MassDevelopment

Camp Ramah Builds Gym, Theater Building Thanks to MassDevelopment Bond


March 13, 2012


Contacts:
Kelsey Abbruzzese, MassDevelopment, 617-330-2086 & 617-448-9077
Ed Gelb, Camp Ramah, 781-702-5290 ext. 226

MassDevelopment has issued a $3.75 million tax-exempt bond on behalf of Camp Ramah in New England, a residential and day summer camp that serves Jewish children. Headquartered in Norwood with its camp in Palmer, Camp Ramah will use bond proceeds to build a 12,000-square-foot gym and theater building. The camp will also renovate an office building to create a welcome center; renovate its arts and crafts building; upgrade camp housing; and purchase furniture, fixtures, and equipment.

“Camp Ramah has worked to create an active, close-knit community for its campers, and we’re pleased to support its efforts in Palmer to expand recreational opportunities for young people,” said MassDevelopment President and CEO Marty Jones.

Founded in 1953, Camp Ramah in New England offers summer programs for children in second through tenth grades. The Camp is committed to participatory Judaism on all levels: educational, spiritual, cultural, and communal. More than 700 campers have enrolled each of the past two summers.

“We’re grateful that we are at a stage in our history when we are growing rapidly and it has become essential for us to upgrade and expand our facilities,” said Rabbi Ed Gelb, the camp’s director. “We’re pleased to partner with MassDevelopment to help turn our dreams into reality.”

MassDevelopment, the state’s finance and development agency, works with businesses, nonprofits, financial institutions, and communities to stimulate economic growth across the Commonwealth. During FY2011, MassDevelopment financed or managed more than 300 projects generating investment of $3.8 billion in the Massachusetts economy. These projects are projected to create more than 10,000 jobs (2,547 permanent and 8,129 construction), and build or rehabilitate more than 1,000 residential units.