National Ramah Tikvah Network:
Overnight Camp Programs
Berkshires
Wingdale, NY
Elisheva Layman Salant
Tikvah Director
(845) 832-6622
Yael Wallen
Family Relations & Outreach Coordinator
(845) 832-6622
The Tikvah Program currently consists of two tracks:
Breira B’Ramah is a full session inclusion program for campers who need additional support. Campers in Breira live in a bunk, side-by-side with their peers of the same age. All three counselors in the bunk are specially trained to support all of the campers within the bunk. We serve a variety of campers, including those with ADHD, anxiety, autism, communication disorders, developmental and intellectual disabilities.
The Tikvah residential program offers campers ages 11-15 the complete scope of Camp’s activities throughout the course of a session. Some of our sessions run for 12 days and others run for close to four weeks. The program is designed for campers who require a higher need of support and may be diagnosed with intellectual or developmental delays, autism spectrum disorders and neurological impairments. The highly structured day offers various opportunities to learn and grow through real camp experience. Campers participate in classic camp activities, such as swimming, athletics, performing and visual arts, and outdoor adventure. They sleep in a separate bunk and have dedicated Tikvah staff. The bunk is equipped with air-conditioning and the staff-to-camper ratio is higher than in a typical bunk.
The Amitzim edah (division) is for 10- to 17-year-old campers with disabilities. Our Amitzim campers have opportunities to participate in all our camp programming alongside their peers, with the possibility of support and modifications as necessary. The Amitzim edah is staffed by thoughtful, skilled counselors with a higher camper-counselor ratio. Some highlights of the Amitzim program are:
An everyday buddy program with our Kochavim campers
An overnight and day trip out of camp
Programming with our Machon campers including Maccabia (color wars) and Manhigut (counselors in training)
Specially crafted programs by dedicated, fun madrichim (counselors)
The Tikvah Program is a six-week program for teens with developmental disabilities, ages 12-22. The program provides recreational, social, and educational experiences for campers with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Campers in the Tikvah program enjoy swimming, hiking, sports, and arts and crafts, and also attend daily services, study Hebrew, and learn Jewish customs. Each camper is integrated into the ongoing activities of the camp according to his or her abilities.
The Henry and Annette Gibson Tikvah Support Program at Ramah Darom supports campers and young adults with neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, intellectual disabilities, communication disorders, ADHD, anxiety disorders and other disabilities.
Tikvah Support for Campers: Ramah Darom offers a continuum of care for campers with a wide range of needs. Depending on needs and preferences, campers supported by Tikvah may either reside in a traditional cabin or stay in our uniquely designed cabin, which affords smaller groupings and a more homey environment. Whichever cabin a camper resides in, they will be a part of an integrated aidah (age division) with same-age peers.
Mini-Amitzim is an incredible 2-week “Taste of Ramah” for children ages 10-12 with learning, social, and developmental differences. Campers in this program require a higher level of support. They are accompanied to activities by their Amitzim staff and enjoy swimming, arts and crafts, sports, electives, Jewish education, Israeli culture, Shabbat and are included in chugim (electives) and activities with other edot (divisions.)
Amitzim is a 4-week or 8-week overnight camping program serving 13- to 18-year-olds with learning, social, and developmental differences, including developmental and intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, and neurological impairments. Campers in this program require a higher level of support. Amitzim campers live in accessible bunks with specially trained counselors and participate in an extensive camping program that includes swimming, a variety of electives, sports, Jewish cultural experiences, participation in all-camp programs and activities with other edot (divisions) throughout the day.
Individualized Support is provided for camper-age children and teens who live in and participate in the daily activities of a typical bunk. Campers receive additional support and accommodations as needed to assist them to successfully participate in the full range of camp activities.
The Tikvah Program, founded in 2016 in Ramah Galim’s inaugural summer, is a two-week program for campers with mild to moderate intellectual and developmental disabilities. Campers in the Tikvah program participate in a wide range of camp activities in three specialty tracks: performing arts, ocean exploration, and adventure sports. Special activities include kayaking, surfing, horseback riding, swimming, singing and dancing, rock climbing, Shabbat, overnights, havdalah on the beach, and bonding with friends.
The Tikvah Program at Camp Ramah in the Poconos offers children and young adults with special needs and their families a continuum of experiences and opportunities for growth in the areas of Jewish identity, socialization, independence and much more. The Tikvah Program at Camp Ramah in the Poconos is an integral part of our camp and enhances the entire community. Currently serving campers with a wide range of needs, including developmental and intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, learning differences, and neurological impairments, we are continuously innovating to develop new opportunities and experiences for our campers and their families.
Our inclusion program offers campers an opportunity to fully participate in all aspects of our camp program while living and learning with their neurotypical peers and receiving varying levels of support.
Our Tikvah Residential Program, or Yedidim, is for teenagers ages 13-17. Yedidim offers campers the complete scope of Camp Ramah’s activities within a supported environment, providing the tools they need to successfully navigate daily living activities and the social aspects of camp. Our program serves campers with a wide range of disabilities, including developmental and intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, and neurological impairments. While our campers come to us with varying diagnoses, they all have difficulty making and maintaining age-appropriate peer relationships. Our highly staffed and structured programmatic day offers participants various opportunities to learn and grow through real summer camp experiences within a safe, nurturing environment that promotes independence, social skills and self-confidence.
At Ramah in the Rockies, we believe that all Jewish children should be able to experience the transformative experience of Jewish summer camp. We know that each child has their own mental, emotional, social, and physical needs, and whenever possible, we will work closely with parents and guardians to develop a customized plan to enable their child to succeed in our community. At the same time, we know that there are some children we are not able to serve for a variety of reasons, and we will work with parents and guardians to find a Jewish summer camp that is suitable for their child. Read more
For nearly 50 years, Camp Ramah in Wisconsin has proudly welcomed campers with unique challenges and disabilities as part of Tikvah and Atzmayim.
During the 2021 season, we successfully piloted a new approach to inclusion we call Shiluv (integration) which is a continuation of gradual changes made to our programs over the last decade in ongoing dialogue with camper families and experts in special education.
Shiluv provides opportunities for campers with various types of challenges and disabilities to live in cabins with their peers. Campers receive additional staff supervision and participate in the day-to-day life of their eidah (age group), which enhances our entire camp community. During our camper intake process, we work with families to develop individually tailored plans for each camper based on each child’s specific needs for a successful summer at camp.