UPDATED STATEMENT for KAYITZ 2026

Health & Immunization Policy

Dear Ramah Day Camp Community,

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, staff, and family members of 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.

We require 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, especially in a camp setting where campers and staff are in close quarters.

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.

HEALTH POLICIES

MEDICAL FORMS

Please note that a CURRENT EXAM and up-to-date VACCINATIONS are mandatory for every child coming to Ramah and must be noted on the medical form. Physical exams must have been completed within the past 11 months. Be sure that all information is complete and uploaded into your CampInTouch account. The camp medical form must be filled out to participate in our program.

All medical conditions and special concerns MUST be communicated to the Camp Nurse. This will provide a positive and safe environment for your child. As with all sensitive information communicated to tzevet (staff), it will only be shared with necessary tzevet members.

We cannot administer treatment or medication without a completed medical form, including signed consent to treat; therefore, no one can be admitted to camp without a completed, signed medical form.

ILLNESS

We are concerned about the health of every camper. Please keep your sick child at home. This protects the health of our kehillah (community). A child may return to camp when:

  • No fever has been present for at least 24 hours
  • Diarrhea and vomiting have cleared for at least 24 hours
  • Antibiotics, if prescribed, have been used for at least 24 hours
  • Frequent coughing and nasal discharge are resolved
  • Pain (earache, cramps, headache, etc.) is resolved
  • Mood, appetite, behavior, and activity are normal again

You will be notified if your child is exposed to a communicable illness at camp. In turn, kindly notify the camp if your child has been exposed to a communicable illness at home. Additionally, please share any special concerns.

MEDICATIONS

If your child requires special medication or prescription medication during the day, please bring the medication, in its original bottle, labeled with your child's name, along with specific doctor's instructions for its administration, to the camp office. All medications will be kept in the nurse's office, and will ONLY be administered under the direction of the Camp nurse.

NO MEDICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED BY THE CAMP UNLESS ACCOMPANIED BY INSTRUCTIONS FROM YOUR CHILD'S PHYSICIAN.

We understand that some campers may take a "vacation" from their regular, school-year dose of medication during the summer. Often, this is because camp is assumed to be a less structured, stress-free environment. While camp is a time for fun and relaxation, there are many different situations to deal with, including new social situations and changes in routine. For these reasons, we strongly request that you discuss the above factors with your physician. If you are considering a "vacation" from medication for your child, you must let the camp know. This information is essential in order to ensure a successful summer for your child.

TICK SAFETY & PREVENTION

The safety and well-being of our chanichim (campers) is always our top priority. As with any outdoor setting, ticks are a natural part of the environment. We encourage all mishpachot to partner with us in helping reduce the risk of tick-borne illnesses by checking your child for ticks daily after camp. Tick checks should include the entire body, paying special attention to warm, hidden areas such as:

  • Hairline and scalp
  • Behind the Ears
  • Under the arms
  • Around the waist
  • Behind the knees
  • In and around the groin area

We also suggest that chanichim shower or bathe after returning home each day and that you wash and dry their clothing on high heat when possible. tzevet does not conduct tick checks, so your role at home is essential in ensuring ongoing safety.

If you find a tick and are concerned, we recommend contacting your pediatrician. For more information on tick safety and Lyme disease prevention, please consult resources from the CDC or your local health department.