Name: Hila Levin
Position at camp: Chalutzim Rosh Eidah (Unit Head)
Years on staff: 4
Total years at OSRUI: 10
What do you do when you’re not at camp?
I graduated in April from Eastern Michigan University with a major in Dietetics. I loved being involved at Hillel! This was such a wonderful experience for me, which allowed me to maintain a Jewish lifestyle while being so far away from home and my community. While studying at Eastern, I worked at Beth Israel congregation in Ann Arbor as a Hebrew teacher, Hebrew tutor for students with special needs, and special programs developer. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, engage in arts and crafts, playing sports, traveling, and trying to learn the guitar (although I haven’t been very successful with this task… maybe this summer I will finally pick it up!)
What is your favorite part of camp and why?
When I think of OSRUI the best memories of my childhood come to mind. This place has such a big place in my heart! I love every single thing about camp, and about being at camp. The one thing that I LOVE is shira (songsession). The second the songleader starts leading us in a great tune I jump up and sing my little heart out! This is a time to have fun with the unit, learn Hebrew, and create magic in our community.
What is your favorite meal at camp?
My favorite meal in camp is Shabbat dinner. It’s always a nice change, a time for all of us to come together as a camp, and experience what camp is all about.
What is one thing about you that would surprise people?
My accent or lack of! Or that I am Israeli! Although I grew up in Israel, I learned Hebrew and English at the same time. I don’t think that I can count the number of times in the past several years that I heard: “Really? You are Israeli?!?! Where is your accent!”
What is your favorite memory at OSRUI?
There are so many! The winner would have to be Shabbat shira. I think that the indescribable feeling that I had during Shabbat shira the first time I have ever sat through one as a Kallah camper stuck to me, and grew stronger each summer as I matured and felt more connected to the OSRUI community.
What keeps bringing you back to work at camp?
Growing up at OSRUI was such a wonderful experience, I always had fun with my friends and enjoyed the camp experience, but also believe that my counselors played a huge role in making OSRUI what it means to me till this day. Returning to camp as tzevet (staff) is an opportunity for me to give back and inspire others.
What do you hope to accomplish this summer at camp?
I am extremely looking forward to beginning to meet our chanichim! I am looking forward to providing opportunities for the chanichim to create lifetime memories with their staff and fellow chanichim. I am also hoping to pass on to them the passion I have for the state of Israel, its people, and the Hebrew language.