See what parents are
saying about Beber Camp!
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“Stefan, Just wanted to drop a
note to congratulate you guys on a wonderful summer and to let you know what
a phenomenal experience it was for [our son and daughter]. [My wfie] and I are
continually amazed how every year the experience just seems to get better
and better for them. I know this puts continual pressure on you cause
you have to top it again next year - but we are sure with all your work and
effort and the care you put into it - that they will come back next year
with even more energy and positive vibes.
Wishing you a restful off season and
looking forward to the Beber Camp experience next summer!”
“Stefan, Thank
you so much for opening Beber to alumni this past weekend. I
understand that after 8-10 weeks of camping the last thing anyone needs are
a bunch of weekend warriors extending your jobs 48 hours. However, by
doing so, you have helped create lifelong memories for all participants,
especially the future campers. You have also cemented the bonds that
alumni have for camp when we get to watch our children enjoying themselves
as much as they did this past weekend.
On a more personal note, I thank you for taking exceptional care of
my daughters. [My middle daughter] came to you as a child with separation issues.
The confidence that she has gained by not only "making it through" 4 weeks
([she]was signed up for the rookie program) but doing it happily is a
treasure that you cannot put a dollar sign on. FYI- [she] wants to be
an 8 week camper next summer. Additionally, one week ago, [my wife] and I
received a letter from [our daughter] which I will paraphrase for you..."I am having
an awesome time. I know that I keep telling you how much fun I am
having but it really is very hard to explain to you. It's like being
at home." [my wife] and I couldn't hope for a better letter.
[My oldest daughter] came to Beber grudgingly because she had just finished two
summers at
“Dear Absolutely Everyone at Beber Camp! I am writing
to thank you for my daughter’s happiness while at camp during the first
session! [She] was in Bunk 2 and
loved it! At 12 years old, this
is her first camp experience since the age of 5 that she has enjoyed!
[She]
attended camp with her best friend [name omitted].
[Her friend] asked us if [our daughter] was going back to Beber next summer and
[she] said YES!!!!!! As a single mom,
[my daughter] is my greatest joy in the world…..any you gave her the greatest summer
and memories. Thank you soooooo
much! See you next summer!”
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“Hi Stefan,
“Dear
Stefan, Based on the newsletters and photos posted at the web site, we got a
very positive feel for the daily activities at Camp Beber.
Your staff did a great job maintaining the web site. [our son] very
much enjoyed his first session at Camp Beber. In fact I suspect that our
daughter…may be attending next year based on his positive experience!
Thanks…”
“Dear
Stefan and Everyone at Beber Camp!
I can never express my gratitude to all of you for what you have done
for [my daughter] and me too!
Her experience there is priceless and more important that anything she has
ever done. The Director’s Corner
on the website allowed me to live vicariously at Beber Camp and for that I
am grateful. The Jewish life
that [my daughter] lives at Beber brings tears to my eyes!
I thank and love all of you!”
“Hi Stefan I just wanted to let you know how much we
enjoyed reading the daily news letters from you. We loved hearing everything
the kids were doing each day with all the details we would never get.
Our 2 kids…had a wonderful summer. The camp is so well run and the
counselors are amazing. Your love of the camp and enthusiasm sets the tone
for the entire staff. Thanks
again for another wonderful summer for my children…”
“Dear Stefan -
I hope this gets to
you before the summer is officially over, (today!).
This has been our [son’s] sixth season at Beber. He has loved every
moment at the camp!!! He lives for the summers, and we see that the
independence he has learned at Beber has helped him enormously during the
school year, too.
We have noticed, and [our son] has told us about, the improvements at camp
since you have been the director. You have made yourself easily
accessible to campers, counselors and parents. More care is being taken
with the photos displayed on the website. They are interesting, not
repetitive…I no longer need special permission to send my camper an item
that he left at home. It also seems that more Hebrew is being used
during daily activities. Also, bringing back the tradition of the lake
swim is a marvelous idea.
Thank you for [our son’s] great summer.”
“Hi Stefan! I know my sisters have told you how
much I appreciate all you do for the kids, but I wanted to drop you a note
from me as well. [My son] looks so happy to be there, and I know is
sad that the session is almost over! Having his cousins there is
definitely a bonus, but even before they decided to go to Beber, all [my
son] was talking about was coming back. He really has made camp his
summer home and will definitely be back next summer! Thanks for all
your hard work, the daily announcements, and most of all, providing the best
camp environment ever!”
“Hey
Stefan, We love reading the
director's corner. You are doing
such a great job of getting us info and keeping us updated. Since we were
traveling, we couldn't receive letters from [our daughter] so going on line
and seeing happy pictures and reading about the days was really great. Keep
them coming, your efforts are absolutely appreciated.”
“Hey Stefan,
“Hi Stefan,
“Stefan,
“Hi! We just wanted to drop you a line telling you that you have been doing
a great job and have really helped to make Beber a really fantastic place. We think
the camp is much better... [My daughter] told me that the last 2 years
were 2 of her best. [My daughter] was never going to be a Pio and now
she is considering being a CIT…As far as we can tell [our other daughter] is
having a great time! If you need any letters of support for the board of
directors, please let us send some so we can tell them of our praise for
you!!”
“Stefan, The director’s corner
is fantastic. I’m amazed how you have the time to do all you do. The recent
couple letters from [our son] have been wonderful, he is having the best
time.
Just
wanted to say thanks.”
“Stefan,
“Dear
Beber Professionals! Thank you
for the outstanding newsletter updates from Stefan. The parents from
Beachwood
“Dear Stefan,
“Hi Stefan,
As my son, [name
omitted] can tell you I am addicted to the Beber website when he is at camp.
I am going on there several times a day looking for any new pictures or camp
news. I have to say that I am very impressed with the amount of
pictures being posted everyday. It looks like everyone is having an
awesome time. Thank you so much for all you do and for your continuing
commitment to making Beber camp such a great place for Jake, as well as all
of the other campers. Take care and have a great summer”
“Hi Stefan! Thank you once again for another incredible
summer for our boys. [They] loved every minute of camp and can't wait to
come back next summer. The PIO program was amazing and such a learning
experience for [our son]. If you need someone to have an open house next
year, don't hesitate to call us, the boys would love to have it at our
house. Hope to hear from you
soon. Again, many thanks for a wonderful summer camp experience.”
“Dear
Stefan and the entire Beber camp staff, Linda and I want to thank each and
every one of you for making this past weekend so special. We did not attend
camp and even though we have been involved with Beber for 11 years we really
didn't get what it was all about until this weekend. You all made us feel
part of the Beber community and understand what a special place it is.
[Our
son’s] first Bar Mitzvah was at the Western wall. In the presence of the
wall we felt the linkage to Jews from generations ago. In much the same way
we felt this connection at Beber where you all do such a marvelous job of
connecting the campers, counselors and cit's to one another and to the
legacy of the camp. It was awesome to see so many of [our daughter’s]
friends, who have been there with her thru the camper, cit and counselor
years, now running the show. We were joined by a friend who was at Beber 30
years ago and now sends her two sons. She could still remember the service
and most of the songs. Although much has changed I think a former camper
could return to the present Beber and feel very much at home.
[our
son’s] Beber Bar Mitzvah was a very special time for us and him. Towards the
end of the party, when you sent Remote (not sure of the spelling) home
before TC (brilliant idea) [our son] came up to us and announced that this
was the best party in the history of the camp! I know how hard you and the
staff try to make everyday special for every child but on this one day you
succeeded in making it extra special for one 13 year old "man" and his
family. Thank you!”
“Stefan,
Based on what my kids had to say 1st session was awesome!!! [My
son] (after the 1st couple of days) had the time of his life. He has
said that he wishes he stayed for 2nd session and all he talks about is
camp. He is counting down the days until next summer. [Our older son]
had a blast and cannot wait for the Pio program next year. He was so excited
about being a 5 year camper and has figured out the time line to 10
years. They have wonderful things to say about the staff. Thanks for
all that ya'll do. We really appreciate having such a wonderful
camping experience available for our children. Pls pass this on
to everyone.” “Hi Stefan,
The kids had an awesome experience at Beber. Interestingly
enough, [our daughter] said camp made her feel more connected to her
religion. That's what every rabbi would love to hear. Keep in touch,
as they are both planning on returning again next year.”
“Hi Stefan,
I hope the second
session is off to a great start. [Our son] had a fantastic time. Thanks so
much for everything you all did to make his camping experience so positive.
We really appreciate all your hard work.
Thanks again – and we’re already looking forward to next summer!”
“This is from our daughter - Stefan, I am so happy that I had the chance to
go to Beber Camp! I loved every second of it. My favorite part
was water skiing. I had so much fun. I loved the feeling when I
finally got up on top of the water. I felt such a great feeling of
accomplishment. I had a HUGE smile on (just ask Adi (the Israeli
counselor in G3)). Thank you for putting me in such a great cabin.
I made so many friends. I loved everything about Beber Camp first
session 2007.”
“Stefan,
“Stefan,
[my son] had a terrific time at camp.
He cant stop talking about all the great
activities and the friends he made this summer!
Best regards!”
“Hi! We picked [our daughter] up
yesterday from 2 weeks of Beber camp and I just wanted to touch base. She
really enjoyed the camp. She did new activities like waterskiing and wind
surfing and made some nice friends. She loved the baseball game and esp. The
Farm. She even wrote us that "the food rocks!" which was fun to hear. She
also enjoyed how the counselors made the prayers and services fun and some
puppet show she said was just great. She
was very happy with her counselors too…[she] is already pretty set on going
for a month next summer!”
“ Stefan,
I just wanted to let you know that [our son] arrived to us safely and
looked amazing. He had the best time at camp and is ready to go for 4 weeks
next year. He said that he was ready to come home so I think it was the best
decision for all of us. I wanted
to thank you for everything. [He] loved his cabin and cabin mates...He did
not have one bad thing to say. He even said that he was one of the few that
wasn't really homesick. I just wanted to give you the positive feedback. I
know sometimes you can get complaints but we have none. Thanks again for
everything. We really appreciate it.”
“Beber's major strength is that it builds a strong feeling of Jewish
identity and great camaraderie among the campers. This has all greatly
increased my son's self-confidence.”
“Beber Camp has an outstanding program, facilities, and staff. My child
enjoys the experience and has built friendships with other campers. It also
builds Jewish identity in a positive way.”
“Every child feels special and a part of a community.”
“…[there is] extreme importance in the well-being of each and every child,
as well as, the enthusiasm of the camp leadership which is projected on the
kids.”
“First, there is an intangible feeling that has existed for 30 years at
Beber. Second, the leadership is outstanding. A child’s experience is a
product of the leadership that flows to the staff and then passed onto the
children.”
“…[Beber] is a friendly place, welcoming and nurturing. Trying new
experiences is encouraged.”
“From what I have seen and heard Beber makes every child think they are
special. We think Beber is just great all around.”
“…[there are] great counselors, responsive and involved director, encouraged
children to try new things when it might have been easier to not push them.”
“Hard to describe. A sense of belonging to a special, unique community. A
feeling of community. Having a wide variety of programming, also we
liked that not many campers were from the city in which we live.”
“Helping our daughter through her severe homesickness. A sensitive staff
that helped her feel secure. Well-trained staff.”
“I believe the small size of Beber enables the campers to get the attention
that they need. It is very comforting knowing that the counselors are
well-trained and the directors and unit heads know all the campers. From my
experience this cannot be achieved at a larger camp.”
“I found that [my son] truly had a wonderful experience! I felt it was a
very non competitive atmosphere and a place in which he felt comfortable. I
think he came home with a real sense of belonging to something and that he
benefited from all the camps experiences. For our situation, I have a more
quiet reserved child and felt that he was in an environment that felt safe
and comfortable while meeting new people and living with others for a short
period.”
“[Beber] does a great job of developing relationships among campers and
among staff and campers.”
“[Beber] is a well rounded camp. My children are very different. One is
musical and the other is sports oriented. Beber fulfilled both of their
needs.”
“[Beber] provides a warm community for campers and the activities are
amazing. Excellent staff.”
“[Beber] seems to have the ability to bring in themes weekly for the kids to
discuss in a non-threatening atmosphere. The amount of religion is perfect.”
“[Beber’s] small enough to create a warm, close community; the counselors
are wonderful.”
“[Our daughter] is a quiet kid, her counselors took the time to get to know
her, listen to her and make her feel cared for while she was in camp. We
appreciated her counselors and the whole atmosphere of the camp."
“My child felt like everybody was nice and she could be herself.”
“One of the major strengths is that campers feel at home socially and
Jewishly. My kids came home talking non stop about the summer and wishing
they had stayed second session.”
“…[there is a] sense of community, plentiful opportunities to try different
sports, variety of activities (e.g. off-camp trips, music, art, pool), fun
in Jewish environment.”
“She loved the people and the enthusiasm and the general approach of fun
mixed with some (but not too much competition).”
“…each camper is made to feel important, and special. the camp does a great
job of allowing the kids to design how they spend their time. also, the new
experiences that [our daughter] had have been so enriching. the three day
trip also sounds like an awesome growth experience.”
“the ability to bring together and meld campers from similar backgrounds to
create a wonderful and safe camp experience..great staff and curriculum.”
“…amazing counselors, great out-of-camp trips, great athletes teaching all
sports.”
“…the bonding that she has with the camp is nothing like she has at home. we
also live in an area where she is one of the few jewish kids in her school.
she loves the way she can be jewish at camp.”
“My kids can talk to anyone in their division or even other divisions
because they felt a special bond with fellow campers. Also, the staff was
INCREDIBLE and really connected with the kids.”
“The counselors are wonderful and the activities are great. They also have a
wide variety of activities.”
“The Director is outstanding as is the division leadership. Good, creative
programming. Great building of knowledge about Israel.”
“…friendships, comfort level, the PIO program, and the lessons learned -
leadership skills.”
“The people make the camp. Everyone was so nice. I loved that she had 4
counselors and that she loved them all. She made great friends there too.
She also loved the waterskiing and the rock climbing wall.”
“…positive energy!!! Constant fun activities. Feeling of Judaism. A great
bunk!!! Singing and dancing. Overnight trips. Out of camp trips. Sports. New
this year - swimming the lake. Great staff and administration.”
“The Staff & the Food!!!!! She LOVED her counselors and when I came to pick
her up, I understand why. The were WONDERFUL!”
“The staff are phenomenal. Very well run, and on top of everything.”
“The warmth of the staff was great. This was their first time and I was
apprehensive. They loved it right from the beginning. After they came home,
I KNOW they were in good hands for the summer!”
“There is so much love, true kindness and respect that comes from this very
special place!”
“They were so proud of all the new things they did. They had the opportunity
to try things that would be very difficult for us to arrange at home.”
“…my son has a wonderful time at Beber and looks forward to going every
year.”
“…jewish activities and the friendliness and affection of the staff. they
seemed to really care about the kids. they seemed very skilled and nice.”
“I loved reading the Stephan's notes on the website. It was great getting
more up-to-date information about what was going on at camp, especially when
there is such a lag in snail mail.”
“I think the communication between families and camp staff was amazing.”
“[my daughter] did a lot more Israeli dancing, and made a ton of friends
from israel. i love that camp added as aspect of tzedakah to Maccabiah games
and that the kids learned about giving to others. she has also educated me
about Jewish holidays that I was unaware of. “
“The communication on the internet was fantastic. Knowing the day to day
happenings at the camp was very important.”
“The facilities continue to be improved each summer”
“…the letters the director wrote regularly were invaluable. They went in
depth about the daily goings on at camp. Details that most parents wouldn't
ever get from their kids. Therefore, I learned that there was far greater
Jewish programming that I thought.”
“The quality of the camp continues to be very high in my mind. I think your
ability to attract high caliber staff is most impressive.”
“The trip home was carefully done at check in at the airport.”
“[My son] had a great experience at Beber the past 2 years. It was important
for me to have a camp that was small and would incorporate the Jewish
culture.”
“Beber is a camp that stresses Jewish values in a fun learning environment.
This is her 3rd summer and we plan to send [our daughter] back to Beber for
many years to come. The staff is outstanding and the director is an amazing
leader.”
“Beber is [our daughter’s] favorite place on earth. The environment, staff,
other campers, activities, connection to Judaism, counselors can't be beat
any place else.”
“…found Beber Camp on the internet. Looked like a camp with a lot of Jewish
identity and when I did call to receive information, whomever I spoke with,
was extremely helpful and encouraging.”
“[Our son’s] been going there since he was 7 or 8 and wants to continue on
to become a counselor.”
“I attended Beber and loved it. It has maintained an excellent reputation
over the intervening 25 years. The choice was an easy one.”
“I am an alumni. The positive sense of Judaism. The great people and
activities. Meeting kids from all over the country. [My son] had two
fantastic previous years. He said, "This year was his best!"”
“I knew my girls would be safe, be in a jewish environment, and see them
almost daily on the camp pictures!!!!!”
“I thought it would be right for her in terms of the amount of Judaism and
the amount of activities and I was right. She loved it.”
“I was a counselor at Beber 25 years ago and have been in touch with other
alumni who have sent their kids there and have been involved with the camp
over the years. I know it continues to be a great summer experience and am
happy for my children to have the chance to spend time there!”
“It is a safe and fun environment for our children to build on their Jewish
friendships and identity. I like the fact that prayer and study doesn't
overwhelm their day and that it affords them the chance to see that their
Jewish identity extends beyond school …and synagogue. They really have a
great time and have enjoyed building friendships with other children that
don't attend their day school.”
“It's a safe and cozy place that encourages independence and confidence in
one's self. The emphasis on jewish pride is one that is important to instill
at an early age. They love it there.”
“My children have loved Beber for years!”
“My children were both returning to the camp they love! Great programming,
staff, kids, and a wonderful sense of being so proud of being part of the
Jewish community.
“…my husband decided to volunteer in the health office. I had a chance to
see first hand how the camp operated. My kids loved watching and being a
part of Beber while staying onsite the week of my husband's volunteering.
The staff & counselors were so friendly. My kids even made friends with some
of the campers. I also liked the jewish programming and the values of the
camp. I knew they would have a great time.”
“My son had been there before and he always loves it. It is one of his
passions- to be a PIO and then a CIT and then a counselor.”
“My girls love the friends they have made and the staff is very
professional. The water program is the best I have seen and the level and
variety of programming is excellent.”
“She…made some lifelong friends that she keeps in touch with all year and
she is very comfortable at Beber. It is important that she is around Jewish
kids as we live in a small Jewish community.”
“…she looks forward to going back all year. she has made some amazing
friendships with people from all over the world. when she gets to camp, it
is her home away from home. beber does a fabulous job incorporating religion
into camp and making the kids feel really good about being jewish. i
couldn't ask for more from the administration, support staff and counselors.
kudos, and thanks for giving my daughter an incredible summer.”
“The Jewish aspect and overall feel of the camp is why we chose Beber. It is
a wonderful nurturing environment. Although we live in a fairly Jewish
community we don't engage in enough Jewish rituals on a regular basis so I
love that they get that at camp. I also like that there are kids from many
different places and they are not with the same kids they are with all year.
They are both returning campers and love it.”
“This past summer was my daughter's fourth year and my
son's third, so we already knew that they were attached to and loved Beber.
What appeals to us about the camp as parents are that it is Jewish, the
whole Beber community has a connection, and that there are a variety of
activities offered.”
“We were very impressed with the director when we met him.
Even though it was pretty far from where we live, we felt that the quality
of staff, facilities, and camp philosophy were worth the trip. Beber also
had an amazing reputation. We liked the option of the Rookie program as
well.”
“My daughter has grown and matured at her summers away at
Beber. She has also found a strong Jewish identity through her summer at
camp.”
“The connection that the staff makes with the kids is incredible. [my son]
told me of not only his counselors, but other counselors and adult staffers
that were kind and warm and loving and funny people. He didn't have one
negative thing to say about the way he was treated or how he observed others
being treated.”
“Beber is intimate and warm. It is more low key than other similar camps and
has a more diverse community of campers from a wide variety of places. It
has a solid jewish component and is kosher.” |