EVENT Questions and Answers

Questions & 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, nature walks, whitewater rafting, canoeing, kayaking, a llama trek, rock climbing, and visits to local historical sites, museums, art galleries and more! Friday Night we have a creative Shabbat Service; Saturday morning will be a more traditional service, if enough people are interested. Campfires, night hikes and stargazing are part of the event as well. More activities will be added, as planning evolves. Past activities have included classes in outdoor cooking and other outdoorsy topics, leadership workshops, craft workshops and more.

What are the details for this year?
This year, the event runs from Thursday September 2nd through Monday September 6th, 2004. We'll be staying at Camp Mah-Kee-Nac in Lenox, Massachusetts. The closest airport is Hartford's Bradley airport, which is just an hour from camp. The next closest is Boston's Logan Airport at about three hours away. We ask that if you are attending the International Event and do NOT plan to attend the Pre-Tour in Boston, to please fly into Hartford. You are welcome to take the MOCA bus from Hartford to camp for a nominal fee. Pre-Tour participants will need to fly into Boston s Logan airport, but they will also need to take a MOCA bus from the end of the Pre-Tour to camp.

How much does it cost?
It depends on when you register! If we receive your paid registration by July 4th, the base price is $285 for members of affiliated clubs and $325 for non-members and members of non-affiliated clubs. Between July 4th and July 31st, the trip price is $325M/$365NM, and from August 1st through August 23rd, the price is $385M/$425NM. There will be no registrations accepted after 8/23 and no on-site registrations this year.

Early registration is suggested. 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, and a cool t-shirt!  Bus transportation from local airports will be available for a nominal fee.

As long as I'm in the area, can I see Boston?
Absolutely! The Massachusetts club is planning a wonderful day in Boston before the event (mid-Wednesday through mid-Thursday. Space is limited, so sign up early!

How do I get there?
Mosaic will be coordinating bus transportation to Camp Mah-Kee-Nac from Hartford s Bradley Airport and Boston's Logan Airport. The cost will be $40. Boston transportation will only be provided for those participating in the Pre-Tour. If you are flying into Boston's Logan Airport on September 1st for the Pre-Tour, please plan to arrive no later than 12:30 p.m. EDT. If you are flying into Hartford's Bradley airport on September 2nd, please make your arrival time no later than 2:00 p.m. EDT. Mosaic does reserve the right to make appropriate changes to these schedules and to assign people to buses based on efficient and reasonable capacity loadings.

When should I plan to fly home?
Please make your flight home for 1:00 p.m. or later on Monday, September 6th if you are departing from Hartford, or after 3:00 p.m. if you are leaving from Boston. (See previous paragraph for flight arrival times.)

How do I register?
Online registration is now open! Check the "Registration" page for more details, then scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the button to register.

Do you need my flight information?
Yes. If you are using our transportation, please make sure the online system accurately lists your flight information. No need to hold up registration though! Our new, improved registration system lets you log in to update your information as often as you like. So, as soon as you get your flight info, please fill it in.

What is the Cancellation Policy?
Cancellations prior to July 23, 2004 are subject to a $20 processing fee and all credit card fees.  Cancellations prior to August 16, 2004 are subject to a 25% cancellation fee. NO refunds on registrations cancelled on or after August 16, 2004. 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 from all religious backgrounds, some more observant than others. We range in age from 21 to 62! 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, but please note there is no price break for doing so, as the camp still charges us the same amount wherever you sleep. Yes, there are bathrooms in the cabins. Shower facilities are in separate buildings.  There were a very limited number of single and double rooms available, but all have been spoken for as of this time.

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 Camp Mah-Kee-Nac 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 Boston* for those who request it (be sure to note your dietary preferences on the registration form).   For full day events, we make brownbag lunches; plenty of snacks will be provided.

*All kosher food will be prepared by Catering by Andrew of Brookline, MA, under the supervision of the Vaad Harabonim of MA (supervising Rabbi is Rabbi Halbfinger).  All prepared food will be triple wrapped in order to go into the oven and sealed with glatt kosher labels and tape.

What does the schedule look like?
The daytime will be filled with half- or full-day activities. Generally, the full-day activities will be away from camp. Many of the activities will be repeated throughout the weekend, so you won't miss out on your favorites. At night, we'll have a Friday night service, workshops and programs. We'll top it all off with singing, stargazing, night hikes, campfires and, of course, s'mores. A full schedule will be posted as soon as it is finalized.

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. The camp has charged us a per person fee for the entire weekend, so we get no discounts if you come late or leave early.

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 may or may not work 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). Flash light 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 chapters 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 ruach and spirit of adventure.
Expect a great weekend of fun outdoors.
Take home some new friends and great stories.