Camp Ramah in Canada

Camp Ramah in Canada, (Hebrew: מחנה רמה‎) is a Jewish summer camp located at Skeleton Lake in Utterson in Muskoka, Ontario, approximately two hours north of Toronto.[1][2][3] Part of the National Ramah Commission, Ramah is affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism.[4] Camp Ramah in Canada was founded in 1960, and attracts approximately 500 campers each year from Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Israel.

Camp Ramah in Canada
Hebrew: מחנה רמה בקנדה‎
Address
1104 Fish Hatchery Road
Utterson, Ontario, Canada
Coordinates45°13′26″N 79°29′59″W
Information
MottoEnduring Friendships, Values, and Community
Founded1960 (1960)
DirectorRabbi Jordan Bendat-Appell
Grades2-10
Enrollment450-500
LanguageEnglish, Hebrew
AffiliationCamp Ramah, USCJ
Websitecampramah.com

Units-Edot Camp Ramah in Canada has the following age units

Alonim-Oak Trees (CIT Program entering Grade 11) Magshimim-Fulfillers (Entering Grade 10) Nachshonim-Risk Takers(Entering Grade 9) Tzeirim-Young Ones (Entering Grade 8) K'firim-Lion Cubs(Entering Grade 7) Arazim-Cedar Trees(Entering Grade 6) Nitzanim-Buds(Entering Grade 4/5) Shorashim-Roots(Two week "taste" program entering Grade 3) Garinim-Seeds(Weekend "taste" program entering Grade 2)

Yom Sport Camp Ramah in Canada is known for their intense colour war, also known as Yom Sport. Each year, the Alonimers plan a colour war complete with a detailed theme, heads, judges, captains, Marathon, and decorated Beit Am Gadol (the largest building onsite). The BAG is used for opening and closing ceremonies, to begin the festivities, tell the story of the theme, and introduce the Roshes, Judges and captains. Each team is assigned 2 colours, with each edah being divided shortly after dinner, leaving everyone to frantically get dressed before opening ceremonies.

Captains, Roshes, and Judges The Alonimers have the opportunity to campaign for the position of Captain, Rosh, and Judge. There are two Roshes, one boy and one girl, 4 judges, two boys and two girls, and 8 captains, a boy and girl for each of the 4 teams. The Captains and Roshes each prepare a 1-minute speech filled with costumes and cheering in an effort to gain votes from their edah for said position. The Judge applicants must write either an essay or make a video submitted to their staff before the summer starts.

Marathon The last activity of Yom sport is Marathon, a two-hour race of challenges around camp to be performed by each team. A coloured baton (with team colours) must be carried throughout the entire Marathon, if dropped, the task must be completed again, or it will result in a time penalty. Accompanying the captains for the entire marathon is one of 4 judges, and a "runner" someone on Va'ad marathon selected to ensure everything is completed fairly. The Marathon usually ends with everyone separated by teams on the migrash, and a puzzle to be completed by the Magshimimers in order to raise the team's flag. Traditionally, the winner of Marathon will not win Yom Sport. (exceptions include 2016)

Magshimimers Since it is their last Yom Sport as campers, Magshimimers take the day very seriously, and it can be quite emotional. Each captain has the option to "draft" a Magshimimer to their team, usually a friend or someone they see as a future captain. Each magshimimer receives a braided bracelet in team colours, tied and kissed by their captains. If the bracelet falls off in the middle of the year, another Yom Sport captain, not necessarily their own), must tie it back on and kiss it again. It is a tradition for magshimimers to stand on the poles outside the BAG cheering the team's colours in Hebrew before opening ceremonies. Magshimimers are an integral part of Marathon, and have a huge responsibility in the final stages.

Cheers There are 4 main Yom Sport Cheers: Unga La Bunga, Zoopa Loopa Loopa, HaRishonah, and Ay Eloway. There are additionally secondary cheers ranging from Coach Carter to Hail to the Victors, and new ones made up each year by the Edah. The pairs of captains draw numbers from a hat to determine first pick for team colours, with last choice colours picking main cheers first, and vice versa. Every cheer for one team is written on a decorated cheer sheet.

Judging Each year, the 4 judges come up with a "judge's secret" that determines the winner. The winner is announced to the captains minutes before closing ceremonies, during which the captains jump out from behind painted butcher paper.

Camping Trips Ramah Canada offers camping trips in each edah (age group). In Niztanim through Kfirim, the trips are one night at a campsite owned by Ramah on Skeleton Lake, Georia, High Lake, or Ramah Island. The trips increase in duration and difficulty with each edah, with Alonim trips taking place for 6 days in Ontario Parks such as Algonquin, Killarney, and Temagami. Camping trips are canoe trips, taking advantage of Muskoka Lakes. Camp Ramah Outdoor Adventure Camp in the Colorado Rockies was inspired by the Tripping programs at Ramah Canada. [5]

References
  1. Michigan Jewish History. Jewish Historical Society of Michigan. 2007. Retrieved September 15, 2010.
  2. The Gate of Heaven: the story of Congregation Shaar Hashomayim of Montreal, 1846-1996. McGill-Queen's Press - MQUP. 2000. Retrieved September 15, 2010.
  3. The Seminary at 100: reflections on the Jewish Theological Seminary and the conservative movement. Rabbinical Assembly and the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. 1987. Retrieved September 15, 2010.
  4. Conservative Judaism: the new century. Behrman House, Inc. 1993. p. 90. Retrieved September 15, 2010. ramah canada.
  5. "Camps struggle to contain swine flu", The Toronto Star, July 15, 2009
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