Sha’ar – Hebrew Immersion Program

Sha’ar (S’fat Ivrit B’Ramah) is a Hebrew language immersion 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 gain proficiency in Hebrew as they participate in a myriad of activities—swim, sports, arts and crafts, and more.

Sha’ar campers are part of their edah (division) and participate in the same daily schedule, with few differences.  First, the madrichim (counselors) working with Sha’ar children speak only in Hebrew throughout the camp day.  The majority of the Sha’ar staff come from Israel, but several are American-born Hebrew speakers.  Second, during the edah’s Yahadut (Jewish learning) period, Sha’ar campers will participate in a special Hebrew activity.  These 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 Hebrew-led chug run by  Sha’ar madrichim. They will be running, playing, swimming, singing, and laughing along with their edah, just in Hebrew!

The Sha’ar program at Ramah Day Camp is operated in collaboration with Kayitz Kef / Hebrew At Camp. 

Sha’ar Dates & Fees for 2025:

In 2025, our Sha’ar program will be offered to campers currently in Pre-K through 1st grades.  In order to get the most from this immersive Hebrew experience, campers must attend for the full 7-week camp season.

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 Immersion Program	Tuition Rates
Full Summer (June 23-August 8*) Campers currently in Pre-K through 1st grade are eligible.	$4735 (that's a full summer discount of $175!)

PLEASE NOTE: **Ramah Day Camp will be closed on Friday, July 4 for Independence Day. 

^ The early bird discount will be applied to all camper applications received by Thursday, December 12, 2024.

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