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 200 like-minded Jewish adventurers attend this event each year. This year, the event will include hiking, biking, nature walks, horseback riding, alpine tower adventure challenge, Jewish arts & crafts, Israeli dancing, massage therapy workshops, swimming, campfires, stargazing, organic gardening, archaeological visits, wilderness survival skills and more!

What are the details for this year?
This year, the Main Attraction runs from Friday, September 4 through Monday, September 7, 2009. We'll be staying at the Brandeis Bardin Institute in Simi Valley, CA. We'll be providing bus service from Los Angeles Intl Airport (LAX) which is approximately one and half hours from camp, at a nominal fee

Does it make sense to go to California for just a long weekend?
We don’t expect that many people will. We figure most people will want to spend some time in California in advance of the Mosaic event. That’s why we’ve organized four different pretrip opportunities to explore Southern California.

What are the Pre-trip options?
You have a choice of four. One of them involves flying into San Francisco, and taking a week to drive to the L.A. area. The other three all involve flying into LAX on Wednesday or Thursday, and spending a couple of extra days in the L.A. area. See the tab marked “Pre-trip Options” for full details.

Who can I contact with questions about the pre-trips?
Each pre-trip has one or two leaders or organizers. You can contact the leader of the pre-trip directly with any questions.

How much does it cost?
Registration is now closed. We'll see you in 2010!

When Does Registration Open?
Registration is now closed. We'll see you in 2010!

How do I get there?
Mosaic will be coordinating bus transportation to the camp in Simi Valley from LAX and back. The cost is $45 roundtrip.

When should I plan to arrive by plane?
If you are coming to the Main Attraction only, please plan to arrive at LAX no later than 2:30 p.m. on Friday, 9/4 to catch the last shuttle. If you absolutely cannot arrive in time, please let us know and we'll try to arrange a car or van pick-up. Mosaic does reserve the right to make appropriate changes to the schedule and to assign people to buses and vans 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 3 p.m. on Friday, September 4th.

When should I plan to fly home?
Please make your flight home from LAX for 10:00 p.m. or later on Monday, September 7.

What if I can't make it in on Friday, 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. There will also be a rate for locals who attend for the day, without accommodations.

How do I register?
Online registration has been extended through 8/28! Simply click on a link at the top of the "Registration" page to get to the registration pages. Please take the time to review the schedule before you register as you may choose to sign up for some activities in advance.

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 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

What is the Cancellation Policy?
Cancellations prior to July 31, 2009 are subject to a $20 processing fee and all credit card fees. Cancellations prior to August 15, 2009 are subject to a 25% cancellation fee. NO refunds on registrations cancelled on or after August 15, 2009. 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. Usually about 200 people attend annually.

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

What's the food like?
Brandeis Bardin Institute is a kosher camp so all food will be kosher. This is an all adult group, so they food will not be kids food. 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. There will be special presentations, such as a dessert buffet poolside. 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!!!! Check out the Activity Descriptions and Event Schedule 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. 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, since the pool is open 24/7, and many of us will beat the heat with some swimming each afternoon.

** 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. Extra towel. 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 at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. 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. 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.]