parent and camper handbook 2012

Camp Ramah Darom

Summer 2012

www.ramahdarom.org [email protected]

President: David Krueger

Director: Geoff Menkowitz

Information

For Parents and Campers

Ramah Darom Atlanta Office

6400 Power Ferry Road Suite 215

Atlanta, GA 30339

(404) 531-0801 (404) 531-0450 FAX

(866) 898-6524 (Fax for Bar-Coded Forms)

Ramah Darom Summer Office

70 Darom Lane Clayton, GA 30525

(706) 782-9300 (706) 782-9308 FAX (866) 898-6524 (Fax for Bar-Coded Forms)

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Welcome to Summer 2012! We look forward to sharing an incredible summer experience with you and your child(ren). Camp Ramah Darom is a community of approximately 1000 people. We ask for your cooperation in following our guidelines. Our policies and procedures, which reflect the values and mission of Ramah Darom, are designed to ensure a safe, healthy, and exciting experience for all of our campers. Please read this entire handbook carefully and share the appropriate sections with your child(ren).

Table of Contents

General Camp Information Camp Calendar Tuition Refund Policy Sessions Camp In Touch Arrival & Departure Baggage Travel Registration Places to Stay Extra Money / Canteen Medical Information Medical Forms Medical Insurance Immunization Policy Medical Emergencies Medications Medications Prescribed at Camp Medication Vacations Dental Work Parent Logistics Eye Care Family Emergencies During Camp Change of Address Parent Vacations

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10 10 10 11 11 11 11

Communication Mail / Packages Email to Campers News from Camp Telephone Calls

Clothing Rules for Clothing at Camp Labeling Clothes & Belongings Laundry Suggested Packing List Tefillin & Tallit, Sports Equip etc

Special Programs at Camp Birthdays at Camp Bar/Bat Mitzvah Guided Review Camp Time Music Program & Ramah Radio

Camp Rules & Regulations Visiting Electronics & Cell phones Graffiti Gratuities Piercing Policy Privacy vs. Protection Camp Ethics & Banned Items Directions to Clayton Directions from Clayton to Camp

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14 15 15 16 17

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20 20 20 21 21 21 22 23 24

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RAMAH DAROM

2012 CAMP CALENDAR

March 30, 2012 April 15, 2012 June 12, 2012 June 27, 2012 July 1, 2012 July 9, 2012 July 10, 2012 July 11, 2012 July 16, 2012 July 22, 2012 July 25, 2012 July 29, 2012 August 6, 2012

Camp Forms that are posted to CampInTouch are due - this includes Health History, Bunk Request & Travel Forms

All camp fees due in full. Beginning of Session Aleph/Full/Gesher

Family Camp 1 begins. Family Camp 1 ends. Session Aleph ends. Gesher Visitation Day Beginning of Session Bet/ T2 (Taste for 4th graders) Beginning of Session T (Taste for 3rd graders)

Taste of Ramah ends (T & T2)

Family Camp 2 begins. Family Camp 2 ends.

End of Session Bet/Full/Gesher.

General Camp Information


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Tuition:

Taste of Ramah Tuition: (T 1 week) [entering Grade 3 in fall of 2012] $1,250 (T2 2 week) [entering Grade 4 in fall of 2012] $2,150

Four Week Tuition (A or B)[ entering Grade 4 in fall of 2012] $4,345 Four Week Tuition (A or B) [entering Grades 5 - 10 in fall of 2012] $4,495 Eight Week Tuition (F or G) [entering Grades 6 - 11 in fall of 2012] $7,195

Tuition fees include canteen, trip fees, the camp DVD, and a camp t-shirt. You must send all tuition to the Atlanta office by April 15, 2012 in order for your child to be registered for camp. Tuition does not include any camper transportation or luggage shipment fees. If you have questions regarding tuition, please contact Holly Fortson at 404-503-2133. Refund Policy:

Prior to February 1, 2012 tuition minus $100 adminstrative fee

February 1 to April 30 tuition minus $600 administrative fee

May 1 to two weeks prior to start of session tuition

There are no refunds for tuition if cancellation is less than 2 weeks before the start of the session. However, if a camper gets hurt or sick enough to return home during the session, you will receive a pro-rated refund of the tuition (after deduction of administrative fees). There will be no refund if a camper is dismissed for behavioral infractions.

2012 Session Dates :

Session A (Aleph): Tuesday, June 12 Monday, July 9 Session B (Bet): Wednesday, July 11 Monday, August 6 Session F (Full Summer): Tuesday, June 12 Monday, August 6 Session G (Gesher): Tuesday, June 12 Monday, August 6 Session T (Grade 3 in Fall of 2012): Monday, July 16 Sunday, July 22 Session T2 (Grade 4 in Fall of 2012):Monday, July 11 Sunday, July 22


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Camp In Touch

In an effort to adopt green business practices consistent with the values that we embrace in the Camp environment, the Ramah Darom offices strive to be as paperless as possible. As a result, all communication from our office will be sent electronically and all forms and paperwork will be received online. Our CampInTouch system is your online tool to stay connected and informed about Camp Ramah Darom. By logging into CampInTouch, you can update your contact information, complete all of the required Camp Forms, and make tuition payments. During the summer, CampInTouch features give you access to photo galleries and our one-way email service. You can log into CampInTouch from our website (www.ramahdarom.org) or you can bookmark the direct link: https://ramahdarom.campintouch.com. (Note: the prefix www is not used.)

Arrival & Departure: For campers traveling by plane: We are currently working with the airlines and airport authorities to update our procedures and will send you detailed information regarding travel via email. Included in this communication will be a list of recommended flights and required arrival and departure times for making your flight arrangements. We will also arrange special negotiated airfare discounts with Airtran Airlines. While we negotiate rates, you are under no obligation to use that carrier. However, you are required to provide us with the clearest and most current travel information for your child. Please be advised that if your child is traveling as an unaccompanied minor, you are responsible for any fees charged by the airline. Please submit to Ramah Darom your proof of payment for the return trip. While specific guidelines for travel will be outlined later, you should plan to have your campers flight arrive at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport between 10 am and 12pm and, for departures back home, flights should be scheduled to depart from the Atlanta Airport between 2:00pm & 4:30pm.


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We will assign staff members to meet campers at their gates when they arrive, escort them through the Airport, help them with their bags, and have them board our coach bus to travel to camp. You are responsible for the fee to ride the bus to or from camp on arrival or departure day.

For campers traveling by car: Campers being dropped off at Camp should arrive between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on the first day of the session. On the last day of the session, campers should be picked up between 10:30 am and 12:00 pm. Any variations to these times must have prior approval from the Camp office. Driving directions to camp can be found on pages 23 and 24 of this booklet.

We do not recommend using any online mapping site or electronic GPS system to obtain directions to camp. They tend to route drivers looking for Ramah Darom incorrectly.

Baggage: Please note that each camper is allowed 2 soft-duffel bags, not to exceed a total of 60 inches (L + W + H) and a weight of 45 pounds per bag. These are not airline regulations but our own guidelines related to our ability to move and store luggage. Please remember it is your responsibility to double check both the airlines baggage and unaccompanied minor policies. Application of these policies varies from airline to airline. Please ask your airline to give you its specific guidelines.

You may, if you choose, ship your campers bags to camp via Fed Ex, UPS, or other postal carrier. Families are responsible for the cost of shipping in both directions. If you plan to ship baggage, please schedule the delivery for at least four days prior to the beginning of the session. Bags should be clearly labeled with the campers name and division. Please also obtain return shipping labels to send with your child to camp.

Travel Registration:

It is vitally important that we know exactly how your camper will be traveling to and returning home from Camp this summer. We ask you to provide this information on our online Travel Form in the CampInTouch system by March 31, 2012 and to keep us informed of any changes to your campers travel itinerary. Prior to the beginning and end of each camp session we will contact


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you to verify the accuracy of our information. However, it is your responsibility to ensure that we have the most accurate information regarding your childs travel arrangements.

Places to Stay

Families that will be dropping off or picking up their child(ren) at camp, that are interested in finding a place to stay overnight in the area, may wish to consult the Rabun County Chamber of Commerce website: www.gamountains.com/wheretostay/wheretostay.php or call the Chamber at 706-782-4812.

Extra Money / Canteen:

Ramah Darom operates a Canteen for the use of campers and staff. The Camp tuition includes canteen snacks, with each division having several scheduled visits to the canteen per week.

On occasion, campers travel out of Camp on trips that are of an educational, cultural, or recreational nature. Trip fees are included in tuition; pocket money, however, is not included.

We strongly discourage campers from keeping cash or other valuables in their cabins. Campers will not need cash for any of our programs. However, the Camp bank will hold money for campers to be used for discretionary spending for treats and souvenirs on various outings during the summer. The following is a list of Aidot (divisions) and recommended maximum amounts of money to bring to camp:

Camp Spending Money Guidelines

Taste of Ramah (T or T2) Nitzanim (entering 4th grade) Sollelim (entering 5th grade) Halutzim (entering 6th grade) Kochavim (entering 7th grade) Shoafim (entering 8th grade) Nachshonim (entering 9th grade) Nivonim (entering 10th grade) Gesher (entering 11th grade)

$0 (half day trip) $0 (day trip) $10 (day trip) $10 (day trip) $20 (day trip) $20 (day trip) $30 (3 day trip) $40 (3 day trip) $100 (12 day trip)

Please note that Ramah Darom cannot be responsible for money or other valuables kept in the cabin.


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Medical Information

Medical Forms:

All required medical forms are now available through CampInTouch. The Health History form can be completed by the Parent or Guardian and submitted online. Immunization information can be entered online as part of the Health History or you can print off the Immunization Form to be completed and faxed back as instructed on the form, in order to be included in the campers electronic medical record. The Physician Examination Form must also be printed off of the CampInTouch - Forms & Documents section, completed by the Physician and then faxed back as instructed on the form to be included in the campers electronic medical record. The camp medical staff must have adequate time to review all medical forms prior to the start of camp. No camper or staff member is permitted to arrive at camp without a completed medical form!

In order to provide the best care for your child, please advise us of any special health or diet conditions or personal habits that affect your child in the space provided on the Health History. Please include all allergies (medical, environmental and food). This information is critical for the well being of your child.

Medical Insurance:

Campers are required to have valid health insurance coverage. Please provide evidence of your campers coverage where indicated in the Health History form. Attach legible photocopies of both sides of your campers health insurance certificate or card where indicated on the Healthcare Authorization Form. If you do not have insurance coverage for your camper, a short-term policy may be purchased through A.M. Skier (800-245-2666).

Camp Ramah Darom does maintain a secondary source of accident/medical insurance which is available to all campers. This policy provides insurance for those medical expenses incurred at camp which are not covered by the campers own primary health insurance coverage, excludes any pre-existing conditions, and is limited to $1,000 per person per incident. The deadline for filing of any claims for secondary coverage under this policy is September 30, 2012.

Medical Information

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Immunization Policy:

The vaccination of all members of the Ramah community is essential in order to maintain a safe environment and decrease the risk of transmission of these preventable illnesses. All children attending Camp Ramah should have received the full complement of routine vaccinations as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.

Camp Ramah requires vaccination for measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, polio, hepatitis A, diphtheria, pertussis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenza type B, and Neisseria meningitidis. Current tetanus immunization will also be required based on the frequency of traumatic exposure in camp, as well as the automatic fulfillment of vaccination recommendations that accompanies administration of the diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus combination vaccine.

For the National Ramah Commissions full immunization policy which includes a description of permissible exceptions, please contact the Ramah Darom office.

Medical Emergencies:

In cases where your child requires an overnight stay in the Infirmary, has a fracture, requires X-rays, requires treatment by an outside specialist, or lacerations that require stitches, Ramah Darom will make every effort to contact the parent/guardian as soon as possible. Parents are contacted when (1) the physician feels there is a significant medical issue (2) the child is taken out of Camp for consultation or x-ray, or (3) the child spends the night in the infirmary.

Medications:

Camp Ramah Darom requires all camper families to have medications in pill form pre-packaged before coming to camp through the services of CampMeds, Inc. We require you to work with CampMeds to arrange for those pills that your child takes on a regular basis to be dispensed, prepackaged, and shipped to camp in advance of your childs arrival. Pills taken on a routine basis will be individually packaged, sealed, and sorted according the date and time of

Medical Information

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administration by CampMeds affiliated, licensed pharmacy, and prescription pills that are taken on an as needed basis will be packaged separately. To avoid any late fees being assessed by CampMeds, please register with CampMeds at least 1 month before the start of the session your child will attend.

The CampMeds website is www.campmeds.com. You may contact them directly at [email protected] or (954) 577-0025 .

This method of dispensing medication during summer camp minimizes the potential for medication errors, reduces waiting times for children during medication call, and provides more time for our nursing staff to devote to our campers other healthcare needs.

Information on registering with CampMeds and ordering medication is posted on CampInTouch. We ask your cooperation in complying with this important requirement and assisting us in our primary goal of maintaining the health, well-being and safety of your child. Parents of campers arriving with pill medication that has not been prepackaged by CampMeds (with the exception of our 1 week Session T Campers) will be assessed a $100 fee per child per session to cover the cost of packaging medicines to meet the dispensing standards of our infirmary.

Medications that are not in pill form, such as liquid suspensions or injectables, must be brought to camp with your child. No medication should be sent through the mail at the beginning of a session. Such medications should be placed in an envelope in their original containers with specific instructions from the prescribing physician as listed on the Medication Form. Containers must be labeled with the patients name, medication name, dosage, administration instructions, the expiration date, and the name and the phone number of the prescribing physician.

In the event that your childs medication dosage or medication schedule should change after you have submitted the Health History and Physician Examination forms to us, you must notify us in writing with a letter signed by the prescribing physician identifying the specific changes.

All medications will be kept in the camp infirmaries and/or medication dispensing office. With the exception of inhalers, epi-pens and insulin, medications may not be kept in the bunk. The camp infirmary and medication dispensing area are equipped with refrigerators for any medications that require refrigeration.

Medical Information

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Medication Prescribed During Camp:

If, in the opinion of our camp physicians, prescription medication is needed in order to care for your child during the summer, we will attempt to first fill this need from supplies available within camp. We will obtain the remainder of the prescribed medication from a local pharmacy and will be responsible for providing insurance information to the pharmacy. A nurse will then contact you with the pharmacy phone number so that you can make the payment arrangements. Medication Vacations:

Camp is often assumed to be a less structured, stress-free environment. As a result parents are sometimes encouraged by prescribing physicians to allow their campers to take a vacation from their regular, school-year dose of medication during the summer. While summer camp certainly provides an environment for relaxed fun, it can also be stressful. There are many different challenges campers face: new social situations, changes in routine, very structured experiences, and less structured experiences. For these reasons we strongly encourage you to maintain your childs routine medication regimen. If you are considering a vacation from medication for your child, please communicate this to us so that we can adequately prepare to work with your child in the most positive way. If you intend to give your child a break from those medications, we strongly suggest that you take them off those medications a minimum of two months prior to camp. This will help you gauge your child's reaction to being off the medications long before they arrive at camp.

Dental Work:

There is no dentist at camp. Please attend to your childs dental needs before camp begins. The camps secondary health insurance does not cover dental care, but in the event that your child needs dental or orthodontic work, camp will make arrangements for the visit and then transport and accompany your child to the appointment. You will be billed for the cost of the dental work.

Medical Information

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Parent Logistics

Eye Care (Glasses and Contact Lenses):

Children who wear eye glasses or contact lenses should bring an extra pair to camp. Eyeglasses should have the campers name marked clearly on the inside of the frames. The camps secondary health insurance does not cover normal eye care or maintenance. In the event that your child requires the services of an ophthalmologist or optometrist, camp will make arrangement for the visit, transport and accompany your child to the appointment. You will be billed for the cost of the work. Family Emergencies During Camp:

If there is a family emergency, please inform the camp office. The Camp Director can then handle the emergency in a sensitive and appropriate manner. Decisions regarding how to handle the specific situation will be made in partnership with Geoff Menkowitz and the parent(s) or guardians. Only after the camp is notified are arrangements made for parents and children to talk. This approach prepares the camp to support your children through the difficult situation.

Change of Address:

It is important that parents notify the camp office of any change in their permanent or summer address, telephone number, or email addresses by updating your profile on CampInTouch. You may also contact our office to update your contact information. Prior to June 6th, please contact the camp's winter office in Atlanta at 404-531-0801 x201. After June 6th, please contact the camp's summer office in Clayton at 706-782-9300 x227.

Parent Vacations:

If you will be away from home when your child is at camp, or if your summer address is different from your address during the rest of the year, please email, fax or mail this information to us at camp so we can make sure the Infirmary and Director know how to reach you should the need arise.

Parent Logistics

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Communication

Mail:

Campers are required to write home twice a week. Letters may take some time to arrive home. If this happens, dont worry, as no news is good news. If you receive a homesick letter from your child, or are just concerned, please call the camp and ask for the Parent Liaison. She/he will check out the situation and get back to you. Prior to camp, you will receive a guideline for communicating with camp as well as a list of the names of the Parent Liaisons assigned to each aidah (division) for each session. This list will also be posted on CampInTouch. Please write your child often! You should send your first letters to camp one to two weeks prior to the start of the camp session, as mail service to Clayton can be slow. Please allow at least a week for mail delivery, as there is no mail pickup at camp between Friday and Monday. Packages:

While there is no obligation for parents to send packages to campers, parents and friends do send care packages as a reminder that someone at home is thinking about them. For reasons both of Kashrut and hygiene, packages containing food will not be accepted. Please do not send food of any kind to camp. All packages are opened in the presence of the camper so they can take the nonfood items. All food will be donated to a local food pantry. Please limit yourself to sending one package per week. Address all mail to your camper(s) as follows: Campers name Bunk Number * Camp Ramah Darom 70 Darom Lane Clayton, GA 30525

* If you are sending mail and do not know the bunk number, please replace the bunk number with the word Camper.

Communication

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E-Mail:

Parents can e-mail their camper(s) during the summer through the CampInTouch system (Online Community section). There is a nominal fee which covers the cost of technology, supplies and staffing so that we can offer this service. Campers are not permitted to send e-mail during the summer as we want them out and about and not inside at computer terminals.

Please note that Ramah Darom is not set up to receive faxes for campers. We ask that you only send communication to your child(ren) via mail or email. News From Camp:

In addition to the letters you will be receiving from your child(ren), our CampInTouch photo galleries will be updated on a regular basis. You will be able to see photos, learn more about programs, etc. Through our website, electronic newsletters and other communication during the summer, we aspire to give parents a window into their childs camp experience.

Telephone Calls:

An important part of the camp experience is helping children develop a sense of independence. If you are concerned about your childs emotional state or if you receive a letter indicating homesickness early in the season, and if you want to find out how your camper is doing, please leave a message for the Yoetz/et (Parent Liaison). They will research the situation and get back to you within a time period of no longer than 24-hours. Please note that messages left for the Yoetzim (Parent Liaisons) on Friday afternoons are not generally returned until Sunday morning. In addition, most of the Yoetzim (Parent Liaisons) are off on Wednesdays. Wednesday messages are returned on Thursday morning. If the situation is an emergency, please follow the emergency contact procedure. More detailed information about when and who to contact at camp will be sent just prior to the start of camp.

We encourage you to write your camper as often as you would like. However, unless it is an emergency, campers do not speak to parents on the phone. As stated in the above paragraph, if you are concerned about your child, please contact the Yoetz/et (Parent Liaison) at camp.

Please note that cellular phones are not permitted at camp. If a camper brings a cell phone,

it will be collected and held in the camp office safe until the end of the session that the camper is attending. If the camper brings an iPhone to use as a personal music player, the sim card will be collected and held for the camper.

Communication

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CLOTHING Rules for Clothing at Camp:

Every camper is required to dress in respect for the educational environment of camp. Clothing must meet appropriate standards of tastefulness, cleanliness, neatness, and Tzinut (modesty). Camp is not the place for testing the limits of the letter or spirit of the camps dress code by wearing clothing that reflects extremes of common fads. Dress at camp is for comfort and activity, not for show.

The following are not permitted at camp:

shirts with inappropriate words, phrases, or symbols

halter-tops

low-cut shirts

inappropriately tight shirts

short skirts

low rider pants

see-through clothing

exposed midriffs

exposed bra straps

exposed underwear

bikini or tankini swimwear

boys speedo style swimwear

The following is appropriate for swimming:

Females must wear one-piece bathing suits.

Males must wear boxer style swim trunks.

Shabbat Clothes: Shabbat is a very special time of the week. The mood of Shabbat is set in many ways, including the way that the community dresses. Our guideline for tasteful dress is not fancy - we discourage elaborate, expensive outfits and encourage simplicity.

The following is appropriate for Shabbat:

Boys should wear a collared shirt with sleeves.

Girls should wear a skirt or a dress

Shorts are acceptable on Saturday, but not on Friday night.

Jeans are not appropriate for Shabbat.

All Shabbat tops must have sleeves.

We reserve the right to determine the appropriateness of a camper's clothing. We will send a camper back to his/her tzrif (cabin) to change if his/her clothing is inappropriate.

Clothing

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Labeling Clothes & Belongings:

Please make sure that all clothing and personal items have your child's name on them. We recommend using either nametapes or indelible ink. You may obtain name tapes from the Best Name Tape Co. at www.bestnametape.com or 800-896-4282 to order personalized name labels. We do our best to protect your childs belongings and we ask that you discuss with your child the importance of being responsible for his/her belongings. However, Ramah Darom assumes no responsibility either for wear and tear, or loss or damage to a campers clothing or other personal items. We suggest that you arrange with your insurance agent for a floater policy to cover loss or damage. The A.M. Skier Insurance Company (800-245-2666) is offering an optional trip interruption/personal damage policy to camp families. You may contact A.M. Skier to arrange this. Camp clothes will see a lot of wear and tear. Please consider sending clothing that is comfortable and well broken-in for everyday wear. *Please Note: If your camper accidentally leaves items behind at camp, please contact our office as soon as possible. We do our best to locate and return lost items but we are only able to return items that have the campers full name clearly marked on them. Items that are located will be mailed at the parents expense.

Laundry:

Please pre-wash all of your childs clothing prior to camp. In addition, please be sure that any clothing you send to camp is colorfast. Laundry will be sent out once a week and will come back one day after it has been sent. Please make sure to send your child to camp with two laundry bags, with name labels attached. Campers should not plan on washing their own clothes. On the following page, you will find a suggested clothing list. Adjust this list to fit your childs own particular needs.

Clothing

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WHAT TO BRING TO CAMP (Session Specific Packing Lists are Posted to CampInTouch under Forms & Documents)

12 T-shirts

2 long sleeve shirts 4 pairs of washable -

pants/jeans/sweatpants 8 pairs of shorts

14 pairs of underwear

3-4 pairs of pajamas (1 heavy pair) 3 bathing suits *

14 pairs of athletic socks 2 sweat shirts/pullover/jacket

1 raincoat with hood / poncho 1 pair of slippers (optional)

1 pair of shower shoes or thongs 1 pair of sturdy waterproof

shoes/hiking boots 2 pairs of athletic shoes

1 pair of sandals (not flip flops) 4 sheets (2 fitted)

(*see dimensions on next page) 2 pillowcases

1 pillow

2 blankets (1 light and 1 heavy) 1 hat, cap or sun visor

1 Individual fan (battery operated clip-on)

Appropriate Shabbat Clothes (see page 14)

1 LARGE WATER BOTTLE/CANTEEN

4 washcloths

4 bath towels 2 pool towels

2 laundry bags 1 pair sun glasses

1 plastic container for toiletries (bucket style caddy)

1 brush or comb 2 toothbrushes and toothpaste

1 soap dish/3 bars of soap

shampoo sunscreen

1 flashlight with extra batteries

1 small sewing kit (optional) Stationery, Pens, Stamps, etc.

Addresses of Family & Friends 4 kipot (optional for girls)

Tallit & Tefillin for Bnai Mitzvah 1 hanging shoe bag

(over the door) 1 small backpack

1 Packable Sleeping Bag (polyester fiberfill)

Clothing

OPTIONAL: Bug repellent, pool goggles, bathing cap, bathrobe, camera and film, musical instrument, Hebrew Bible, books, tikun, athletic equipment: baseball mitt, basketball, tennis racket. * Please only bring one-piece bathing suits for Girls and boxer style swim trunks for boys (See page 14 Rules for Clothing at camp)

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Tefillin & Tallit:

If your Bar Mitzvahed son does not have Tefillin, please acquire a set for him. While we support Bat Mitzvahed girls that choose to wear Tefillin, they are not required to do so. PLEASE MAKE SURE TALLIT, TALLIT BAGS, AND TEFILLIN BAGS ARE LABELED. (A clear plastic zippered pouch labeled with the campers name is helpful to keep these items protected and together.) Sports Equipment:

Camp will provide all necessary sports equipment. Campers may bring their own tennis rackets, softball gloves, hockey sticks or lacrosse sticks to camp if they desire. PLEASE MAKE SURE TO LABEL ALL SPORTS EQUIPMENT. Mattresses are Extra Long Twin Size:

(79 long x 36 wide x 7 deep)

Extra Long Twin sized sheets will fit these mattresses and are available from our camp outfitter at www.cloz.com. Many retail outlets such as Walmart, Bed Bath and Beyond and outlet mall linen stores also carry these sheets. Some retailers now offer Twin Sized Sheets made for extra thick mattresses and they are advertised as being Twin/XL Twin sized. Those sheets should fit all Twin mattresses at camp.

Clothing

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Special Programs at Camp

Birthdays:

Every camper with a birthday during the camp season will receive a birthday cake for a Tzrif (cabin) party. As such, there is no need to call camp with a similar request. Campers with birthdays during camp will be allowed to phone home on their birthday. Calls are generally made between 8 and 10 pm Eastern Daylight Savings time. Bar / Bat Mitzvah Guided Review:

If your child has a Bar/Bat Mitzvah between August 2012 and December 31, 2012, the camp will provide some guided scheduled review with a staff member on a weekly basis. The review will take place during the informal times of the day, most likely during rest hour or in the late afternoon. Our staff members will review the daily schedule with the campers to find a time that will work. However, it is the campers responsibility to remember and attend the review session. Please make sure to review this prior to your child attending camp. Please understand that we will make every effort to make sure your child attends his/her review sessions.

A Bar/Bat Mitzvah review form is available thru the CampInTouch system in the Forms & Documents section for campers in 6th, 7th and 8th grades.

Camp Time:

During the summer, on the first night of each session, Camp Ramah Darom sets its clocks to Eastern Standard Time. For example, when it is 12:00 noon in Atlanta (which is Eastern Daylight Savings Time EDT), it is only 11:00 a.m. at camp. On the last evening of each session the clocks are turned back to Eastern Daylight Savings Time. This allows younger campers an opportunity for programming on Saturday nights after Shabbat. In addition, the sun has an extra hour each morning to warm the pool and lake for swimming and dry dew off of the playing fields.


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Music Program:

Campers are encouraged to bring their musical instruments to camp, as well as a selection of sheet music for their practice sessions. There are many opportunities to practice and use them throughout the camp season. Campers planning to bring instruments that are too large to fit into their

luggage should contact the camp office.

RADIO RAMAH Music At Camp:

The camp radio station, 89.5 FM, broadcasts throughout the day, playing both Israeli and American music. Campers are encouraged to bring small personal radios so that they can enjoy the programming and to bring music to broadcast on the station. Campers are permitted to bring ipods or other mp3 players to enjoy their personal music at camp and share with their

friends. The Camp bears no responsibility for lost or damaged personal electronics. The variety of music that campers listen to at home is vast. Each family makes their own decisions regarding what is acceptable concerning lyrics and social messages. Camp, however, is a communal living situation. Consequently, music choices must be comfortable for all participants. Moreover, the type of music broadcast over the radio station or played in the cabin must be consistent with the values of the camp. Please review the music recordings that your child wishes to bring to camp to be certain that they are appropriate for the Ramah Darom setting. While there is no mandatory or universal rating system for music recordings, there are voluntary warning labels used by recording companies. Please do not send your campers to camp with recordings that have such warning labels. Please do not send your child to camp with music that advocates drug use or violence, which degrades other human beings, that is sexually explicit, or that includes swearing,

cursing, or other inappropriate lyrics. Your assistance in this matter will help create a comfortable and positive environment for all of our campers and for our entire community. It will also help communicate the value of

kedushat halashon the sanctity of language that the camp holds so dear.


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Camp Rules & Regulations Visiting:

Ramah Darom encourages parents to visit the camp on the first and last days of the camp session. Please see page 6 Places to Stay if you wish to find lodging in the Clayton area. To preserve the sense of independence fostered by the camping experience, we ask that parents or other relatives not visit during the camp session. Under no circumstances will visitors be permitted to drop in for a visit. If you know families who are considering sending their children to Ramah Darom in a future summer who you feel would benefit from seeing camp while it is in session, please contact us in advance so that we can arrange the tour and extend our warm Southern Hachnasat Orchim (hospitality).

Electronics:

We strongly discourage parents from sending electronic equipment (like iPods) to camp with your child. If you choose to do so, please be aware that the camp will not be responsible for any loss of/or damage to such equipment. Please do not send handheld electronic games, such as Gameboys, or portable video equipment, such as travel DVD players or video iPods. Summer is a time to be outside and interacting with other people and we find that campers become absorbed in these games or videos and oblivious to our magnificent natural environment.

Cell Phones:

Cellular phones are not permitted at camp. If a camper brings a cell phone, it will be collected and held in the camp office safe until the end of the session that the camper is attending. If the camper brings an iPhone to use as a personal music player, the SIM card will be collected and held for the camper.

Graffitti:

The buildings at Ramah Darom are beautifully maintained and represent the work and dedication of supporters throughout the country. Ramah Darom does not permit writing on walls, tables, benches or any other piece of camp property.

Campers are expected to properly respect the campus and the buildings. Absolutely no graffiti is permitted. A fine of $200.00 per incident plus any maintenance costs for repairs will be assessed for any defacing of, or damage to, camp property. Re-enrollment of a camper will not be permitted until the fine is paid in full. Camp Rules & Regulations

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Gratuities:

Staff members at Ramah Darom are engaged in an important educational enterprise. As professional educators, they may not accept gratuities under any circumstances. If you feel that a staff member has performed exceptionally well during the summer, please bring this to the attention of the Camp Director, Geoff Menkowitz. If you would like, you can show your appreciation for a staff member by making a contribution in that staff member's name to the Staff Appreciation Fund. A card will be sent to the staff member in whose name the gift is made. Contributions may be made by calling the Atlanta office and will be used to enhance staff life at camp. Piercing Policy:

At the foundation of Judaism is the idea that each human being is created Btzelem Elokim in the Image of God. At Camp, this value is expressed in the way that we dress, in our appearance or personal hygiene, and in the way that we speak and act towards one another. Certain norms in secular society challenge the notion that our actions should reflect the idea of being created BTzelem Elokim. Contemporary social trends like body piercings negate the underlying Jewish value that our bodies are to be viewed as gifts on loan from God, entrusted in our care. While earrings (for both men and women) are Halachicly acceptable, other body piercing (nose, eyebrow, lip, tongue, naval, etc.) is not acceptable at Camp. Where applicable, we ask of campers that all rings (except earrings) be removed before arrival to camp and remain out during the camp season.

Privacy vs. Protection:

While respect for the privacy of individuals at camp is a value we teach and encourage, the needs of the community sometimes supersede the needs of the individual. If the health or safety of other campers or staff is at risk, campers may be asked to have their belongings searched and inventoried in the presence of two (2) designated members of the senior administrative staff.

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Camp Ethics: Attention Parents: Please review this section carefully with your child prior to his/her arrival at camp. Ramah Darom is a special Jewish community where many people live and learn together for the summer. We expect every member of this community to follow a set of basic Jewish ethics and camp rules. Campers and Staff Members are advised to:

1. Demonstrate respect for others in what we say and in how we act. 2. Demonstrate respect for the camp, its programs, rules and personnel. 3. Demonstrate respect for others possessions and camp property. 4. Protect and respect our natural environment and its resources. 5. Protect our own health and safety and that of others.

Camp will not tolerate the following: 1. Possession or Consumption of Alcohol. 2. Possession or Consumption of Illegal Drugs. 3. Possession or Consumption of Non-Prescribed legal drugs. 4. Possession or Consumption of Tobacco Products. 5. Leaving camp property without proper authorization. 6. Purposefully harming others at camp, emotionally or physically. 7. Fighting. 8. Sexual Behavior.

PARTICIPATION IN THESE BEHAVIORS WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE DISMISSAL FROM THE CAMP COMMUNITY. CAMP ADMINISTRATIVE FEES WILL NOT BE REFUNDED AND FUTURE ENROLLMENT MAY BE PROHIBITED.

ABSOLUTELY NONE OF THE FOLLOWING ARE ALLOWED AT CAMP RAMAH DAROM:

Fireworks, Super Soaker Water Guns, Water Pistols, Knives, Toy Knives, Guns, Toy Guns, Laser Pointers, Televisions, DVD players,

Video Ipods, Beepers, Cellular Phones, Video Cameras.

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DIRECTIONS TO RAMAH DAROM FROM INDIVIDUAL CITIES TO CLAYTON, GA

Please see next page for directions from Clayton, GA to Ramah Darom

FROM ATLANTA, GEORGIA I-85 NORTH TO I-985 NORTH. CONTINUE GOING STRAIGHT, NAME CHANGES TO U.S. FEDERAL ROAD 365 NORTH AND THEN TO U.S. FEDERAL ROAD 441 NORTH, INTO CLAYTON,

GA (directions from Clayton to Ramah on next page)

FROM DALLAS, TEXAS I-20 EAST TO ATLANTA, TO I-85 NORTH TO I-985 NORTH. CONTINUE GOING STRAIGHT, NAME CHANGES TO U.S. FEDERAL ROAD 365 NORTH AND THEN TO U.S. FEDERAL ROAD 441

NORTH, INTO CLAYTON, GA (directions from Clayton to Ramah on next page)

FROM FLORIDA EAST COAST I-95 NORTH TO I-10 WEST TO I-75 NORTH TO I-475 NORTH BACK ONTO I-75 NORTH TO I-285 EAST TO I-85 NORTH TO I-985 NORTH. CONTINUE GOING STRAIGHT, NAME CHANGES TO U.S. FEDERAL ROAD 365 NORTH AND THEN TO U.S. FEDERAL ROAD 441 NORTH, INTO

CLAYTON, GA (directions from Clayton to Ramah on next page)

FROM FLORIDA WEST COAST I-75 NORTH TO I-475 (BY-PASS MACON) NORTH BACK ONTO I-75 NORTH TO I-285 EAST TO I-85 NORTH TO I-985 NORTH. CONTINUE GOING STRAIGHT, NAME CHANGES TO U.S. FEDERAL ROAD 365 NORTH AND THEN TO U.S. FEDERAL ROAD 441 NORTH, INTO CLAYTON, GA (directions from Clayton to Ramah on next page)

FROM KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI I-70 EAST TO I-64 TO I-57 SOUTH TO I-24 EAST TO I-75 SOUTH TO I-285 EAST TO I-85 NORTH TO I-985 NORTH. CONTINUE GOING STRAIGHT, NAME CHANGES TO U.S. FEDERAL ROAD 365 NORTH AND THEN TO U.S. FEDERAL ROAD 441 NORTH, INTO CLAYTON, GA (directions from Clayton to Ramah on next page)

FROM LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS I-40 EAST TO MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE TO U.S. FEDERAL 78 EAST TO BIRMINGHAM, ALALBAMA TO I-20 EAST TO ATLANTA. I-85 NORTH TO I-985 NORTH. CONTINUE GOING STRAIGHT, NAME CHANGES TO U.S. FEDERAL ROAD 365 NORTH AND THEN TO U.S. FEDERAL ROAD 441

NORTH, TOWARD CLAYTON, GA (directions from Clayton to Ramah on next page)

FROM RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA I-40 WEST TO I-85 SOUTH TO U.S. FEDERAL ROAD 76 WEST TO CLAYTON, GA (directions from Clayton to Ramah on next page)

FROM NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE I-24 EAST TO 1-75 NORTH. TAKE US 64 BYPASS EAST (EXIT 20) TOWARD CLEVELAND. MERGE ONTO US 74, GO 6.4 MILES TO US 64 EAST TOWARD OCOEE. GO 51.6 MILES, TURN RIGHT AND CONTINUE ON US 64 FOR 14.2 MILES. TURN RIGHT ONTO NC 69 FOR 3.5 MILES (LIGHT AT GA 76). TAKE 76 EAST FOR 16.6 MILES. LEFT ONTO PERSIMMON ROAD. (follow directions from Persimmon Road to Ramah from last point on next page)

Directions to Clayton, GA

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ATTN: WE DO NOT RECOMMEND USING ANY ONLINE MAPPING OR GPS ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS FOR DIRECTIONS TO CAMP.

(They tend to route drivers looking for Ramah Darom incorrectly.)

DIRECTIONS FROM CLAYTON GA TO CAMP RAMAH DAROM

U.S. 441 NORTH TO US 76 WEST. (Landmarks: Dairy Queen, Citco Gas)

TURN LEFT ONTO THE 76 WEST (Savannah Street), (Landmarks -Dairy Queen, Citco Gas) AND TRAVEL ABOUT 7.5 MILES

Once you pass Marks Marina and Lake Burton Grocery (on left hand side of the road) travel about a quarter of a mile and TURN RIGHT ONTO PERSIMMON ROAD (paved road)

If you reach the Y Camp or Lake Burton, you have passed the Persimmon road turn off

CONTINUE FOR 7.5 MILES ON PERSIMMON ROAD, If at any point there is a fork in the road, remain to the left. You will see the camp on the left hand side.

CONTINUE ON THE PAVED ROAD, DRIVING ALONGSIDE THE CAMP. CROSS OVER THE ONE-VEHICLE BRIDGE. THE ROAD SURFACE CHANGES FROM PAVED TO GRAVEL. MAKE AN IMMEDIATE LEFT TURN INTO THE ENTRANCE OF CAMP RAMAH DAROM. (Upon your arrival, please check in at the Welcome Center - the large building on the right.)

WE WISH YOU A SAFE TRIP!

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS:

RAMAH DAROM CAMP OFFICE - CLAYTON: (706) 782-9300

RAMAH DAROM ATLANTA OFFICE: (404) 531-0801

Directions from Clayton, GA to Camp