The Tikvah Program

In continuing with Camp Ramah’s long tradition of inclusion in the Tikvah Program, Ramah Day Camp is committed to providing a Jewish summer camp experience for campers entering Kindergarten through 8th grade with social and developmental disabilities, including but not limited to autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, learning and processing differences, and anxiety disorders. Campers receiving Tikvah support spend the day with same-age peers following the camp schedule with support and accommodations as needed.  Tikvah support is provided both at our main camp and our tech-based BIG IDEA program.  Ramah DC’s camper care and Tikvah teams work closely with camp staff to provide appropriate support and accommodations to campers while maintaining ongoing and consistent communication with the parents, who are considered an integral part of the team. 

Enrollment of campers with disabilities is made on an individual basis to ensure that children can thrive 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 email Tikvah Director Mira Tash or contact Associate Director Sharon Rosenberg Safra via email or at 301-500-8251, ext. 102.

Supported Staff Opportunities:

As another expression of the Jewish value of inclusion, Ramah DC is proud to offer employment opportunities for staff members with disabilities and/or requiring various support. Staff members work together with the camper care team to find the best role for them at camp and develop an individualized plan for support. Employees have worked in areas of camp such as Yehadut (learning), omanut (art), bishul (cooking), and more. At Ramah DC, we work collaboratively leading up to and throughout the summer to ensure an environment of success for all.

If you are interested in learning more about our Supported Staff program or would like to apply for a summer position, please contact Tikvah Director Mira Tash and/or Camp Director Rabbi Jill Levy. 

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.