Camp Rahmah Tikvah

The Original Article Published On The New York Jewish Week

An enthusiastic group of 72 bike riders and hikers, ages 13-73, arrived in Eilat on April 30 after biking since April 24 all the way from Jerusalem. They made the trip — the Ramah Israel Challenge — to support special needs programs at Ramah camps in the United States and Canada.

Meaningful moments included witnessing tank exercises as we rode past the Tselim army base; receiving snacks from nursery school children on the road outside their kibbutz; seeing the sunrise (and ibex) over Mitzpe Ramon and getting to know fellow riders and hikers, including a vision-impaired Jewish rider, Rick Goldstein, and his Christian minister friend, Derek Brouwer — on a tandem bike!

Perhaps the most magical and meaningful moment took place after Shabbat dinner, when participants had the privilege of meeting Herb and Barbara Greenberg, the visionary founders and long-time directors of the Tikvah Program at Camp Ramah in New England—the first Jewish camp program for children and young adults with a range of disabilities.

Herb and Barbara shared stories of the obstacles and opposition they faced in getting the program off the ground in 1970. They shared story after story of successes, like a camper with Down Syndrome inducted into the Jewish Sports Hall of Fame; staff members who went on to become accomplished professionals in the field of disabilities and families whose lives were changed as a result of their children’s full participation in an inclusive Jewish community.

After the Greenbergs spoke, three riders who are also parents of Tikvah campers spoke of the impact of Jewish summer camping and vocational training on their children, now in their twenties. Ben, father of Jacob, contrasted the difficulties he had around his son’s bar mitzvah with the unconditional acceptance he experienced at Ramah. Mark, father of Sam, spoke of the friendships his son has made and maintains all year-round, just like his brothers. Oren, father of Avi, spoke about his son’s important jobs around camp, and how he thinks of camp “the other ten months.”

The Greenbergs had no idea that their pioneering efforts would, in a few short years, lead to Tikvah programs at five Ramah camps (California, Canada, Colorado, New England, Wisconsin); in-cabin inclusion programs (Breira B’Ramah–Berkshires in New York and New England); vocational training programs; day camps; and family camps (Camp Yofi–Darom in Georgia, Camp Ohr Lanu in California, Tikvah Family Camp–Poconos in Pennsylvania).

Our riders and hikers came together for this challenge to support a wide range of programs for children and young adults with special needs. Each was aware of the impact of these programs and campers on the entire Ramah community. May we continue to see the Jewish world develop inclusive camping programs for all members of our community.

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Our Tikvah participants joined the whole camp for a trip to Six Flags. Every year, I wonder if this is the best use of our time. It is a fun day, but it is very taxing. We assess the campers and their needs (Which rides? How much supervision? Water park?) and we assign two or three staff members to each group. For me, the main reason to go is to be part of a camp-wide trip. All campers and staff walk the park proudly displaying their Camp Ramah shirts and high-fiving fellow campers as they cross paths in the park. I am sure campers would notice that Tikvah was missing if we opted out of the trip.

How do I know how integral Tikvah is to camp? The trip took place the day after the Amitzim Play. NEVER is the camp so quiet, focused, attentive and respectful as when the Tikvah campers act, sing and dance up on stage. Each camper has a part, well-suited to his or her needs or abilities. The lines are projected on the wall so audience members can follow along (in case they can’t hear the words). One staff member, in camp for the first time and at the play with her young children, had tears in her eyes as she came up to me afterwards to tell me this was the best moment of camp so far. Some audience members chanted names of campers; others clapped. All will return to the world more sensitive to people with special needs.

Our various buddy/peer mentoring programs also help assure that campers will have comfort around and appreciation for people with all abilities and disabilities. Every day, our Bogrim Buddies join our Tikvah group at job sites and the Machon Buddies join our Amitzimers in sports. And the Nivonim MiNis (Madrichim B Nivonim counselors that are Nivonimers) are working with us in many capacities as they develop their leadership skills. Nearly every day, a bunk of campers joins us for tefillot. They sit with our campers and co-lead with our campers. This, too, will go a long way towards feeling comfortable with people of all abilities.

To conclude: When people ask about Tikvah’s role in camp, I often say having Tikvah at Camp Ramah in New England is as natural as having
swimming or Shabbat at camp. Shabbat Shalom!

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TIkvah Staff past and present from Ramah New England, Darom and Wisconsin joined New York area Tikvah parents last Saturday night at REELabilities, a unique abilities/disabilities film festival. The festival, which now takes place in several US cities, was started in 2007. The NY festival is the largest in the country dedicated to promoting awareness and appreciation of the lives, stories and artistic expressions of people with different disabilities.

For the staff members from the various Ramah special needs programs, this marks another wonderful opportunity to get together in the offseason, share ideas and discuss important issues. The Hebrew language film, MABUL (“flood” or “storm”).

featured an Israeli young man with autism who returns home on short notice from his “institution.” The film shows the painful struggles of the family and community. We are most appreciative to Rabbi Mitch Cohen and the National Ramah Commission (and to our various funders) for making it possible for Tikvah staff and families to view the film free of charge. We enjoyed seeing a number of friends of Tikvah at the event, and we loved the 16 Handles ice cream we shared during our post film discussion!

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Greetings from Camp Ramah in California. In a short while, amitzim counselor, Estie Martin, inclusion counselor, David Cohen, former Tikvah long-time staff member, Shira Arcus, and I will join our colleagues from Ramah special needs programs from across North America to share our various spirited Tikvah prayer services. We have already discussed our inclusion programs, peulot erev, staff week training, Shabbos Is Calling and more! And we presented an hour long peulat erev on “The Role of Special Needs In Ramah Camping. We are lucky enough to participate in four intense days of meetings and sharing as part of Reshet, a National Ramah Commission initiative to bring together staff members from the various Ramah special needs programs which include Tikvah, Breira and Ramah family camps. Four of our special needs program directors are also here. We are pleased to join Ramah rashei edah, Daber Fellows, camp directors, and participants in Ramah Service Corps and the Weinstein Institute for meetings and fun. We look to sharing more from our Ramah Ojai experience–perhaps after our visit to the beach today!

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