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 2024:
In order to get the most from this immersive Hebrew experience, our younger campers (those currently in Pre-K through 1st grade) must attend for the full 7-week camp season. Sha’ar for campers currently in 2nd grades is a 4-week program, which allows those interested to spend time at overnight camp as well. Campers who prefer to spend more time at Ramah Day Camp are encouraged to register for additional weeks in our general program.
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.
| Grade of Camper | Sha'ar Program Dates** | Tuition Rate | Length of Sha'ar Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| Campers currently in Pre-K (PK4), Kindergarten & 1st grade | Monday, June 24** – Friday, August 9 | $4510 This includes our full summer discount of $175! (^Early bird rate of $4485) |
7 Weeks |
| Campers currently in 2nd grade* | Monday, June 24** – Friday, July 19* | $2700
(^Early bird rate of $2620) |
4 Weeks* |
* Campers in 2nd grade are welcome to stay with us for the full seven-week summer, but Sha’ar will only be offered for the first four weeks.
PLEASE NOTE: **Ramah Day Camp will be closed on Thursday, July 4 for Independence Day.
^ The early bird discount will be applied to all camper applications received by Tuesday, December 12, 2023.
Please call our office or contact Associate Director Sharon Rosenberg Safra with questions.