SHABBAT RE’EH 2013
Kallah moved into their last week of camp this summer with a week full of incredibly fun events. First was YOM CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY where most of our Kallah campers were dressed up like Oompah Loompas and spoke in rhyme throughout the day – and a little candy was on the schedule as well. On Monday our fearless Kallah campers spent the day at the Scuppernong Trail where they hiked for an hour and a half and enjoyed a great picnic! Tuesday was YOM JACK AND JILL that started with a campfire breakfast with cereal and s’mores. After that they did “Slip ‘n Slunch,” sliding down Bayit Hill followed by sandwiches for lunch. It was hard to recognize them with their black mustaches and beards. Next came Yom HaChag where they celebrated almost an entire year of Jewish holidays in a fun way in one day. Yom Kippur fasting took place from late night snack until breakfast the next morning and the campers were so proud of themselves! And now the happy Kallah campers are packing to go home, with lots of new friends and sweet memories.
Kibbutz HaTzofim presented a great all-camp talent show with campers from every unit called OCONOMOWONDERLAND. The 7th grade actors who hosted this event were really incredible. The story started with Deborah as Alice finding the campers without any ruach (spirit). She followed the white rabbit down the Metro into Wonderland. There she met up with the AvoCardniks and many others who tried to divert her from her goal of bringing back ruach, enthusiasm and excitement, to OSRUI. The kids who portrayed the Unit Heads were carbon copies of their “mentors.” Of course, this was all a dream and Deborah awakened to enthusiastic response from everyone at camp watching. The talent from kids all around camp was inspiring and amazing and ranged from music to dance to Yo-Yo demonstrations.
Tiferet moved into a week of intense work — finishing their projects in visual arts, drama, dance and music. Just strolling through their various studios, one sees the growth and talent is really remarkable. These are budding artists who have a fine future as we saw during Marathon Week. Of course, some of them performed in OCONOMOWONDERLAND. Last night they had a fun evening program and dressed up in costumes as if it was Halloween.
Moshavah spent a “regular” week in camp brushing up on their Hebrew and prepping for Chalutzim next summer. In addition, they also had canoe and other orientations for their upcoming trips and enjoyed swim, sports and chugim throughout the days.
Gesher’s week was highlighted by a field day at Naga-Waukee Park where the campers enjoyed beautiful weather with field games and a picnic lunch. All week long they relished the opportunity to have two chugim each day in addition to the regular program. They, too, were part of the great all-camp talent show. Now they are in serious preparation for the all-camp CARNIVAL they are hosting next week.
Chalutzim started their last week in camp with prepping for their final test to see the amazing progress they have made in Hebrew. It is a week of lasts … the last Shira, the last kitah, the last Hurrah! They are already packing and putting things away as the session comes to a close. It’s a bittersweet time – some sadness, but many happy memories.
Tour La’Agam – our “1000 Mile” cyclists are enjoying a well-deserved break spending Shabbat near Traverse City.
Maccabiah, OSRUI’s all-camp sports day, launched on Wednesday night with a horseback rider arriving carrying a torch to ignite the Aish Tamid. Campers were divided in four different color groups with kids of all ages on each team. Chalutzim campers were the spirit leaders. The day included canoe races, swim competitions, a giant ga-ga game, and climbing the tower for a great finish as the sun began to set. Hebrew lunch was a great fun event where those who spoke the most Hebrew received extra points. At the end of the day, cheers, banners and songs were judged with the Red Team walking away with first place. All had a fun day.
Yesterday we were honored to welcome Rabbi Herman and Lotte Schaalman back to OSRUI. Rabbi Schaalman is one of the founders of Union Institute and was its first director, back when there were just 30 campers and everyone lived in the Bayit or a few white cabins. He served on faculty until just a few years ago. The Schaalmans spent the day greeting campers, staff and faculty and enjoying the Maccabiah games.
Summer Programs After Camp: You can still sign up for the following programs which take place at OSRUI after camp:
Aug. 15-18 Tzofim Dalet – for families and adults who want to experience Kibbutz HaTzofim.
Aug. 17 Alumni Day – Spend Shabbat at camp with Tzofim Dalet
See our website for information on these programs and more: www.osrui-old-production333.urjyouth.com
Wishing you all a Shabbat Shalom,
Jerry Kaye, Director Susan Alexander, Associate Director