Olin-Sang-Ruby Union Institute (OSRUI)

Olin-Sang-Ruby Union Institute (OSRUI) offers activities that include horseback riding, art, climbing, and aquatics. The program includes face-to-face time where campers come together to laugh, play, sing, and support each other as part of camp life.

• Ages: 7–17 years old

Since 1952, Olin-Sang-Ruby Union Institute (OSRUI) has welcomed tens of thousands of campers to its community. The camp is part of the Union for Reform Judaism family of camps and youth programs. The leadership team includes Beth Rodin, Director, and Lina Wallace, Senior Assistant Director. OSRUI lives and teaches Jewish values including Ometz (Perseverance), Kavod (Respect), Tsumet Lev (Really Listening), Derech Eretz (Doing the Right Thing), and Chesed (Kindness). The camp describes itself as an open and safe Jewish community dedicated to welcoming and valuing every individual, with a focus on Jewish learning and intertwining the development of Jewish identity with summer camp activities. OSRUI states that all are B’tzelem Elohim – created in God’s image – and that each community member is safe, able to enjoy all that it has to offer, and has the opportunity to become the best versions of themselves.

OSRUI describes a strong, supportive Jewish community that campers return to summer after summer. The camp has a Camp Care team made up of mental, social, and emotional health professionals who know camp and know kids. Camp Care and Health staff engage with families before camp to support campers, including those coming from abroad or who may feel different in various ways. OSRUI offers tours of camp and prospective family webinars via Zoom, and provides family programs throughout the year for those not yet ready for summer camp. Prior to camp, OSRUI will help guide parents and guardians with packing list questions.

Parent feedback includes reports of children having “the most wonderful experience” and plans to return, as well as siblings planning to attend in the future. Parents describe camper–counselor relationships as very important and note that they are “thrilled with the program at OSRUI,” mentioning horseback riding as “amazing” and appreciating that their children are “involved and treated as individuals.” Some parents say they “absolutely loved how camp handled this summer” during COVID and that their children are enthusiastic about returning. One parent from abroad describes being touched by the interest and engagement of the Camp Care and Health staff before the session and says their child had “an unforgettable experience” and is “already begging to come back.” Another parent notes being “super impressed with everything about OSRUI this summer,” including orientation, drop-off, communication, and seeing how happy their child was, and shares that their child came home appreciating prayer and Shabbat in a new way as an entry to the overnight camp experience. A parent also highlights “the sense of home and community” at OSRUI, the “enthusiastic staff,” and the value of their child being with a Jewish community when they are one of very few Jewish kids at their school.

Last updated July 27, 2026.