Health & Immunization Policy
At Ramah Day Camp, the health and safety of our campers, staff, and families remain a top priority. In partnership with our medical team and the National Ramah Commission (NRC), we regularly review and update our policies to reflect current best practices in public health.
Immunization Requirements
Ramah Day Camp remains committed to the health and safety of our communities. All campers and staff who attend any Ramah camp or program must be vaccinated in accordance with the 2025 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) “Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule for Ages 18 Years or Younger,” as may be revised from time to time.
Ramah Day Camp requires full compliance with these immunization guidelines for all campers and staff. Documentation must be provided to verify that campers and staff are up to date with all required vaccinations. A copy of the current AAP immunization schedule is available for your reference here:
This policy aligns with the National Ramah Commission’s universal vaccination requirement, first approved in 2007 and reaffirmed in January 2026. With only specific, verified medical exemptions, vaccination in accordance with the AAP schedule is a requirement for participation in Ramah overnight camps, day camps, and Israel programs.
Our Approach to Illness & COVID-19
Our approach to illness prevention, response, and COVID-19 guidance is informed by our medical committee and reflects evolving public health recommendations. While COVID-19 is no longer the primary driver of our health policies, we continue to monitor and respond appropriately to communicable illnesses to ensure the well-being of our community.
Our Values & Community Responsibility
Our camp community is a kehillah kedosha, a holy community. Preventing illness and creating a caring, safe environment is holy work.
Families entrust their children to us to educate them, inspire them, and keep them healthy and safe. Our community includes both healthy individuals and those who may be more medically vulnerable. Universal vaccination is a proven way to reduce the spread of preventable illness and vaccination plays an essential role in protecting individuals and strengthening the health of our entire community. Additionally, campers should stay home or will be sent home for:
- Fever ≥100.4°F
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Significant coughing or difficulty breathing
- Contagious rash or eye drainage or other contagious illness
- Symptoms severe enough to prevent participation in camp
In order to return to camp, a camper must:
- Be fever-free for 24 hours without medication
- No vomiting/diarrhea for 24 hours
- Symptoms improving or resolved
- Some contagious illnesses (like strep throat or conjunctivitis) will require 24 hours of treatment before return
Ongoing Communication
Our goal is to create a healthy, safe camp experience with minimal disruption. Should public health guidance or circumstances require changes to these policies before or during the summer, we will communicate updates promptly.
If you have questions, please contact the Camp Nurse at rdcnurse@ramahpoconos.org.