Why Choose Ramah
Sha’ar: A Hebrew Immersion Program
Boker Tov Machaneh Ramah Yomi!
(Good morning Ramah Day Camp!)
For decades, chanichim (campers) have been greeted with this iconic phrase each at d’galim – our flag raising morning ritual. Ramah Day Camp has a proud history of interweaving Hebrew language into the day’s activities through the use of activity names, songs, and stories.
This Hebrew learning and immersion is taken to another elevated level through our Sha'ar Program.
Sha’ar Philadelphia is a Hebrew language immersion program at Ramah Day Camp. All aspects of the camp day are conducted in Hebrew, giving the children an opportunity to gain proficiency while they participate in the full Ramah Day Camp schedule of activities–swim, sports, arts and crafts, and more. Campers learn to understand and speak Hebrew naturally, by listening to and speaking with their counselors and peers.
Sha’ar is embedded in the following edot (age divisions): Gurim (current pre-pre-k), Shorashim (current pre-K), Cochavim (current Kindergarten), Nitzanim (current first grade), and Alonim (current second grade).
Registration
The Sha’ar program is open to campers up to 2nd grade. Your camper must first be registered for the first session or full summer to be eligible to participate in Sha’ar. If you are interested, please be in touch with RDC Interim Director, Sofy Maxman at sofym@ramahpoconos.org
Sha’ar Philadelphia has a higher staff/child ratio, and specialized training for the Sha’ar staff in order to ensure the most effective program. Therefore, there is an additional fee of $300 for participating in Sha’ar. *Please note, if you are applying for financial aid, this additional fee will be factored into your tuition and your award.
Space will be limited to one group of chanichim (campers) per edah (age division), who will be accepted after a conversation with either Gili Bitan, Director of Sha’ar or Sofy Maxman, Interim Director of the Ramah Day Camp.
Sha’ar Philadelphia is part of the National Ramah Sha’ar Hebrew program. It is made possible with guidance from the Areivim Philanthropic Group and The Foundation for Jewish Camp.
Sha'ar FAQ's
What is Sha'ar Philadelphia
Sha’ar Philadelphia is a Hebrew language immersion program at Ramah Day Camp. All aspects of the camp day will be conducted in Hebrew, giving the children an opportunity to gain proficiency as they participate in the myriad activities – swim, sports, arts and crafts, and more – that make the camp day so magical.
Can my child attend for one session only?
In order to get the most from this immersive Hebrew experience, children must attend either the first session or the full camp season. Please call our office to discuss your specific situation further.
My child doesn't know any Hebrew. Can they participate?
Yes! The program will include children at all ability levels. Your child can be a Sha’ar camper whether they know only a word or two or they have already been in a Hebrew pre-school or kindergarten environment.
Is there an additional fee for participating in Sha’ar Philadelphia?
Sha’ar Philadelphia will have its own Rosh Edah (division head), a higher staff/child ratio and specialized training for the Sha’ar staff in order to ensure the most effective program. Therefore, there is an additional fee of $300.
*Please note, if you are applying for financial aid, this additional fee will be factored into your tuition and your award
What does 'Sha'ar' mean?
The word Sha’ar serves as an acronym for the Hebrew words “Sfat Ivrit b’Ramah” (Hebrew language at Ramah) and means “gate” or “portal.” Talented Israeli and American counselors will be leading the way as these campers go forth--playing, running, singing, sliding, and scoring, hakol b’ivrit (all in Hebrew)!
Who will be running this program?
Gili Bitan will be our Rosh Sha’ar (Sha’ar Director). In addition to working at Ramah Day Camp, Gili has taught in numerous area preschools and religious schools bringing Hebrew, Israel and Judaism to life. Working closely with Sofy and with a network of camp professionals around the country, Gili will nurture the development of the Sha’ar Philadelphia program, bringing it to fruition this summer.
I still have some questions. How can I find out more information?
We suggest that you register your child if you think that they are likely to attend, as space is limited. If you have any pressing concerns or questions, please email or call Sofy Maxman or 215.885.8556.