- 416-789-2193
For over 20 years, Camp Ramah in Canada has offered an overnight summer camping experience for Jewish adolescents and young adults ages 12-22 with intellectual and developmental disabilities, such as Down syndrome and an autism spectrum disorder. We provide our Tikvah campers with the same opportunities as campers without disabilities and form a community where everyone learns the value of diversity, acceptance, and inclusion.
Our Tikvah Program has a profound impact on our entire camp community as well as on the participants themselves. Campers are encouraged to have fun, explore and shape their Jewish identities, and become active participants in the Jewish community.
To inquire about our Tikvah program, please email our Tikvah Directors, Casey and Adam Green, at or call 416-789-2193.
Tikvah campers learn and grow by participating in daily prayers, swimming, chugim (electives) like arts and crafts and cooking, Israeli dancing and singing, sports, and Jewish learning. Bunk life and various trips provide our campers with opportunities to learn skills associated with daily living and to gain independence.
There are two cabins for our 18 Tikvah campers (9 males and 9 females). Throughout each day, there are numerous formal and informal opportunities to interact with all campers at Ramah, including “buddy” programs with campers entering Grade 10. Campers in Tikvah participate in all camp-wide activities, perform in a play, and in a Friday evening Shabbat service.
Tikvah campers between the ages of 18-22 also have vocational opportunities, with an emphasis on developing and improving job skills and independent living skills. We are excited about our beautiful new Tikvah building – the new space is not only a gathering place for Tikvah campers but is also the home to the Keepin’ it Kosh Café, where our participants take pride and ownership over the entire process from selecting the menu to preparing and serving the food, to cleaning up afterward.
Vocational Education participants might also work in the office, nursery, kitchen, water ski dock, and tuck shop.
Like all Ramah campers, participants in the Tikvah Program are fully immersed in Jewish life and Hebrew language. From spirited, musical morning prayers to daily interaction with Israelis, Hebrew singing and Israeli dancing, campers in Tikvah enjoy the beauty of their religion and culture.
Specially-trained counselors and senior staff monitor each campers’ special needs, from seizures to allergies to mobility issues. Counselors assist as needed with self-care and our medical staff is always available if issues arise. The camp doctor, nurse, and Tikvah Directors carefully manage health, medical and medication issues.
Our Tikvah Directors, Casey and Adam Green, are in close contact with parents. Through weekly newsletters and frequent emails and calls, the directors work collaboratively with parents and other team members, such as therapists and physicians. Campers write home and eagerly await letters and e-mails from their parents.
