EVENT Q & A

What is the Mosaic International Event?
In short, Jewish summer camp for adults who enjoy the outdoors. 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, rock climbing, rafting, tubing, kayaking, winery tours, and visits to local historical sites, museums, natural attractions and more! Click on the "Evening Activities" tab to check out the great things we have planned for after dark!

What are the details for this year?
This year, the event runs from Thursday August 28th through Monday September 1st, 2008. We'll be staying at Iroquois Springs Camp in Rock Hill, NY. We'll be providing bus service from both Newark (EWR) and Stewart (SWF) airports, at a nominal fee.

How much does it cost?
The price is $399M/$449NM through August 4th. After August 4th, a late fee will be added, and the price will increase to $434M/$484NM. So, it pays to register early!

What airport should I fly into?
This year we are giving you a choice of two International Airports:

1. Newark, NJ Liberty International Airport (EWR).
This airport is about two hours from camp and accommodates almost every airline. It is the main hub for Continental Airlines so we'll be using terminal “C” as the meeting place for the bus or van. Don't worry if you fly into a different terminal; Newark has a Monorail system connecting everything together. For more information on this monorail (called the AirTrain) and which terminals the various airlines fly into, click here then click on the "Around Newark Liberty" link. You will need to adjust your timing if you are flying into Terminal A or B to allow for time to take the AirTrain to Terminal C 2. Stewart International Airport (SWF).
This airport is about 1 hour from camp. There are direct flights for people in Florida and Atlanta. It is closer to camp, smaller in size and much more convenient. Click here to see if your airlines have direct service to Stewart.

How will I get from the Airport to camp?
No worries. A bus or a van will pick you up. The round-trip bus or van cost from Stewart Airport will be $35, and the cost from Newark Airport will be $45.

When should I plan to arrive by plane?
If you're flying into Newark, please plan to arrive BEFORE 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 28th. If you're flying into Stewart, please plan to arrive before 3:45 p.m. on Thursday, August 28th.

What if I miss the MOCA Bus or Van?
If you miss the MOCA bus or van due to flight delays or other unexpected problem then give us a call. We will try to get you a ride, but there are no promises if issues arise on the day of travel. Please call to let us know what your plans are. Additional options: From Newark Airport, you can take a Short Line Bus from the airport to NYC Port Authority. Then take a bus to Monticello, NY. We will try to have someone pick you up in Monticello. This process will take a bit over three hours, pending connections. www.coachusa.com.

You can also elect to take the airport tram to the NJ Transit Train Station; then transfer to the NJ Transit Train which then takes you to Secaucus Junction. Transfer to the Port Jervis Line to take a train to Middletown, NY. This process can take from 2 to 3 ½ hours depending on your connections. Once in Middletown give us a call and we will see what we can do. It will be very likely you will need a taxi from Middletown. Stewart Airport is 20 miles from camp pretty much all highway driving. If you miss the bus, your best bet is likely to take a taxi or rent a car.

I'll be driving. When should I plan to arrive by car?
If driving, it is VERY important to plan to arrive AFTER 5:00 p.m. on Thursday. NO ONE is allowed in camp before then since there will be another large group departing. If you arrive before 5:00 p.m., you will be politely asked to leave and come back later.

If you are driving, please let us know if you are willing to pick people up at Middletown, NY train station, the airports or the Monticello Bus Station. Thank you in advance.

I live in New York City or New Jersey. What are my mass transit options?
Two possibilities:
Take the NJ Transit Port Jervis Line to Middletown, NY. This just under a two hour train ride from NYC or Newark, NJ with a change in Secaucus, NJ. If you let us know in advance of your plans, we will try to help get you a ride share to camp since this is under a mile off Rt. 17 near the intersection of Route 84. Take a Short Line Bus to Monticello. If you take the bus leaving NYC Port Authority at 3:10 p.m. we will send a van to pick you up. Otherwise you can take a short $15 taxi ride to camp.

When should I plan to fly home?
If flying home from Stewart Airport, please make flight after 2:15 p.m. on Monday, September 1st. If flying home from Newark, please make flights home after 3:15 p.m. on Monday, September 1st.

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. Check out the Transportation page for some Mass Transit options.

How do I register?
Registration is now open. Click on the link at the bottom of the registration page to go to the Thriva registration system.

Do you need my travel information?
Yes. We need to know when and how you plan to arrive/leave the event. This will allow us to make sure everyone is accommodated for as well as giving the camp accurate counts for meals and housing during the weekend. It is especially important if you plan to use MOCA transportation. If you don’t have full details now that is ok. Just update it on the website or shoot us an e-mail as soon as you know your plans.

What is the Cancellation Policy?
Cancellations prior to July 29, 2008 are subject to a $20 processing fee and all credit card fees. Cancellations prior to August 21, 2008 are subject to a 25% cancellation fee. NO refunds on registrations cancelled on or after August 21, 2008. 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?
Really nice 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. All cabins have toilet and shower facilities in the same building. There will also be a few singles, doubles and couples accommodations available for an extra fee. Note that if you don't want to bring linens or a sleeping bag, we can provide linens for an additional charge. No linens will be made available to those who do not pre-register.

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 Iroquois Springs officials to make sure we can accommodate your dietary considerations (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?
It's amazing! So many things to do and so little time!!!! Check out the links on the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday tabs on this site to see your activity options!

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'll provide additional emergency contact info once you have registered. Please note while there is some cell phone service in camp, most of the Catskills area does not have service.

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 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.

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 biking shorts and shoes (if you plan to bike),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.

Additionally, you may want to bring a bike, biking shorts, shoes and biking gloves if you plan to bike (rental bikes will be available to those who preregister for them).

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. The bus will drop you off in the parking lot and there will be a short walk uphill to your cabin. Most of this is paved, but there will be some grass and the parking lot is gravel. There will be camp staff to help you with your bags if you wish, but patience and gratitude is a must.

How are we getting baggage from our vehicles to our cabins??
There will be NO driving in camp AT ALL. There is fence surrounding the entire camp. Those who do not follow this rule will be asked to leave the event with no refund. Please park your car in the parking lot and then drop your bags, marked with your cabin number, in pile in the parking lot and the camp staff will get it the general area for you to bring into your cabin.

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. Visit the main MOCA website at www.mosaicoutdoor.org

What if I have more questions? Email us 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.