Under the Same Summer Sky
Reflections on Kayitz 2026 from Amy Skopp Cooper, CEO, National Ramah Commission
Despite the soaring temperatures—and certainly due to them—our camps marked the pre-July 4th Shabbat with plenty of water activities, extra swims, and ice cream. It is a delight to see directors, who carry so much on their shoulders, jumping into the agam (lake) and staffing ice cream trucks and water stations. Kol Ha’kavod to our remarkable tzevet (staff) members, who kept campers safe and happy while navigating this prolonged heatwave.
My recent journeys have taken me to the DC and Philly day camps, Ramah Poconos, and Ramah in the Rockies.
There is a lot of "God talk" at Ramah Day Camp Greater DC. Campers (some as young as four!) are exploring their personal theologies while immersed in nature, tilling the garden, and walking their beloved goats. Guided by talented educators, campers discuss where they might feel God and how to express gratitude for all things big and small. It truly is wonderful to observe authentic reverence and values-based education in action.
Ramah Day Camp Philly, which is marking its 30th anniversary this summer, has a remarkable history. It is deeply gratifying to greet senior staff members who have been with the camp for over two decades, inspiring and mentoring new leaders each summer. Their Sha’ar Hebrew immersion program is exceptional, and it was a thrill to hear young children already responding in Hebrew. The omanut (art) program encourages self-expression, and campers were eager to share their color and pattern selections for their vibrant, multicolored prints while having a blast using the Hebrew words for the different colors!
At Camp Ramah in the Poconos during a beautiful Kabbalat Shabbat—the first of this summer—I could feel the energy and contentment of children and staff returning to their summer community. A beautiful breeze engulfed the amphitheater as the second-oldest edah opened the evening with joyful song and dance.
Over Shabbat, I had the opportunity to meet with various edot and spend time with their incredibly talented mishlachat as they asked important questions about the relationship between Diaspora and Israeli Jews, and the status of Jewish education both in Israel and North America. Throughout the day, there were a variety of ball games, plenty of swimming, and edah activities.
As the sun set, Poconos enjoyed its rich tradition of bunk limmud (learning). Nestled in small groups throughout the fields, children and staff were engaged in meaningful conversations and text study.
It has not rained in over a month at Ramah in the Rockies, and the camp and campers are covered in brown dust, not that it matters to any of them as they dance, run, hike, and explore their majestic environment.
Over the July 4th weekend, campers participated in meaningful dialogue about what it means to be a citizen, our responsibility as Americans, and our country’s Jewish history. I had the opportunity to lead a session on the history of Jewish camp in the U.S., and also found time to share the story of the rescue of Jewish hostages at Entebbe—now 50 years later.
On Motzei Shabbat, after a stunning Havdalah and the singing of U.S. folk songs, came the Yom Sport breakout. There were cheers, screams, and pure joy under the thousands and thousands of stars that permeated the night sky.
