Below are answers to many commonly asked questions. If you would like any additional information please email or call our office.
Getting ready
How can I prepare as a PARENT/GUARDIAN to send my child to camp?
Prior to camp we will help guide you with packing lists questions and connecting you to other camp families. Our Health Center Staff and Camp Care Team will be in contact with you to discuss any medical or special needs your camper may have.
Once your child arrives at camp our staff will make sure all their needs are met and they have a successful session. During the session you are more than welcome to reach out and check in with us. We will be happy to give you an update on how your camper is doing.
Our camp family is always available to help ensure that your entire family has a memorable summer experience.
Does OSRUI Provide financial assistance?
We are committed to ensuring that no child is denied a Jewish summer experience at OSRUI, regardless of a family’s financial need.
Need-based assistance is available through our campership fund for all of our programs. We also have partnered with the One Happy Camper program to provide first-time incentives to encourage parents to choose Jewish camp. Our partner URJ congregations are also deeply invested in working with us to help all campers get to camp.
Please see our Financial Assistance page for more information and tools to help make camp more affordable for your family.
life at camp
What is a typical day at camp like?
What is the main difference between kallah and tzofim?
can my camper request to be with a friend?
how Jewish is OSRUI?
What if I am not a member of a URJ congregation?
Campers who are not members of congregations affiliated with the URJ pay a surcharge, which will not exceed $75 per week per camper, with a maximum of $500 per family per season.
who are the counselors and staff at camp?
More than two-thirds of our counselors have grown up at OSRUI as campers and staff. All counselors are college age or older and are required to submit recommendations, undergo a comprehensive background check, and have a personal interview before they are hired. Specialists and unit heads are highly skilled professionals who in most cases have already graduated college. An extensive training program is provided at the start of the summer season and is ongoing throughout the summer. During the summer, staff are supervised and evaluated by members of our camp leadership team, all of whom have proven experience overseeing the work of staff members.
Health, Wellness and Food
will my child be safe while at camp?
Does OSRUI treat the grounds for mosquitoes and ticks?
what about food and food allergies?
In terms of food allergies, we do not serve peanut butter at camp and we do not cook with nuts or peanuts. Peanut butter alternatives are available. (Note: we do have products in our kitchen at camp that are manufactured at facilities that process nuts and peanuts.) For campers with celiac disease or who are sensitive to gluten products, we provide a range of gluten free food (including bread, pasta, cereal and desserts) and parents are welcome to send other foods as necessary to be stored in the kitchen. We can accommodate other food allergies as well. When registering for camp, please indicate that your child has a severe food allergy and a member of our Camp Care Team will contact you.
is Camp kosher?
At OSRUI, we do not mix dairy and meat at meals nor do we serve pork or shellfish. All meat that we serve at camp is certified kosher. We do not have separate kosher plates and utensils for meat and dairy and our kitchen is not under supervision from a mashgiach (kosher supervisor).
what if my child is homesick?
what if my child wakes up in the middle of the night?
does my child need to be immunized?
Yes, the Union for Reform Judaism requires that all camp and travel program participants, staff and faculty must be immunized. For more information, read the URJ Vaccine Statement.
how do you celebrate birthdays at camp?
Birthdays at OSRUI are very special! There will be a cake and celebration for your child with their bunk. You are welcome to send letters, cards, and one care package. Packages are only accepted for camper birthdays – and, in order to respect dietary restrictions and general bunk hygiene, we ask that they do not include food. All birthdays at OSRUI are celebrated the same, special way. Our counselors and staff are committed to making a camp birthday celebration special and unique! You should reach out to osruicampercare@urj.org if you have questions about birthday packages.