Camp Ramah Lifeguards in Training!

One of the most rewarding parts of camp for many campers is the acquisition of new skills and talents, applicable to the

Camp Ramah setting and to external environments. Accordingly, the Lifeguard Training program (LGT) is offered to Machon campers (entering 10th grade) as a swimming course. This year, about 20 campers will complete the program and receive their lifeguard certification at the end of the summer. Here are their impressions and goals for the LGT program this summer.

Hanna (Machon camper): I chose to participate in LGT to acquire great skills that I can use both in and out of the water. Everyday, we either have a lesson by the agam (waterfront) or go in the lake and practice the skills that we have learned. I am not sure if I will be a lifeguard, but I know that in the future, I will definitely utilize these skills in high-risk situations

Sarah (Machon camper) : I wanted to do LGT because I want to come back on staff as a lifeguard. I think this is a unique program because I am familiarizing myself with all of the important things to be watchful of in the actual place I will work in the future. I also like LGT because it is fun to do with friends; we encourage each other and motivate each other which helps to ease some of the challenging things we have to do.

Matt (Machon camper): I have always loved swimming, especially in the lake. As a younger camper, I always looked forward to Machon so I could participate in LGT. So far, it has been fun and challenging. The coolest part is that at the end of the summer, we (the participants) will have actually accomplished something important. We are all motivated by having a concrete goal to work toward.

Eitan (Machon camper): LGT is challenging both physically and mentally. I think I am getting stronger throughout the process. I really enjoy working with our teacher Mike, because he is a realistic teacher. He knows how to make the material interesting, understandable, and fun and he understands how to teach us in ways that we will understand.

Rena (Machon camper): I can't wait to be a lifeguard and have the opportunity to save lives. This is such a good experience and I have learned a lot. I think that the deep-water backboarding will be the most challenging, but we will work up to accomplishing that. This afternoon, all the LGT-ers are participating in the second island swim which will be a great bonding experience.

Mike (Rosh Agam/Waterfront): This summer's LGT group is great and is already acquiring great skills that they can use both inside and outside of camp. These skills are advantageous for the campers to give back to camp and to their peers, and to be safe around the water.