Ramah Darom

A view of the lake at Camp Ramah Darom

Camp Ramah Darom is a Jewish summer camp located in Clayton, Georgia, in the mountains of north Georgia. Affiliated with the Camp Ramah network in North America, it opened in 1997.[1][2][3][4][5] The camp is affiliated with the National Ramah Commission, the national parent organization that oversees all Ramah overnight camps, day camps, and Israel programs. Ramah is sponsored by the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, a main hub for Conservative Judaism.[6][7][8][9]

The Dining Hall, or Chadar O'chel

Ramah Darom is located on 122 acres (0.49 km2) of land in the Appalachian Valley. The lake is fed by mountain brooks and a 100-foot (30 m) waterfall. The camp is surrounded by over 10,000 acres (40 km2) of wilderness and hiking trails in the Chattahoochee National Forest. Ramah Darom attracts campers and staff from Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and eastern Texas. The camp is co-ed, Hebrew speaking and kosher. All staff are college or university students.[10]

The summer is divided into two four-week sessions, Aleph and Bet. Generally campers attend one session, while some opt to go both sessions. The minimum eidah (age-group) to attend either Session Aleph or Bet is Nitzanim. rising 4th graders. The minimum edah to attend both Session Aleph and Bet is Chalutzim, rising 6th graders. However, for the oldest edah, Gesher, attendance to both sessions is required.

Rabbi Sykes was the camp's first director, stepped down. He was replaced by Geoff Menkowitz, a former Assistant Director. The staff includes a delegation of Israelis.[11]

Special needs programs

The camp also hosts Camp Yofi, a special 5-day session (held before and after the main sessions) for families with autistic children.[12][13][14] Programs and activities are provided for the children and their siblings, as well as the parents.

Divisions (Edot)

  • Nitzanim ("Flower Buds"): Entering 4th grade
  • Sollelim ("Pathfinders"): Entering 5th grade
  • Chalutzim ("Pioneers"): Entering 6th grade
  • Kochavim ("Stars"): Entering 7th grade
  • Shoafim ("Strivers"): Entering 8th grade
  • Nachshonim ("Brave Ones"): Entering 9th grade
  • Nivonim ("Wise Ones"): Entering 10th grade
  • Gesher ("Bridge"): Entering 11th grade (a mandatory 8-week program)

See also

References

  1. ↑ Huriash, Lisa J. (June 19, 2009). "Local News: West Palm Beach". The Palm Beach Post. Retrieved September 15, 2010.
  2. ↑ "Swine flu confirmed at north Georgia camp", WALB News, June 18, 2009
  3. ↑ "Camps make memories that shine for years". Atlanta Journal-Constitution. February 11, 2006. Retrieved September 15, 2010.
  4. ↑ "Martial arts and music help shape new rabbi's spirit". J. August 31, 2001. Retrieved September 15, 2010.
  5. ↑ "Rabbi Bent On Undertaking Meaningful Projects In Seven Southeastern States". Florida Sun-Sentinel. December 20, 1996. Retrieved September 15, 2010.
  6. ↑ "Civic groups offer financial help for sleep-away camps", Miami Herald, December 14, 2008
  7. ↑ "Using dance and nature, fellows bring Judaism into summer camp". Jewish Telegraphic Agency. June 14, 2001. Retrieved September 15, 2010.
  8. ↑ "Faith &Values: Summer camp for the soul; Programs mix activities, outdoor fun with emphasis on religious principles". Atlanta Journal-Constitution. February 10, 2007. Retrieved September 15, 2010.
  9. ↑ "Jewish group offers summer camp aid", Miami Herald, by Rebecca Dellagloria, January 8, 2009
  10. ↑ "Camp Ramah-Atlanta (Darom)", Jewish Information and Referral Service
  11. ↑ "Israelis hail Hillel", Ynet, August 9, 2005
  12. ↑ "Waking Up To Autism". The Jewish Week. August 26, 2005. Retrieved September 15, 2010.
  13. ↑ "Conservative Groups to Share a Roof". Jewish Exponent. September 29, 2005. Retrieved September 15, 2010.
  14. ↑ "Autism and the Jewish community". Jerusalem Post. September 4, 2009. Retrieved September 15, 2010.

External links