EVENT Question 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. About 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, Israeli dancing, workshops, swimming, campfires, canoe hockey, photography, swimming, nature walks and a few more surprises!

What are the details for this year?
This year, the Event runs from Thursday, September 2 through Monday, September 6, 2010. We'll be staying at the Harry Bronfman Y Country Camp in Huberdeau, Quebec, Canada with wonderful rustic cabin bunkhouse accommodations to accommodate all needs -- and all meals and snacks provided! The camp is nestled in the beautiful Laurentian Mountain range/Mont Tremblant resort area on 650 acres of rolling countryside and surrounded by two mountains and three pristine, pollution-free lakes (this IS Canada people!!!) The camp is also strictly kosher, under the supervision of the Montreal 'Vaad Ha'ir'. For more information about the camp, visit http://www.ycountrycamp.com/ We'll be providing bus service from the Montreal Airport (YUL) which is approximately 2 hours from camp, at a nominal fee.

How much does it cost?
Regular pricing of $409M/$459NM will then run through August 13th. A late fee will be added starting August 14th, and the price will be $444M/$494NM. NO REGISTRATIONS WILL BE ALLOWED AFTER AUGUST 26TH.

What is the Pre-trip this year?
We'll be exploring the magical city of Montreal! Come on on Tuesday, August 31, and stay a couple days. We'll explore what this great city has to offer. Check out the Pre-Trip menu page for all of the details.

Who can I contact with questions about the pre-trip?
Contact the leader of the pre-trip directly with any questions.

When Does Registration Open?
Registration is open! Visit the REGISTRATION page, read all the fine print, then click on the link at the bottom of the page. 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 most activities, evening programs, snacks, kosher food and lodging in summer camp cabins, and much more! Round-trip bus transportation from YUL will be available for an additional $55.

How do I get there?

When should I plan to arrive by plane?
If you are coming to the International Event only, please plan to arrive at YUL and clear customs no later than 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, 9/2 to catch the shuttle. The shuttle will depart at 2:30 p.m. SHARP, no exceptions. Mosaic does reserve the right to make appropriate changes to the schedule and to assign people to buses based on efficient and reasonable capacity loadings.

I'll be driving. When should I plan to arrive by car?
If driving, you can arrive at camp anytime after 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 2nd.

When should I plan to fly home?
Please make your flight home from YUL for 12:00 noon or later on Monday, September 6.

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.

How do I register?
Click on th link at the bottom of the "Registration" page to register.

Do you need my travel information?
Yes. If you are using our transportation, please make 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 shoot an email to us.

What is the Cancellation Policy?
Cancellations prior to July 30, 2010 are subject to a $20 processing fee and all credit card fees. Cancellations prior to August 15, 2010 are subject to a 25% cancellation fee. NO refunds on registrations cancelled on or after August 15, 2010. Cancellations will only be refunded after the event. Mosaic 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 and Australia. Usually about 150 people attend annually.

What are the accommodations like?
Rustic summer camp cabins! We have full exclusive use of the camp, and all its facilities. If you'd like, you can bring your tent. There will also be a few singles, doubles and couples accommodations available for an extra fee.

What's the food like?
Harry Bronfman Y Country Camps is a kosher camp under the supervision of the Montreal 'Vaad Ha'ir,' so all food will be kosher. We provide mostly healthy choices, and will make every attempt to accommodate special dietary needs. There are often lots of vegetarians, so the non-meat choices will be excellent. We’ve reviewed the menus with the camp in advance to ensure that there is something for everyone. It’s 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.

What does the schedule look like?
It's amazing! So many things to do and so little time!!!! This year we'll have off-camp options on Friday and Sunday, and will spend Shabbat on camp property enjoying workshops, arts and crafts, seminars and a presentation from the Nature Conservancy of Canada. Specifics will be provided in the coming weeks, but check out our huge list of activities on the Activities A-Z page for a small sampling of what's being offered.

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. Most cell phones receive a signal on the camp property.

What should I bring?
A great attitude!

Ok, what kind of clothes?
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.

** 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 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.

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. In most cases, the buses will be able to pull up near 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 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

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! Meet lots of like-minded Jews from all over, and take home some new friends and great stories!

REGISTRATION QUESTION ANSWER WHEN NOT CLOSED: Visit the registration page, read all the fine print, then click on the link at the bottom of the page. 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 most activities, evening programs, snacks, kosher food and lodging in summer camp cabins with bathrooms, and much more! Bus transportation from LAX will be available for an additional $45.] ANSWER WHEN REG ISN'T OPEN YET: When Does Registration Open?
Registration will open on or around July 9th. You'll know it's open 'cuz there will be a big button on the registration page that says "Click Here to register." When you see it - click away!



© 2010 Mosaic Outdoor Clubs of America. All rights reserved.