Graffiti, Gratuity, Piercing & Privacy

Graffiti & Property Damage Policy

The buildings at Ramah Darom are beautifully maintained and represent the work and dedication of supporters throughout the country. In fact, our maintenance team spent much of last year removing graffiti from our bunk beds. Ramah Darom does not permit writing on walls, tables, benches, bunk beds or any other piece of Camp property. Campers are expected to respect the campus and the buildings properly.

Absolutely no graffiti is permitted. A fine of $300 per incident plus any maintenance costs for repairs will be assessed for any defacing of, or damage to, Camp property. Re-enrollment of a camper will not be permitted until the fine is paid in full.

Gratuity Policy

Staff members at Ramah Darom are engaged in an important educational enterprise. As professional educators, they may not accept gratuities under any circumstances. If you feel that a staff member has performed exceptionally well during the summer, please bring this to the attention of the Camp Director. If you would like, you can show your appreciation for a staff member by making a contribution in that staff member’s name to the Staff Appreciation Fund. A card will be sent to the staff member in whose name the gift is made. Contributions may be made by calling Sharon Rosenfeld at 404.503.2129 and will be used to enhance staff life at Camp.

Privacy vs. Protection

While respect for the privacy of individuals at Camp is a value we teach and encourage, the needs of the community sometimes supersede the needs of the individual. If the health or safety of other campers or staff is at risk, campers may be asked to have their belongings searched and inventoried in the presence of two designated members of the senior staff.

Piercing Policy

At the foundation of Judaism is the idea that each human being is created B’tzelem Elokim (in the Image of God). At Camp, this value is expressed in the way that we dress, in our appearance and personal hygiene and in the way that we speak and act towards one another. Certain norms in secular society challenge the notion that our actions should reflect the idea of being created B’tzelem Elokim. Contemporary social trends like body piercings negate the underlying Jewish value that our bodies are to be viewed as gifts on loan from God, entrusted in our care. While earrings and small nose rings (for both men and women) are acceptable, other body piercings are not acceptable at Camp.