Name: Esther Gendler
What is your job at camp? Madricha Chevrati (counselor) for Shoafim
How many summers have you been at camp? I was a camper for six summers and then I went on Ramah Israel Seminar. This is my first year on staff.
Where are you from? What do you do outside of camp?
I’m from Minneapolis, Minnesota. I will be a freshman attending Drake University in the fall.
Where’s your favorite water fountain in camp?
It’s the one outside the Beit Am.
Why do you come back to camp? If this is your first summer, what brought you to camp?
Definitely the people. The friends I’ve made are just incredible.
What makes Camp Ramah special?
I think it’s the Jewish values I’ve learned here and how I have been able to grow my Jewish identity while also making so many great friends and having so many fun peulot (activities). It’s a great place.
What is your favorite camp wide event?
Yom Sport, for sure.
Where is your favorite spot in camp?
I really like the grassy area behind the Chadar Ohel. It’s an underrated spot.
What is your favorite camp meal?
Well I’m a vegetarian so on the Friday nights when they serve a Thanksgiving menu there is always tofu as the veggie meal. That’s my favorite meal.
Name: Ben Goffman
What is your job at camp? Madrich Chevrati for Kochavim
How many summers have you been at camp? This is my tenth summer (two on staff)
Where are you from? What do you do outside of camp?
I’m from Minnesota and I study management information systems and computer science at the University of Minnesota.
Where’s your favorite water fountain in camp?
It’s the Beit Am water fountain.
Why do you come back to camp? If this is your first summer, what brought you to camp?
For the friends. My best friends go to camp and I don’t get to see them very often so it’s nice to come back and spend so much time with them.
What makes Camp Ramah special?
Camp Ramah is the one place in my life where I am surrounded by Jews 24/7, so your Jewish life becomes very enhanced and you can find your Jewish identity. It’s also the place where you make the best friends and get to live with them.
What is your favorite camp wide event?
Probably Yom Sport.
Where is your favorite spot in camp?
Somewhere shady. I like the picnic bench on the Kikar.
What is your favorite camp meal?
Thanksgiving dinner.
Name: Shira Tayar
What is your job at camp? I teach Ivrit (Hebrew) and I am also a Kochavim counselor.
How many summers have you been at camp? This is my first summer.
Where are you from? What do you do outside of camp?
Kfar Saba. It’s a city near Tel Aviv. I was just released from the army where I worked in the Ministry of Defense.
Where’s your favorite water fountain in camp?
My favorite water fountain in camp is the one at the Marp (infirmary) because it is by my cabin.
Why do you come back to camp? If this is your first summer, what brought you to camp?
My sister worked at a different Ramah camp and had a lot of good experiences and a lot of fun. So I wanted to come to Ramah too.
What makes Camp Ramah special?
I think everyone here is equal. There is no such thing as one kid being able to do something and another kid not being able to. Everyone can participate in everything camp offers and I really like that.
What is your favorite camp wide event?
The musicals.
Where is your favorite spot in camp?
Mercaz Kopin (the staff lounge) is very fun.
What is your favorite camp meal?
The hamburgers. But they’re only served on Wednesdays and Wednesday is my day off. It’s really sad.
