SHABBAT VA’ETCHANAN 2015
Wow! What a week it’s been here at OSRUI. We had many all-camp events, including Oconomostock and Maccabiah.
Kallah celebrated many special themed days, such as Yom Lumber Jack and Jill where they made flapjacks for lunch and dressed in crazy costumes. They also went on a field trip to Discovery World in Milwaukee, where they pet sting rays, and learned about aquatic ecosystems. It was interactive and awesome! They also tie-dyed their own personal Kallah Gimmel t-shirts! We can’t wait for you to see them on Sunday.
Tzofim put together an amazing show on Monday night! Oconomostock was a huge success. The chanichim (campers) sang, danced, and acted their hearts out! The performances were inspiring, as chanichim from every eidah (unit) participated. We also honored 16 staff members who have been on staff for 5 years with their highly coveted 5-year sweatshirts, as well as 5 staff members who have been on staff for 10 years! It’s truly incredible to have that much commitment from our staff, and we appreciate everything they have done for camp.
Gesher had a great field trip this week to Comedy Sportz Milwaukee. They participated in a leadership workshop with the staff at Comedy Sportz, which included many improv games and activities. The chanichim really put themselves out there and had a blast! They then had a nice picnic lunch in Milwaukee. This coming week, Gesher hosts our all-camp Carnival! They are working hard in preparation for this amazing and fun event.
Tiferet is working extremely hard in their studios as they prepare for their final performances next weekend. They are truly invested in their limud (study) theme of Kohelet, and it is showing in their omanut (art) each and every day. Tiferet also went on a field trip this week – they had Studio in the Park! After Shabbat they will begin “Marathon Week,” as they work hard to piece everything together for the final performances and have a blast at the same time!
Moshavah is preparing for their final tiyul. They depart this week for one of the hiking, biking, rock climbing, or canoeing trips across the state of Wisconsin. They had a fantastic, full week in camp, which is a rarity for Moshavah. They had some great evening programs, and made a ton of progress on the projects they are working on in their chugim (electives).
Chalutzim is approaching the end of their session. It is wonderful to see how much these chanichim have grown, as young adults and as Hebrew speakers. This week, Chalutzim led each of the teams for Maccabiah! They were amazing leaders and role models for the younger chanichim.
Tour La’Agam is having an fabulous trip! They have crossed through the Upper Peninsula and into Michigan. They will spend Shabbat resting up their legs and minds, and continue on their journey down the western coast of Michigan. They are scheduled to arrive back at camp before next Shabbat. We can’t wait to hear about their experience!
This weekend, we bid l’hitraot (until we meet again) to Kallah Gimmel and Chalutzim. We hope they had an amazing session. Kallah Gimmel parents – be sure to check out the blog by Kallah Gimmel faculty member Vanessa Ehrlich about What to Ask Your Campers When They Get Home from Camp.
Wishing everyone a peaceful and restful Shabbat!
Jerry Kaye, Director Susan Alexander, Associate Director Max Weinberg, Assistant Director