The Tikvah Program

In continuing with Camp Ramah’s long tradition of inclusion in the Tikvah Program, Ramah Day Camp is committed to providing an inclusive Jewish summer camp experience. The Tikvah program was created in order to provide the magic of a Ramah summer in a supportive environment. Some of the campers who participate in the Tikvah program may have been characterized as having ADHD, learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, and developmental and medical differences. Campers in the Tikvah program follow a regular camp schedule with support and accommodations as needed. They are immersed in a traditional Jewish summer camp experience side by side with their same-age peers. The Tikvah team works closely with all staff at camp and with families to identify a camper’s strengths and needs in order to ensure success for the camper.

Enrollment of campers in the Tikvah program is made on an individual basis to ensure that children can be successfully accommodated in the program. Accommodations vary based on the needs of the individual camper; one-on-one support may be provided when appropriate.

If you believe that your child will require support or you have questions about our Tikvah program, please contact Tikvah Director Mira Tash via email or Assistant Director Sharon Rosenberg Safra via email or at 301-500-8251, ext. 102.

Reflections on the Tikvah Program:

“The Tikvah program has been an amazing experience for our daughter. She comes off the bus each day with a smile. We both knew she was in good hands each day: safe, included and accepted.”
– Parents of a Tikvah camper

“Our family is grateful for the quality of supports and communication offered by the Tikvah program.  The program and camp staff helped assure that our child’s ADHD didn’t stand in the way of her making friends, feeling a part of the community, developing her Jewish identity, and having a great summer.”
– Parents of a Tikvah camper

“Through the interactions I observed between the campers, I had the chance to watch them learn what it means to be inclusive and to create unique and authentic relationships with one another.”
– Danielle Dekelbaum, Tikvah Counselor

“The Tikvah program at Ramah Day Camp has been one of the most meaningful, eye-opening, and amazing experiences I’ve had. Working one-on-one with my camper this summer has taught me patience, problem solving, and most importantly has helped me to develop a strong relationship with an amazing child. My goal as a Tikvah counselor is to send my camper home from camp with a smile every day, and to make every day successful for her.”
– Morgan Godsick, Tikvah Counselor

The Tikvah Program was made possible by generous support from Diane Lipson Schilit and Howard Schilit.