2027 Site Relocation

We are deep in planning and preparing for an AWESOME final kayitz (summer) at Wellspring and Neelsville Presbyterian Church (Big Idea campus). We have so many great things happening this summer. Stay tuned for our annual May program email with lots of details.

Over the last 12 years our Ramah DC Day Camp community has grown tremendously! With increased enrollment, we have outgrown the Wellspring site, both in terms of its size and the facility’s ability to support the full scope of our program. Moving to the CESJDS Lower School provides an opportunity to grow our offerings, enhance the overall experience with greater access to indoor AND outdoor spaces, and welcome more campers, all while staying true to the core of what makes Ramah unique.

Throughout our site search we prioritized a location that would allow us to both continue to offer our core summer camp activities, and expand in new and unique ways. We will continue to have tefillah, Yahadut (Judaics), sports, Har Ramah, archery, daily swimming, a wide array of chugim (electives), and much more. In Fall 2026, we will provide a more detailed overview of the exciting programmatic elements of Ramah DC Day Camp for 2027 and beyond!

With access to expanded facilities and infrastructure, we will be able to introduce new program areas, enhance existing activities, and create even more dynamic camper experiences.

Beyond programming, this collaboration with CESJDS reflects a shared commitment to vibrant Jewish life and community building, and will create additional touchpoints for connection and engagement across the region.

We have partnered with CESJDS in the past to offer STEM activities, as a source of expertise, and as a network for outstanding counselors and other staff. The move will deepen the partnership which we see will grow and strengthen Ramah Day Camp in the coming years.

The CESJDS Lower School offers a dynamic and flexible environment for Ramah Day Camp. The campus includes air-conditioned indoor facilities, sports courts, playgrounds, outdoor fields, and ample room for both structured and creative programming. As an active, year-round campus, it also has established security systems and procedures in place.

The expanded environment will allow us to continue running seamless camp days, even during extreme heat or rain, ensuring a consistent and comfortable experience for campers and staff.

This decision was guided by a committee of Board members, parents, founders, rabbis, communal professionals and the Ramah year-round professional team.

Together, this group brought deep knowledge of our community and a shared commitment to ensuring that Ramah Day Camp’s next chapter reflects both our values and flexibility for future growth. 

Swimming will remain a core part of the Ramah Day Camp schedule. We are working on details regarding location and logistics, and will share more information as plans are confirmed.

Transportation planning is underway. An advantage of the new location is its closer proximity to many families in Montgomery County, Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia. We anticipate more efficient bus routes and shorter bus rides for many campers. 

Offering a lunch program at CESJDS is important to us! We are actively exploring tasty, nutritious, and kosher options for families so that parents won’t have to pack. We will share more details as they become available!