FAQS

Below you will find some of our most frequently asked general camp questions.  We also realize there is some uncertainly due to the ongoing pandemic.  It is possible that some of the information below may change due to COVID-related health guidelines. We will communicate our protocols as we get closer to the summer.

Where are the bus stops located? What is the timing for bus pick ups and drop offs?

Our bus schedule changes slightly from year to year depending on the number of children registered from various locations throughout the greater DC area.  For more information about our bus offerings as well as a list of stops offered during Kayitz (Summer) 2023, please read our Transportation page.

Can my child choose his/her activities? What activities do you offer?

At Ramah we believe in a well-rounded camp program, exposing our campers to sports, arts, and outdoor education. We also know that some campers prefer a more specialized daily program. At Ramah, you can have it all.  In a typical summer, the day allows our campers electives with a wide range of options. Fill your day with sports, or try a few different programs. In addition daily hugim (electives), all of our campers receive swim instruction, learn Jewish and Israeli songs and dances, and acquire the very best in informal Jewish education, where our experienced yahadut educators infuse Jewish values and texts into everyday camp activities.

To learn more, please click here.

How are the age groups divided?

Our edot (divisions — the Hebrew word literally means “tribes”) are co-ed and age-specific. Shorashim, our youngest edah, is for campers entering kindergarten after camp. Anafim, our second edah, is for campers entering 1st grade after camp. Garinim is the edah for campers entering 2nd grade, Etzim is the edah for campers entering 3rd grade, and Nitzanim, our oldest edah, is for campers entering grades 4 and 5 after camp.

What are the sessions? What is your minimum amount of weeks?

In 2024, we will once again offer three two-week sessions and a final add-on week.  Campers may register for a single session or any combination of sessions. Of course, we love when families take advantage of our full summer discount and enroll their child(ren) for all 7 weeks!  For specific session dates or general Dates & Rates information, please click here.

Are scholarships available?

Financial aid is available. Applications for financial aid will be accessible in your online camp account by mid-November, after you complete your camper application. The deadline for financial aid applications is Monday, February 12, 2024.  (Applications received after that time will be considered on a rolling basis IF funds remain.) We do all that we can to make it possible for everyone to experience a summer at Ramah.  If you have questions about the financial aid process, please contact us.

Do you provide lunch?

Campers are asked to bring a nut-free dairy or parve lunch to camp. To learn more, please click here.

Do you offer aftercare?

Ramah Day Camp works with community partners to offer reliable aftercare options throughout the Greater DC area.  In the past, we have offered partnered with MoEd at Ohr Kodesh Congregation in Chevy Chase to offer coverage until 6 p.m.  (MoEd is typically closed during our final week of camp.) Click here for more information.

If you are aware of another partner agency in the Greater DC area who might be interested in working with Ramah to offer an additional aftercare option, please be in touch with us.

Can you tell me about security around the campgrounds?

Wellspring is private property and camp is closed to the general public. With safety and security as our top priority, camp is observed by a uniformed security guard at all times during camp hours. All guests, including parents, must be announced. Ramah staff wear camp shirts and visible ID cards at all times to identify our staff.

Do you offer sibling discounts?

We know that the cost of camp can be more difficult with more campers in one family. We want to help make camp affordable to everyone through scholarships. Financial aid is available and the deadline for applications is Monday, February 12.  If you have questions or would like to learn more about the process, please contact Sharon, Associate Director.

What does my child need to bring with him/her to camp?

Check out our extensive daily backpack checklist!

Can we request that my camper be placed in a group with a friend?

Yes, campers in our general program may complete a Friend Request form and ask to be with another child in their same grade.  Campers in our Sha’ar Hebrew immersion program are grouped together with other children their age registered for this specialty track.

All campers spend their day in programming with other campers their age. Whether or not your child comes to camp knowing lots of other children or no one, our staff works hard to integrate each individual into the group and facilitate new friendships between campers.

How many days of swimming do you have?

With the exception of trip days and other special events, campers swim daily. Most days include swim instruction, with free swim on Fridays as a pre-Shabbat treat!

What is the swimming evaluation procedure?

On the first day of a child’s session, swim instructors evaluate our campers to find their appropriate swim class for their level. In addition, after you register for camp, we will ask you to share relevant information about your child’s swim experience on one of our pre-camp forms.

What is the counselor to camper ratio overall?

We operate on a staff to camper ratio of approximately 1:5.

How do you handle inclement weather?

In the event of heavy rain, thunder and/or lightening, our staff have a number of indoor and covered activities to keep the campers engaged and having fun. Our property is equipped with indoor, air-conditioned spaces as well as a large outdoor pavilion to keep the whole camp safe, cool and dry.

In the event of extreme heat, we have a number of shaded spots on campus in addition to our indoor, air-conditioned space. We always encourage campers to drink water and will adjust our activities as needed to keep the kids safe and cool.