Our story begins in 1952, when Union Institute was founded by the Union of American Hebrew Congregations (now the Union for Reform Judaism - URJ). Today, as a program of the URJ, Olin-Sang-Ruby Union Institute serves campers throughout North America and beyond. OSRUI enjoys a well-deserved reputation as a place of fun and excitement where each individual child is important. We see our mission, in part, as providing the opportunity for the pursuit of excellence in Jewish life experiences to all in our community.

We have programs for children of all ages and talents. Our sessions range in length from five days to seven weeks, and focus on specific areas of interest, including Kibbutz life, the arts, Hebrew immersion, outdoor challenge, and more! We offer a wealth of activities, from archery and the Alpine Tower to fencing, photography, and waterskiing, to name just a few.  Most importantly, our programs foster independence, personal growth, and lifelong friendships.

OSRUI is proud of its commitment to providing campers with strong and encouraging Jewish role models. All of our sessions are staffed by mature college students, under the guidance of experienced senior staff members. More than 40 rabbis, cantors, and educators from Reform congregations join us for at least two weeks each helping campers learn more about themselves and their Judaism. Our faculty works with all of the programs at Camp, shaping the learning activities, guiding workship services, lending a knowledgeable helping hand in bar/bat mitzvah preparation, and just being a new adult friend to our campers.