What does our Hebrew name Ramah Galim mean?
Ramah Galim means “Ramah of the Waves,” and it refers to both our unique spot on the coast of Northern California as well our goal to have Camp Ramah in Northern California make positive waves in the surrounding Jewish community and beyond. How will be accomplish that? The experience of being at Camp Ramah in Northern California transforms lives and relationships, and builds future Jewish leaders and partnerships.
Who can attend Camp Ramah in Northern California?
Our camp primarily serves the Western region of the United States, including all of California, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Colorado, and Arizona, as well as Mexico. We encourage families to choose the camp that best meets their child’s needs and interests.
Ramah Galim serves campers entering 3rd through 11th grade.
Where is camp located?
Ramah Galim is located along the shores of Monterey Bay between the cities of Santa Cruz and Monterey. Our beachfront property is approximately a 50 minute drive from San Jose and a 90 minute drive from San Francisco.
How can I find out more information about Camp Ramah in Northern California’s program and staff?
Families who attend one of our Upcoming Events will have an opportunity to meet our year-round staff, Ramah alumni, and other Ramah families and to learn more about our programs. Also, feel free to Contact Us directly with further questions or to request more information. “Like” us on Facebook, join our Constant Contact email list, or ask about volunteer opportunities by emailing info@ramahnorcal.org.
My child has special needs, can they come to camp?
We try our best to make sure that camp is the place for every child. We offer programming for children and young adults with special needs. Our Tikvah Program serves campers with mild to moderate intellectual and developmental disabilities. If you are interested in our two-week Tikvah program for campers with special needs, click here for more information.
We also offer a vocation program for young adults (ages 18-26) with special needs. To learn more about our Ezra Program, please click here.
If you have any questions about our special needs programs please contact Deret Musselman, our Tikvah Director, at deret@ramahnorcal.org.
Can my son or daughter stay for more than one session?
Yes! Campers are encouraged to sign up for multiple sessions. Such campers will receive a multi-session discount and have the opportunity to engage in more than one of the specialty tracks if they choose to do so. Sessions run continuously without a break or visiting day in between sessions.
What is the food like at camp?
We strive to meet the dietary needs of all campers with healthy food options. All food at camp is prepared in our kosher facility with kosher supervision. We offer a diverse, healthy menu that includes lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and protein. Meat is served several times per week with vegetarian options at all meat meals.
In order to keep our camp community Kosher and free from allergens, we do not allow outside food to be brought into camp.
Is camp able to accommodate my son or daughter’s food allergies?
Camp Ramah in Northern California can accommodate many food allergies. Our kitchen is entirely peanut and tree-nut free. We also are able to accommodate lactose intolerance and certain wheat allergies as well.
Are immunizations required?
All children attending Camp Ramah in Northern California should have received the full complement of routine vaccinations as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). While individual parents may choose to defer the vaccination of their children, for Camp Ramah this is not an issue of individual rights and choice, but an issue of public health and policy. The routine vaccination of all campers is an important public health matter especially in the confined environment of a sleep away summer camp. Campers without all routine vaccinations will NOT be accepted.
How will my camper and I stay in touch?
We encourage parents and campers to be in touch throughout the session, and we know how much campers love getting mail (and parents, too)! Email can be sent to campers via our CampInTouch service. Camp is also a special time to enjoy the tradition of old-fashioned letter-writing. Regular and electronic mail are delivered to campers during rest hour. Campers do not usually call home or receive calls from home except in special circumstances, but all campers do write letters home. We regularly post photos and updates throughout the summer!
Is laundry service provided at camp?
Laundry service is provided on a weekly basis for our campers and staff.
Can campers bring electronics to camp?
Camp is a wonderful time and place to unplug from our screens. We allow MP3 players, iPods, and other non-video, non-internet connecting devices. For information about our Electronics Policy, please click here.
What if my child needs to change their session or specialty track?
We try to accommodate changes whenever possible. Please contact our camp office and we will be happy to work with you to change a child’s enrollment, space permitting.
Can campers request a friend to be in their same room?
Families will have an opportunity to make a bunk request while filling out the camper application.
Can I visit my child at camp?
Many parents like to drop their child off at camp to see the campus and meet our staff. A parent/guardian tour is provided on arrival day. Once camp has begun, we allow our camp community to enjoy the “camp bubble” without outside visitors. There is no official visiting day during the camp session or between sessions.
How do campers get to camp?
Many Northern California families prefer to drive their campers to camp. We also offer free bus transportation from San Jose Airport and Wornick Jewish Day School on arrival and departures days. Click here for detailed travel information. Please email travel@ramahnorcal.org with any questions.
If your camper is traveling to Camp Ramah in Northern California from out of the area, he or she should fly into San Jose International airport. Upon arrival, our staff will meet your child at the airport and transport them to camp. For these flights we do guarantee that a Ramah staff member will meet your child at the gate on arrival days and escort your child there on departure days.
What if we need financial assistance to help our child attend Camp Ramah in Northern California?
Cost should not deter any family from considering sending their child to camp. Camp Ramah in Northern California offers generous financial assistance. Financial aid can come from a variety of sources including First Time Camper Grants, synagogues, camp’s financial aid committee, and family members. If you have any questions about financial aid please contact Branden Johnson at branden@ramahnorcal.org or call our office at 415-688-4572. You can find more detailed financial aid information here.
Please note: The financial assistance committee has a policy in place that an award offer cannot be made to campers who have applied to and been accepted at another Ramah Camp if the resulting award will cause the camper not to attend the other Ramah camp. This policy is in place so as not to take campers away from their experience at another camp.