A Day at Camp

Kimah קימה

Boker tov! Good morning! We wake up to music, freshen up, and are excited to start a fun-filled day with new friends and amazing madrichim (counselors). 

Don’t worry about cleaning the tzrif (bunk)…that comes later!

Aruchat Boker ארוחת בקר

Breakfast in our Chadar Ochel (Dining Hall) is a delicious and healthy way to kick off the day. Today we are having French toast, yogurt, and fruit. Tomorrow might be pancakes, eggs and tater tots, or maybe even breakfast tacos. B’tayavon! (Have a hearty meal!)

Tefillah תפילה

A beautiful way to frame the significance of Judaism at Camp is through morning Tefillah (prayers). Joining with our fellow campers to sing Modeh Ani – our gratitude – and Or Chadash – appreciating the light in the world – sets a meaningful tone for the day.

Nikayon ניקיון

Everyone heads back to their tzrif (bunk) to clean and make their bed. Each camper is assigned a certain task to help make their whole tzrif spotless! The best part is the weekly competition: The cleanest tzrif is awarded the Golden Ya’eh (dustpan)!

MAKOR מ*כ*ו*ר

MAKOR stands for Machaneh Aleph Kef V’Ruach – A-Side Fun and Spirit! The combination of games and trivia helps build excitement, boost energy, and gets our younger campers pumped for the day ahead. And the winning edah (division) gets to fly its flag on the kikar (campus) the entire day!

Perek Aleph ‘פרק א

Sivuv is an activity you do as a tzrif (bunk) and is an awesome way to bond with your bunkmates! Activities like rock climbing and zip lining are a perfect mix of adventure and teamwork, and each day offers something new—fishing, archery, or even mini-golf keeps everyone engaged.

Perek Bet ‘פרק ב

The Peulat Edah is the Division Activity, where everyone in your edah participates. Today, we rehearsing for our hatzagah (musical play). Tomorrow, we’ll make friendship bracelets or even do some baking.

Aruchat tzohorayim ארוחת צהריים

Grilled cheese and tomato soup is the perfect comfort lunch—and a Ramah Berkshires favorite. (And there’s always the salad bar!) On Thursdays, we take aruchat tzohorayim outside on the B-Side kikar (campus). The big Camp picnic vibe is perfect for soaking up some sunshine and enjoying good food with our friends.

And don’t be surprised if after we clean our tables, we break out into an impromptu rikud (dance)!

Sha’at menuchah שעת מנוחה

Sha’at menuchah is the perfect time to recharge after such an action-packed morning! Relax in your tzrif (bunk), listen to music, read a book, chill with your friends, write letters home…it’s nice to have a little downtime before jumping into the next round of peulot (activities).

JAKOR י*כ*ו*ר

Jewish learning is one of our most important principles—it’s built right into our schedule. At JAKOR (Jewish Kef V’Ruach—fun and spirit), chanichim (campers) experience Judaic concepts and ideas, presented in a lively and inclusive way. We may discuss teachings from the Talmud, learn about a city in Israel, or find out the true meaning of Tishah B’Av, the only Jewish holiday observed during the summer months.

Perek Gimel ‘פרק ג

The Agam (waterfront) is one of the most special places in Camp. It’s home to our beautiful lake where you’ll swim, paddle board, jump off the diving platform, and play on the incredible inflatable water toys!

Chatif חתיף

After cooling off at the Agam, you definitely want a quick afternoon snack…for some, it’s the best part of the day. What’s your go-to pick? Chips? Popcorn? Or something fresh, like that delicious apple? Your choice!

Perek Dalet ‘פרק ד

The Bechirah (elective) is your time to shine! The chanichim (campers) choose their favorite activity—from fishing to radio, woodworking to outdoor cooking, and everything in between!—and spend this perek perfecting their skills. After about two weeks, you choose your next bechirah. This way, campers will experience a full variety of fun peulot (activities) that Camp offers throughout the kayitz (summer).

Perek Hay ‘פרק ה

Whatever your game—basketball, soccer, Ultimate Frisbee, tennis, volleyball, softball…even Zumba!—get ready to elevate your skills and build unstoppable team chemistry.

Aruchat Erev ארוחת ערב

A nutritious way to wrap the day. On the menu this evening: braised beef stew with mashed potatoes and green beans—delicious and satisfying. (Of course, there are vegetarian and gluten-free options too, as in every meal!) Tomorrow’s baked mac & cheese with steamed broccoli will be mouthwatering as well. Can’t wait!

Peulat Erev פעולת ערב

The day’s not over yet! As the sun sets, your edah (division) comes together for a fun evening activity. Tonight, let’s get creative with an art project. On other nights, you might play lawn games, explore a new part of Camp, or simply head to the sundeck to watch the sunset and take in the beauty of the Agam (lake).

Lylah tov לילה טוב

Whew, what a jam-packed day! Now it’s time to wind down. Head back to the tzrif (bunk), shower, change into pajamas, and get cozy for bed. Your madrichim (counselors) read you a story, you recite the Shema with your friends, and settle in with a book. Then it’s lights out—Lylah Tov! Rest up, because tomorrow promises to be another adventure-filled day at Ramah Berkshires!