Dear Friends & Family,
When you drive up to Camp Ramah in the Poconos, there's a sign that simply says: "Bruchim Habim - Welcome Home!" Those two words sum up the experience Eliana and our family has had at Tikvah Family Camp. Eliana's intellectual disability and general anxiety disorder often make it extremely challenging for her to truly feel connected and engaged. Yet at Tikvah she is truly at home: belting out the camp song, screaming with delight in the back of a speed boat, sharing a quiet moment with a new friend in the dining hall, sharing a s'more with her "chavera" (1:1 counselor, "friend" in Hebrew) around the campfire, or summoning the courage to lead a prayer in the sensory-friendly prayer service. When we're at camp, our family is not special or unique, and that's the point. We are part of a community that celebrates, sees, and supports each other. Benny has an incredible time making friends and doing activities with the other siblings in his age cohort, and Susannah and I have the opportunity to recharge and connect with other parents of children with special needs. We all feel at home!
Susannah was a lifelong camper, and as soon as we started a family, we had dreams of sending our children to camp. Camp built Susannah's confidence, her independence, her problem-solving, and taught her how to be part of a community. We sadly put that dream away for Eliana, but the Tikvah program gave us that dream back. Tikvah is making the camping experience accessible to so many young people-- building those lifelong skills and providing an important sense of community.
I'm riding the Ramah Israel Bike Ride because the Tikvah program has been so important to our family and many others likes ours. Seeing Eliana connect with a community and her Jewish identiity has been transformative for her and our whole family. Eliana bonded deeply with her "chavera" each summer, and with their support, made friendships, pushed her boundaries, and had a magical camp experience.
Tikvah programs exist throughout the Ramah networks in many forms. Including at Camp Ramah Nyack, where Eliana & Benny also spend their summers http://ramahnyack.org/I%20smile%20and%20thank%20Ramah%20NyackThere are programs that promote inclusion within typical bunks, vocational programs, self-contained camping experiences within a larger camp, as well as family camps like the one my family attends. Campers can attend any program that fits their needs across the country. Now, I want to make sure other children can have access to these amazing programs regardless of their family's financial resources. Despite the intensive staffing and infrastructure needs of the program, Tikvah campers pay the same tuition as their typical peers. This is an important statement of support, yet it also means that funds are needs to sustain these programs over the long term.
Our communities are stronger when we come together to appreciate the strengths and differences around us. The Ramah Tikvah program is doing that, and I would be so grateful if you would join me in supporting this important work.
Please consider making a donation today and riding along with me!
Thank you - Todah Rabbah, Bernie