Camp Ohr Lanu at Ramah California really was an impossible dream come true for our family. Our two girls with special needs were so incredibly happy to be going and so relieved that we could all go together that they were in pure heaven. They were finally doing something that all their friends and schoolmates did. They were finally doing something like “normal” children. Before hand, they talked about it every day and we planned everything we possibly could to prepare them. The camp director helped us get a scholarship that first year and answered our billion questions so very patiently. It felt like everything I did was either late or backwards. But the director’s kindness and patience eased our fears and made the very impossible dream come true.
Not only was 2013 our first camp experience at Camp Ohr Lanu, but it was also our first camp experience at any camp, ever. I cannot even keep my composure as I think of those glorious days when I watched Camp Ramah breathe life into my beautiful children and me.
It was like they magically gave the girls wings as they entered the gate. My daughters turned corners, overcame challenges, and soared with the love and support of their beautiful chaverim (camp-assigned buddies). The amazing Ohr Lanu / Ramah team reviewed each child’s needs and challenges and they found ways to accommodate or overcome their obstacles. They also knew their strengths and talents and never missed an opportunity to nurture and shine a light upon them as well. By the first full day, both girls had found their Gan Eden and I, as their witness, was moved to utter tears of joy and relief. We had found our hearts there.
My children arrived at Camp Ramah as children with many challenges from autism and left happy, confident, Camp Ramah campers. From the moment we drove out of the gate, the girls asked when we would come back to Camp Ramah. “Next year, of course,” I answered without hesitation–and we have been going to Camp Ramah’s Ohr Lanu program each year ever since then.
There are simply no words that could ever convey my gratitude for the gifts Ramah gave my children and me. One cannot imagine just how meaningful this experience was to them. Camp Ramah not only gave my children wings and wind beneath them, it gave them courage and inspired them to fly. I will never be able to thank Ramah enough for this blessing and gift to their souls.
Madison and Rosie St. Jude are now 11 ½ and 10 years old. This year, they will be entering a B’nai Mitzvah training program that offers neurotypical students the opportunity to partner with students with disabilities. They will also be looking forward to next summer’s Camp Ohr Lanu every day until it arrives. They continue to make great strides in their lives and will forever be changed by their Ramah experiences.
Note: Ohr Lanu will be held again at Camp Ramah in Ojai from Aug. 12-22, 2016 and is designed for the entire family: parents, children with special needs and their siblings. Families will enjoy Shabbat together, outdoor sports and many other fun activities. Ohr Lanu's warm, caring staff includes trained special educators, behavior and family education specialists, and individual counselors are paired with each family. Kosher meals are served. Email Program Director Elana Naftalin-Kelman for more information.
