COVID Update – June 2021

Dear Ramah Parents,

We cannot wait to open our doors on June 28th!  This email contains updated FAQs related to kvutzah size, masking, swimming, parent expectations, and the open house at Wellspring.  There is also information about our June 7th Parent Orientation, a copy of our Day Camp Summer Calendar and a link to our Parent Handbook.  Please read the entire email carefully. You can refer to our COVID Update & FAQ page for a complete FAQ list.

Regulations have evolved over time.  Currently, Maryland and Montgomery County are mostly following the CDC guidelines, published May 28.  After reading the guidance, we met with our medical committee to update our procedures for this summer.  We know that change can be difficult and exciting.   Our goal is to be COVID safe while also balancing the dangers of hot Maryland summers and creating a positive camper experience.  As always, protocols may continue to change.

Please see our new/updated FAQs below:

How many campers will be in my child’s kvutzah this summer?

Each kvutzah (camp group) will have approximately 15 campers and 3-4 counselors.  This will be your child’s main unit.  We do plan to “capsule” (that’s Hebrew for pod) two groups together for certain outdoor activities during the day, such as: swim, tefilah electives, and afternoon bechirot.  This will allow campers to have some choice of activities during their camp day and to make more friends.

When will my child be required to wear a mask at camp? 

All campers and staff, regardless of vaccination status, will be required to wear a mask at the following times:

• While indoors
• While riding a bus
• Outside during a camp-wide activity such as rikud & aseifat boker (morning gathering)
• Outside during tefilah and/or shira (singing)

When will my child NOT be required to wear a mask? 

We are excited by the declining case rates in our area, which are now below 3 per 100,000 people.  As long as the numbers remain low, we will adhere to the following:

Campers will not be required to wear a mask outside while with their capsule, in the pool or while eating.  Of course, your child is welcome to keep their mask on whenever you, or they, would like.

Please note, if the case rate trend should increase, we will consult with our medical team to update any protocols and then communicate new decisions with families and staff.

Will there be swimming this summer? 

If you heard tears of joy from miles away, it was the Day Camp Staff receiving confirmation that yes, we will have a daily swim program. We are working out the details with our partners and hope to have more information to communicate next week via email and during our Parent Orientation.

What do we need from our families for a safe and successful summer? 

Please make sure that you have submitted all forms and payment, if you have not yet done so. We will also need you to send your child to camp in a bathing suit and fill out the My Med Bot symptom screener every morning.  You will receive more information about the app in the next couple weeks.

Will there be an opportunity for registered families to see Ramah Day Camp at the Wellspring Conference Center?

Yes! We hope you can join us for an IN-PERSON “Meet the Staff” on Sunday, June 27th.  We will have two shifts to limit the number of people on-site at once.  The first shift (child last name A-L) will be from 1-2 PM and the second shift (child last name M-Z) will be from 2:30-3:30 PM. Please plan to exit the site by the end of your scheduled time block.

Remember our Parent Orientation is THIS Monday, June 7th at 8:00 PM, at THIS ZOOM LINK.  This session will be recorded.  We are also excited to share our summer calendar.

We are so grateful to each of you for being our partners. We cannot wait to see all of your faces in person soon.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Jill Levy