Special Events
In a typical summer, our program includes these special events:
Yom Sport
Yom Sport, also known popularly as Color War, is a Ramah fixture and a summer camp classic. This day of camp-wide exhibition in sports, arts, and team-building exercises only comes once per summer. Though the competition is tight, we emphasize sportsmanship and cooperation to maximize both personal and athletic growth in our campers.
Yom Yisrael
Yom Yisrael, or Israel Day, also takes place once during the summer and is largely planned and run by our mishlachat, our delegation of Israeli counselors. Campers are typically “transported” to Israel where they get a taste of Israeli culture, music and food, hear from our Israeli staff about everyday life in Eretz Yisrael, and learn about the varied topography or about the different characteristics of cities and sites throughout the country. The focus of the day is Ahavat Yisrael, love of Israel.
Zimkudiyah
The word Zimkudiyah is a combination of zimriyah (song festival) and rikudiyah (dance festival). We have so much of both at Camp Ramah that we had to create a word to describe doing both of them together! Our Zimkudiyah gives campers the opportunity to perform Israeli music and dance for the entire camp and parents! Campers may learn complicated dance steps to Israeli hip-hop music, or they may learn a more traditional circle dance for their performance. Contemporary Israeli pop songs mix with new melodies using traditional liturgy. The entire event is an extravaganza of song, dance, and fun.
Our first Zimkudiyah on July 21, 2016 was an epic event showcasing the wide repertoire of our still new music program to over 300 guests with a beautiful setting sun over camp. Since then, our annual Zimkudiyah is a highlight of our summer and brings together our entire camp community.
Yom Meyuchad (Special Themed Day)
Each week a yom meyuchad (special day) changes the daily rhythm of camp life. We set aside the regular camp schedule to make time for exciting and different day-long programming. A Ramah Yom Meyuchad offers our counselors the unique opportunity to provide a cohesive programmatic and educational experience for our campers.
In addition to in-camp yom meyuchad programming, each session features an out-of-camp day trip in the Montgomery County / Frederick / NoVa area. Trips have included: water parks, miniature golf, petting farms, berry-picking, kids museums, local creameries, nature centers and baseball games.
Late Nights
Campers going into 2nd grade (Garinim edah), 3rd grade (Etzim edah), and 4th-5th grades (Nitzanim edah) have the special opportunity to stay late at our facility for additional programming and dinner. Campers and their staff have camp to themselves for group bonding and games.