SHABBAT NACHAMU  2013

We welcomed campers in five sessions this past Tuesday!  They are all energetic and enthusiastic and having a great time.

Yesterday, between the heat and humidity, we decided that the schedule of the day needed to be changed in order to respond to the weather.  So we named the day Yom “Get Out of the Heat” and made sure that all of our campers from every session were spending lots of time either in the pool, the lake, our air conditioned gym or other cool spots in camp. High on the list of big hits of the day was our always popular Slip ‘n Slide down Bayit Hill.

Our waterfront staff worked to make sure that everyone had lots of time to stay cool. We just received a report from our Head Nurse, Paula Kaye, congratulating everyone as there were no campers who suffered from heat or sun related health problems.  That was because our counselors really maintained a watchful eye on everyone.

Chalutzim just returned yesterday afternoon from their canoe trip on the Wisconsin River.  Between paddling down the river and camping out each night they had a wonderful three days following Yom Horim. Counselors absolutely enjoyed being with their kids and Rabbi Weinberg was along for the trip as well, teaching the art and science of canoe paddling.  The campers and staff had spent two days working on their technique just to get ready.

Last night several members of the Camp Board of Governors joined us for Staff Appreciation Night when the Board sponsored a late night program of really big inflatable games, ice cream, popcorn and soda.  Everyone had a great time just letting off steam.  Our rabbis, cantors and educators took rounds with our campers to make sure that everyone was tucked in their bunks dreaming of Shabbat Dinner.

This weekend we are welcoming Rabbi Rachel Sabath Beit-Halachmi, Ph.D. who is the new Director of Admissions for Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion, as well as Rabbi David Ellenson, President of HUC, and his wife Rabbi Jackie Ellenson, who works with the Women’s Rabbinic Network.  What a great weekend for the Lehrhaus attendees, our staff, faculty and all of our campers.

The coming week kicks off Sunday morning as the entire camp joins together to send Tour La’Agam off on their 1,000-mile journey.  The OSRUI Board of Governors will meet during the day and members of the Board will have the opportunity to hear about all the wonderful things going on a camp.  Sunday night is the all-camp Judaica Bowl.  Moshavah heads out on their first tiyulim on Monday, where everyone will be going hiking, biking, rock climbing or canoeing.  This week will bring lots of fun and excitement in Kallah, field trips for Tiferet and Gesher, and Tzofim will begin preparations for Oconomostock, the wonderful talent show that they produce.  Chalutzim will get back into their regular routine for their last couple of weeks together.

Right now, everyone can’t wait to celebrate Shabbat at OSRUI!

Wishing you all a Shabbat Shalom,

Jerry Kaye, Director            Susan Alexander, Associate Director