The Big Idea at Ramah Day Camp

BIG IDEA @ Ramah Day Camp Greater DC (BI-RDC), which first launched in Kayitz 2024 (summer of 2024), is a partnership between the Israeli-based technology camp BIG IDEA and Ramah Day Camp Greater DC.  For the past 15 years, BIG IDEA has been creating meaningful experiences for kids and teens, mixing technology, digital arts, Israel programs, and social bonding. We are excited to bring Israel, and the startup-nation vibe, to Ramah Day Camp through this partnership.

BIG IDEA hires and trains Israeli shlichim (staff members) who are skilled and full of passion to lead the specialty workshops. The workshop programs include their content and methodologies that are based on 15 years of experience, training, know-how, and marketing support. In addition, BIG IDEA hires and trains an Israeli site supervisor who will join the shlichim at camp. Ramah Day Camp will hire and train any other staff joining the group, including a dedicated yoetz(et), camper care specialist.

In 2025, BIG IDEA will run for three 2-week sessions. NEW THIS YEAR! – BIG IDEA is open to current Pre-K through 2nd graders, as well as 3rd-6th graders like last year. Three 2-week sessions are available to different age ranges:

  • Session A (June 23-July 3) is open to 1st – 6th graders,
  • Session B (July 7-18) is open to 3rd – 6th graders, and
  • Session C (July 21-August 1) is open to Pre-K and Kindergarteners, and 3rd-6th graders.

BI-RDC is held at a site just around the corner from our classic day camp program location in Germantown.  Campers will participate in a combination of technology-based workshops and “unplugged” arts & sports activities alongside the Israeli staff in a dynamic and engaging way.  Older campers are welcome to register for one, two, or three 2-week sessions (June 23 – July 3, July 7-18 and/or July 21-August 1).  We welcome children to add additional sessions in our other programs as desired.

This brief video highlights a couple of the technology workshop options.

Read our FAQ’s below to learn more details about the BIG IDEA program.  If you have questions, please contact Rabbi Jill Levy, RDC Director.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What are the “Key Features” of BIG IDEA @ Ramah Day Camp Greater DC?

A: BIG IDEA Key features include:

  1. Innovation: Campers have the opportunity to develop and work on their technological ideas, fostering skills in innovation, problem-solving, and teamwork.
  2. Jewish Life: The program often incorporates Jewish learning, values, and Israeli culture into the BIG IDEA workshops, helping campers connect their Jewish heritage with their creative endeavors.
  3. Personal Development: Campers are encouraged to discover their passions and then take on leadership roles in their workshops, enhancing their leadership skills and self-confidence.
  4. Community and Connection: The camp experience fosters a sense of community and belonging among campers, helping them build lasting friendships and connections.

Q: Where is the camp and what is its connection to the rest of Ramah Day Camp Greater DC?

A: BI-RDC will take place at the Neelsville Presbyterian Church, less than ½ mile away from the Wellspring Conference Center, the main Ramah Day Camp location.  This means that campers in BI-RDC will be able to share transportation with our main site, join for our daily aseifat boker (short morning gathering) and even free swim on Fridays.  The close proximity also allows for our senior team, including our nurse, and other camp staff, to easily go back and forth between sites.

Q: How do the sessions work?

A: In 2025, BI-RDC will run three 2-week sessions, limited to 40 campers each.  NEW THIS YEAR! – BIG IDEA is open to current Pre-K through 2nd graders, as well as 3rd-6th graders like last year. Three 2-week sessions are available to different age ranges:

  • Session A (June 23-July 3) is open to 1st – 6th graders,
  • Session B (July 7-18) is open to 3rd – 6th graders, and
  • Session C (July 21-August 1) is open to Pre-K and Kindergarteners, and 3rd-6th graders.

Workshops and unplugged options will change by session so campers in grades 3rd-6th may attend one, two or all three sessions and will not get bored!

Campers must register for a full 2-week session.  We welcome children to add additional sessions in our Classic Program at Ramah Day Camp and/or our overnight camp Camp Ramah New England as desired.

Q: What does a day at BIG IDEA camp look like?

A: To learn more about a typical day and see a sample schedule, please click here.

Q: What types of technology workshops will be offered and how often do they occur?
A: Campers will choose two 90-minute sadna’ot which they will participate in daily for the entire 2-week session.  Tech workshops may include: Graphic Design, Animation, You Tube Show, Gaming Lab, Web Design, Mobile Apps Development, Lego Robotics, DJ Mixing, 3D Modeling, or Minecraft.  Workshop options will vary by session and will partially depend on how many campers are signed up per session, but campers will have some choice.
Q: Is my child going to be on a screen all day?
A: Your child will not be on a screen all day! They are mostly going to be social, working in pairs and teams, building new things, solving problems, and overcoming challenges. While screen time at home usually means consuming content or playing games, at BI-RDC campers acquire skills that change that into valuable creations and a bridge to building new deep connections with each other.

In addition, we let their brains take many breaks during the day, including the “Unplugged” sessions (see above).

Please see the FAQ above “A Typical Day at Camp” to learn more about our unplugged sessions. 

Q: What makes this different from other technology-based camps?

A: Everything you love about Ramah comes with the BI-RDC package.  This means that Jewish living and values are incorporated into the fabric of camp.  From daily tefilot and brachot to Hebrew language and learning Israeli history and culture, campers will be connected to Judaism and Israel.  In addition, Ramah’s values are to build community among campers and staff and to make sure that each person is cared for in accordance to their individual needs. We want to work with you to help set up your child for success.

It is important to us that your camper LOVES their workshops.  It is also important to us that this is more than just a technology camp.  We want them to make friendships, connect with their counselors, and have a great time learning new skills and mixing it up during their “unplugged” sessions.

This is a partnership between one of the most trusted tech camp programs and brands, BIG IDEA.  We are incorporating our curriculum and program with one that has proved to be one of the best out there, with thousands of kids in Israel, and globally, going through it over the past 15 years.

Q: How does this camp appeal to a variety of campers?

A: We know that choice is important to children.  They will have some options in their workshops and in their unplugged sessions. In addition, we want to make sure that there is a variety of workshops and unplugged offerings to appeal to a diversity of audiences, ages, genders, experiences with technology, and interests.

Q: Is Financial Aid available?

A: Yes, we do all that we can to make it possible for everyone to experience a summer at Ramah.  A financial aid form will be made available in your Camp Minder account after you register for camp and pay your deposit.  Financial aid applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so we encourage families to apply as soon as possible.

If you have questions about the financial aid process, please contact Sharon Rosenberg Safra, Associate Director.

Q: My child is registered for RDC's Classic camp program, but now they want to switch into this program instead. Is that possible?

A: If we have room in the grade-appropriate BIG IDEA session(s), then YES, we would be happy to switch your child into this track.  Please contact RDC’s Registrar Zach Krausman if you want to make a program switch.

Q: This all sounds fabulous! How do I sign up?

A: The link to our online application for both new and returning families can be found here.  On page 1 of the application, it will ask you to select a session.  Look for the “DC Day Camp Big Idea Program” option.  Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns.