A New Home for Ramah Day Camp Starting in 2027

For more than a decade, Ramah Day Camp has been a place where children grow, connect, and are immersed in Jewish life through friendships, discovery, and unforgettable summer experiences.

Today, we’re excited to share an important update about our future: 

Beginning in Summer 2027, Ramah Day Camp will move from the Wellspring Center to the Lower School Campus of Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School (CESJDS) in Rockville, Maryland.

A Moment of Growth and Opportunity

Ramah Day Camp is at a pivotal moment. Our community has grown significantly year-over-year, with enrollment increasing and waitlists forming earlier each season. This move allows us to welcome more campers into the Ramah family, while continuing to deliver the high-quality, values-infused program you know and love.

In parallel, we’ve heard your feedback. Families and staff have shared the need for:

• More indoor, air-conditioned space during increasingly hot summers
• Greater flexibility during inclement weather
• Enhanced arts and athletics offerings 
• Shorter bus rides for families coming from Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia

This transition responds to these considerations and positions Ramah for a strong and sustainable future.

What This Means for the Camp Experience

While our location is changing, the heart of Ramah is not. Ramah Day Camp is defined by its people, its values, and the way Jewish life is woven throughout each day.

At CESJDS, we will:

• Remain rooted in our outdoor culture of hands-on discovery and meaningful connections
• Continue immersive, experiential programming where campers explore and create
• Maintain a joyful, relationship-driven camp community rooted in Jewish identity
• Preserve fan-favorite activities including swim, archery, climbing tower, farm, and nature
• Assess the feasibility of providing lunch service 

A Natural and Meaningful Partnership

This move is more than a change in location, it’s the beginning of a valued partnership with CESJDS.

While based on a JK-Grade 5 campus, camp will not feel like school! Just as many successful summer camps operate on independent school campuses in the D.C. area and nationwide, this setting will give us more tools to bring Ramah to life in new and exciting ways.

Both Ramah and CESJDS share a deep commitment to vibrant, immersive Jewish experiences and community building, including more access points into Jewish life across the region and an investment in a bright Jewish future. 

Our Commitment to Every Camper and Family

As the Ramah Day Camp experience evolves, our commitment to each and every child will remain a constant.

Our personalized approach to camper care, inclusion, and support is a cornerstone of the Ramah experience, and our new location will allow us to expand accessibility for even more families over time.

What Comes Next

Summer 2026 will take place at Wellspring, giving our community one more summer in a place filled with 12 years of memories. 

There will be opportunities to learn more about the upcoming move and be an active part of this transition. This FAQ page will be updated in the fall and onward, as we confirm our swimming location, bus stops, before- and after-care offerings, and other operational items. 

With gratitude and excitement for what’s ahead,

Rabbi Jill Levy, Director
Sharon Rosenberg Safra, Associate Director
Rabbi Ed Gelb, CEO, Ramah New England