Activities & Staff

Activities

Games

Most programs begin with a variety of cooperative games that are fun and interactive. The purpose of these games is to allow group members to get to know each other and begin to feel comfortable in the camp setting.

Initiatives

Initiatives are unique and fun activities that begin to build trust and support among group members. These group challenges also teach communication, problem solving and teamwork. Agency staff is expected to participate in the initiatives but should allow the participants to solve problems on their own.

Low Ropes

Low ropes are a type of obstacle course consisting of 15 different team and trust building elements. These challenges continue to build on the initiative activities. A typical low ropes activity might involve group members balancing on a cable suspended two feet above the ground or swinging across a short distance using a rope.

Row Boating

Row boating on our beautiful 30-acre lake is a great opportunity, especially for those who may be getting into a boat for the first time. Each rowboatseats four people including one adult supervisor. Ramapo staff will teach rowing techniques and review the boating rules prior to the experience.

Canoeing

Canoeing is a great activity for participants who are ready for an exciting challenge. Canoeing emphasizes teamwork and cooperation. Participants receive lessons on how to load, unload, paddle, steer and recover from a tipped over canoe.

Hiking

While walking through the woods, participants gain knowledge about the natural world. Group members may have an opportunity to see small animals, look for tracks and learn to navigate a variety of terrain. Ramapo has appropriate trails from beginner to advanced skill levels.

Orienteering

Participants remain on Ramapo’s marked trails where the challenge is to use a map to find certain locations. Before the group departs for the woods they are taught how to correctly interpret a map and its relationship to the terrain. Orienteering teaches many personal and group development concepts such as planning, decision-making, setting goals, and leadership.

Campfires

Led by Ramapo staff, participants walk at night to one of our many campfire sites. Once at the campfire, participants have the opportunity to roast marshmallows, tell stories and reflect on the day’s activities. Campfires are extremely structured and safe.

High Ropes

Once participants have had the opportunity to work together and build more support for one another they will have the chance to climb one of our 15 different high ropes elements. Each element is between 25 – 35 feet high. Participants wear safety gear and professionally trained Ramapo staff facilitate the high ropes experience. By taking the “perceived risk” on an element, participants gain more self-confidence and practice supporting and trusting their teammates. Climbers must be at least 8 years old and securely fit into all safety gear.

Climbing Wall

The climbing tower is a simulated rock climb that reaches 40 feet into the air. Participants wear safety gear and are belayed (kept safe) by the Ramapo staff. There are four routes that climbers can choose from depending on their experience and comfortability.

Debriefing/ Reflection

After most camp activities, time is set-aside for participants to process the experience. During debriefs, participants are asked to reflect on the activities and share their thoughts and feelings on the outcomes. This is also an opportunity for group members to give each other feedback. Participants learn about themselves, and other group members through the discussions.

Recreation Time

Recreation time usually consists of 1 – 2 hours a day for participants to choose “free time” activities. Recreation time may include basketball, playground time, mini golf, cards/board games, arts and crafts, cooking or relaxing in the lodges. Agency staff shares the supervision of participants with Ramapo staff.

Evening Activities

After dinner, participants enjoy large group activities such as:

Pic-cha-clay - participants draw, sculpt, or act out words/phrases
Celebrity – similar to charades, but participants describe famous people/characters
Movie Mania – similar to Charades, but participants act out movies
Goofy relays – relay races with a variety of silly events
Experience Your Future - a game which focuses on healthy decision-making
Making the Video - participants divide into small groups that each choose a song and create a “video” to go along with it
Rama-Feud - similar to “Family Feud”
Poetry/Spoken Word Coffee House – Participants are given time to create original works which are shared with the group
Stargazing
Skit night/Talent Shows

Staff

Ramapo's Challenge and Adventure Retreat team is comprised of 18 men and women from all over the United States. Our staff includes 10 AmeriCorps members who are participating in the "Future Leaders in Youth Development" program. They come to Ramapo to learn to facilitate adventure-based activities that build community among groups and to challenge themselves to meet high expectations related to excellence, service, and personal responsibility.