Tikvah Vocational


The Tikvah Vocational Program, called Atzmayim, (Hebrew for "independent") is designed to strengthen social and vocational skills in participants who are high school graduates ages 18-22 years. It is intended to assist in transitioning to an independent living environment. Most Atzmayim participants are selected graduates of the Camp Ramah in Wisconsin Tikvah Program.

The goals and objectives of the Atzmayim program are designed to enhance individual skills, interactions in the camp community and abilities within the workplace while living in a rich Jewish environment. The Atzmayim program provides a supportive framework for participants to interact with the general staff population, who serve as their role models. The Atzmayim in turn serve as role models for the younger Tikvah campers.

Participants will enhance individual skills as they:

  • Learn to follow a workday schedule: wake up on time, be prepared for work
  • Take care of personal laundry
  • Dress appropriately for work
  • Maintain appropriate personal hygiene
  • Make bed daily
  • Keep dorm room neat

 

Participants will enhance their community interactions as they:

  • Attend social skills class
  • Work cooperatively with others on group activities, e.g. evening programs, days off
  • Engage in appropriate staff lounge activities
  • Take leadership roles in prayer services
  • Participate in meal preparation

Participants will enhance their workplace abilities as they:

  • Learn appropriate social interaction with supervisors, employers
  • Learn positive communication skills with supervisors, employers
  • Learn how to accept instruction in a workplace environment
  • Learn proper social interaction with customers/strangers
  • Learn how to maintain a positive attitude in the workplace

Vocational Experience
Participants work five mornings a week at various job sites, most often in the local Eagle River community. Job assignments range from working in a hotel or library to making espresso in a coffee shop. Participants learn the skills necessary to perform a job function, retain a work position, make appropriate decisions, and learn to effectively manage time. Job coaches guide the participants at their work sites.

Camp Community
As members of the camp community, Atzmayim participants are responsible for planning their own evening programs, days off, and leisure time. Working in cooperative groups with facilitators, the participants are taught how to program and/or ask camp staff to assist them in their activities. They are responsible for organizing materials as well as activity set up and clean up. They are also encouraged and assisted in effectively planning their own personal free time within the camp setting.

Staff Privileges
Participants have some of the privileges of the general camp staff. They are able to relax in the staff lounge during evening hours and play ping pong and pool. These informal social situations, in a non-threatening environment, allow our participants to make connections and engage in social conversations.

Living Accommodations
Participants live in staff housing and have their own lounge with a kitchen and laundry facilities. They cook simple meals and share them with other members of the camp community, thereby developing additional social skills.

Jewish Experience
Camp Ramah provides a vibrant Jewish environment for all campers and staff. Morning prayer services are participant-led using a special prayer book complete with translation and transliteration. Atzmayim learn Hebrew vocabulary and participate in a daily Judaic studies class focusing on modern Israel, geography, biblical leaders and culture.

For more information on the Tikvah Vocational Program, contact registrar@ramahwisconsin.com or call 312.606.9316 ext. 221.

Birthright trip, led by Tikvah Vocational Director Rose Sharon, suited to meet the needs of people with Asperger's schedule for December 2009. Click here to read more.