Tiny Role Models in Training: When Campers Look Up to Their Counselors

At Ramah Boston, the magic of camp is found not only in the singing, swimming, and s’mores—but also in the relationships that shape our community. While campers may come to Ramah for the fun, many stay for something deeper: the people who inspire them every day. And nowhere is that more beautifully illustrated than in the way our youngest campers look up—sometimes literally—to their counselors.

This summer, that admiration has taken some especially adorable forms.

One camper has taken “idolizing her counselor” to new heights. She can often be foundsporting her very own purple “staff” shirt, a lanyard and name tag swinging proudly around her neck, and a belt bag strapped around her waist—just like her favorite madrichah. Whether she’s leading an imaginary staff meeting or organizing her bunkmates for a water break, she carries herself with the same warmth and confidence she sees in her counselor every day. It’s clear: she’s not just playing dress-up—she’s becoming the kind of leader she admires.

Another camper has turned admiration into organization. Inspired by the clipboard his counselors carry everywhere, he’s created his own “daily checklist”—complete with imaginary names and pretend hydration logs. If you ask him whether “Bluey” or “Spiderman” had lunch today, he’ll tell you in great detail not only what they ate, but also how many times they went to the bathroom and whether they refilled their water bottles. His commitment to camper care—even if it’s imaginary—is as real as it gets.

These moments aren’t just cute (although they absolutely are). They’re a powerful reminder of what makes Ramah special: our counselors are more than just staff. They’re role models. They lead with empathy, they show up with joy, and they treat their campers with the kind of respect and attention that leaves a lasting impression.

In the eyes of our campers, counselors are superheroes—not because they can fly or fight villains, but because they listen, guide, and care.

At Ramah Boston, we’re proud to create a space where our campers can dream about becoming the people who inspire them. Because whether you’re wearing a purple shirt, carrying a checklist, or simply offering a helping hand, leadership begins with love.