EVENT Questions and Answers

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 Mosaic members 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. This year, the event will include hiking, biking, nature walks, horseback riding, canoeing, whitewater rafting, tubing, kayaking, rock climbing, caving, and visits to local historical sites, galleries, natural attractions and more! Thursday night we'll have icebreaker games and a night hike. Friday Night we have a creative Shabbat Service (and a smaller traditional minyan) and a slideshow by local Adirondack photographer Carl Heilman; Saturday night we'll have a folk music concert in the theatre (and some small group trips offsite), and Sunday night we'll break into a variety of workshops. Campfires are part of the event each night, as well.

What are the details for this year?
This year, the event runs from Thursday August 31st through Monday September 4th, 2006. We'll be staying at Brant Lake Camp in Brant Lake, NY. We'll be providing bus service from Albany Airport (ALB) which is just over an hour from camp, at a nominal fee.

How much does it cost?
Regular pricing of $365M/$415NM will be in effect through August 3rd. A late fee will be assessed to registrants through 8/18 (price $415M/$465NM), and NO REGISTRATIONS WILL BE PROCESSED AFTER 8/18 and there will be no on-site registrations this year.

Early registration is recommended. Based on the response to previous International Events and due to space limitations for several of the activities, the event will likely sell out. Your payment includes many activities, evening programs, food and lodging in summer camp cabins with bathrooms, a cool t-shirt and a water bottle!  Bus transportation from ALB will be available for an additional $40.

How do I get there?
Mosaic will be coordinating bus transportation to Brant Lake Camp from Albany airport (ALB). The cost is $40. Please plan to arrive at ALB no later than 2:00 p.m. on 8/31.
Mosaic does reserve the right to make appropriate changes to this schedule and to assign people to buses based on efficient and reasonable capacity loadings.

Note that Southwest Airlines does not appear on many composite travel websites such as Orbitz or Travelocity, and they are much cheaper than others if they service your city. Visit www.southwest.com to see if that will work for you.

When should I plan to fly home?
Please make your flight home for 12:30 p.m. or later on Monday, September 4th.

Can I arrive by Amtrak train, or Greyhound or Trailways bus?
Absolutely! Our MOCA bus will pick up at the Albany-Rensselaer Amtrak Station at 2:20 p.m. and will stop at the Greyhound Bus station at 2:40 p.m. We'll run a couple van shuttles from the Trailways bus station in Chestertown, if needed. Please be certain to provide all of your travel details to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . Note that some local clubs will be offering carpooling and van or bus transportation from their club areas. You may want to check with your club leaders to see if this is an option for you.

How do I register?
Online registration is now open. Click on the link at the bottom of the "Registration" page.

Do you need my travel information?
Yes. If you are using our transportation, please make sure the online system accurately lists your travel information. No need to hold up registration though! As soon as you get your info, please either edit your information online, or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

What is the Cancellation Policy?
Cancellations prior to July 28, 2006 are subject to a $20 processing fee and all credit card fees.  Cancellations prior to August 18, 2006 are subject to a 25% cancellation fee. NO refunds on registrations cancelled on or after August 18, 2006. Cancellations will only be refunded after the event. MOCA limits the refund to the actual reservation payment.

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.

What are the accommodations like?
Summer camp cabins! We recommend you bring a sleeping bag and pillow. Some will bring sheets and blankets. If you'd like, you can bring your tent. Nearly all cabins have toilet facilities in them. Shower facilities are either in the cabins or in separate buildings.  This year, the nine single rooms we had sold out within the first 48 hours. The doubles and triples also sold out by mid-July. This year there is no offsite motel option, as the nearest available motel is at least 30 minutes away. The good news is that the cabins are spacious and nice, and we may only have four people in each, depending on final registration numbers.

What's the food like?
The camp assures us that none of their campers have starved in the past. We will be reviewing the menu with Brant Lake Camp officials to make sure we can accommodate, and more importantly, satisfy vegetarians. For those who keep Kosher, we ll be bringing in Kosher food from New York for those who request it (be sure to note your dietary preferences on the registration form).  For full day events, we make brown bag lunches; plenty of snacks will be provided.

What does the schedule look like?
Look at the Friday, Saturday & Sunday tabs on the website to see for yourself! Lots of great activities are planned.

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. But, please let us know the details. Please note also that there is no discount for late arrival or early departure this year.

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. Please also be aware that cell phones don't work so well in the area.

What should I bring?
A great attitude!

Ok, what kind of clothes?
The weather this time of year can be quite variable. We suggest you come prepared for both warm and chilly weather. It can be shorts and T-shirts weather during the day and fleece at night, or the other way around. Dressing in layers is a great way to be prepared. Bring hiking boots**, water shoes like Tevas. Bathing suit. Don't forget a raincoat -- if we have enough of them at camp, we are guaranteed dry weather.

** 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 shoes are required on all full day and/or moderate-difficult rated hikes. Please make sure you 'break in' new footwear before the event.

What other stuff?
Highly suggested items: a daypack or fanny pack that can hold a sweater and lunch, water bottle or hydration pack (we'll provide the water). Flashlight and extra batteries. Bug spray and sunscreen. Sleeping bag and pillow. Extra towel. Additionally, you may want to bring Frisbees, compass, stargazing guides, campfire chair, songbooks, trekking poles, hat, folding shovel (for full-day hikes), binoculars, field guides (bird / plant / mushroom / mineral), camera, deck of cards, toiletries, required medicines, etc.

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 duffle bags or backpacks. This also makes loading the buses easier. Also, we'll try to get the buses close to the cabins, but you may have to carry your bags a little bit.

What are the Liability Waiver and Photo Image Forms?
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.

What is MOCA?
Mosaic Outdoor Clubs of America (MOCA) is a non-profit organization focused on bring 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.

What if I have more questions?
Email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , or call 1-888-MOSAICS for more info.

Bring your spirit of adventure. Expect a great weekend of outdoor fun. Take home some new friends and great stories.



© 2006 Mosaic Outdoor Clubs of America. All rights reserved.