Staffing

Expectations for Staff

Screening and Education

We make efforts to screen and hire staff that can embody the joyful spirit of camp without compromising the degree of professionalism and judgment needed to maintain a safe and healthy camp environment. For purposes of this policy, staff includes full-time, part-time and seasonal employees, as well as short-term employees and volunteers. Before campers are entrusted to their care, staff must complete a background check in accordance with applicable laws, affirm their commitment to our safety policies, and receive training on abuse prevention and our procedures for reporting and responding to harm.

Behavioral Expectations for Staff

Camp holds staff to the highest standards. Physical, sexual and emotional abuse, grooming behavior, and romantic or sexual relationships with campers, including those who are 18 years of age or older, are prohibited.

Camp strives to create a safe, healthy, and secure environment at Camp, to help children develop self-control and to help children assume responsibility and understand the impact of their actions. Clear and consistent, age-appropriate rules and limits are established at Camp. Any consequences used will relate to the child’s specific actions and will be handled in a safe and timely fashion per this policy. No physical or corporal punishment is allowed. No verbal abuse or humiliation, scare tactics, or other controlling measures are allowed. No methods associated with the deprivation of food, water, or shelter, or extended isolation are allowed. No punishment of any kind for bedwetting is allowed.

Mandated Reporting Policy

In accordance with Pennsylvania law, all Camp staff and volunteers are required to comply with legal mandatory reporting requirements, which consist of reporting both to civil authorities and/or law enforcement as required, and to camp leadership or a member of the Camp Safety Team.

Gratuities: Tzevet (Staff) Appreciation

Staff members at Ramah Day Camp are engaged in an important educational enterprise. They are dedicated to their task. As educators who do their utmost for each individual, they may not accept gratuities (money or gifts) under any circumstances. Appreciation may be shown by making a contribution in a staff member’s name to the Staff Appreciation Fund, used to enhance staff life at camp in this and future summers. A card will be sent to the staff member in whose name the gift is made. Contributions may be made online or by contacting our Director of Advancement, Stephanie Amarnick at 215.885.8556 x 7553.

"Mishlachat" (Staff from Israel)

The Mishlachat, translated as "those who are sent," come to us from Israel each summer to serve as madrichim (counselors) and mumchim (specialists). They are an invaluable part of our staff and Ramah community and enhance our connection to Israel. Mishlachat are housed with camper families. We encourage you to invite Mishlachat members for dinner, a family activity, or just to spend some time with you and your family. Please contact our Rosh Mishlachat, Sara, at rdcmishlachat@ramahpoconos.org if you are interested in a special opportunity to host one of our Israeli staff members for any length of time. Home hospitality not only enriches their experience in the United States and at RDC but will also enrich your family's summer!