UPDATED STATEMENT for KAYITZ 2026
Health & Immunization Policy
Dear Ramah Poconos Community,
At Camp Ramah in the Poconos, the health and safety of our campers, staff, and families remain a top priority. In partnership with our medical team and the National Ramah Commission (NRC), we regularly review and update our policies to reflect current best practices in public health.
Immunization Requirements
Camp Ramah in the Poconos remains committed to the health and safety of our communities. All campers, staff, and family members of staff who attend any Ramah camp or program must be vaccinated in accordance with the 2025 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) “Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule for Ages 18 Years or Younger,” as may be revised from time to time.
Camp Ramah in the Poconos requires full compliance with these immunization guidelines for all campers and staff. Documentation must be provided to verify that campers and staff are up to date with all required vaccinations. A copy of the current AAP immunization schedule is available for your reference here:
This policy aligns with the National Ramah Commission’s universal vaccination requirement, first approved in 2007 and reaffirmed in January 2026. With only specific, verified medical exemptions, vaccination in accordance with the AAP schedule is a requirement for participation in Ramah overnight camps, day camps, and Israel programs.
Our Approach to Illness & COVID-19
Our approach to illness prevention, response, and COVID-19 guidance is informed by our medical committee and reflects evolving public health recommendations. While COVID-19 is no longer the primary driver of our health policies, we continue to monitor and respond appropriately to communicable illnesses to ensure the well-being of our community.
Our Values & Community Responsibility
Our camp community is a kehillah kedosha, a holy community. Preventing illness and creating a caring, safe environment is holy work.
Families entrust their children to us to educate them, inspire them, and keep them healthy and safe. Our community includes both healthy individuals and those who may be more medically vulnerable. Universal vaccination is a proven way to reduce the spread of preventable illness, especially in a camp setting where campers and staff live in close quarters.
Despite best practices, dorm-style living naturally increases the risk of disease transmission. Vaccination plays an essential role in protecting individuals and strengthening the health of our entire community.
Approach to Illness at Camp
Our medical team has established clear criteria for when campers or staff are admitted to our Health Center (the MARP). These generally include:
- Fever
- Significant cold or flu-like symptoms
- Strep throat
- Symptoms that prevent participation in daily programming
Illnesses lasting more than 72 hours or significantly impacting participation are handled on a case-by-case basis. Parents will be contacted, and in some cases, consistent with our long-standing, pre-COVID protocols, families may be asked to pick up their child, depending on severity and duration.
If a camper is admitted to the MARP and stays overnight, a member of the medical team will contact their parents directly.
Ongoing Communication
Our goal is to create a healthy, safe camp experience with minimal disruption. Should public health guidance or circumstances require changes to these policies before or during the summer, we will communicate updates promptly.
If you have questions, please contact:
Health Center
📧 marp@ramahpoconos.org
With care,
Adam C. Ehrlich, MD, MPH
Medical Director