The Walt Disney Company brands its theme parks as “The Happiest Place on Earth.” Perhaps that’s so for those who seek their thrills from roller coasters and animatronic animals, but as far as we’re concerned, the happiest place on earth is at Olin-Sang-Ruby Union Institute (OSRUI) in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. And the happiest corner of OSRUI is machaneh kallah.
We’ve been fortunate enough to serve as visiting faculty in kallah for session bet, and we think that there is fun being had to rival any Disney World or Disneyland vacation. And yet, in many ways, the way we conduct ourselves in kallah borrows from the culture found in the theme parks.
They’re Not “Employees,” They’re “Cast Members.”
Disney uses some of its own lingo in speaking about its, both to guests and to employees. For instance, staff are known not as “employees” but as “cast members,” and being at work in front of guests is referred to as being “onstage.”
OSRUI has its own lingo, and even Kallah has some cultural elements that aren’t found elsewhere at camp. Chanichim learn to bond with their tzrifim (cabins), each with their own unique and creative names. They learn the Hebrew names of the different buildings around camp, and the “sandwich” method for learning new Hebrew words (ask your chanichim to teach it to you). They learn about “face paint on Fridays” (only in Kallah!). Slowly but surely, they become integrated into the vocabulary and culture that they will need to construct a comfortable summer home here at OSRUI. Last Saturday night at mesibah, the all-camp talent show put on by the Tiferet unit, many of the campers laughed uproariously at an inside joke. One of our kallah campers found himself caught up in the laughter. He turned to Jay and said, “I’m laughing, but I don’t know why.” We embrace and celebrate this exploration of how to assimilate into OSRUI culture. Someday, this camper will be fully “in” on the joke, and have the opportunity to inculcate others to OSRUI magic.
The Utility of “Utilidors.”
Shortly after Disneyland opened in 1955, Walt Disney became dismayed that certain limitations of the park threatened to disrupt the guests’ experience of the fantasy. Princesses could sometimes be seen wandering through the wild west section of the park, or cowboys were spotted taking a break in Tomorrowland. For the design of Walt Disney World in Florida, the park was designed so that the guest experience essentially begins on the second floor. An entire series of tunnels, known as utilidors, accessible only to employees, allows all of the technical work needed to create the magic to take place out of view of the public.
There is much magic to be made at camp, and in Kallah. Madrichim work tirelessly after hours, guided by Rosh Eidah Sara Splansky, to create magical and exciting programming. Though chanichim rarely see the work that goes into it, they reap the benefits of this hard work. Each evening, staff gathers to check in with one another, review the schedule for the next day, and meticulously plan out the Kallah schedule in order to keep things running smoothly. Most campers, until they themselves are part of the tzevet (staff), will never be aware of these behind-the-scenes details.
The “Three O’Clock Parade” Questions
Employees at Disney Parks frequently get asked, “What time is the three o’clock parade?” It seems like a simple question with a straightforward answer, but the cast members are trained to stretch themselves beyond the simple response of “three o’clock.” They try to consider what information the guest is really seeking– things like, “when do I need to line up for the three o’clock parade?” or “what is the best viewing spot?” or “when will it pass by me?” By anticipating a guest’s needs, the cast members can reassure them, and help to turn a good vacation experience into a stellar one.
In Kallah, as you might imagine, the madrichim and all who work with the chanichim get many enthusiastic questions, some of which may, on their surface, seem just as impertinent or unimportant as the parade question. It would be easy to become jaded and annoyed by this constant barrage of inquiries. But the madrichim strive to recognize that questions such as “What’s for lunch?” or “Where are we going next?” like the parade question are not driven by an actual quest for information. The chanichim are, in coded language, checking in with those in positions of authority. At home, their schedules are dictated by parents, guardians, teachers, and caregivers; they seek reassurance that we at camp will look out for them in a similar manner (and we do!).
Something for Everyone
Some people who go to a Disney park may be there to visit characters such as Mickey Mouse and his friends. Others might pursue the roller coasters. Still others might be looking for the unique rides and attractions based on Disney films that can only be found at a Disney property. The company understands that a variety of attractions are needed to appeal to a wide international audience.
Similarly, Kallah is designed to present a taste of all that OSRUI has to offer. Chanichim do tubing, boating, Etgar (challenge course), singing, swimming, and a great number of other fun activities throughout the day that introduce them to the flavor of camp. In future years, some may choose the outdoor adventures of Tzofim or Moshavah, while others may choose the arts programming in Tiferet. All chanichim are not homogenous in their interests or abilities, and OSRUI affords them the opportunity to celebrate their strengths.
We’ve identified just some of the ways that Kallah magic echoes Disney magic. We are so happy to spend each day of the session together building what we believe to be the happiest (Jewish) place on earth.
This blog was written by our amazing Kallah Bet Segel, Rabbi Alan Cook of Sinai Temple in Champaign-Urbana, IL and Canto Jay O’Brien of Congregation Solel in Highland Park, IL