My, how we’ve grown! Having completed a successful eighth summer of friendships, fun, and transformative Jewish education along the shores of Monterey Bay, there is wind in our sails and a bright future for Camp Ramah in Northern California. We are thrilled to be working closely with staff, families, and local community members to evolve from an inspiring start-up into a dynamic organization serving the Bay Area Jewish community. The children and emerging adults who come through our program develop ethically and spiritually, forge a connection to Israel and Jewish Peoplehood, and gain vital leadership skills.
The impact of Camp Ramah in Northern California is felt through our engagement with local institutions. We partner with synagogues and schools to create Ramah-style Shabbat services, camp reunions, and other events that serve as both educational and engagement opportunities. Our goal is to offer cutting edge programming and inclusive camp experiences to thousands of families and staff, and in turn, inspire the communities to which these youths will return with profound relationships and a new, entrepreneurial Jewish spirit.
I would like to personally thank everyone who has helped to turn the dream of Camp Ramah in Northern California into a reality that is shaping the lives of campers, families, and their communities. I invite you to join us on the journey to help Ramah in Northern California grow more friendships, more future Jewish leaders, and more joy in our homes, our hearts, and our communities through a gift to camp today!
Geoff Menkowitz, Executive Director
With 385 campers in its eighth summer of operation, Camp Ramah in Northern California has rebounded from Covid-19 related challenges and is stronger than ever. To date, 40% of the campers enrolled have never before been to Jewish overnight camp. While the majority of our campers come from California, campers have been attracted to Camp Ramah in Northern California’s unique programs from twenty-four different states and seven different countries. We ultimately hope to serve over 500 campers each summer, and in doing so, meet the growing demand for our program and achieve financial sustainability, but we cannot do it alone.
Thankfully, there has been a groundswell of support from volunteers, donors, local Rabbis, Jewish educators, community leaders, and alumni who have been committed to our vision of a Ramah camp which can meet the needs of affiliated and unaffiliated Jews in Northern California.
To date, Camp Ramah in Northern California has raised over $5 million from generous regional and national funders and is using those funds to develop top-notch specialty programming in ocean exploration, adventure sports, and performing arts, and pave the way towards a path to reaching financial sustainability. In order to provide our unique camp experience and meet the anticipated camper and programmatic growth, we have ambitious annual fundraising goals.
The overwhelming success of Ramah Galim underscores the potential for educating and inspiring Jewish youth in their formative years. With the help of our generous supporters, Camp Ramah in Northern California is poised to help train, motivate and engage the next generation of Jewish leaders.