Har Ramah: Reaching New Heights

Three children wearing helmets and harnesses climb a red rope net and poles on an outdoor climbing structure, while an adult in a green shirt supervises. Trees and grass are visible in the background.

The newest addition to camp this summer is our climbing tower – Har Ramah.  Popular among both our youngest and oldest chanichim (campers), there is a challenge for everyone!  All of our chanichim have the opportunity to try Har Ramah during z’man migvan (group time) or specialize in climbing for a week in the Har Ramah chug (elective).

A young child wearing a blue helmet, harness, and camouflage dress smiles while climbing on a structure made of large, colorful plastic rings outdoors.    Two children wearing helmets and harnesses climb a tall outdoor climbing structure with ladders and a rock wall, surrounded by green trees.

Getting to the top of Har Ramah is the ultimate goal for many chanichim, but the true pleasure is watching all of the chanichim show tremendous determination.  Many who can barely make it up the first section, or have a fear of heights, are making it to the top on their second or third attempt.  They are learning coordination, building physical and mental strength, and conquering fears.

A young girl wearing a blue helmet and climbing harness smiles at the camera. She stands on a colorful striped mat outdoors, with adults and safety equipment visible in the background. A woman in a green shirt helps a young girl wearing a blue helmet and face mask climb a structure made of large blue and red tires outdoors, surrounded by trees and gravel. A child wearing a helmet high-fives an adult in a green shirt at an outdoor climbing activity, surrounded by trees, orange cones, and safety ropes. The scene is lively and set on a gravel path. A child wearing a helmet and harness climbs through large, colorful tire rings on an outdoor climbing structure, with trees in the background.

You can hear the chants and cheers before even getting near the climbing area.  The tap of the buzzer at the top of the wall can be heard around camp, spreading tremendous joy knowing a fellow camper has succeeded!  Chanichim and madrichim (counselors) are always eager to cheer on their fellow climbers.  “You can do it!” “You did such a great job.” The chants are always positive, no matter how far an individual climbs.

Developing self-confidence and supporting teammates are always on full display at Har Ramah!

A young girl wearing a helmet and harness climbs an outdoor rock wall, smiling at the camera. Trees and green grass are visible in the background on a sunny day. Children and adults gather around an outdoor climbing tower with ropes and tires. A child is climbing near the top, while others watch and wait, surrounded by trees and summer sunlight. A young boy wearing a helmet and harness climbs a rock wall at Ramah Day Camp. He is holding onto orange climbing bars, surrounded by green trees and sunlight. A young girl in a helmet and harness climbs a red rope net on an outdoor climbing structure, while a woman in a green shirt looks up and smiles. The background is filled with green trees.

The climbing tower was generously supported by dozens of members of our camp community. A matching grant program was made possible by JCamp 180®, a program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. A lead gift was provided by Nan and David Bender. Todah Rabbah!







Categories: Program Highlights
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