A Spotlight on Camper Care by Elisheva Layman

Four children wearing masks stand together under a pavilion in a wooded outdoor area. Three children wear casual summer clothes, and one wears a dress. Picnic tables are in the background.
I have had the privilege of working in the Tikvah (inclusion) program at Camp Ramah in New England since the kayitz (summer) of 2008. As a madricha (counselor), rosh edah (division head) and now Tikvah Director, the Tikvah program is definitely my favorite part of camp. Here at Ramah DC, we value camper care and inclusion, above all else. We prioritize the health and safety of our hanichim (campers) and we take the approach that each camper should be seen and treated as an individual. We have an amazing team of yoetzim (parent liaisons) who work closely with our tzevet (staff) and families to ensure that each camper is getting the support that they need and deserve. Some of our tzevet work as one-to-one shadows and the rest of our tzevet are trained in best practices that ensure camper success.

 

A group of young children and an adult, all wearing face masks, stand on a dirt path in a lush, green forest. The children pose playfully while the adult stands behind them, smiling and making a peace sign.
A smiling camp counselor stands with his arm around a young boy, both wearing gray shirts and shorts, outdoors on a grassy field with trees and other campers in the background.
Four smiling children sit and stand on bright blue playground blocks outside on a sunny day. Two girls in yellow shirts stand behind, while two others sit in front, one wearing a blue shirt and the other a gray shirt. Trees are in the background.

 

One of the most special places in camp is our cheder menucha (break/sensory room). This is a room in our mercaz (central programming space) where campers can find a trampoline, bean bag chairs, calming lights and sensory toys to be used all around camp. Many hanichim frequent this space throughout each day to get a little break and reset for the rest of an amazing day at camp!

 

We are proud that we can support hanichim with a wide range of abilities and strengths. Our tzevet are trained to lookout for everyone in their kvutzah and to think creatively about how to solve a problem. If you ever have a question about how your hanich or hanicha is doing at camp- feel free to reach out to someone on our team!

 

A child and an adult, both wearing masks, sit at a table working on a craft project together. The adult assists the child as they focus on arranging colorful materials. Empty chairs and tables are in the background. Two young girls sit on the grass with a woman kneeling behind them, all smiling at the camera in a sunny outdoor park. Other people are visible in the background near a playground. Three children wearing colorful face masks sit on the floor indoors, next to a red bin and bunk beds. They appear to be in a camp or cabin setting, with wooden walls and a stone fireplace behind them. A young boy in blue swim goggles and a woman in sunglasses smile while standing together in a swimming pool. Other people are visible in the background enjoying the water.






Categories: Anafim, Garinim, Nitzanim, Program Highlights, Sha'ar, Shorashim
Share:
View All Posts