Grow With Us!

As chanichim (campers) mature, do does our camp program! Below is the overview by edah (division):

Gurim (pre-pre K)

First opportunity to experience camp!

• Chanichim (campers) get a taste of all of the different program areas with sport, omanut (art), teva (nature) etc.
• Focus on basic pool skills – getting comfortable in the water, putting their heads under and, as appropriate, basic stroke skill development (kicking, moving arms, etc.)
• One “undernight” experience where chanichim (campers) stay after camp for special programming and dinner!

Shorashim (current pre-K)

• Increased time in all program areas, allowing for increased skill development
• Larger edah (division) of campers allows for more peer social skill development
• First opportunity to enroll in Sha’ar: Philadelphia – our Hebrew immersion program
• One “undernight” experience where chanichim (campers) stay after camp for special programming and dinner!

Cochavim (current Kindergarteners)

• First regular opportunity to develop skills on the Ropes Course
• Increased time in program activities to further develop interest and skill
• Sha’ar Philadelphia: A Hebrew Immersion program – all Cochavim campers are invited to participate in this unique program that offers the Ramah Day Camp experience, in Hebrew. For more information, check out our Sha’ar program.
• One “undernight” experience where chanichim (campers) stay after camp for special programming and dinner!

Nitzanim (current 1st graders)

• Choice becomes part of the regular weekly schedule. The choices vary, but, generally include drama, dance, art, woodworking, sport and ropes.
• Nitzanim participate in an out-of-camp hiking trip that focuses on outdoor education skills and some basic camping skills.
• Sha’ar Philadelphia: A Hebrew Immersion program – all Nitzanim campers are invited to participate in this unique program that offers the Ramah Day Camp experience, in Hebrew. For more information, check out our Sha’ar program.
• One “undernight” experience where chanichim (campers) stay after camp for special programming and dinner!

Alonim (current 2nd graders)

• Chanichim (campers) have an opportunity to select an activity they want to explore more deeply over the course of a session. Options have included sport, teva, performing arts, omanut (art), woodworking and outdoor adventure.
• Archery is offered as an option for the first time.
• First sleepover at camp!

Solelim (current 3rd graders)

• Chanichim (campers) further hone their camping skills by participating in a 2-day, 1-night hiking and camping trip where they sleep in tents.
• The majority of their day is filled with self-selected activities: sport, omanut (art), teva (nature), nagarut (woodworking) and more through bechirah (choice) options.

Arazim Alef & Bet (current 4th & 5th graders)

Arazim is a two-year program that builds on the development of your child’s skills and preferences and shifts slightly each year.

• Each summer, Arazim chanichim (campers) participate in a 3-day 2-night trip, generally at a campsite.
• The majority of their day is filled with self-selected activities.

Etgar (current 6th & 7th graders)

Etgar is a two-year program the begins to give your child leadership responsibilities at camp.

• Their weekly schedule is set up differently than the rest of the edot (age groups).
• They have two trips out of camp each week: One that is focused on tikkun olam, social action, and one that is just for fun.
• Etgar chanichim (campers) have a 3-day 2-night trip where they will explore sights and sounds of another city. Previous locations have included Washington D.C. and Harrisburg/Lancaster County.
• Etgar chanichim serve as Maccabiah junior captains, helping to bring energy, ruach (spirit) and good sportsmanship to their teams.
• They are partnered with our younger edot (age groups) as “buddies’ and help them during t’fillot (prayers) and on special program days.
• They assist the tzevet (staff) in planning a component of Yom Yisrael.

Mem.I.T – Madrichim (counselors)-in-Training (current 8th & 9th graders)

While Mem.I.Ts are technically campers, the program is designed to provide hands-on, meaningful experiences and training in order to best prepare them for a position working with children.

• Leadership education
• Hands on experiences with tzrifim (bunks) or with a program area specialist
• Team building opportunities
• Social opportunities including out of camp trips and a 3-day 2 night camping experience.

Edah Assistant (current 10th graders)

If a Mem.I.T has completed one summer in the Mem.I.T program, and is currently in 10th grade, they can apply to be an Edah Assistant at camp. This position comes with a salary and learning opportunities that will allow your child to prepare to be a madrichim/madrichah (counselor) at Ramah.