FAQs for Participants in Oncology Weekend

Are siblings invited to Camp Ramah Sasson?

YES! Camp Ramah Sasson recognizes that each member of the family has been impacted by the cancer diagnosis. Our program is designed to offer both an island of “normalcy” as well as age-appropriate support activities/discussions for siblings, parents and children living with cancer.

At what point in treatment do you accept children?

Children must be cleared by their medical team to participate in school or group activities. They will need written approval from their doctor to participate in Camp Ramah Sasson.

What hospitals are nearby in case of an emergency?

We are lucky to have Baystate Children’s  Hospital in Springfield MA located just 30 minutes from our campus. We are also 80 minutes away from Boston Children’s Hospital.

What if we sign up but need to cancel at the last minute?

We understand that things can change quickly and it can be hard to plan ahead. If it seems like the dates of the weekend will work for your family, please register!  If things change, we will understand and hope you will be able to join us at a later date.

What can we expect on Shabbat?

Shabbat is a very special time at Camp Ramah Sasson, with delicious meals, shira (song), and meaningful tefillah (prayer) experiences for all ages. Out of respect for the values of our Shabbat observant community, we ask that participants refrain from using electronics, technology, writing and turning lights on and off in public spaces. There is an eruv (symbolic enclosure surrounding the camp) that will be checked prior to the beginning of Shabbat. 

We are not really religious. Is this the right program for us?

Absolutely yes! Camp Ramah Sasson welcomes all Jewish families, regardless of observance level. 

What is the Kashrut supervision?

All food will be cooked in Camp Ramah’s onsite kosher kitchen. The kashrut of Ramah New England is overseen by the Ramah Camping Movement (affiliated with JTS of the Conservative Movement), under the senior direction of Rabbi Mitch Cohen with a representative mashgiach (kosher supervisor) present throughout Camp Ramah Sasson.