Summer 2020 Announcement

Dear RSA Families,

It is with deep sadness and profound disappointment that we announce the cancellation of all sessions of Ramah Sports Academy for summer 2020.

As you know, we have been closely monitoring developments related to COVID-19 since the onset of this global pandemic. We have examined countless possible scenarios and contingency plans with guidance from medical experts, camping community, and state officials.

At this time, regulations from the State of Connecticut do not permit us to operate. We understand that the state may continue to “open up,” presenting the possibility that we may be legally permitted to start camp later in the summer. However, the guidelines provided by medical professionals, camping industry experts, and government authorities all indicate that any camps opening this summer must plan to experience some level of infection. We have deemed the many risks involved with exposure to COVID untenable.

At RSA, we place a great deal of emphasis on middot, Jewish values. The risks posed by COVID-19 threaten our most sacred value – the health and well-being of our community – both campers and staff. This summer, we will lean into our value of Kesher, connection. It is important to stay connected to others, and we commit as a camp community to get through these challenging times together.

We deeply appreciate your trust and patience. The notes of support we have received from our RSA families have been encouraging beyond words. We are here for you and want to provide all the support we can at this challenging moment. Please join us for a Zoom meeting tomorrow Thursday, May 21 at 6PM EDT to discuss this difficult decision and address any questions you may have. If you would like to submit a question in advance please e-mail info@ramahsport.org

RSA Community Zoom Meetings
Thursday, May 21, 6PM EDT
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83215204662

We also hope your camper will join us for a special
RSA Hachanah L’Shabbat on Zoom
Friday, May 22 at 5PM EDT
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88945137667

Our Summer 2020 Cancellation Resources page has a video message for our campers as well as resources to help you navigate this disappointment with your child(ren) and support them through their feelings of loss.

In about a week, all camp families will receive an email with instructions on how to redirect tuition payments into a donation, refund, or payment towards Summer 2021.

It is hard to imagine not being together in person this summer. Although nothing can replicate a summer spent together at camp, Ramah Sports Academy will continue to offer RSA BaBayit (“RSA At Home”) – virtual events, reunions, and programs for your family throughout the summer. In addition, programs from across the Ramah Camping Movement are listed here.

Most importantly, we are here for you. Please let us know if there is anything else that we can do to support you. Please call or email any member of our staff with questions. We look forward to gathering on our community zoom call.

With continuing prayers for your health and safety,

B’Shalom,

WHAT NECESSITATED THIS DECISION

At this time, regulations from the State of Connecticut do not permit us to operate. We understand that the state may continue to “open up,” presenting the possibility that we may be legally permitted to start camp later in the summer. However, the guidelines provided by medical professionals, industry experts, and government authorities all indicate that any camps opening this summer must plan to experience some level of infection. We have deemed the many risks involved with exposure to COVID untenable.

WILL YOU BE OFFERING ONLINE CAMP THIS SUMMER?

While nothing replaces the experience of being at camp, the RSA team is working on ways to provide opportunities for camper engagement and connection over the summer. We also plan to continue posting video content on Facebook. While we don’t plan to offer a full online camp experience, we’re exploring ways we can stay connected with our campers over the summer.

WILL RSA BE OK FINANCIALLY?

Canceling camp will have a very serious impact on our organization. We are a non-profit and most of our annual income is generated from camper tuition. Camp has year-round expenses that we must cover even if we do not welcome a single camper to camp. We have applied for loans and are asking for the support of some large Jewish philanthropies. But we will need the generosity of our camp families to help get us through this challenging time.

WHAT HAPPENS WITH THE TUITION FEES I HAVE ALREADY PAID?

Shortly, you will receive an email with information to select your options. There are three options and you will be able to “mix and match” your selection. We hope those who need some immediate relief will accept the refund without hesitation, and that those in a position to do so will consider options #1 and #2 in support of the RSA community in these challenging times.

1.Donate all or a portion of your paid fees as a tax-deductible donation to Ramah Sports Academy

ALL DONATIONS WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY DOUBLED thanks to a generous $1-for-$1 match from an anonymous supporter of RSA. And, if you opt to donate all fees paid, we will guarantee no Camp price increase for your returning campers in 2021.

2. Roll forward all or a portion of your paid fees to Summer 2021
If you roll forward all your fees paid (or a combination of a donation and a roll forward), we will guarantee no Camp price increase for your returning campers in 2021.

3. Request a refund of all or a portion of your paid fees

CAN WE CHANGE SESSIONS IF WE ROLL OVER OUR TUITION TO 2021?

Yes. When we announce our summer 2021 Camp dates, you will have the chance to choose the session in which you would like to register your camper(s).

WHAT IS THE CANCELLATION POLICY IF I ROLL FORWARD MY PAID FEES TO 2021?

RSA’ s usual enrollment policies will apply, allowing a full refund through April 1, with additional flexibility provided if cancellation should be required due to COVID-19 related issues.

WHAT HAPPENS WITH MY FINANCIAL AID/SCHOLARSHIPS?

Community-based scholarship decisions, including One Happy Camper grants, are all made locally so you will need to contact your Federation or synagogue to ask if they are able to roll forward to 2021. RSA is also encouraging Federations and synagogues to roll forward all 2020 scholarships.

If you have been awarded an RSA scholarship for 2020 and you roll forward all fees paid to 2021, your full scholarship can also be rolled forward to 2021. You are also welcome to apply for an RSA scholarship again in 2021, particularly if your situation has changed.

WHAT CAN I DO TO SUPPORT MY CHILD KEEPING UP WITH THEIR SPORT?

We encourage families to find ways to keep their children active this summer. While we will offer a number of fun online offerings including workouts, it is difficult to recreate the intensive sports training from afar. We have curated a list of sports-specific resources that you can find below.

All of the sports have youtube links embedded and then a website which leads to more training tips or videos.

Swimming – How To Plan A Swim Workout | Structure Your Next Swimming Session

Dryland – 20 Minute Dryland Workout for Swimmers

Tennis – Footwork shadows with coach Dabul / ATP tennis training / Corona virus quarantine day #1

Baseball – 5 Baseball Drills You Can Do BY YOURSELF, AT HOME, ANYWHERE, ANYTIME! (hitting, fielding, throwing)

Basketball – The Ultimate AT-HOME Basketball Training Program

Soccer – Soccer Quarantine Training | 30-Minute At-Home Ball Mastery & Agility Soccer Training Session

Volleyball – 6 WAYS TO PRACTICE VOLLEYBALL AT HOME

• • Thank you to our friends at Ramah Darom for sharing this with us this guide into How to Cope with the Cancellation of Summer Camp: Self-Care Reminders for Parents and Guardians
• • Thank you to our friends from USY for sharing with us Refuat HaNefesh: Guide to Mental Health in Quarantine
• • If you are concerned about the duration, intensity or frequency of your child’s response, please reach out to a mental health professional in your area.

“While we are heartbroken that we will not gather in person this summer, we are still committed to maintaining our connection to each of you and gathering together as a community. We will continue to provide our RSA BaBayit programming.

We look forward to gathering virtually for peulot erev, guest speakers, shirah, rikud, and more. Stay tuned for our virtual summer engagement schedule.”

The generosity of donors like you will help Ramah Sports Academy carry out our mission.

Click Here to Donate to RSA