by Rick Dronsky

Special to DJW

Join Jewish outdoor lovers from all over the country explore this wild and scenic part of our country. Fly into Salt Lake City on April 6 and shuttle to Moab, Utah, for the trip of a lifetime! Sponsored by Mosaic (Jewish) Outdoor Clubs of America, the cost is $700 plus airfare from your hometown for an exciting and educational trip Saturday, April 6 to Saturday, April 13.

Fifteen canoes with 30 Jewish adults will launch on the Colorado River that snakes through towering red-stone bluffs for the next six days. The days will be filled with canoeing, hiking, exploring, and learning about the area. Evening activities will include meditations, drumming, singing, team building, spiritual ceremonies, and camping in a setting that you won't ever forget. There will be something for everyone!

This trip will be co-led by two experienced national leaders, Gabe Goldman and Rick Dronsky. Goldman is the past president of Mosaic Outdoor Clubs of America and one of the leading Jewish outdoor educators in North America. He brings wilderness living skills he learned from native peoples of Maine.

Dronsky, the founder of Mosaic Outdoor Clubs of America, contributes his expertise in logistics, planning and outdoor skills, and his enthusiastic style of facilitating group activities.

Mosaic Outdoor Clubs of America (MOCA) is a national Jewish organization that offers opportunities for Jewish singles and couples to come together to explore their Judaism and the outdoors. With 21 chapters located throughout the United States, Canada and Israel, Mosaic offers a wide range of activities including weekly hikes, biking trips, canoe experiences, environmental clean up programs.

It is also Mosaic's goal to incorporate Jewish content in programs whenever possible, with the relevant and creative use of D'var Torahs, nature brochot, especially those that connect ecology and Judaism, with the primary emphasis on such Jewish themes as L'dor v'dor, Tikkun Olam, and B'aal Tashchit. Additional programming includes holiday celebrations, leadership training and environmental nature education, all featuring Jewish perspectives and teachings. The Web site is .

For more information or reservations, contact Rick Dronsky at (305) 673-3686, (888) 667-2427 or .