In short, summer camp for adults. The Mosaic International Event is held every year on Labor Day Weekend. It gives Jewish outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world the opportunity to spend time with each other, enjoy the outdoors and explore Judaism in a natural setting. We stay at a summer camp and do all kinds of outdoor activities. The activities change every year depending on the locale. About 100 to 150 like-minded Jewish adventurers attend this event each year. This year, the event will include hiking, rafting, kayaking, biking, nature walks, horseback riding, arts & crafts, dancing, workshops, swimming, campfires, an afternoon of relay races of all sorts, photography, swimming, nature walks and a few more surprises!
This year, the Event runs from Thursday, August 30, 2012 through Monday, September 3, 2012. We'll be staying at the JCC Ranch Camp, a kosher camp in Elbert, CO, with both standard cabin bunkhouse accommodations and a few premium housing options. The camp is approximately 90 minutes from Denver and 60 minutes from Colorado Springs.
Please see the Daytime Activities page and the Evening Activities page to get a sense of the schedule.
Click HERE to register.
During the registration process, you will be given an opportunity to specify exactly what you want to volunteer for. Alternatively, you can e-mail event@mosaicoutdoor.org.
All participants must sign the waiver form before attending the event as part of the registration process. This clarifies everyone's roles and responsibilities. Signing the form (or agreeing to its terms electronically) is a requirement for participation in the event. Mosaic also wants to be able to use pictures taken at the event on our website, in printed material and in general publicity. Your signature on the form (or agreeing to its terms electronically) indicates your understanding that some pictures may be used in this manner.
Plan to arrive into Denver absolutely no later than 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 30th (unless coming in for the Pre-Trip). Earlier is better. You must pick up your luggage and plan to meet the Mosaic Shuttle at Denver Airport (DEN) at 2:30 for departure to camp. When booking your flight, please allow enough time to pick up your luggage and get through the terminal. Denver airport is huge.
(If you are coming in early for the Pre-Trip to Boulder, please plan to arrive on Tuesday, August 28th, by 12:00 noon. Flights from most major airports arrive by 11:30 a.m. The pre-trip transport will leave at 1:00 p.m. sharp to meet our connections. There is public transportation available into Boulder if you come in late. See the pre-trip page for more details.)
The return Mosaic Shuttle will arrive at Denver Airport (DEN) after 11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 3rd. Book your flight to depart after 1:30 p.m. from Denver Airport to be safe. NOTE: Security at DEN takes a long time to get through. Please plan accordingly.
If driving, please plan to arrive between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Thursday.
Please arrange for your flight home from DEN (Denver International Airport) to leave after 1:30 pm on Monday, September 3rd.
That’s ok with us; we’ll leave the light on for ya’. Unfortunately, you'll have to make your own travel arrangements. Please let us know the details.
Yes. If you are using our transportation, please be sure to provide your travel information so we know when and where to find you! If you don't have it now, that's okay. Just go back into the registration system and put it there once you do. Please be sure to complete the form before August 13th. The earlier we have your information, the better we can help you get to camp.
People that want to have fun! Jewish adults of all ages from all religious backgrounds, some more observant than others. Previous participants have come from all over the US, Canada, and even Israel and Australia. Over 100 people attend annually.
Most of the cabins have electricity. Please bring battery-operated devices when possible, especially a battery-operated alarm clock.
Internet access: Wi-Fi is available in some parts of camp.
Cellular reception: AT&T is fairly reliable in camp; unreliable reception from other carriers. Please see the emergency contact FAQ for information about reaching you at camp.
Rustic summer camp cabins! The cabins this year do not have bathrooms in them; there are bathrooms and shower house facilities nearby. The very limited number of singles/couples cabins do have shared bathroom facilities within the building.
We suggest bringing an extra blanket in case it is chilly. The camp is in an area that gets very warm during the day but can get chilly at night. Pajamas are recommended for warmth as well.
We provide mostly healthy choices, and will make every attempt to accommodate special dietary needs. There are often a lot of vegetarians, so non-meat choices will be available at every meal. We have reviewed the menus with the camp in advance to ensure that there is something for everyone. It is important that you carefully denote your dietary restrictions and allergies on the registration form. For full day events, we make brown bag lunches; plenty of snacks will be provided.
We certainly hope this isn't necessary, but, in case of an emergency, the phone number to call is: 1-888-MOSAICS. We will provide additional emergency contact information after you register. Please note most cell phones do NOT receive a decent signal on the camp property. ATT seems to work. Others are not that reliable.
The weather this time of year is usually on the warm side during the daytime, and comfortable to cool at night. We suggest you come prepared for both warm and chilly weather. Probably shorts and T-shirts during the day and possibly jeans and a fleece at night. Dressing in layers is a great way to be prepared. Bring hiking boots! Bathing suits are a must, too, as the pool will be open on Saturday.
Appropriate gear is required for all activities. Activity leaders may exclude participants from an activity if they determine the individual is improperly attired. Example: Hiking boots or hiking shoes are required on all full day and/or moderate-difficult rated hikes. Please make sure you 'break in' new footwear before the event.
Highly suggested items: a day pack or fanny pack that can hold lunch, water bottle or hydration pack, and other miscellaneous gear. Flashlight and extra batteries. Bug spray and sunscreen. Linens and pillows. Extra towels. Additionally, you may want to bring Frisbees, compass, stargazing guides, songbooks, trekking poles, hat, binoculars, field guides (bird/plant/mushroom/mineral), camera, deck of cards, toiletries, required medicines, etc.
Guess where those cute little suitcases with wheels don't work very well? Yep, you got it, a summer camp. The suitcase works fine; just don't expect the wheels to be too effective. Many people will pack their stuff in soft-sided duffel bags or backpacks. This also makes loading the buses easier. In most cases, the buses will NOT be able to pull up near the cabins, but you may have to carry your bags a little bit. This year there will be NO vehicles allowed in camp. You will park in the parking lot at the beginning of the driveway and then camp staff will help you get your stuff to your cabins. This may be a long walk depending on where your cabin is.
Mosaic Outdoor Clubs of America is a non-profit organization focused on bringing Jewish adults together where they can experience and explore the outdoors and the Jewish experience, history and background in environments that promote Jewish learning, continuity and community. Mosaic has more than 20 clubs in the United States, Canada and Israel. Visit the main MOCA website at www.mosaicoutdoor.org.
Email us at event@mosaicoutdoor.org or call 1-888-MOSAICS for more information.