The Mosaic Outdoor Clubs of America, the nation’s oldest and largest Jewish organization dedicated to fun and adventure in the outdoors, will hold its annual five-day international event in Prescott, Ariz., Aug. 31-Sept. 4. .
The 27th annual Jewish Outdoor Escape, dubbed “r-AZ-ma-t’AZ: An Arizona Adventure,” will be based at Camp Daisy and Harry Stein, set amid the Ponderosa pines. Non-Mosaic members are welcome. Registration will open in June.
“Mosaic is thrilled to be coming to Arizona for the first time,” says club President Marlisse Marcus. “Our members love discovering the natural beauty of a new location, and this year’s event is sure to be one of our best.”
The event features a variety of daytime events on and off the site, including hiking, kayaking, visiting historical and artistic sites, bicycling, nature walks, arts & crafts, photography and swimming. In the evening, the program includes music, dancing and social activities. Albuquerque-based Shelley Morningsong, who was voted “Artist of the Year” in the 2016 Native American Music Awards, will provide Saturday evening entertainment.
Shabbat services and other religious programs on Friday night and Saturday will be observed.
Mosaic has held this event every Labor Day weekend since the early 1990s, each year in a new spot. The event typically attracts more than 100 outdoor enthusiasts from all over the United States, Canada and sometimes further abroad. Members, both single and couples, tend to range in age from late 30s to early 60s.
“We call it ‘summer camp for grown-ups,’” says Marcus.
Mosaic is a volunteer-run, non-profit organization. Arizona residents are welcome not only to attend the event but also to volunteer to lead trips and informational programs about the area, or otherwise share their local knowledge with visitors.
Mosaic will also offer a three-day pre-trip to Sedona and a three-day post-trip to the Grand Canyon, for an extra fee.
The cost of the five-day event starts at $379, with the price rising as the event gets closer. The price includes transportation to daytime activities and all meals. Kosher food will be available. Lodging will be dormitory style, although singles and doubles are available in limited supply for an extra fee. Camping is also allowed.
The pre-trip and post–trip will each cost $295, and include transportation, food and lodging. Day trips to Sedona and the Grand Canyon during the five-day event will also be available for an additional fee.
Mosaic was started in 1988 in Denver by a Philadelphia transplant looking to meet fellow Jewish outdoor enthusiasts. Today, the club consists of a dozen chapters in the United States, Canada and Israel.
For more information, visit 2017event.mosaicoutdoor.org, email event@mosaicoutdoor.com or call 888-667-2427 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. EST.
