From the Director
Welcome to the first edition of our updated newsletter!
As our team put this together, I was reminded how much is happening in the OSRUI community year-round for both our current camp families and our alumni. A camp newsletter is truly an exercise in tough choices as we decided what to include!
We had a great summer in Oconomowoc, highlighted by an alumni day on August 4th with over 400 alumni joining us for Shabbat. On a personal note, it was great to be back at OSRUI for my first summer as Director. Having grown up at camp, I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to lead a place that I care deeply about into its next chapter. So many in our community have been supportive of this transition – thank you!
Plans are well underway for Summer 2019. If someone you know is considering camp for next summer, encourage them to sign-up soon as sessions are starting to fill. Next summer will bring an exciting new trip to Israel – Chalutzim Ba’aretz, a beautiful new building where we can fit our entire camp community, and the same magic that has made OSRUI home for tens of thousands of young people since 1952.
Our team is out and about over the next few months and we hope to see you at your congregation or in Oconomowoc soon!
L’shalom,
Solly
Solly Kane, Director
P.S. Our new online store is open now until October 30 – click here to shop today!
Register Now!
The countdown has begun to Summer 2019! Nearly 600 campers are already registered.
Watch Our Video and Register Today!
Breaking Ground This Summer – Campaign Update
The groundbreaking of Heichal HaTarbut Kaye (Kaye Cultural Center) on August 4th brought together more than 400 OSRUI alumni from the 1950’s to today.
Mazel Tov to our alumni, parents, grandparents, campers and friends of Camp! You have raised over $4 million to build a new, intentional place at OSRUI for worship, performance and community gathering. This building — a representation of past, present and future camp endeavors — could not happen without your generous support.For more information about how to support this exciting project be in touch with: Alexandra Argentar, Director of Development, aargentar@urj.org.
Watch the video from Alumni Day and the Groundbreaking >
New This Summer:
Chalutzim Ba’Aretz
Chalutzim Ba’aretz is a first-of-its-kind program that offers teens the opportunity to spend 4 weeks exploring Israel with their immersive, Hebrew-speaking community. The program is open to any teen with a baseline level of Hebrew knowledge.
View the Chalutzim Ba’aretz video.
Chalutzim Ba’aretz is offered in partnership with NFTY in Israel and is tentatively scheduled for Jun. 25 – Jul. 23. Learn more and register now >
Where are They Now? Alumni Spotlight on Neal Sabin
In each newsletter we’ll be featuring an OSRUI alum, starting with Neal Sabin, OSRUI camper and staff member in the ’60s and ’70s. Neal has had a fascinating career in TV and radio, starting at OSRUI.
“My parents helped me string a very long antenna all around the camp for our radio station, WOSR, which broadcast on AM 570 for a couple summers while I was on staff. I also went through the dishwasher and fell into the ice machine during my Avodah summer as part of a movie making adventure. I spent a night sleeping on my bed on the Chalutzim wash house roof. My campers put my bed up there, so I slept in it. Ha!”
Join Us in the 53066
October 19-21 – Family Camp
October 21 – Prospective Camper Family Tour
November 1-4 – Shabbat Shira
November 18 – Family Day at OSRUI!
March 15-17 – Family Camp…stay tuned!
May 29 – June 2, 2019 – Hava Nashira…stay tuned!
Todah Rabah!
We are blessed to have so many rabbis, cantors and educators enrich camp every summer with their wisdom and love for Judaism. Thank you to all those who served on faculty at OSRUI during Summer 2018.
See our website for the list of faculty.
Thanks for Being “On Board!”
Together with OSRUI’s professional staff, the Board of Governors is comprised of engaged lay leaders who support the greater good of OSRUI. Members leverage their personal and professional expertise, provide advice and feedback, and generate resources to enhance the impact of Camp. The work of the Board is vital to OSRUI’s success. Check out Who’s Who on the Board.