SHABBAT MATTOT-MASEI 2012
Welcoming nearly 500 new campers this week was a wonderful time for all of us at OSRUI! It was a great opening day with an awful lot of hotdogs (regular and veggie) being eaten. Our new campers were divided up into their cabin and tent groups, unpacked and got ready for a great session. And a few minutes ago we had a “dry run” to make sure that with this record number of kids we would all be able to be together in Port Hall for Shabbat Shirah tonight.
Speaking of welcoming…we all welcomed a night of rain Wednesday night after a very dry month! All of our kids were pretty happy with this, too, since the rain really settled the dust that made the camp feel like Oklahoma in the 1930’s. Our Israelis were amazed to see lightning and hear thunder in the middle of the summer.
Today is Face Paint Friday for Kallah campers, following High Sock Thursday down in Tzofim. It is really fun to see the smiling faces of kids making their unit statement on who they are. Gesher has started working on their Carnival and Tzofim is deep into preparations for Oconomostock later in the session.
Chalutzim followed Yom Horim (Parents’ Day) with a three-day canoe trip down the Wisconsin river. They all came back a little more tan, a lot tired and with the enthusiasm that we just love to see. They are back to “rak Ivrit” (just Hebrew) for their last few weeks at OSRUI.
Moshavah campers were introduced to their limud topic – Leadership. And, of course, they’ve been preparing to go on their first tiyulim (trips) – either hiking, biking, rock climbing, or canoeing.
Our Tiferet campers have already started their arts learning and we have some remarkably talented campers who have joined us. The specialists in the arts are truly enthusiastic about the kind of skill that these new campers are showing in just a few hours of getting involved.
Tour La’Agam has been preparing for their trip, riding each day to build up their endurance, as well as their community. Nineteen campers will embark on their journey in just a few days.
Last night was a fun and food filled night for our staff … a mid-summer gathering with a remarkable magician who fooled them with every turn as they enjoyed sushi and lo mein noodles from local shops.
Lehrhaus, our adult learning program for all ages, offers the remarkable opportunity to learn from Senator Russ Feingold for the next three days. Senator Feingold is not only a great teacher but the father of camp alumni who were with us for years, in addition to being the brother of Rabbi Dena Feingold who served on staff when she was on her way to the rabbinate. She now serves the Jewish community of Kenosha, Wisconsin.
We are working on final preparations for the OSRUI Board of Governors meeting on Sunday, while welcoming Stephen Sachs, URJ Board Chair, who will be with us for Shabbat.
Finally, everybody is getting ready for 60 Years of Ruach tomorrow – a great Dan Nichols concert as part of our 60th Anniversary Celebration. We are welcoming nearly 300 guests (a sellout!) for this great event. It promises to be a sunny day and a wonderful gathering for campers now and from the past.
Have a wonderful Shabbat and we look forward to the same!
Jerry Kaye, Director Susan Alexander, Associate Director Solly Kane, Assistant Director