High School Students Attend Annual Retreat at Camp Ramah

by Hannah Fineman, SSLI '25

The 2024 Schechter retreat is one for the books. As in Schechter tradition, the freshmen and their senior Peer Connectors embarked for Camp Ramah on the first day of classes. Upon arrival, the group began a plethora of bonding activities and enjoyed the amenities of Camp Ramah. Some of these activities included hiking, fishing, boating, zip-lining, and writing letters to their future selves.

The next day, the rest of the high school joined the fun. After getting settled and eating dinner, the student government ran a Schechter Night Live (SNL) event in an ode to the classic SNL that takes place at Schechter every Hanukkah. Students were then broken up into groups and created hysterical skits that were performed for the rest of their peers.

The following day was Battle of the Classes, which is a day where the grades face off in an intense color war competition. A variety of sporting events like pickleball, volleyball, and basketball were played, along with a big relay race and karaoke competition that involved the participation of entire grades. At the end of the day, when the points were added up, the Senior Class of 2025 won this year's Battle of the Classes.

Retreat is always a great way to kick off the year and really bring grades and the entire high school community together.

Enjoy these pictures from the retreat!

Freshmen enjoy their first night together at the retreat by bonding at a bonfire. (A. Pravato)

The freshmen and their peer connectors were lucky enough to test their patience together by fishing at Camp Ramah’s lake. (Y. Pedram)

Freshman Eitan G. and Mr. Connelly enjoy the view after hiking up 900 feet. (H. Fineman)

Freshmen enjoyed their personal lake time before the rest of the high school came up for retreat. (H. Fineman)

Gavi N., a freshman, led his first ever Tefillah at retreat. It’s great to see freshmen getting involved in Tefillah this early in the year! (A. Pravato) 

Rabbi Chesler posed with our beloved Schechter mascot upon arrival at Camp Ramah. (E. Schlissel) 

Students take a bow after performing their self-made Schechter Night Live skit for the school. (E. Schlissel) 

Zack S., a sophomore, shot a half-court shot to complete the Battle of the Classes relay race. (S. Thorgersen)

A member of the freshmen class faced off against a junior for a friendly game of basketball. (S. Thorgersen)

The sophomores had so much fun participating in Battle of the Classes. (S. Thorgersen)

Senior Samson Mildron dressed in his red spirit for Battle of the Classes. (S. Thorgersen)

Schechter teachers gathered together to watch their students compete during Battle of the Classes. (S. Thorgersen)

A member of the freshmen class competed in the frozen T-shirt competition. (S. Thorgersen)

Schechter seniors enjoyed their last Battle of the Classes together. (S. Thorgersen)

Schechter students were able to connect with both nature and prayer on the alternative Tefillah nature walk. It’s so meaningful to experience and appreciate the world around you while praying. (A. Pravato) 

The juniors loved singing and dancing together at the annual retreat karaoke night. (E. Schlissel) 

The Class of 2025 seniors enjoying their last ever night at retreat with the annual senior bonfire. (D. Neutra) 

Hannah Fineman is a writer for Paw Print Now and has been published on the site since November 2021. Hannah is currently a junior at the Schechter School of Long Island and can be reached at the following email address: hfineman25@schechterli.org