COVID-19

How and when will I receive my tuition refund?

All refunds will be processed via check and mailed to the primary residence on the camper’s application within 8 weeks of the request.

Why isn’t Ramah allowing us to roll over tuition and automatically re-enroll for next year?

While our greatest desire is to have all chanichim enroll again for kayitz 2021, rolling tuition over is not a prudent financial decision for Ramah’s long-term health. Doing so would push forward a significant shortfall to next year. By containing our loss to one year, we are better able to mitigate and manage it now through cuts, financing, and fundraising.

How do I see what I've paid to Camp Ramah up to this point?

You can view your statement by clicking here, selecting the Financial Management tab, and clicking "View Statement." This link will open in a new tab, please return here to finish the form.

I don’t understand why Camp Ramah will have a net loss if you are not running a summer program.

Not running a summer program will save Ramah $2.1 million dollars in seasonal expenses including food, summer salaries, bussing, supplies, and more. However, with a nearly $6.5 million loss of summer gross revenue, this natural reduction of costs doesn’t offset the expenses Ramah undertakes year-round to maintain the property, employ year-round staff, and build our summer program.

What if I bought insurance?

The insurance company has communicated to us, that if you have purchased trip interruption insurance, they will be providing refunds of premiums paid. Click here for some information from the insurance company. The insurance can't be refunded until your camp refund has been processed, which may take up to 8 weeks.

What will happen to my scholarship or other outside funding?

Ramah will be in touch directly with the myriad of organizational partners (synagogues, youth groups, federations, foundations, and more) and personal contributors (grandparents and others) to determine how to handle those contributions for camper tuition.

What happened to the extra COVID-19 $50 fee?

That fee will be waived from all camper accounts.

What about the credit card fees?

Credit card fees will not be reimbursed as Ramah has already incurred those expenses.

Did Ramah make cuts this spring to manage expenses in anticipation of this potential loss?

Since March, we have sought a balanced and active approach to managing our teams and property. We have cut back on many projects and ongoing maintenance while continuing to care for the property responsibly. Similarly, we have made significant cuts to personnel and benefits, in a manner that honors our dedicated and hardworking employees who rely on Ramah for their livelihood.

Can I support Ramah through something other than my tuition refund?

Absolutely. We know that many families would prefer to give a donation from another source including from a philanthropic fund, stock donations, etc. Please contact John Magoulas, Ramah’s Director of Development (john@ramah.org).

How will my donation help Camp Ramah?

Camp Ramah in California is facing the difficult financial reality of losing nearly $9 million in gross revenue from our summer and year-round conference center programs, thereby leaving us with a net loss of $6.5 million. Your donations, along with the cuts and donor support already in place, will help us with a nearly insurmountable gap of $4.1 million. For Ramah’s short-term viability and long-term well-being, we look to you, our camp community, to continue your ongoing support of Camp Ramah in California.

Why do Ramah parents say they are donating their tuition refund?

“There is a lot of talk right now about essential services, and what constitutes essential. For our family, Camp Ramah is something that I consider essential. It is essential that my boys spend a month in a beautiful technology-free zone, it is essential that they make the best friends of their lives with people who have similar Jewish values and it is essential that they spend time in a meaningful environment that encourages a love for Judaism and Israel. I am gifting my 2020 tuition to Camp Ramah because it is ESSENTIAL not only for our children but for future generations of Jewish Campers.” - Desi Winter

“Several years ago, as we waited at the gate to pick our daughter up from camp with her younger brother in the car, we said to him, “Someday, you’ll be able to go to Camp Ramah!” “Why,” he asked, “would I want to go to Camp Ramah?” He has since become a camper himself and has learned all of the reasons why: the community, the friendships, the connections to campers and counselors and staff, the experience of Shabbat in Ojai, the activities and adventures, the way Jewish learning and values are woven throughout each day. We are all heartbroken that our children cannot attend Camp Ramah in California this summer. But we want to do what we can to ensure Camp Ramah is here next summer and many summers beyond that, which is why we are donating our tuition to Camp Ramah.” - Anonymous

“Throughout this COVID era, our teenage girls have adapted to Zoom schooling and being stuck at home by believing that their beloved Camp Ramah would somehow happen in the summer. Their disappointment upon hearing that camp had been canceled reinforced the importance of Ramah Ojai to our upcoming 6th and 8th year campers and made it clear to us as parents that supporting Ramah now was essential to ensure it will be there next year and for years to come.” - Amy and Jonathan

“Over the years, Ramah has supported us through financial and personal hard times so my kids have always had their home away from home – their sacred space to grow. I’ve always wanted a way to give back, and with these funds already budgeted and spent it’s not that difficult. I never even considered taking the money back. Camp Ramah in California has been our family for 15 years, and I want camp to always be there for my kids, their future families, and all of us.” - Anonymous

“Camp Ramah in California is our Number One non-profit organization. We’ve been campers, counselors and now parents of campers. Kayitz 2020 has left our house broken hearted. But thinking towards Kayitz 2021 and beyond… we MUST ensure Ramah’s future. Jewish sleepaway camp is the secret sauce. Camp Ramah in California has the exact right recipe for the BEST secret sauce. “ - Alison & Michael Feinberg

"Our two children went to Camp Ramah for the first time last summer. Since returning home, we have heard on almost a daily basis about all the the fun activities they did, the amazing people they met, and the special memories they made. In a short period of time it has become a second home to our children where they go to create lifelong friendships, safely embark on new adventures and experience independence, and learn about Judaism. As our daughter, Ella, succinctly put it, “There is no other place I want to be in the summer than Camp Ramah.” We elected to donate to Camp Ramah to ensure it will be there for many years to come for our children and for other families.” - Jana & Mark Zinman

When will enrollment for summer 2021 open?

You will hear from us loud and proud over the summer once applications for kayitz 2021 are available.

Will Ramah be offering programs over the academic year for campers?

We hope so! While we have many exciting ideas about future programming, we know that we need to wait until we have a better sense of what programs we can run in the fall and winter. However, know that if we are permitted, and if we feel we can do so safely, we will look to offer opportunities for our community to gather in smaller groups throughout the year.