by Susan Alexander, OSRUI Associate Director

Summer is fast approaching and though it is still a bit cold outside, all of us at OSRUI know that camp will be warm and wonderful, no matter what the thermometer reads!

We all know about the great activities at camp – our spectacular pool complete with waterslides, our 5-story high Alpine tower and zip line, our beautiful waterfront, our soccer fields, the horses, the arts, the sports, to name just a few.  These activities combined with Jewish learning are very important in insuring a full and fun summer experience.

Equally important are the amazing young men and women who serve on our staff each summer, teaching and guiding our campers.  This summer we are lucky to have a wonderful staff from all over the United States, and from around the world.

Jerry and Susan with our 2016 Mishlachat (Israeli staff).

Joining our fabulous American staff will be 31 Israelis, who will be madrichim (counselors) in Chalutzim and moomchim (specialists) in a variety of areas.  France will be represented in Avodah Corps by one of our former French campers, who started with us in Tzofim, and has happily made her way onto staff.   One of our photographers is from England and we will have two talented cooks from Poland.

We are also very lucky this year to have two madrichim from the Abayudaya, a Jewish community located in Eastern Uganda near the town of Mbale.  If my Luganda is correct, Abayudaya means “People of Judah” –   (I actually looked that up :).

All of us at OSRUI are excited to welcome and to learn from this young, smart and energetic staff, and along with them, all of our campers will grow, flourish and have the best time of their lives!

Only 35 days until OSRUI’s opening day!!