Overview
Camp Ramah in Canada will be celebrating our 18th summer offering a residential summer camping experience for Jewish children with special needs. The Tikvah Program continues to grow and evolve as it strives to serve campers with a wide range of special needs. The Tikvah program offers 12 to 21 year-olds the full range of Ramah camper activities. Our goal is to provide the campers with the same summer camp opportunities as youth without disabilities. Campers are encouraged to have fun, explore and shape their Jewish identities, and become active participants in the Jewish community.

Multi-Sensory Learning
For our campers in Tikvah, the highly structured day offers opportunities to learn and grow by doing. Campers participate in daily prayers, swimming, chugim (electives) like arts and crafts and cooking, Israeli dancing and singing, sports, and Jewish learning. Bunk life and various trips provide our campers with opportunities to learn skills associated with daily living and to gain independence.

Socialization and Inclusion
There are two cabins for our 18 campers in Tikvah (9 males and 9 females). Throughout each day, there are numerous formal and informal opportunities to interact with all campers at Ramah, including "buddy" programs with our campers entering grade 10. Campers in Tikvah participate in all camp-wide activities, perform in a play and in a Friday evening Shabbat service.

Vocational Opportunities
Tikvah campers who are between the ages of 18 and 21 also spend time each week participating in vocational opportunities, with an emphasis on developing and improving their independent living skills. Campers have worked in the office, nursery, kitchen, water ski dock, and tuck shop, among other areas.

Jewish Living
Like all Ramah campers, participants in the Tikvah Program are fully immersed in Jewish life and Hebrew language. From spirited, musical morning prayers to daily interaction with Israelis, Hebrew singing and Israeli dancing, campers in Tikvah enjoy the beauty of their religion and culture.

Attention to Detail - Putting Health and Safety First
Specially trained counselors and senior staff monitor each camper's special needs, from seizures to allergies to mobility issues. Counselors assist as needed with self-care,and our medical staff is always available as issues arise. The camp doctor, nurse and the Tikvah Directors carefully manage health, medical, and medication issues.

Parents of Campers in Tikvah
The Tikvah Directors, Casey and Adam Green, are in close contact with parents. Through weekly newsletters and frequent e-mails and calls, the directors work collaboratively with parents and other team members such as therapists and physicians. Campers write home and eagerly await letters and e-mails from their parents.