Shabbat Devarim 2013
It’s been a busy week here at Union Institute in Oconomowoc. In addition to the usual horseback riding, waterskiing, sports of all kinds, arts, drama, music and the rest, we celebrated two special events. Last Saturday night we enjoyed the Star Spangled Mesibah – the Tiferet talent show which is in honor of American independence. After this came the fireworks that brought the house down for everyone.
Last night we marked the importance of Israel in our camp with another talent show about connection to Israel – FestiKayitz, our very own Summerfest. Kids from all of the units brought their amazing talent to the entire camp. Chalutzim sponsored this event, with remarkable support from our Israeli staff, who shared their own skills and abilities. It was another great night at OSRUI!
This week Kallah had a fabulous Slip and Slide down Bayit hill, which they absolutely loved. They have been having a great time at the waterfront and at the pool. They had cabin night with lots of us welcoming them to a wide variety of places around camp for special activities. Today is FacePaint Friday, always a big hit with campers. And Kallah and Kibbutz HaTzofim marked Boker Kallah/Tzofim this week … a fun morning of activities together.
In addition to Boker Kallah/Tzofim, Kibbutz HaTzofim also had a great tent night, with a lot of the specialists sharing their own personal skills. Of course, they have been taking really good care of the sheep and goats and chickens as well as their garden. Their limud (Jewish learning) focused on Jewish Heroic Values, and campers also learned about welcoming the stranger into their community and homes.
Tiferet is practicing their final presentations for the rest of camp tomorrow. In addition to the Mesibah (above) they went to the park this week for Arts in the Park. The day was really relaxing but full of learning and experience with all of their specialists. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be a camper in Tiferet, check out this video:
https://vimeo.com/70165384
Moshavah returned from the various trips on Wednesday with amazing stories to tell. They are enjoying spending their last few days at camp together as an eidah.
Chalutzim is finishing preparations to welcome their parents this Sunday for Yom Horim. Next week they leave on their canoe trip.
This week we welcomed visitors from the Foundation for Jewish Camp Cornerstone Fellowship and the Jewish Agency, and they were just raving about the things that we accomplish here. It is always a pleasure to hear that from folks who have never been to OSRUI before.
L’hitraot to our campers who are going home on Sunday – we look forward to seeing everyone next summer! Departure information was emailed to all camper parents this week and is also posted in the OSRUINewsletter on Bunk1.
Shabbat Shalom to all,
Jerry Kaye, Director Susan Alexander, Associate Director