Gesher is such a unique and joyous community at camp! Everyone in Gesher values embracing new experiences, which has made our days together so fun. Between Gesher’s new intensives and our many chugim (electives), there have been so many opportunities this summer for Gesher chanichim (campers) to grow themselves and their connections with others! It was incredible to see the entire eidah (unit) come together to host the Mesibah, our all camp talent show.
meet the gesher rosh eidah (unit head)
Hi, I’m Alek the Rosh Eidah (unit head) for Gesher this summer. OSRUI has been a second home for me for the past 11 summers, 6 of which he spent on staff in the roles of madrich (counselor), songleader, and music specialist. I graduated from Brandeis University in 2019 where I majored in psychology and public health. Now I work as the Youth and Family Engagement Coordinator at Congregation BJBE in Deerfield, Illinois as well as an OSRUI CLASP fellow.
meet the Gesher madrichim (counselors)
Jake: Hi, my name is Jake A., I am from Aurora, IL, and I go to school at Clemson University where I study economics and psychology. This is my twelfth year at camp and my second in Gesher as an etgar (challenge course) specialist. What I love about camp is being outside all day!
Mindy: I’m from Lindenhurst, IL. This is my 9th summer at OSRUI and 2nd on staff. During the year, I am a student at Indiana University. Go Hoosiers! I love how accepting camp is and the amazing friendships I’ve made here over the years!
Sam: I am Sam from Massachusetts, and I have spent eight summers at Osrui. This year, I will be studying business at the University of Miami as a freshman. What I love most about camp are my lasting relationships with the people I have met and always having camp to look forward to throughout the year.
Mackie: I’m from Wauconda, IL, and have been coming to camp for 11 years. During the year I am a psychology major at Southeast Missouri State University. I love the community that camp provides to everyone it opens its arms to. I’m excited to be on staff again this summer to continue creating great memories for my campers.
Lisa: Hi my name is Lisa Silverstein and I’m from Buffalo Grove, IL! This is my 9th summer at camp and my first year on staff. During the school year, I go to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where I study Nuclear Engineering. I love camp because of the lasting friendships I’ve made throughout the years!
Mady: I am from Skokie, IL, and during the school year I study theater at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH. This summer is my 12th at camp and 2nd year on staff. I love that Gesher provides campers who have varying interests with a space to meet each other and learn from each other.
Allison: I’m from Deerfield IL, and this is my 12th summer at camp! During the year, I study kinesiology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. My favorite part of camp is Shabbat and my favorite part of Gesher is Madrichug (counselor-led electives)!!
Max: Hi! My name is Max M., a Madrich (counselor) at OSRUI in Gesher. I’ve been at camp for 9 years now, and still going strong. During the year, I’m a student at Indiana University. Camp for me is a place I call home and I hope to make that true for your children too.
Eden: I’m from Israel. This is my first year at OSRUI! During the year I work in a cosmetics shop. I love working with all the counselors in Gesher and our Rosh Eidah (unit head) Alek!
Racheli: Hi I’m Racheli! I’m from Israel and it’s my first year at camp. During the year I work, travel, and hang out with friends and family. My favorite part of Gesher is the way campers can choose electives and intensives based on their favorite activities.
Bar: I’m from Israel, this is my first summer at OSRUI. I just finished my time in the IDF. At camp, I love that everybody is talented and so many people love to sing and dance!
