Dear Nivonim 1992,

Camp just started, and this past summer, a group of us spent a wonderful weekend at Camp Ramah, celebrating the 25th anniversary of our Nivonim summer. We were amazed that despite how much has changed, so much remains the same.  Ramah still provides an important opportunity for young Jewish children to explore their Judaism in a meaningful and fun way, while building those lifelong relationships we all know, all within the context of a great camp experience.  Camp looks a little different, but the culture still emanates the warmth we all knew.

Camp Ramah is a magical place.  The physical camp is still incredibly beautiful and despite housing over 700 people each summer, you can still find a quiet places to hang out with a friend. When we walked down the hill towards the waterfront, or toured the new Givah, visited Machon point, and strolled on the garbage trail, we felt a deep sense of familiarity.  Being in those places allowed long forgotten memories to come rushing back, invoking delight.

We spent most of the reunion weekend just taking in all that camp has to offer: catching up with old friends, spending time with Rabbi Soloff at meals, sitting around reminiscing about our camp experiences, and considering what camp now offers to the next generation of our kids today. The new director Jacob Cytryn has injected an energy that is infectious, giving visitors, campers and staff the confidence and tools to make camp a great experience for each camper. He gave us a tour of all the new facilities; we saw the improvements to facilities and significant investments Ramah has made over the past 25 years.  The Bet Am has had a facelift, the Chadar Ochel was rebuilt, the Givah is amazing campus within a campus, the baseball, basketball and tennis courts are new with great night-time lighting, and the the new staff lounge is an amazing resource for Tzevet.

Yet despite all these changes, camp is still camp.   The flow of the camp is still the same, the kikar is still the kikar, z’mirot on Shabbos are still filled with fun and energy, sitting on the deck of the Sifria or gazing out of the Ohel Yitzchak are still amazing Ramah experiences.  

What was most striking is that after all these years, then next generation of kids are going to camp and having incredibly deep, meaningful experiences – exactly like we did.   We built amazing friendships at camp that are rooted in so much history and shared experiences. Each one of us took away different experiences which helped shape our lives in particular ways, whether it was through leadership development, music and theater, sports, how to be a great friend to someone, learning about Judaism, or how to experience joy by laughing so hard you cry - and we all agreed that we were grateful we got the opportunity to be here and do that together.

Approximately 50% of current campers require scholarship funding in order to attend camp each year.  As an aidah we have the ability to make a difference in the lives of campers by contributing to the Scholarship Campaign as part of the NIVO 1992 FUND.  We have established a goal of $18,000. Every dollar donated will help ensure that the next generation of Ramah campers can make it to the North Woods of Wisconsin – a place that will always have a special place in our hearts.  

Regardless of your means, wherever you are in life, any support you provide is appreciated. To be part of our aidah campaign, please make a donation below.  Alternatively, feel free to reach out to Sam Caplan, Ramah’s Chief Development Officer at (312) 690-8332 or scaplan@ramahwisconsin.com.

Let's come together now and again leave an indelible mark on Ramah and maybe start planning a 30^th reunion with more attendance.  Lets show the community why we were and always be the best aidah to walk those grounds.

Leah Brajer

Jordan Feldman

Deborah Frank

Rachel McDowell

Adam Natenshon

Michael Rosenbaum

Joshua Storck

Naomi Zuk-Fisher

P.S. To see pictures of us on the Ramah ropes course check out: