How many years have you worked at Machaneh Ramah and did you attend Ramah as a camper?

This is my 6th summer, 4th as Rosh sport and I did not attend Ramah as a camper.

What is your favorite part about being at Ramah?

The people. Not only is everyone incredibly warm and accepting, but there is a mentality of doing whatever you can to help someone else out. When I needed a place to store the paint lining machine, Omanut (art) opened its doors. If I misplace the key to the archery shed, I know I can call anyone from ropes and they’ll come running over to help me out. I can even grab a few campers to help me pick up trash or clean up one of the sports areas if it is messy. It really feels like tzevet echad (one staff)

Where are you from/or where do you live now?

I was born in Boston and currently live in Somerville, MA

When you are not at camp what do you do during the year?

I am currently in grad school for Social Work at the University of Simmons in Boston. In addition to my classes, I intern at the Ferryway School in Malden, MA. I also coach high school football in the fall and high school ultimate frisbee in the spring.

Do you have any specific hobbies are special interests?

I’ve always loved coaching and working with kids in sports, so I’m pretty fortunate that I get to do it for a living most of the year. I started playing ultimate frisbee in high school and still like to play whenever I get the chance. I’m an avid New England Patriots fan and I like scary movies.

Where did you attend school and what did you study?

I graduated Muhlenberg college with a degree in Media and Communications, and am currently getting my master’s in social work.

Tell us something interesting about yourself?

I can walk on my hands! I taught myself to do it when I was younger and it’s something that’s still stayed with me. At one point I could go up and down stairs on my hands but I’m not sure I can do that anymore- or at least I haven’t tried in a while. Also, I start every day at Machaneh Ramah with three hardboiled eggs!

Adam, thank you for being such an amazing member of Tzevet (staff) at machaneh Ramah- we are so lucky to have you share your summers with us!