Sha’ar – Hebrew Enrichment Program

Sha’ar (S’fat Ivrit B’Ramah) is a Hebrew language enrichment program at Ramah Day Camp Greater DC.  Started at our sister camp, Ramah Nyack, and piloted here in DC in the summer of 2017, Sha’ar gives its participants an opportunity to build their Hebrew skills as they participate in a myriad of activities—swim, sports, arts and crafts, and more.

A smiling woman sits indoors between two children, all holding colorful paper cards with Hebrew writing. They are seated on a couch with large windows and green trees visible outside.Sha’ar campers are part of their edah (division) and participate in the same daily schedule, with a few differences. Sha’ar madrichim (counselors) speak only in Hebrew with their campers during the day.  The majority of the Sha’ar staff come from Israel, but several are American-born Hebrew speakers. Sha’ar campers participate in special Hebrew activities 2-3 times a week. These Sha’ar-specific activities are hands-on and experiential, geared towards contextualizing the Hebrew they are hearing and speaking throughout the day. Additionally, while Sha’ar campers have chugim (electives) along with their peers, these campers have an option to participate in a few Hebrew-led chugim run by fluent Hebrew–speaking staff. They will be running, playing, swimming, singing, and laughing along with their edah, just in Hebrew! 

Logo with Kayitz Kef in blue and gold text above a green oval that reads Summers of Fun, A lifetime of Hebrew in white.The Sha’ar program at Ramah Day Camp is operated in collaboration with Kayitz Kef / Hebrew At Camp. 

Sha’ar Dates & Fees for 2027:

In 2027, our Sha’ar program will be offered to campers currently in Pre-K through 1st grades.  Sha’ar is a seven-week program for campers currently in Pre-K (PK4) and Kindergarten since consistency is the foundation of an immersive experience. For campers currently in 1st grade, we are offering a 4-week and 7-week Sha’ar program option.

A Sha’ar program fee covers some of the added staff and programming expenses.  Please see below for the dates and tuition rates for the different edot (age groups).  The Sha’ar program fee is included in the rates seen here.  For additional information about financial aid, deposits, and our cancellation policies, please go to our Dates & Rates page.

Sha'ar Hebrew Enrichment Program Tuition Rates Early Bird Rates^ Early Bird Discount^
Full Summer
(June 21-August 6*)
Campers currently in Pre-K through 1st grade are eligible.		 $4910
(that's a full summer discount of $175!)		 $4875 $210
4-Week Sha'ar Program^
(June 21-July 16*)
Campers currently in 1st grade are eligible.		 $2905 $2785 $120

PLEASE NOTE: **Ramah Day Camp will be closed on Monday, July 5 for Independence Day. 

^ The early bird discount will be applied to all camper applications received by Monday, December 14, 2026.

Please call our office or contact Director Sharon Rosenberg Safra with questions.