ready, set, camp!
Everything you need to know for your camper.
It’s all in the details – 2024 season
Shalom,
Welcome to the 77th season of Camp Ramah in Wisconsin! Thank you for entrusting your child to our care. Our goal is to provide a memorable, fun and enriching Jewish experience for your child. With this in mind, we have been hard at work planning exciting new programs and assembling a talented staff. We all look forward to welcoming your child to our camp community.
Please read this handbook carefully. It will be a handy reference as you prepare for the summer, and a valuable resource while your child is at camp.
L’hitraot –
Jacob Cytryn, Executive Director
Adina Beiner, Assistant Director
Scott Topal, Director of Operations
Preparing for Camp
forms
Required Camp Forms
The Camper Care Intake Form and the Transportation Form are Due March 31.
All other forms are due May 1.
Complete the following forms in your CampMinder account or on the Campanion app:
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Camper Health History (includes special diet needs)
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Physician’s Exam
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Immunization Form
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Health Insurance Card
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Camper Care Intake Form
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Bunk Requests (note: a camper care intake form must be completed before bunk requests will be considered)
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B’rit/Camper Behavior Contract
- B’nai Mitzvah Tutoring (optional)
Verify Contact information
Please notify the camp office of any change in your permanent address, summer address, email or telephone number. Please provide us with your vacation contact information as well. This information should be emailed to Margalit at msegal@ramahwisconsin.com.
Most communications prior to camp and during the summer are sent via email. If the email address you listed on your camper’s application is not your current email address, please send the correct address to Margalit at msegal@ramahwisconsin.com.
In addition, campers have the opportunity to write letters that will be scanned and uploaded to your CampMinder account (with an option for a copy to be sent to your email address) through CampMinder’s eLetter program. Detailed instructions for using this service will be sent later in the spring.
Download the campanion app
NEW! This summer we will be using the new Campanion app. You’ll be able to view photos, send and receive eLetters, complete forms, see general camp updates, get busing notifications, contact staff and more, all through the app. Click here to download the app on the Apple App Store or the Google Play store. Use your CampMinder credentials to log in.
WHAT TO BRING (AND NOT TO BRING)
Please talk with your child and explain that the spaces at camp are public spaces. There are no dressers or closed drawers like at home. Each cabin has large shelving units for campers to use for storing their clothing. Everything is open with no private space. Items tend to fall (and can break), or sometimes things can be misplaced. It is a good idea to leave valuable items, especially items of sentimental value, at home.
CLOTHING FOR CAMP
The weather at Ramah varies from hot days to cool nights, and it is a good idea to be prepared for rainy and muddy conditions. Please be sure to pack a raincoat or poncho and closed-toe waterproof shoes.
Laundry will be sent out once a week and is generally returned two days later. This means that campers only need a 10-day supply of clothing. Campers should not plan to wash their own things. Please do not send clothes to camp that require dry-cleaning.
Click here for links to our suggested packing lists. You may adjust the list to fit your child’s particular needs. Please label all your child’s clothing and equipment with their full name.
As a Jewish camp, we believe in personal autonomy within the framework of our tradition. Camp Ramah requires each member of our community to dress in a way that reflects respect for the educational environment of camp.
Guidelines for appropriate clothing at camp for both campers and staff:
- T-shirts with profanity, inappropriate words, phrases, or symbols may not be worn, including clothing that advertises alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, or illegal substances.
- Please be aware that, in keeping with our values of tzniut (modesty), all members of the community are required to wear a shirt at all times, when in public outside of their cabin. Bare midriffs and underwear may not be visible. Clothing that is see–through or revealing of body parts that are intended to be covered is prohibited.
- Modest and appropriate swimwear is expected at the waterfront.
- Closed toe shoes are required for active camp programs.
During times of the day when we aspire to a higher level of k’dushah (holiness) during prayer services and meals, there are additional dress guidelines:
- Heads should be covered with a kippah (not hat). [This applies to all those who identify as males and to those who identify as females who have taken this custom upon themselves.]
- Shoulders should be covered by wearing a sleeved shirt. We understand that during the day on hot days, campers are active and are more comfortable wearing sleeveless shirts such as tank tops or jerseys. Returning to the cabin before meals and afternoon tefillot is not always possible, so tank tops and jerseys will be allowed for lunch and dinner on non-Shabbat days. We expect that campers keep their shoulders covered during morning services and breakfast every day and at all meals and tefillot on Shabbat.
- Shabbat adds an additional level of holiness to our community. Simple, modest, nicer-than-everyday clothing is appropriate dress for Shabbat. We recommend blouses, dresses, skirts, sweaters, slacks, or button-down shirts for Friday nights. Many campers and staff choose to change into more casual clothing for Shabbat morning services.
Ramah staff reserve the right to enforce these policies. With ever-changing fashion norms, many campers like to test the limits at camp. We reserve the right to judge the appropriateness of a camper’s clothing and will send a camper back to their tzrif (bunk) to change if necessary. Please help your child pack appropriate clothing and discuss clothing choices with them before the summer. Questions about appropriate clothing choices should be directed to a member of the camper care team, the Assistant Director, Executive Director or Director of Camp Wellness and Inclusion.
LUGGAGE
Please use only soft luggage such as a canvas trunk and/or duffel bag when packing for camp. Each piece of luggage should be marked with camper’s name and address and should have a Ramah luggage tag. Luggage tags will be provided prior to your camper’s session.
Due to limited space available for transporting luggage and limited storage space in camp, we ask that campers bring a maximum of: two soft duffel bags, plus a sleeping bag, plus a carry-on for the bus and/or plane.
For campers who are flying, please check with your airline regarding baggage fees and restrictions.
TALLIT AND TEFILLIN
We create an environment at camp of sh’mirat mitzvot (observing the commandments) which includes daily t’filah (prayer). We wear tallitot (ritual prayer shawls) and t’fillin (phylacteries). We encourage female campers of Bat Mitzvah age who wear them at home to bring them to camp. All male campers and staff beyond the age of Bar Mitzvah are required to bring their own Tallit and Tefillin and to wear them during morning services. If you have questions about purchasing Tallit and Tefillin, please be in touch with our office.
While some communities forego the wearing of a Tallit for what is known as a tallit kattan, a smaller fringed garment placed over the head, we strongly encourage individuals at Ramah to wear a Tallit on a daily basis as is the custom of the vast majority of synagogues with whom we partner.
Photos and videos
Campers have many opportunities to take photos over the course of the summer: Friday afternoons before Shabbat when everyone is dressed nicely, sunsets over the lake, at the campwide play and music performances and of course during kikar dancing. These photos help preserve memories of another terrific summer at camp.
While the intent is always one of innocence, we ask that you discuss with your child your expectations of digital camera usage. As part of that pre-summer conversation with your campers, please ask them to be aware of the types of pictures they are taking over the summer. What may seem funny or harmless in the moment can be hurtful out of context or used in a malicious way. As this becomes a growing issue in our country, please reinforce “positive” photo behavior prior to camp.
Music players/handheld games
(*please see the Ramah Wisconsin Screen Policy for further details)
At camp we encourage campers and staff to share in conversation with those around them. As such, they are not permitted to wear headphones or earbuds outside of their cabins, except while exercising on the Garbage Trail (paved track) around camp.
Campers should not bring handheld games to camp. Camp provides a natural opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, play sports, sing, dance, and breathe fresh air. Campers participate in many activities with other campers their own ages. Teamwork and cabin unity are taught and stressed throughout the activity day. Free time in the cabin is shared with bunkmates playing board games or card games (no gambling allowed). These informal downtimes should be spent with others and not in solitude.
Grills and other cooking equipment
All cooking equipment, including grills and sandwich makers, are not permitted at camp. They represent health and safety risks in our cabins, as well as concerns about our kosher standards. These items will be confiscated if brought to camp. While kosher-packaged snacks may be allowed in the cabin for a few days at the discretion of your child’s staff members, the absence of food in the cabins results in a cleaner and more sanitary living environment for our campers. We provide multiple snacks for campers every day. They are treated to fruit, pretzels, granola bars, etc. between meals. A variety of fresh fruit including apples, pears, plums, peaches and nectarines is available 24/7. Vitamin water, water and sports drinks are available for purchase from vending machines.
register medication
If your child will be taking any kind of medication at camp this summer, you must register with PackMyRX, our new pre-packaged medication program for this summer. All pills will be dispensed and individually packaged in sealed packets labeled with your child’s name, medicine, dosage, date and time to be given. This system ensures that each camper receives their correct medicine at the right time of day. Click here for more information about PackMyRX.
Ruach Ramah campers are exempt from using PackMyRX. Please send your camper with a sufficient amount of medication for their time at camp. Medication should be in the original container and in a ziploc bag labeled with the child’s name, dosage and time the medication should be taken. Please hand the medication to your child’s bus counselor when you drop them off.
Some medications cannot be packed by PackMyRX. See the image below. If your medication cannot be packed by PackMyRX, please fill out the Medication Authorization form.
During Camp
Camp travel
The camp experience truly begins at the bus stops and the airport. Our enthusiastic staff members meet all camper flights at the gate and keep the campers busy before boarding the chartered motor coach to camp. At the bus stops, campers and parents have a chance to meet our staff and get to know each other before boarding the coach to camp. The round trip cost for bus service is included on the camper statement of fees.
*Bus arrival/departure times and locations are now linked in the “Travel by Bus” section.*
If you have a question regarding travel arrangements, contact our travel coordinator, Margalit Segal at msegal@ramahwisconsin.com.
Travel by bus
Log in to your CampMinder account or the Campanion app to complete the travel form to reserve a spot on the appropriate bus for your child.
Click here for the list of bus stop locations and departure/arrival times.
Please note that bus departure/arrival times are approximate and locations are subject to change. If there are any changes, we will email you prior to your camper’s session.
travel by plane
We ask each family to book the flights for their child. One flight for each city will be designated as the official Ramah flight—click here for the list of flights. This helps us to coordinate our staff so we can meet all the flights when they arrive at Midway Airport on the first day of the session and escort the campers to the flights on the last day of camp. If your city is not listed, please contact Margalit Segal at msegal@ramahwisconsin.com to discuss your flight options. In general, flights should arrive to the airport before 12 pm on the first day of the session and depart the airport after 5 pm on the last day of the session (after 3 pm for August 8). Please send a copy of your child’s flight information to Margalit at msegal@ramahwisconsin.com.
Bus and airline reservations must be made by April 1.
Travel by car
Please complete the online transportation form through your CampMinder account or the Campanion app so we know how your child will be traveling to/from camp. Campers should be dropped off at camp between 3-5 pm on the first day of their session and picked up between 6-7 am on the last day of their session for sessions ending July 11 and August 8. For sessions ending on other days, campers should be picked up between 9-10 am.
contacting camp
Our Team is Ready to Help
Executive Director jcytryn@ramahwisconsin.com |
Assistant Director abeiner@ramahwisconsin.com |
Director of Camp Wellness and Inclusion akaplan@ramahwisconsin.com |
Family Engagement Director rrubenstein@ramahwisconsin.com |
Enrollment & Operations Associate msegal@ramahwisconsin.com |
Director of Operations stopal@ramahwisconsin.com |
Communications & Development Manager arosen@ramahwisconsin.com |
Accounting Manager ibrown@ramahwisconsin.com |
Call Us
Main Line: 312-606-9313
Emergency Line: 715-479-5455
Mail to Us
From June 3 – August 9:
Camp Ramah
3390 Ramah Circle
Conover, WI 54519-9599
All Other Times:
Camp Ramah in Wisconsin
67 E. Madison Street, Suite 1905
Chicago, IL 60603
contacting your camper
sending eletters
We encourage you to write to your camper frequently using the Campanion app or your CampMinder account. Click here for info on using the CampMinder mail service. You should expect your campers to write one letter home every week.
We welcome you to be in touch with Parent Liaison Robin Rubenstein if you receive a letter with concerning information. Please contact her at rrubenstein@ramahwisconsin.com or call 715-479-4400.
sending letters & packages
Please address all mail to campers as follows:
Camper’s Name
Bunk Number
3390 Ramah Circle
Conover, WI 54519-9599
All packages and letters sent to campers must clearly display: a) your camper’s name, b) bunk number and c) your return address.
If you’d like to send a package to your child, please send non-food items such as books, magazines, games, a stuffed animal or a disposable camera. Campers open packages in the office with a staff member, and food and other prohibited items will be confiscated.
CALLING YOUR CAMPER
Please remember that Ramah is a community where we work hard to help our campers gain self-confidence in handling things on their own, away from home. Part of what makes camp magical is that they are exercising a different kind of independence under the watchful eye of their counselors and the rest of our staff. Don’t expect to speak with them regularly during the summer. Remember – we will contact you immediately if there is any major problem or emergency.
Campers are not permitted to use the public phones except in special circumstances. Please do not expect to communicate regularly with your camper by phone.
If there is a special reason to communicate with your camper by phone, (i.e., birthday, anniversary) call our office and leave a message for your child. We will work with you to find a time for you to talk with your child. Please try to limit these calls to once or twice during the summer.
The camp business office is open Sunday-Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. CDT.
Cell phone usage is not permitted at camp. If a camper comes to camp with a cell phone, it will be stored in the business office for the summer.
photos
This summer all our photos will be posted in our new Campanion app. Please see Download Campanion app section for further details.
Our photographers work hard to cover all areas of camp in an efficient manner, while remaining unobtrusive. They cannot be in all areas at all times. Please understand that not every camper will be in every photo update. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok for updates.
Caring for your camper
Laundry
Food
The observance of kashrut is central to Conservative Judaism and Camp Ramah in Wisconsin. Maintaining kashrut in a community institution such as camp requires absolute and careful adherence to standards by everyone involved in any aspect of the Ramah program – including staff, campers and visitors.
Camp Ramah serves three healthy meals a day from our dining hall. In addition to the entree and side dishes at each meal, there is always peanut butter and jelly available. At breakfast, in addition to a variety of cold cereals and a hot entrée, there is a breakfast bar with yogurt, fresh fruit, cottage cheese, oatmeal, etc. At lunch and dinner, there is a salad bar with a variety of fresh vegetables, proteins (such as beans, tuna or hard boiled eggs), and various prepared salads. At meat meals there is a vegetarian option for those who have signed up prior to the summer. We also have gluten-free and dairy-free options. A sample menu can be found here. If you have questions or concerns about your child’s dietary needs, please contact Scott Topal at stopal@ramahwisconsin.com.
In addition, snacks are available for campers each morning and afternoon, including crackers, pretzels and granola bars. A variety of fresh fruit including apples, pears, plums, peaches and nectarines is available 24/7.
birthdays at camp
At camp, birthdays are events for an entire cabin, including counselors, who help make the day super special. This includes a specially made cake and a birthday kit of balloons, streamers, and other fun items to help celebrate!
bar and bat mitzvah review
To sign your camper up for the program, complete the form in the Campanion app or your CampMinder account. If you have any questions, please email Adina Beiner at abeiner@ramahwisconsin.com.
Health & Safety
medical requirements
MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
In accordance with Wisconsin State Law, Camp Ramah must have a complete and current medical history for each camper and a report of a physical examination performed after April 1, 2023. Please use the online Camp Ramah Health Information and Immunization Form for this purpose. The online portion must be completely filled out in the Campanion app or your CampMinder account and the physician’s report must be filled out and either uploaded to the Campanion app/CampMinder or returned to the Chicago camp office by May 1. An incomplete form cannot be accepted. The camp must have a completed Health Form on file for each camper prior to the start of the summer. Campers will not be allowed to arrive at camp without health forms.
The routine vaccination of all campers is an important public health matter, especially in the confines of a residential summer camp. As stated by the National Ramah Commission Medical Committee, the requirement of all members of the Camp Ramah community is to be adequately immunized against preventable childhood diseases as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices; therefore, it is Camp Ramah policy that age-appropriate compliance of vaccination is enforced, and to exclude individuals from camp who are out of compliance. This is a public health policy that Camp Ramah must endorse. In addition, all campers must have a current pertussis vaccination.
Our camp medical staff reviews each form before camp, so your cooperation with the May 1 deadline is greatly appreciated. In order to assist us in providing the best care for your child, please advise us of any special health conditions, dietary needs, or personal habits that affect your child. This information should be attached to the health information form.
Failure by a family to fully disclose medical issues and/or medications will result in the camper being sent home at the parents’ expense and there will be no refund of tuition.
National Ramah Commission (NRC) Vaccination Policy Summary Statement
In 2007, the National Ramah Commission approved a universal vaccination policy that has since been adopted by all Ramah camps. With only specific verified medical exceptions, all campers, staff, and family members of staff who attend any Ramah camp must be appropriately vaccinated, per the standards of the Advisory Committee on Immunizations Practices (ACIP) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) or the Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS).
Our camp community is comprised of both healthy and more medically fragile individuals, as well as infants not yet vaccinated due to their age. Universal vaccination is known to reduce the risk of transmission of disease to vulnerable individuals. Families entrust their children to us during the summer to educate them, inspire them and keep them safe, healthy and happy. Vaccination is an important part of reducing illness from specific preventable infectious diseases and plays an integral part in promoting health and safety. The camp community is a kehilla kedosha, a holy community, and the prevention of serious and sometimes life-threatening disease is one way to protect the strength and integrity of the kehilla. It is our responsibility as members of the Jewish community to respect each other and protect individuals who may be put at increased risk by our actions.
In the camp cabin environment, children and counsellors live in close quarters. Despite the best precautions taken to reduce the spread of infectious diseases, dorm-like living conditions are known to increase the risk of transmission. Appropriate vaccination of all individuals within our community will help us protect your child.
National Ramah Medical Committee, January 2017
MEDICAL INSURANCE
In case of accident or illness, Camp Ramah’s health team will provide treatment at no charge to the family. When it is deemed necessary for the camper to receive further evaluation and/or treatment, the camper will be taken to a specialist, clinic or hospital. Your insurance company will be billed directly for these visits and you are responsible for the co-payment and/or balance due after the insurance company has remitted payment. You will also be billed for any medications that the camp purchases for your child which are filled by the local pharmacy.
Camp Ramah’s Health and Accident Coverage covers all campers with secondary coverage. This coverage is used toward payment for those expenses or portions of expenses not covered by your family health insurance. Your family insurance is applied to any medical expense before the camp’s coverage. Camp medical coverage does not cover pre-existing conditions and has a total limit of $1,000 per person per season.
In order to facilitate the handling of claims, a photocopy of your medical insurance card must be attached to the camp health information form. If you are advised of the need for out-of-camp medical services, you will be responsible for informing your family insurance provider.
medical (Marp) Staff
Medical Staff
Our modern infirmary is staffed by multiple physicians and nurses at all times. They are board-certified, practicing physicians and licensed nurses who love working with your campers. Our medical and nursing staff focus on the health of all our campers. Our staff responds to any identified medical issues, provides professional care and communicates promptly with parents and guardians as necessary.
The doctors and nurses staff the daily sick-call and treat campers for illness and minor injuries. In addition to our on-site network of medical professionals, our medical staff is also in contact with Camp Ramah’s Medical Chair Dr. Rachel McDowell and a network of local specialists.
Rachel McDowell serves as the Medical Chair for Camp Ramah in Wisconsin, after having spent nearly a decade as a camp physician in our Infirmary (Marp).
Rachel has deep connections to the Ramah community – currently a parent to campers and camper alumni. She was a camper for six summers and participated in Ramah Seminar in 1993 and Nativ 1993-1994. She earned her BA from Columbia University and her MD from Ben Gurion University. She is the Clinical Director for Antidote Health and an emergency room physician with Amita Health and HSHS.
medical care communication
Communication
In case of a medical emergency requiring that your camper be taken out of camp for medical care, Camp Ramah will make every effort to contact you immediately. In the event that your child is admitted to our infirmary overnight before 10 pm, we will call you. Otherwise we will call you in the morning (unless it is a medical emergency).
For campers who require surgery or are hospitalized for twenty four hours or more, a parent/guardian must come to the hospital to be with their child at their own expense.
In addition, for campers who are unable to return to camp activities due to illness or injury for longer than four days, a parent/guardian must come to be with their child. This decision is at the sole discretion of the medical professionals at camp. Campers may be allowed to return to camp following clearance from a personal medical professional and Camp Ramah’s Medical Director.
If you have any concerns about your child’s health after camp, please contact your personal medical professionals and also communicate with us. We look forward to continuing the caring partnership we value as caretakers of your children.
Medical Care
medications
Wisconsin law requires that all medications, both prescription and non-prescription, be stored in the camp infirmary and administered by the camp health professionals.
If your child will be taking any kind of medication at camp this summer, you must register with PackMyRX, a pre-packaged medication program. All pills will be dispensed and individually packaged in sealed packets labeled with your child’s name, medicine, dosage, date and time to be given. This system ensures that each camper receives their correct medicine at the right time of day. Click here for more information about registering for PackMyRX.
Your camper should know the name of their medication(s), why it is taken and how often. It is important for campers to be aware that it is their responsibility to continue the routine of taking their medication while at camp. During the first days of camp, a member of our medical staff will contact you to confirm medical information and that we have your camper’s medication. Topical medications, lotions, cough drops, Epikits and inhalers/nose sprays may be carried by the camper and kept in their cabin. All other medications, without exception, must be stored in the infirmary.
Medications are administered three times a day at approximately 8:00AM, 1:00PM and after dinner without exception. It is very important that you arrange a dosage schedule that conforms to these administration times. Please make special arrangements in writing with the camp health team if your child needs medication at other times.
Our infirmary is well stocked with commonly used over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, cough lozenges, topical creams, etc. A nebulizer is available if needed. Symptomatic medications such as acetaminophen are administered at any time at the discretion of our camp health team. Please do not send commonly used non-prescription medications to camp, as they will not be returned at the end of the summer.
If you have any questions about medication administration, please contact our Infirmary (Marp) Team at infirmary@ramahwisconsin.com.
If your camper does not take medication or vitamins, you do not need to register with PackMyRX.
Note: Ruach Ramah campers are exempt from using PackMyRX. Please send your camper with a sufficient amount of medication for their time at camp. Medication should be in the original container and in a ziploc bag labeled with the child’s name, dosage and time the medication should be taken. Please hand the medication to your child’s bus counselor when you drop them off.
DENTAL CARE
It is important that your child’s dental needs are taken care of before leaving for camp. We have no dentist on the premises. If your child needs the services of a dentist or orthodontist, you will be contacted. The cost of dental work is not covered by camp medical insurance; you will be billed for the cost of any work done by a dentist or orthodontist.
GLASSES AND CONTACT LENSES
Children who wear glasses or contact lenses should bring an extra pair to camp. Glasses and cases should be marked with the camper’s name. Camp insurance does not cover repair or replacement of glasses or lenses nor does it cover normal eye care. Broken glasses will be sent to parents for repair. In the event that your child will need the services of an ophthalmologist or optometrist, you will be contacted. The cost of these services is not covered by camp medical insurance, and you will be billed for the service.
Camp Policies
key dates
Key Dates
Click here to view the camp calendar.
visiting camp
visitors days
We are excited to welcome visitors to camp in 2024! Here is the schedule:
Full Season Visitors Days
(for 8-week campers)
Sunday, July 14 – Monday, July 15, 2024 – Register Here.
We invite you to join us on Sunday from 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. and on Monday from 9:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. You’ll have the opportunity to visit with your camper, meet the staff and participate in Ramah’s unique program. Dinner is served in camp on Sunday night.
Information on hotels in the Eagle River area is available at www.eagleriver.org. Accommodations in the area fill quickly, so make your reservations as soon as possible.
Open Camp Days
(for 4-week campers)
Sunday, June 30, 2024 – Register Here.
Sunday, July 28, 2024 – Register Here.
Ramah Open Camp Days are wonderful opportunities for our new camp families to spend time with your child and to see the magic of camp in action. The Ramah Open Camp Day schedule will include time with your camper, meals, a taste of our Ramah programming and time with our Leadership Team. Camp will be open from 12:45 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
VIEWING PLAY PERFORMANCES
One of the highlights of the Camp Ramah season is the performance by each full-season division of a Broadway musical in Hebrew. All campers participate in these productions by acting, singing, dancing, choreography, costumes or lighting design.
We will also once again be livestreaming the plays so you can enjoy watching the performance from anywhere! Click here to view our Livestream channel.
2024 Musical Schedule:
July 10 – Shoafim (entering 8th grade) – Beauty and the Beast
July 18 – Bogrim (entering 9th grade) – Matilda
July 25 – Solelim (entering 7th grade) – Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
August 1 – Machon (entering 10th grade) – Mamma Mia
August 6 – Nivonim (entering 11th grade) – Les Miserables
Visiting Camp throughout the summer
If you’re interested in visiting camp at a time other than the official Visitors Days, please click here for the Visitor Request Form.
Note that this form is not for the official Visitors Days. The official Visitors Days form will be emailed prior to Visitors Days.
Overnight Visits – A stay in the camp guesthouse provides an opportunity to see the program in action on a typical day. Rates for overnight visits are $118 per adult per night. These fees include overnight lodging plus three meals a day in the camp dining hall. Please note the 8-room camp guesthouse is reserved on a first-come, first-served basis and there is a 2-night maximum stay.
Full payment must be made at the time of your reservation. You will receive an email from our Visitor Coordinator to confirm your visit.
Day Visits – You may visit camp from 10:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays by making advance reservations using the day visitor form. If you will be in camp at lunch time (1:30 p.m.) you are welcome to join us for lunch in the guest dining hall free of charge.
If you plan to visit at a time other than the official camp Visitors Days, we urge you to make your reservations as soon as possible using the form linked above. Please note that your visit is not considered booked until you receive a confirmation email.
Screen policy
Screen Policy
Camp Ramah in Wisconsin strives to create a truly “unplugged” and screen-free environment for our campers.
The only electronics campers are allowed to bring to camp are screen-less music players, digital cameras, and basic e-readers (that do not include downloadable applications). All other music players, e-readers, portable game devices, and video players that have the ability to connect to mobile data services (such as wifi and/or 3G/4G/5G) should remain at home.
Camp Ramah in Wisconsin chooses to be screen-free:
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To allow campers to fully embrace the connections they make with other campers and promote socialization between campers
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To enable our staff to build a stronger bunk and eidah community,
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To reduce the stress associated with the damage to and theft of electronics
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To ensure that our campers are not exposed to age-inappropriate material
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To remove the divide between “the haves and the have-nots” in each bunk
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Because we know that campers need a break from the world of technology and that camp is one of the few places throughout the year where kids can truly unplug
FAQs
How will my child listen to music?
Basic (screen free) music players are permitted, including the original iPod (1st, 2nd or 3rd generation), iPod Shuffle, iPod Nano, SanDisk clip, or a device like this. Camp will purchase devices for families if needed, as we recognize that this is an additional cost. If you need assistance, please reach out to Scott (stopal@ramahwisconsin.com).
How will my child take pictures?
Disposable cameras and digital cameras that are only used for taking pictures and videos are permitted. If your child is bringing a digital camera, please make sure they have sufficient memory cards and batteries, and that the device is not an expensive one.
Can my camper bring a phone to camp if they are traveling to camp from far away?
Yes and no. If your child is flying to camp, we recommend sending them with a cell phone and charger which must be given to a staff member when the camper reaches the buses or camp (depending on whether they are flying directly to camp or to Chicago). We will store these phones and chargers in our office until it’s time for the camper to return home.
While we understand that the bus ride for many campers is long, we are not allowing cell phones on the bus. We simply cannot take responsibility for hundreds of phones all summer.
My child loves screen time; how will they do without it at camp?
It is often more the anticipation of being without a phone, tablet or other relied upon device that is a hurdle for campers, rather than the time at camp. Once a child is at camp, it only takes them a day or so to acclimate to life without these electronics. Campers often also use electronics in their lives at home as a way to take a break or have some time away from social demands. We understand the need for these breaks, and we encourage kids to bring comic books, graphic novels, books, cards, art supplies, board games or any other activities that they are interested in, or that you’ve been waiting to introduce them to.
If your child is in one of our special needs programs and you have concerns about this policy, please be in touch directly with Audra Kaplan at akaplan@ramahwisconsin.com.
Gratuities
Spending Money
Campers should bring a small amount of money with them if they want to buy sports drinks or bottled water from the vending machines. We recommend that full season campers bring up to $20 and that shorter session campers bring up to $10. A machine is available to make change for $1 and $5 bills.
Finances & Cancellations
- The $600 deposit is fully refundable until January 1, 2024. Deposits are non-refundable after January 1, 2024
- All fees are non-refundable after March 1, 2024
A pro-rated refund of tuition payments made, less a $500 administrative fee, will be granted for the withdrawal of a camper at the request of the camp.
Alternative arrangements to pay the camp fee must be approved by the camp office in writing before April 1. To make arrangements contact the billing department at billing@ramahwisconsin.com.
All fees should be sent to:
Camp Ramah in Wisconsin
Attn: Billing
67 E. Madison Street, Suite 1905
Chicago, IL 60603