tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6003330.post1248480628397976600..comments2024-03-07T15:19:48.772-05:00Comments on The Rabbi with a Blog (Rabbi Jason Miller): Jewish Summer Camp and Customer ServiceRabbi Jason Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07805550465729805847noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6003330.post-74043559453303783602013-01-15T21:33:19.283-05:002013-01-15T21:33:19.283-05:00As a parent, I would feel the same way too if the ...As a parent, I would feel the same way too if the same thing happened to my son especially if he has a "special case". Though I empathize more with Rabbi Krishef, I understand the director's side. It's not as if it's his personal decision to do that. That's why for me, whenever I'm looking for <a href="http://www.surfgroms.com/" rel="nofollow">school holiday activities</a> for my kids, I make sure it can accommodate my children's needs and concerns. Brenda Gaysonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6003330.post-40583281407697114262012-07-20T13:35:26.818-04:002012-07-20T13:35:26.818-04:00Here is a statement from Rabbi Mitch Cohen (Direct...Here is a statement from Rabbi Mitch Cohen (Director)and Sheldon Disenhouse (President) of the National Ramah Commission: <br /><br />Statement from the National Ramah Commission<br /> <br />Our moral and religious compass supports inclusion of all members of our community, regardless of their personal challenges or exceptionalities. Ramah has always prioritized the value of inclusion, and continues to be a pioneer in this area with new programs and initiatives. It is our belief that all Jewish institutions including schools, synagogues and summer camps need to emphasize this value within our communities.<br /> <br />However, each individual's situation is unique and unfortunately, there are times when the importance of inclusion conflicts with the circumstances of a particular camper, staff member, or the rest of the camp community. Decisions in such cases are taken very seriously and discussed directly only with those involved. We at Ramah cannot comment publicly on this or any other individual case due to concerns of privacy.<br /> <br />We understand the sadness and pain these conflicts can create. However, we find it unfortunate that one perspective, however well-intended, has created the false impression of injustice or anything other than caring staff and leaders charged with supporting many people safely.<br /> <br />We appreciate the notes of concern and support we have received from those who have read about the recent situation at Camp Ramah in Canada. To those who have reacted to one blog post with harsh conclusions, without firsthand knowledge of the situation, we would hope that you can understand that sensitive matters like this one are often more complex than presented. Public reactions by those with limited knowledge can be dangerous and hurtful, particularly to those dedicated staff members who work so hard to care for our children.<br /> <br />Camp Ramah in Canada and Ramah camps throughout North America have an outstanding record of inclusion. We have been accommodating children with special needs, educating the entire camp community (and beyond) about the boundless gifts of difference, and have been raising needed funding to extend our program to children with exceptionalities for decades.<br /> <br />The Ramah Camping Movement will continue to nurture inclusive Jewish communities that embrace the value of difference.<br /> <br />Shabbat Shalom.<br /> <br />Rabbi Mitchell Cohen, Director<br /> Sheldon L. Disenhouse, President<br /> <br />National Ramah Commission | 3080 Broadway | New York | NY | 10027Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6003330.post-68291628631947395242012-07-20T11:59:58.039-04:002012-07-20T11:59:58.039-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.Rabbi Jason Millerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07805550465729805847noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6003330.post-21158453206033311992012-07-20T11:22:16.755-04:002012-07-20T11:22:16.755-04:00How can you provide good customer service when the...How can you provide good customer service when the wonderful people who work so hard, like you (who actually DO the work) are under the control of a "board" who makes decisions based on their ideas and egos... without being in the trenches themselves. (I'm obviously talking about the ramah board here but this extends to other places too).Evan Salamanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6003330.post-68471747066885644572012-07-20T11:20:23.970-04:002012-07-20T11:20:23.970-04:00I'd like to think that there are some groups o...I'd like to think that there are some groups out there that include ALL kids of ALL abilities in ALL activities because it's the right thing to do, not out of fear of public backlash. Despite her disabilities, a little girl like mine deserves to be with typically developing peers regardless of the extra resources necessary. How can any organization (especially a Jewish one) say that any child isn't worth the extra efforts?Dani Gillmannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6003330.post-90082707022324009822012-07-20T11:14:49.168-04:002012-07-20T11:14:49.168-04:00To clarify: While I stated that Jewish summer camp...To clarify: While I stated that Jewish summer camps should try to accommodate all campers, I recognize it's not always possible. In this case, Solomon had been attending the camp for several summers and was successful. What was different this summer? Was it the 8 weeks instead of 4 weeks? Was it the new camp director? Was it the long overnight trip? Who knows exactly, but it wasn't handled well.<br /><br />If it cost the camp an extra $2500 to hire a staff member to give Solomon 1-on-1 attention this summer, I'm sure 5 donors would have come forward with $500 additional contributions. Would it be fair that one camper "costs" the camp extra money? No, but life isn't fair and special needs children cost the parents, the community, and organizations more money. That's life.<br /><br />A PR shit storm costs more than $2500 to fix so it's a matter of a director and a board analyzing the pros and cons of such a decision.<br /><br />Dr. Ron Polster has a proven track record as a camp director and Jewish educator. He's still human and prone to error. I'm glad he saw the error of his ways and he apologized. Now, let's hope other Jewish summer camps will learn from this mistake. No, we can't accommodate EVERY child, but we better try our best at every opportunity.Rabbi Jason Millerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07805550465729805847noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6003330.post-85614669506313828222012-07-20T11:07:18.255-04:002012-07-20T11:07:18.255-04:00Thanks, Jason. It's a resolution, but it's...Thanks, Jason. It's a resolution, but it's bitterwseet: The camper is going home on Sunday, and it never should have come to this. This wasn't a lack of resources or money, it was a lack of imagination, a lack of will, and most of all a lack of effective communication.<br /><br />In some quarters, I see Ramah Canada people (including current staff and even board members) rushing to defend the reputation of the camp and its director before considering the welfare of the child. As recent national headlines should have demonstrated, this is exactly backwards: The child *always* comes first.<br /><br />That said, I am encouraged that Dr. Polster appears to have genuinely learned from his mistake. It takes a mensch to admit error, especially a big error, and to make sincere efforts to correct. And while it may have required a harsh public rebuke to get to that point, it seems to me, nonetheless, to be real progress.Matthew Orelnoreply@blogger.com