Close your eyes and imagine hundreds of voices singing together as the sun sets behind the North Georgia mountains. No phones, no distractions, no rushing from one obligation to the next—just a cacophony of prayer, Jewish joy, and connection. That’s Kabbalat Shabbat at Camp Ramah Darom, and it’s only one of the countless magical moments I had the privilege of sharing with our community this summer.
Reflecting on my first summer as CEO, what makes Ramah Darom extraordinary isn’t just what we do (though that is a lot of fun!), it’s how we live. Camp Ramah Darom is more than a summer program; it’s an intentionally fun and Jewish immersive experience, a world apart from the pace and pressures of everyday life.
This summer, we were proud to welcome over 1,000 campers and staff members from near and far to join our community. We sang at the top of our lungs, learned new skills, grew our independence, played lots of games, made new friendships, and so much more. Sure, each of these could have happened in a different setting, but as Priya Parker suggests in her book The Art of Gathering, the most meaningful experiences are the ones that fully immerse us—where we set aside distractions, cross a threshold, and allow ourselves to be transformed by community.
These moments of total engagement leave a lasting impact that extends far beyond the summer. Now that our campers and staff are back in their hometowns and communities, they carry with them the confidence, friendships, and sense of Jewish joy nurtured at Camp Ramah Darom. In countless small ways—whether it’s their increased independence at home, showing off new dance moves, or fostering camp friendships throughout the year—we hope and trust that they bring the ruach (spirit) of camp into their daily lives.
But here’s what is truly remarkable: you don’t need to wait until next summer for another Ramah Darom experience! We continue to offer year-round curated retreats and rental opportunities that allow everyone, of all ages, to experience Jewish joy, connection, and learning on our beautiful campus.
Thank you for trusting us, supporting us, and being part of this extraordinary community.
