Retreats FAQ

Who are Ramah Darom year-round retreats for?
Our retreats welcome Jews of all backgrounds and practices and their loved ones. The audience may vary depending on the specific retreat’s goals and objectives. Click here to explore all our year-round programs.

What can I expect during a retreat?
Each retreat is thoughtfully designed and created through a Jewish lens with high-quality programming and a warm, intentional community. Every participant’s experience is unique—that’s part of the magic. For a closer look, click here to visit each retreat page, where you can view last year’s Program Guide, which includes a daily schedule, to get a feel for the experience.

What types of activities are available at retreats?
Retreat programming includes a mix of learning, arts, music, sports, wellness, and classic camp-style activities, which may include:

What programs and activities are available for children during a retreat?
LimmudFest, Winter Break Family Camp, Book It To Shabbat, Passover Retreat, and Mishpacha Weekend are family-friendly retreats and offer a mix of family time and separate programming for kids and adults. Some have Kids Camp, a day-camp-like program typically available for children ages 6 months through teens. For more details, visit each retreat’s page and check the Youth Booklet (if available) to view a sample Kids Camp schedule.  Jewish Women’s Getaway, ReTreat Yourself, and Machzor Gimel are 21+ programs. B’teavon is open to ages 18+, offers childcare for ages two and under, and a Teen Track for ages 13- 17.

Can I bring my pets?
Pets are not permitted on campus. Service and emotional support animals can be accommodated in accordance with ADA guidelines with advance notice.

Is the campus accessible for individuals with mobility challenges?
Ramah Darom’s campus is located in the mountains and includes hills and uneven terrain. Most recreational buildings are wheelchair accessible, and we offer a selection of hotel rooms and cabins with walk-in showers and grab bars. Please inquire in advance of registration to confirm if additional mobility support is available for the retreat you hope to attend.

Is there WiFi on campus?
Yes. WiFi is available throughout campus, within lodging, all indoor meeting spaces, and most outdoor areas.

Where is Ramah Darom?
Ramah Darom is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, just 20 minutes from downtown Clayton, GA, in Rabun County.

What is the closest airport to Ramah Darom?
Most guests fly into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), which is about a 2.5-hour drive from campus. Nearby airports include:

• Greenville-Spartanburg International (GSP): 104 miles
• Asheville Regional (AVL): 115 miles
• Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International (ATL): 129 miles

How do I get to Ramah Darom from the Atlanta airport?
Please visit the specific retreat web page for transportation details found under “Travel & Packing”.

How’s the weather at Ramah Darom?
Expect warm summers, crisp autumns with vibrant foliage, mild winters, and comfortable springs. Please note that mountain temperatures can change throughout the day. Be sure to check the forecast for zip code 30525 the week of your arrival.

Do you have a packing list?
Yes. This Packing List includes seasonal suggestions.

Is there security on-site?
A local security officer is stationed at the campus guard building 24/7 during the Ramah Darom retreats.

Can I charge my electric car?
We offer two Level 2 FLO Network charging stations. Usage fees apply. Click here for more information and instructions.

What else is there to do in the area?
Explore local attractions at explorerabun.com.

What is included in the cost?
The registration fee includes:

• Lodging
• All meals, snacks, and beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
• All programs, activities, and supplies
• Kids Camp (when applicable)

Some retreats offer optional transportation to/from the Atlanta airport for an additional fee. Many retreats also include shmira (evening supervision for sleeping children) during adult evening programs. For our Passover Retreat, there are opportunities to upgrade with excursions, premium snacks, and evening babysitting.

What type of lodging is available?
Ramah Darom offers a range of lodging options, including cabins, hotels, and deluxe cottages, to suit different needs and comfort levels. Please visit the lodging section on each retreat page to see which housing options are available.

What amenities can I expect?
All our lodging options are designed for comfort and simplicity in our natural mountain setting and include linens, towels, and basic toiletries (hotel-style soap, conditioning shampoo, and lotion). We do not provide hair dryers or irons, and there are no TVs in accommodations.

• Cabins are spacious, bunk-style, and winterized with heating, ideal for larger groups (4-14 people).
• Hotel Rooms include linens, heating and air conditioning, a mini-fridge, a personal coffee maker with pods, and a table with two chairs.
• Deluxe Cottages offer all the amenities of hotel rooms, plus added privacy in a tree-top setting, screened porch, and kitchenette with sink and microwave.

Do you offer daily housekeeping?
No. Daily housekeeping is not provided at retreats. However, for retreats that are longer than 5 days, there is a towel and linen refreshment mid-week.

Are room keys available?
We do not have keys for cabins. While most guests choose to leave their hotel room doors unlocked during the day, hotel room keys are available upon request. Please note that a $50 fee will be charged for any lost keys.

Are you a kosher facility?
Yes. Ramah Darom is a year-round kosher facility, guaranteeing the highest food quality standards. The Kaplan Mitchell Retreat Center operates under the supervision of the Atlanta Kashrut Commission (AKC).

What are meals like?
We offer three chef-prepared, buffet-style meals per day. Coffee, tea, and fresh fruit are available throughout the day in the Dining Hall. As part of our community-minded approach, guests bus their own dishes after meals at most retreats.

Can I bring my own food onto campus?
To maintain our kosher standards, we ask that guests only bring unopened, shelf-stable snacks with a hechsher. Please note that Ramah Darom staff are not able to store, serve, or manage outside food items, and outside food is not permitted in the Dining Hall.

What dietary needs can you accommodate?
With advance notice, our kitchen can accommodate a wide range of dietary needs, including gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, vegetarian, nut-free, soy-free, pescatarian, and more. While we take great care in food preparation, please note that our kitchens are not allergen-free, and cross-contamination is possible.

What does Shabbat look like during a Ramah Darom retreat?
Shabbat is a sacred time at retreats. Out of respect for the diverse religious practices in our community, we kindly request that guests refrain from using electronic devices in public spaces. Our formal programming and activities on these days exclude writing, crafts, or amplified music. You can expect:

• Plentiful communal Shabbat meals
• Meaningful prayer options
• Engaging, fun, and interactive sessions
• Indoor and outdoor activities
• A warm, communal Havdallah

What Tefillah (prayer) services are offered during a retreat?
Tefillah offerings vary by retreat and are shaped by the participants’ backgrounds, ages, and the retreat’s focus. Learn more specifics by visiting individual retreat pages and viewing last year’s Program Guide, which includes the full daily schedule.

Is there medical staff on-site?
A medical professional is on-site throughout the program to advise in case of an emergency. Clinic hours are NOT usually offered. First aid kits are available across campus, and the nearest clinic and hospital are approximately 25 minutes away.

Does Ramah Darom have a Vaccination Policy?

Yes. Ramah Darom’s Health Protocols & Vaccination Policies can be found here.