Intensives | Camp Ramah Northern California

Intensives

In addition to our specialty tracks, we offer a variety of 4-week Intensives for incoming 7th-11th graders. With options ranging from surf and scuba diving to mountain biking and dance, our four Intensives provide an opportunity for campers to dive deeper into a particular skill area, both on and off-site, explore their passions, and experience camp through a unique lens. 

Our Intensives live within our specialty tracks, allowing campers to experience the best of both worlds; mastering their skills in a chosen activity while also engaging with the variety of activities offered within the larger specialty track and building connections with other campers in their age group.

Ocean Exploration (B’toch HaYam)

Four-week Intensives (for rising 7th-11th graders):

Surf Intensive (June 17-July 14 or July 2-29): 

Stoked about surfing? Campers in our 4-week surfing intensive learn a variety of surfing techniques, develop leadership skills and form a community of surfers while cultivating a connection with the ocean. Under the guidance of our experienced surf instructors, campers hone their skills as they ride the waves of Monterey Bay.

Scuba Intensive (June 17-July 14 or July 2-29): 

Unlock the world that lies b’toch hayam (under the sea). Campers in our 4-week scuba intensive will gain a deep appreciation for the wonders of life beneath the surface as they learn how to scuba dive and have the unique opportunity to become certified as open water divers. From the pool to Monterey Bay, campers develop a knowledge of scuba safety, equipment, and diving skills as well as an introduction to marine life and conservation.

The Scuba Intensive consists of three main phases:

– Knowledge Development (both pre-summer independent study and summer classroom learning sessions) to understand basic principles of scuba diving
– Confined Water Dives to learn basic scuba skills in our pool
– Open Water Dives to use your skills and explore the ocean

Adventure Scuba Intensive (June 17-July 14 or July 2-29): 

Already scuba certified? It’s time to take your skills to the next level. This 4-week intensive is designed to provide new experiences as you dive deeper into exploring the wonders of Monterey Bay. After a refresher course in our pool and knowledge development in the classroom, campers take to the ocean for a variety of scuba adventures including underwater navigation, fish identification, deeper sea diving, and underwater naturalist specialties.

The Adventure Scuba Intensive consists of three main phases:

– Scuba Skill Refresher to review open water diver skills in our pool
– Knowledge Development (summer classroom learning sessions) to learn specialty skills necessary for the various adventure experiences participants will take part in during the intensive
– Open Water Dives with a focus towards some of our offered specialties (Underwater Navigation, Fish Identification, and Underwater Naturalist)

Adventure Sports (Etgar)

Four-week Intensives (for rising 7th-11th graders):

Bike Intensive (June 17-July 14 or July 2-29): Get ready to ride! Our 4-week bike intensive campers spend their time building bike skills from the foundation up. Riders can expect to cover everything from bike maintenance, riding techniques, to tricks on the pump track, interpersonal communication and team building with a lens on environmental conservation. Under the guidance of our high-level bike instructors, campers experience the joy of riding as they hone their skills and explore trails around camp and Monterey Bay.

Performing Arts (Al HaBamah)

Four-week Intensives (for rising 7th-11th graders):

Dance Intensive (June 17-July 14 or July 2-29): Feel the rhythm of rikkud (dance). From technical skills to the theater stage, our dance intensive campers spend 4-weeks exploring different styles of dance, developing techniques, choreographing dances and performing for our larger camp community. From beginners to more advanced dancers, our passionate instructors help each camper to reach their personal potential as they work collaboratively towards mastering the art of storytelling through movement.

Participant Eligibility

In general, eligibility to participate in camp activities is based off of several factors:

1) A health screening by a qualified medical professional indicating that the camper is healthy both physically and mentally enough to participate in general camp activities and meets the camp’s medical standards OR indicating participation in some activities but not all with a reason indicating participation & non-participation.

2) Parent permission to participate in all camp activities OR permission to participate in some camp activities but not all. Indicating the reason for participation & non-participation.

3) Age appropriateness of activities. Not all activities provided at camp are appropriate for all ages.

a. General camp programs are offered for campers going into grades 3 through 11. Five-day programs are offered to campers going into grades 2 & 3.
b. Any Scuba diving activity requires camper to be at least age 10, have parent permission, and meet the medical requirements as listed by PADI the scuba diving certifying agency.
c. Some discussions and program activities at camp are also age dependent by Edah (division). This is done to allow campers to express themselves, have conversations, and push themselves in a manner that is both safe and nurturing for those of a particular age.