Frequently Asked Questions

Event Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

List of FAQs

What is the Mosaic International Event?

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!

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What are the details for this year?

This year, the Event runs from Thursday, September 1 through Monday, September 5, 2011. We'll be staying at Camp Rim Rock in Yellow Spring, WV, with both standard cabin bunkhouse accommodations and some premium housing options. The camp sits between the Cacapon River and a beautiful ridge. The camp is not kosher, but we will provide kosher food for an additional charge.

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How much does it cost?

Sorry -- registration is now closed. Please join us at the next event.

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What does the schedule look like?

Please see the Daytime Activities page and the Evening Activities page to get a sense of the schedule.

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How do I register?

Sorry -- registration is now closed. Please join us at the next event.

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How do I volunteer to help out at the International Event?

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.

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What are the Release of Liability, Publicity Release, Medical Release and Code of Conduct?

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.

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How do I get there?

  • You can drive (just 2 hours west of Washington, D.C.). Please see the Transportation page for more information.
  • You can fly. You have three airports to choose from. Please see the Transportation page for more information.
  • You can take a train into Washington, D.C. and then transfer to the Metro to catch the Mosaic Shuttle. Please see the Transportation page for more information.
  • You can accept a ride share or offer one. Please see the Transportation page for more information.
  • You can walk, but it will be a long, hilly trip.
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When should I plan to arrive by plane?

Dulles International Airport (IAD) – Primary Airport

Plan to meet the Mosaic Shuttle at Dulles Airport (IAD) at 2:15 pm on Thursday, September 1st. When booking your flight, please allow enough time to pick up your luggage and get through the terminal.

The Mosaic Shuttle will arrive at Dulles Airport (IAD) after 12:30 pm on Monday, September 5th. Book your flight to depart after 2:30 pm from Dulles Airport to be safe.

Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)

If you are flying into or out of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and want to take the Mosaic Shuttle to or from camp, take the Metro Blue Line directly out of the airport towards Largo Town Center Metro Station, then switch to the Orange Line at Rosslyn Metro Station and take it to the end (Vienna/Fairfax-GMU Metro Station); allow about an hour to get between the airport and Vienna/Fairfax Metro Station. The Mosaic Shuttle will pick you up at the Vienna/Fairfax-GMU Metro Station promptly at 2:00 pm. Sorry, we WILL NOT wait for you, so be on time!!!

Baltimore Washington Airport (BWI)

Rick Dronsky has volunteered to take the Mosaic Shuttle to pick up people at Baltimore Washington International Airport. You need to be at the baggage claim by 2:15 pm on Thursday September 1st to meet up with Rick.

A couple of notes:

  1. Rick will be using the Shuttle on the Post-trip. Unless you are going on the Post-trip, YOU will be responsible for finding a ride back to Baltimore Washington International Airport. Mosaic will make every effort to help you find a ride, but it will be your responsibility in the end. If you are taking the Post-trip, you can ride back to BWI in the Shuttle.
  2. The Shuttle coming from BWI will stop at Dulles Airport to pick up any arrivals, then travel on to camp. Total travel time to the camp is approximately 3 hours without traffic, which is approximately 1 hour more than from Dulles airport.
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When should I plan to arrive by car?

If driving, please plan to arrive between 3 pm and 6 pm on Thursday. Dinner will be at 6:30 pm. Check-in will close for dinner at 6:00 pm. For detailed information about check-in times and locations, please download Mosaic International Event Information Email #4 - Travel, Check-in & Transportation to Activities, in either .PDF or .DOC format.

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When should I plan to fly home?

Please arrange for your flight home from IAD (Dulles Airport) to leave after 2:30 pm on Monday, September 5th. For DCA (Reagan Airport), please arrange your flight to leave after 5:00 pm on Monday, September 5th.

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What if I can't make it in on Thursday, or need to leave early?

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, since we may be able to help you with any ride shares.

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Do you need my travel information?

Yes. If you are using our transportation or looking for a ride share, 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.

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Who goes to the event?

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.

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Do the cabins have electricity?

Several of the cabins do NOT have ANY electrical outlets. Please plan on bringing a power strip to share the few electrical outlets that are available. Most participants will not be able to charge their cell phones in their cabins, but we will set up a power station at the back of the Dining Hall for overnight use. Please bring battery-operated devices when possible, especially a battery-operated alarm clock.

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Does the camp have cellular reception and/or internet access?

Internet access: WiFi is available near the Upper and Lower Staff Houses.

Cellular reception: 3G from AT&T throughout the camp; unreliable reception if any from other carriers. Please see the emergency contact FAQ for information about reaching you at camp.

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What are the accommodations like?

Rustic summer camp cabins! Most of the cabins have full walls only half way up and then screens the rest of the way. There are no curtains. This is to accommodate the southern hot summers. We suggest bringing an extra blanket in case it is chilly. Pajamas are recommended for warmth as well.

Several of the cabins do NOT have ANY electrical outlets. Please plan on bringing a power strip to share the few electrical outlets that are available. Most participants will not be able to charge their cell phones in their cabins, but we will set up a power station at the back of the Dining Hall for overnight use. Please bring battery-operated devices when possible, especially a battery-operated alarm clock. Think of the cabins as camping with a roof over your head.

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What's the food like?

Camp Rim Rock is not a kosher camp, so there will be a $25 surcharge for the kosher food option. Please be sure to  select this option on the Miscellaneous page during the registration process. Please let us know if you are willing to help supervise the serving of the kosher food -- contact the Event chairperson at event@mosaicoutdoor.org.

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.

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What if there is a family emergency?

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. Verizon is not that reliable.

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What kind of clothing should I bring?

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 waterfront is spectacular and there are several options for river activities.

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.

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What other stuff should I bring?

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.

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What should I bring my stuff in?

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.

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What is the layout of the camp?

For a map of the camp, go to http://www.camprimrock.com/about/camp-map.

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What is Mosaic Outdoor Clubs of America?

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.

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What if I have more questions?

Email us at event@mosaicoutdoor.org or call 1-888-MOSAICS for more information.

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Mosaic Outdoor Clubs of America Newsletter