getting ready
CREATING POSITIVE EXPERIENCES
Our campers, parents, and families are the most important part of the Beber community. We want to make sure that your experience is positive before, during and after the summer. During the year, we send out quarterly newsletters via email with all the information necessary to help you prepare for the summer, as well as share community updates. During the summer, we post hundreds of pictures and upload a Director’s Corner Blog every night. After the summer, we ask our families to complete surveys, so we can learn, grow and continue to deliver the best possible Jewish summer camp experience possible. Constant communication and conectivity is an important key to our success.
table of contents
Forms
The Importance Of Camper Forms
Completing camper forms on time is one of the most important things parents do before sending their children to camp. We review the information along with our counselors, division leaders, medical staff, and camp clinicians. We understand that some information is extremely personal in nature, and we respect your reluctance to want to disclose this to us. However, our commitment to partnering with your family relies on an honest description of your child, including their strengths and weaknesses, special talents, fears and ambitions, and so on.
ALL camper forms are due by April 1. If you register after April 1, forms must be submitted within ten days of registering. The Physician’s Exam form, Immunization Record, and online Health History form are also due then. If your child has a physical scheduled after April 1, you must have your physician complete the Physician’s Exam form based on the previous year’s physical or most recent doctor visit and it must be submitted by April 1. If, after April 1, there are any changes to your camper’s health status, please notify the Health Center at healthcenter@bebercamp.com.
All forms and instructions are available through CampInTouch or the Campanion app.
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Communication
At Beber, one of the most important elements of youth development is building independence. Part of that process is managing the way we communicate during the summer. We, of course, want you to be in touch with your child, and at the same time, we want them to experience being away from home in an independent way. With that in mind, we ask that campers use writing as a tool to communicate during the summer. Campers write a postcard home weekly and will be given four pre-printed email cover sheets that can be scanned and sent home as another way to communicate. There is nothing better than receiving a letter in the mail, and we hope you will encourage and educate your child about the importance of writing good old-fashioned letters home while away at camp! Sending them with pre-stamped and pre-addressed envelopes will increase the likelihood of them writing!
Campers receive mail during rest hour, Sunday through Friday. Campers do not receive mail on Saturday. You will receive an email on the first night of camp noting your child’s safe arrival and bunk information. The email will come from info@bebercamp.com, so add us to your “safe list.” Once you have your child’s bunk information, please write it on all correspondence. Parents can send one-way emails (called letters on the Campanion app) to their campers through their CampInTouch account or on the Campanion app. You can send free messages through the web interface or set up your child with their own email address (for a fee). We print emails every day at 10:00 am, Central Time. Our photographers work hard to capture campers at various locations around camp enjoying all their activities. If you don’t see your camper one day, check back another. Our goal is to share their smiles with you as often as possible. With the Campanion app, if you upload a reference photo of your camper(s), the system will automatically tag any photos of your camper(s) and notify you via a push notification when they are uploaded.
At the end of each exciting day at Beber, Michael sits down to share in a blog post details of the day, information about programming, and info throughout the summer, reinforcing Beber’s core values and commitment to a summer of a lifetime.
We do not accept packages from Amazon and other third-party vendors unless the office team approves it in advance. Only flat envelopes will be permitted.
Based on feedback from our community and our desire to keep campers focused on being present at camp and less distracted by material items, care packages will not be accepted at camp.
Great to send:
- Magazines
- Mad Libs
- Photos
- Newspaper clippings
Not accepted:
- Care packages
- Any food (including candy)
- Any contraband
- Squirt guns
- Water balloons
- Silly String
- Fireworks
We do permit gum and individual drink powder packets, but they must fit into a flat envelope. If you need to send something to your child, please contact the office at 847-677-7130 to make arrangements. Packages received without prior approval will be returned to the sender. All approved packages are opened by office staff to verify the contents are acceptable before they are delivered to the camper.
Phone calls to or from your camper are not permitted unless there is an emergency or if is your camper's birthday. If your child has a birthday at camp, they will call home during lunchtime. If this time does not work, please call the office to get in touch with your child’s Division Leader.
On their birthday, your child will receive a treat from the kitchen, and the entire camp will sing Beber’s version of the “Happy Birthday” song! Due to the sheer volume of potential calls, campers cannot call home for parent or sibling birthdays, anniversaries, etc. Still, they are welcome to make signs and find a photographer to take special photos that will be uploaded to CampInTouch.
Health & Wellness
To ensure safe and efficient care in our Health Center, all campers who take daily pill medications or supplements—including prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and melatonin—must enroll in Pack My Rx through their website.
Pack My Rx packages medications into clearly labeled, single-dose pouches with your child’s name, medication, date, and time. This American Camp Association–endorsed system reduces errors, shortens wait times, and improves overall care.
If Pack My Rx cannot accept your insurance or fill a medication, we will work with you to send it to camp properly. Please contact Trudy@bebercamp.com immediately if this occurs.
New for 2026:
Register melatonin with Pack My Rx “as needed.” It will be packed separately and available nightly if your child chooses to take it. Campers are not required to take it and will not be reminded.
Limited Exception
If your child takes only one daily over-the-counter pill (e.g., Zyrtec or a pill vitamin/supplement), you MAY qualify for an alternative option. Contact Trudy@bebercamp.com at least 60 days in advance for instructions.
Medication Guidelines
- We DO NOT ACCEPT gummies, dissolvable tablets (e.g., Claritin Redi-Tabs), or liquid medications
- Please switch to chewable or pill forms before camp so your camper is familiar with the format
- There are no exceptions for gummies
- For other exception requests, contact Trudy in advance
Below is a handy guide for determining how medications should come to camp.
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Only the following medications are exempt from using Pack My Rx:
- Accutane
- "As needed" medications (e.g. Imitrex, Zofran, Dramamine)
- Creams
- Eye drops and ear drops
- Injectable medications (e.g. EpiPen, insulin)
- Inhalers
- Lactase (Contact trudy@bebercamp.com for instructions)
- Nasal Sprays
- Oral contraceptive pills
- Powders (eg Miralax)
Most exempt medications must arrive at camp at least four days before the session begins. You may choose to use Pack My Rx for some of these medications if eligible.
Pack My Rx cannot be used for:
- Oral contraceptives
- Accutane
- Insulin
- Growth hormone injections
Do not need to be sent in advance:
- Accutane
- Current oral contraceptive pill packets
- One emergency inhaler
- One set of EpiPens
Instructions for sending exempt medications:
For any medications/supplements NOT coming from Pack My Rx, you must complete and upload a Beber Camp Medication Authorization form.
The Beber Camp Medication Authorization Form must be uploaded to our website in the appropriate place in the Forms Section.
- Save the hard copies in case we have any questions or problems with the uploaded forms.
The Medication Authorization Form IS ONLY FOR exempted medications/supplements NOT coming from Pack My Rx. If you have questions, please contact Trudy.
Inhalers, creams, nasal sprays, eye drops, and Auto Injectable medications (daily or as needed):
- Must arrive at camp at least four days prior to session start.
- Labeling Instructions: Label the individual item (not the box) with your child’s full name, use tape or other sticky labels – do not write directly on the plastic cases or tubes, as it will rub off.
- Send the box that has the prescription label on it.
- Emergency Inhalers:
- Send two inhalers (labeled as described above). Your child will keep one inhaler in the cabin.
- The second needs to be mailed to camp to arrive at least four days prior to session start.
- We will keep the second in the Health Center as a backup.
- Be sure the expiration date is current.
- Epinephrine Auto Injectables:
- Send four injections.
- Your child should carry two and may bring those to camp to keep in the cabin (labeled as described above).
- The other two need to be mailed to camp to arrive at least four days prior to session start. Those will be kept in the Health Center to send on out of camp trips and to use in an emergency.
- Be sure the expiration date is current.
- Growth Hormones and other Injectables:
- Should come in their original packaging and will be kept in the Health Center.
- The box should have the prescription label on it.
- May be mailed in advance or brought to camp with camper.
POWDERS (for powders other than Miralax, please contact trudy@bebercamp.com) for instructions).
Miralax:
- DO NOT USE PACK MY RX.
- DO NOT SEND A BOTTLE.
- Send individually purchased packets If your child takes a full dose. Label child’s full name on each packet.
- If your child takes less than a full individual packet dose:
- Individually package (in snack size bags or 4x6 bead bags) the amount your child takes
- Label each bag with your child's name using a label, do not write directly on the plastic bag as it will wear off.
- Do not use a bag larger than a snack size bag, we will charge you $200 if we have to repackage what you send.
- Must arrive at camp at least four days prior to the session start.
Oral Contraceptive Pills and Accutane:
- Send currently used packets with your child on the first day of camp.
- Additional packets of oral contraceptives or Accutane must be sent to arrive at camp four days prior to the session start.
- Labeling Instructions: Clearly label your child’s name on each packet ensuring that it will not wear or rub off.
- If possible, please make sure the prescription label is attached or that you include the box for the product that has the prescription label on it.
Lactase (Lactaid):
- DO NOT USE PACK MY RX
- Contact Trudy at least 45 days before the session begins for specific instructions on packaging, labeling and sending in advance.
Melatonin is NOT EXEMPT FROM PACK MY RX:MUST COME THROUGH PACK MY RX.
- MUST COME THROUGH PACK MY RX.
- Register melatonin with Pack My Rx “as needed.” It will be packed separately and available nightly if your child chooses to take it. Campers are not required to take it and will not be reminded.
“As Needed” Medications/Supplements:
- Includes medications/supplements such as Aleve, Dramamine, Zofran, and Imitrex.
- Contact Trudy by April 1 for specific instructions on how to send these to camp.
- Must arrive at camp at least four days prior to session start.
If you need to add a new medication or make a change to existing medications AFTER you have registered with Pack My Rx, you must notify Pack My Rx IN WRITING at campsupport@pawpawpharmacy.com.
- Be sure to also update the Health History form online and to notify Trudy, so that we can update our medical records as well. This will enable us to cross-check the medications as they come in.
- List all medications and supplements in the prescriptions section of the Health History form.
- Changes you make in medication in the Health History form do not get communicated with Pack My Rx and vice versa.
- If you make any changes to the Health History form after April 1, please notify trudy@bebercamp.com.
We know that sometimes parents try to fine tune their camper’s medication dosages just before camp begins. For the health of your camper, we encourage you to maintain a stable medication regimen and avoid medication and dosage changes just prior to camp. Since you can best assess your child’s response to medication changes at home, we encourage you to make medication changes at least 60 days prior to camp or to wait until after camp.
We have a wonderful relationship with Walmart Pharmacy just a few miles from camp.
If our camp physician prescribes medication for your camper, we will contact you first, and we will use the Walmart Pharmacy to fill the prescription.
- We will always contact you before we start a camper on any oral prescription medication.
- We will notify you AFTER we start your child on
- Mupirocin (a topical antibiotic ointment)
- An eye medication for conjunctivitis (“pink eye”)
When we contact you to notify you of a prescription medication needed, we will ask you to call Walmart directly (262-363-8366) to give them all of your insurance information and provide them with a credit card.
Often there are issues with parents’ insurance that we cannot control, so it’s most efficient for parents to call them directly.
Please make sure that we have your RX-PCN and RX-BIN number, and that we have a copy of your pharmacy card if you have a separate card. We may need to show that to Walmart when we go to pick up the medication.
If you are already registered with Walmart, please give them a call now (262-363-8366) to make sure that your insurance and credit card information are accurate.
- We will charge your account for the cost of the prescription if Walmart does not have a valid credit card on file.
- If Walmart is not able to process it through your insurance, they will charge the retail cost of the medication, and you may submit that to your insurer for reimbursement.
If your child needs an occasional non-prescription (over-the-counter) medication, the Health Center will have it in stock and we will administer it to your child when appropriate. That includes pain medications, allergy medications, cold medications, etc.
We DO NOT STOCK naproxen (Aleve), melatonin, dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), meclizine (Bonine) or lactase (Lactaid).
If your child needs a specific brand of over-the-counter medication/supplement, you may need to send that to camp. Contact Trudy for approval and instructions.
If your child is on a daily over-the-counter medication or supplement, such as an allergy medication, melatonin, vitamin, etc., it must come through Pack My Rx.
If your child is on a daily over-the-counter medication or supplement, such as an allergy medication, melatonin, vitamin, etc., it must come throughPack My Rx.
If your child takes an “as needed” medication/supplement that you will need to send to camp, contact Trudy Sirkis for approval and instructions
New for 2026: Register melatonin with Pack My Rx “as needed.” It will be packed separately and available nightly if your child chooses to take it. Campers are not required to take it and will not be reminded.
Be sure to list ALL over-the-counter medications/supplements you are sending or that are coming from Pack My Rx in the Health History form.
- List them in the prescription medications section. Please contact Trudy if you have any questions.
HEALTH HISTORY
- Completed online by a parent; due April 1
- Provides an overview of your camper’s health
- Ensure emergency contacts and cell phone numbers are up to date
- Note any family changes or important considerations
- Medications: List all prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements under prescription medications. These must also be listed separately in your Pack My Rx registration
- Allergies: List all allergies and intolerances. If your child takes lactase, list dairy as an allergy. If your child avoids gluten, list gluten as an allergy
- Nutritional Profile: List special dietary needs. Dietary intolerances must also be listed in the Allergies section
- If you make changes after submitting, update the form in CampInTouch or Campanion and resubmit. If changes are made after April 1, notify Trudy@bebercamp.com
IMMUNIZATION RECORDS
- Upload a record from your doctor, state, or school
- If new/additional immunizations will be received after April 1, no update is needed this year
- We only require records current as of April 1
INSURANCE CARD
- Required for urgent care, emergency visits, and prescription pickup
- Upload front and back of the card for each camper
- Upload a separate prescription card if applicable
- Ensure all prescription details are visible (PCR number, RX bin number)
MEDICATION AUTHORIZATION
- Required only for medications or supplements not sent through Pack My Rx
- Not needed for medications sent via Pack My Rx
- Upload the completed form in the Forms section (all forms for each child must be uploaded at the same time)
- Parent signature required for over-the-counter meds; doctor signature required for prescriptions
- Save hard copies in case there is a problem.
- This form authorizes our medical team to administer listed medications
IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS
Please consult your child’s physician to ensure all immunizations are up to date. Beber Camp follows Wisconsin DHS immunization requirements. Campers must meet the following requirements before the start of their session to attend camp.
Required Vaccinations
MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
• 2 doses
• Dose 1: 12–15 months
• Dose 2: 4–6 years (may be given ≥28 days after Dose 1)
Varicella (Chickenpox)
• 2 doses
• Dose 1: 12–15 months
• Dose 2: 4–6 years (may be given ≥3 months after Dose 1; ≥4 weeks acceptable)
Hepatitis B
• 3 doses or proof of immunity/lab-confirmed infection
• Dose 1: Birth
• Dose 2: 1–2 months (≥4 weeks after Dose 1)
• Dose 3: 6–18 months (≥8 weeks after Dose 2 and ≥16 weeks after Dose 1)
DTaP / Tdap (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis)
• 5-dose DTaP series
- 2, 4, 6 months
- 15–18 months
- 4–6 years
• Campers age 11+ must have 1 dose of Tdap (recommended at 11–12 years)
Meningococcal (MCV4)
• Ages 11+: 1 dose
• Ages 16+: 2 doses total
- Dose 1: 11–12 years
- Dose 2: 16 years
Polio (IPV)
• 4 doses
• 2 months, 4 months
• 6–18 months
• 4–6 years (≥6 months after prior dose)
Recommended Vaccinations
• Influenza
• Hepatitis A
• COVID-19 (strongly recommended)
Head lice is a common issue among children, especially in schools and camps where close contact occurs. To reduce the risk of lice at Beber Camp, we have the following procedures in place:
- Before camp, we strongly recommend that your camper be checked for lice by a pediatrician or certified lice specialist. This is especially important if your child has had lice or been exposed to lice in the months leading up to camp.
- If your child has had or been exposed to lice within three months prior to camp, you must notify us before the session begins.
- On the first day of camp, all campers and staff will receive a lice screening conducted by a professional lice treatment company.
- If lice or nits are found, treatment will be provided by the professional company at parent expense. You will be notified after treatment. The cost is $185. Beber Camp does not cover treatment costs and does not provide refunds for missed camp activities.
- Campers arriving after 6:00 p.m. on the first day of camp, or on any day after the session begins, must be screened by a professional lice treatment company on the day of arrival and parents must provide documentation upon check-in.
- Campers are screened upon arrival only; screenings are not conducted before campers return home
We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a healthy camp environment.
We have partnered with Ivy Oaks Analytics, a Virginia-based public health company that specializes in controlling ticks, mosquitoes, and poison ivy. While these have not been major issues at Beber Camp, we take proactive steps to reduce risk.
Through this partnership, Beber Camp is one of a select number of camps with advanced certification in tick prevention and control. If a tick is found on a camper, it will be safely removed by trained staff, and parents will be notified.
Beber Camp’s Health Center is open 24/7 and staffed by a health center administrator, 4–6 nurses, and a physician. It is centrally located, air-conditioned, and fully equipped to meet most medical needs.
In the event of an emergency, we are less than five miles from the ProHealth Medical Group Clinic and Emergency Room. Your camper’s health, safety, and well-being are our top priorities, and our medical team provides excellent care for everything from routine visits and medications to additional medical attention when needed.
Parents/Guardians will be contacted by the Health Center if:
- Your camper is admitted to stay in the Health Center overnight.
- Your camper is placed on a new prescription medication.
- Your camper needs to be, or has been, taken off-site to seek medical attention.
- Your camper has had a tick bite.
- We have questions regarding your child’s health.
Parents/Guardians will not be contacted by the Health Center when:
- Your camper receives a small cut or scrape.
- Your camper receives over-the-counter medication.
- Your camper rests in the Health Center for a short period.
Parents/Guardians are always welcome to call for an update on their camper’s health
Beber Camp is an allergy-aware camp committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all campers. We do not use nuts in our menus or serve peanut butter. However, due to manufacturing and labeling processes, we cannot guarantee that camp is completely nut- or peanut-free.
We offer alternative meals for campers with food allergies, including gluten, dairy, and egg. Please list all allergies and intolerances—including gluten and dairy—in the Allergies section of the online Health History form.
Medication Management - Pack My Rx
To ensure camper safety, Beber Camp partners with Pack My Rx (through Paw Paw Village Pharmacy) to manage medications.
Pack My Rx is required for all DAILY pill-form medications, vitamins, and supplements (prescription or over-the-counter).
If Pack My Rx cannot accept your insurance or fill a medication, contact Trudy@bebercamp.com immediately.
📘 Refer to the PackMyRx Parent Guide 2026 and the Pack My Rx New Registration How-To Video for step-by-step help
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
- Register early (registration is open).
- Prescriptions must be sent at least 30 days before camp.
- Take this Instruction Sheet to your physician.
- Schedule II medication prescriptions must be submitted no sooner than 60 days before camp.
- Do not refill medications at home while your child is at camp.
- Any unused medication will be sent home with your child.
- Most commercial insurance plans accepted
- Medicaid (except Michigan) and Tricare are not accepted
- Parents are responsible for all out-of-pocket costs
- Pack My Rx does not accept FSA/HSA cards
- All medications/supplements must be listed on BOTH:
- Beber Camp Health History Form
- Pack My Rx registration
- These must match exactly.
- Changes made after April 1 must be reported to both:
- Pack My Rx (in writing): campsupport@pawpawpharmacy.com
- Beber Camp: trudy@bebercamp.com
- Changes in one system are not shared with the other.
These do not go through Pack My Rx and have special labeling/shipping rules:
- Accutane
- Oral contraceptives
- Inhalers
- Injectable medications (EpiPens, insulin, growth hormones)
- Eye/ear drops, creams, nasal sprays
- Powders (e.g., Miralax)
- Certain PRN meds (e.g., Zofran, Dramamine, Imitrex)
- Lactase (contact Trudy)
📌 See “Medications Exempt from Pack My Rx” on our website for full instructions.
🚫 Camp does not accept:
- Gummies
- Liquids
- Dissolvable tablets (e.g., Redi-Tabs)
✔ Required substitutes:
- Prescription meds: doctor must prescribe a tablet or chewable alternative
- OTC (Over-the-Counter) meds/supplements: request a chewable alternative through Pack My Rx.
- Seek advice from your doctor to choose an alternative
⚠️ Brand-specific supplements may incur a one-time $50 special order fee per child.
- Special Order brands include, but are not limited to, Pure Encapsulations, Nordic Naturals, Thorne, Metagenics, Designs for Health, Douglas Laboratories, Klaire Labs, etc.
- NEW THIS YEAR: Melatonin may be listed “as needed” and will be packed separately (must still go through Pack My Rx).
- If your child takes any other PRN (“as needed”) medication, contact Trudy for instructions.
Refer to the PackMyRx Parent Guide 2026 and the Pack My Rx New Registration How-To Video for step-by-step help.Visit www.packmyrx.com to complete the online registration form.Have your prescription insurance information, camp dates and medication list handy.
- At the upper right corner, click on the “Get Started” button.
- Enter your name and last name, email and create a password.
- Select role: Camp Parent
- After completing this first part, you will receive an email with a link to begin registration.
- Click on the verification link you receive in your email to begin registration.
- Enter the first 3 letters of your camp (BEB) and select it from the drop-down menu.
- For Camp Sessions: select session(s) your child will attend.
- Fill out all required fields (with an *)
- We require contact info for only one parent but need at least 2 phone numbers.
- If your contact information is international, there is a box you must check to be able to fill out your information.
- If you would like Pack My Rx to bill your prescription insurance, it is important to fill out all the required information. If you do not know the Rx Bin, Rx Group, Rx ID, or Rx PCN, please call the number on your insurance card or the local pharmacy you already use to find out this information.
- Submit a copy of your insurance card by uploading a photo of the front and back of the card. In case you have difficulty uploading the photos, they can be emailed to campsupport@pawpawpharmacy.com
- The information for each prescription and over-the-counter medication has to be entered separately and you must click on “save” after each one.
- When filling in medication information, please make sure everything matches what is written on the actual prescriptions. Please specify the time of day (8 am, 12 pm, 4pm, 8pm ) for each medication and be sure your doctor does the same on each prescription sent.
- A credit card is needed to complete registration. The registration fee and deposit will be charged to that card and we will keep the encrypted number on file for any medication charges as well as any late fees. Pack My Rx does not accept FSA/HSA cards.
- Read all acknowledgments carefully and click each box.
- Click on “submit registration.
Pack My Rx accepts most prescription insurance plans and co-payments should be similar to those at your local pharmacy.
- Once registration is received, Pack My Rx will verify coverage and notify you if they have any issues.
- Pack My Rx does not accept any Medicaid plans other than Michigan’s. Contact Trudy for instructions if you use Medicaid in any other state.
- Pack My Rx will make every effort to bill your insurance.
- In the event that prescriptions are not covered, Pack My Rx will contact you to give you options for getting the medication.
- You are responsible for any out-of-pocket cost and it will be charged to your credit card.
- Although prescriptions usually cannot be filled until the monthly refill date, Pack My Rx will dispense the medication so it arrives on time to camp.
- You cannot refill your child’s medication while your child is away as this will cause your insurance to reject the Pack My Rx insurance claim.
- If Pack My Rx cannot bill the insurance before shipping the medication, they will continue to try to bill your insurance for a maximum of 30 days, after which your credit card will be charged the full retail price of the medication dispensed.
- Registration Fee: $75 per camper
- Medication Deposit: $100 per camper
- Refunded in September if unused; overages charged to card on file
- Late Fee: $85 if required info is received less than 30 days before camp
(Late fees are not waived.)
Medication Cost
The registration fee does not include the cost of any medication. Any medication not covered by insurance, including co-payments and the cost of over the counter medications, will be charged to your credit card.
Travel
HOW WILL MY CHILD GET TO CAMP?
The first day of camp is an exciting start to the summer. We will have welcoming staff members ready to greet your child and start the exciting process of developing positive and lifelong relationships.
Summer 2025 dates for reference:
SESSION DATES
First Session:
June 15 - July 11
Rookie 1 (Up to Entering 5th Grade)
June 15 - June 29
Second Session:
July 13 - August 8
Rookie 2 (Up to Entering 5th Grade)
July 13 - July 27
Taste of Beber:
July 29 - 31
(More T.O.B. infomration, including transportation, can be found in the Taste of Beber section)
FLIGHT INFORMATION
We understand and appreciate that by choosing Beber Camp, many parents are also making a decision to send their child a great distance. The partnership between parents and camp is essential in helping to ensure that everyone has a safe, positive summer experience. We are committed to working with your family to make getting to and from camp as safe and easy as possible.
We offer transportation to pick up your child(ren) from Chicago O’Hare airport and Milwaukee airport; it is important to note that all flights must arrive at Chicago O’Hare Airport or Milwaukee Airport between 10 AM and 2 PM.
Beber Camp provides chaperone-escorted flights from a handful of our communities, as well as for our Pioneer Israel Trips.
2025 Chaperone Flights:
- First Session Denver
- First Session Louisville
- First Session Atlanta
- First Session Memphis
- First Session Cleveland
- Second Session Denver
Escorted flight details are accessible in your CampInTouch’s travel section. A chaperone will meet you and your camper at the airline check-in desk and fly to Chicago or Milwaukee with the campers. They will then meet with Beber staff, who will take them up to camp with other campers from their flight. At the end of each session, your camper will fly with the group back home, and the chaperone will bring the campers to baggage claim.
When booking your flight, as the flight chaperones are still being confirmed, you can write “Beber Camp Representative.” Once we have this information, we will update our families. Please feel free to book these flights and join our staff to and from camp each session! There is no charge for this escort service. We choose flights based on time, ticket price, and preferred airports.
We offer transportation to pick up your child(ren) from Chicago O’Hare or Milwaukee airport; it is important to note that all flights must arrive at Chicago O’Hare or Milwaukee Airport between 10 AM and 2 PM. When flying into O’Hare or Milwaukee, your child will be met at baggage claim unless they are flying as an unaccompanied minor. You must provide your airlines with the name and contact information for the Beber Staff member meeting the flight so that we can get our staff through security if your camper is flying as an unaccompanied minor.
We can not guarantee that we will be able to send staff through security (unless for an unaccompanied minor) at the airport. If your child is not flying as an unaccompanied minor, we ask that your child call us once they have landed (number provided nearer the time), and we will meet them at baggage claims if we cannot meet them at the gate. Bus transportation between Chicago O’Hare and Milwaukee Airport and Beber Camp is provided at no additional charge.
Transporting almost 200 campers and staff between O’Hare/MKE Airport and Camp is an enormous logistic process. In order for campers to be supervised and safely transported to and from camp, all flights must be booked to arrive at or depart from O’Hare Airport between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Please reach out to Julia before you book your flight should you not have an option within the given timeframe.
DRIVING TO CAMP
When you drive to camp, there will be staggered drop-off times between 10 AM and 3 PM. On departure day, 4-week campers will take buses to the Chicago Suburbs (Northbrook Court) or Chicago O’Hare, except for Wisconsin and Minnesota families, who will be able to pick their camper up from camp. We are strongly recommending all families from the Chicago (city and suburbs) area drive to camp. We will continue our “kiss and drop off” process during drop-off. You will be preassigned with a drop-off location and time, which you will receive before your camp arrival. On the day of arrival, there will also be staff members to help guide you to the right location. We highly recommend you drop your luggage off with the luggage truck the Friday before the session starts. This way, your child’s luggage is already in their cabin waiting for them when they arrive.
Bus to Camp
We will be offering a bus to camp from the Chicago suburbs. The bus pickup location will be announced once it is confirmed with the venue. No luggage will be allowed on the bus. All luggage must be sent up on one of the complimentary luggage trucks, dropped off at camp, or shipped to camp. See more details about luggage trucks below. Campers will be allowed one small carry-on for the bus.
END OF SESSION PICK-UP
Campers will be picked up by parents from the Chicago suburbs (Session 1 – Northbrook Court / Session 2 – Northbrook Court). We will have staggered bus arrivals at the location to help reduce congestion at the pickup site. Based on feedback received last summer, we will be moving to a location with a larger parking lot.
Parents will pick up rookies from camp. We will have our pickups staggered (between 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.) at the Gym on Upper Camp. Nearer the time, you will get specific information on the pickup. If your child decides to extend and stay four weeks, please refer to the 4-week camper information above.
If you are from Wisconsin. Minnesota, or if you are driving from Milwaukee Airport, you will pick up your child(ren) at the Gym on Upper Camp between 10 and 11 AM. If you aren’t coming from Wisconsin, Minnesota, or Milwaukee Airport, you will meet the buses in the Chicago suburbs.
GETTING YOUR LUGGAGE TO CAMP
Beber provides luggage trucks up to camp from Chicago (city and suburbs) for both sessions. All luggage can be dropped off at the truck on the Friday prior (1st session: June 13 / 2nd session: July 11) to the session’s start. Chicago (Suburbs) luggage truck location: Northbrook Court. Chicago (City) luggage truck location: Jewel Osco – 4 – 7 PM 3400 N Western Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618
Families who are interested in shipping their camper’s luggage to camp have the option of doing so via Ship Camps. Ship Camps send your child’s luggage and duffle bags ahead to make the journey to camp easier than ever.
To allow our staff the opportunity to prepare for Second Session, we need all First Session campers picked up. Eight-weekers are not permitted to stay at camp between sessions. Campers attending both sessions can spend the intersession weekend at home or with a Chicagoland family. Laundry services are provided for campers attending both sessions, and they are encouraged to leave the bulk of their luggage at camp.
Bunk Requests
Bunking Process and Expectations
At camp, friendships are the foundation of an unforgettable summer, and the bunk is often where these connections begin. We understand that the bunking process can feel emotional for families, as children and adults alike may have strong feelings about bunk assignments. Over the years, we’ve seen that no matter the specific bunk, campers thrive and have amazing experiences. Still, we recognize the importance of transparency and care in managing expectations.
Bunking Process
Our goal in assigning bunks is to create the best possible experience for each camper while fostering a positive social environment. Achieving this balance requires careful thought, as we consider many factors, including:
- Overall camper numbers
- One-session vs. full-summer campers
- New vs. returning campers
- Geography and cabin groupings
- Staff observations of social dynamics from prior summers
This complex process involves significant effort to ensure that bunks are cohesive, supportive, and fun for all campers.
Requesting Bunkmates
To help guide our assignments, we ask each family to provide two bunk requests for their child. While we strive to honor at least one mutual request (where both campers name each other), this is only possible when campers are attending the same session. If we cannot accommodate any requests, we will contact you to discuss the situation.
Guidelines for Bunking Requests:
- Each camper may submit up to two requests.
- Provide both first and last names of the requested friends. (If unsure, please email us for assistance.)
- Requests must be mutual—both campers must list each other.
- Requests are treated equally; rankings are not accepted.
- Campers must be in the same grade and attending the same session.
- Bunk lists are not disclosed before camp begins.
Important Note: Beds are pre-assigned to promote a sense of community within each bunk. While we strive to place requested friends in the same bunk, we cannot guarantee that campers will be assigned beds next to one another.
Friendship Expectations
We encourage families to approach bunking with flexibility and an open mind. Campers will not automatically be placed with the same bunkmates from previous years, so it’s essential to list your two friend requests with the understanding that your child may only be matched with one.
If your child has a best friend (BFF) and strongly prefers to be bunked only with them, you may submit just one request.
Bunking Twins
We’re proud to welcome many twins to camp each summer. Families have unique approaches to bunking twins, so we encourage you to discuss your preferences with Debbie before submitting your request. This ensures we can best meet your expectations.
Bunk Assignments and Refunds
Please note that we do not offer refunds if a camper withdraws due to dissatisfaction with their bunk assignment or the inability to be placed with a requested friend. Camp is about learning to live in a group environment, building new connections, and forming lasting friendships—whether or not a camper starts with specific requests.
Final Thoughts
We greatly appreciate your support in managing expectations and fostering a positive community. Whether your child is new to camp or a returning camper, we are confident they will build incredible friendships and enjoy a memorable summer. Thank you for partnering with us to make this experience amazing for every camper!
Additional Information
Campers receive canteen twice weekly and have an opportunity to select candy, soda, snacks, and toiletries. This service is included in your tuition. While it is not essential for your child to have money in camp, many campers do bring cash for out-of-camp trips. We recommend that rookies bring $20 and 4-week campers bring $50. Camp will be responsible for money or valuables placed in the safe but assumes no responsibility for cash or valuables kept by the camper in their cabin. Please encourage your child to deposit their money in their cabin’s “valuables envelope,” which will be collected by the counselor and put in the safe on the first day of camp.
Please contact the office (847 677-7130) as many items, such as toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, etc. are available at the canteen. We will make sure your child has everything they need. However, If you still need to send something to your child, please contact the office at 847-677-7130 to make arrangements. Packages received without prior approval will be returned to the sender. All approved packages are opened by office staff to verify the contents are permitted before they are delivered to the camper.
Laundry is sent out every eight days and comes back two days later. Rookies should plan on sending their dirty laundry out with the rest of camp. The packing list allows your camper to have enough outfits to last while cleaning our clothes. Laundry will return to camp cleaned, dried, folded, and shrink-wrapped for our campers to unpack into their cubbies.
BEBER CAMP IS SCREEN-FREE
Please leave all expensive electronics at home! These devices have a way of getting lost or broken at camp.
In such a connected world, it is easy to default to your devices during downtime or even when other activities are going on. American adolescents spend more than 7.5 hours a day using electronic devices- camp is a great opportunity to put the screens down and keep our heads up!
The only electronics allowed at Beber are digital cameras (no Go-Pros), ebook readers, and music players that are either screen-less or don’t have apps/photo/video capability. We have curated a list of some devices that fit this criterion (we have not tested these devices. Therefore, we cannot recommend any specifically).
All other music players, ebook readers, portable game devices, and video players should remain at home. Camp is one of the few places throughout the year where kids can truly unplug, and we have decided to honor and recognize this space as a result of direct parent feedback.
Our professional staff and Board of Directors have come to this decision to:
- encourage our campers to spend more time off their beds and outdoors
- promote socialization between campers
- remove the divide between “the haves and the have-nots” in each cabin
- reduce the stress associated with the damage to and theft of electronics
- give campers a much-needed break from the world of technology
- allow campers to embrace the connections they make with other campers fully
- ensure that our campers are not exposed to age-inappropriate material
All electronics brought to camp that do not adhere to the policy will be collected within the first 24 hours of arrival to be placed in the camp safe. Camp will not be responsible for any uncollected electronics.
Beber Camp provides opportunities for campers to meet with their B’nai Mitzvah tutor for any camper celebrating their B’nai Mitzvah within a few months following their time at camp. Each lesson is approximately 20 minutes, and we can typically accommodate one per camper weekly.
Campers should bring all their materials with them to camp and are encouraged to spend their own time preparing for their lesson by reading hard copies of prayers. Camp will provide iPads for campers to use for tutoring in a supervised area. The Director of Jewish Life will connect with tutors for scheduling and Zoom link procedures as the summer gets closer.
To sign up for tutoring, please complete the form by logging into your CampInTouch account or on the Campanion App. Contact Stacy Greenberg with any questions.
Our staff members are hardworking and dedicated people who have been selected for their skills and integrity. They have been instructed, and have agreed, not to accept any gifts or monies from Parents in accordance with the American Camping Association Guidelines of Professional Ethics. A gratuity fund has been established, and recommended amounts are listed on the application and are added to your tuition bill. Families may opt-out by contacting the camp office. All monies collected through gratuity will go directly to the 2025 gratuity fund for items like staff in-services, training, day-off facilities, and evening activities.
Financial Aid
Beber Camp is committed to providing tuition assistance to families who demonstrate a financial need to help send their child(ren) to camp.
As such, internal need-based assistance is available through our scholarship fund for all of our programs, and we have partnered with the One Happy Camper (Campership) program to provide first-time incentives to encourage parents to choose Jewish camp. See below for the Beber Financial Aid application and for tools to help make camp more affordable for your family.
NEED-BASED ASSISTANCE
In partnership with our alumni, board, private foundations, and individual donors, Beber Camp is able to provide need-based financial assistance to our camp families.
- Beber Camp offers need-based scholarships to all of our families.
- One source of scholarship funds can be your local synagogue. Many synagogues provide assistance on behalf of their member families for camp programs.
- Another source of financial assistance is the Jewish Federation in your community. Many local Federations now sponsor need-based camp scholarships.
- We are committed to being your partner as your family moves through the financial aid process. Please do not hesitate to contact us at (847) 677-7130 with any questions or concerns.
- Please be aware that the committee will review your financial aid application once your camper is enrolled. If you are unable to cover the deposit cost, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Julia or Michael to discuss the best options for you.
Click here to fill out the 2026 financial aid application.
Click here if you need to submit additional financial documents.
Applications for need-based assistance are now open and are being reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
TRAVELING TO ISRAEL WITH OUR PIONEER PROGRAM?
Have a camper who is participating in the Pioneer Israel Trip? Exciting! The Financial Aid process for this program is similar but separate from the general camp scholarship program. Families requesting financial assistance for the Pioneer Israel Trip should complete the Beber Camp Financial Aid Application and pursue sources of local funding for teen leadership Israel programming.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Beber Camp, as well as many local communities, have set aside monies specifically for sending campers to Israel. We have highlighted several communities and listed relevant contact information below:
Intended for Jewish children not currently participating in a daily immersive Jewish experience, this gift – Up to $1,000 for first-year campers, and $700 for rookies – is a bold statement about the importance of the overnight Jewish camp experience to the future of our community. To apply for this grant, visit onehappycamper.org. The system will automatically determine your eligibility based on a variety of factors.
TRAVELING TO ISRAEL WITH OUR PIONEER PROGRAM?
Have a camper who is participating in the Pioneer Israel Trip? Exciting! The Financial Aid process for this program is similar but separate from the general camp scholarship program. Families requesting financial assistance for the Pioneer Israel Trip should complete the Beber Camp Financial Aid Application and pursue sources of local funding for teen leadership Israel programming.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Beber Camp, as well as many local communities, have set aside monies specifically for sending campers to Israel. We have highlighted several communities and listed relevant contact information below:
In Chicago, the funding criteria and applications for the JUF’s Israel Trip financial aid programs are online. We’ve linked to them here:Jewish Federation Israel Experience High School financial need-based scholarshipJewish Federation Israel Experience Merit Scholarship
Information regarding scholarship specific to the Cleveland area can be found here
Applications for both camp and Israel can be found here.Campers that have never been on an organized trip to Israel can be eligible for up to $4,000 in scholarship.Campers that have been on an organized trip to Israel can be eligible for up to $1,000 in scholarship.
While the Milwaukee Federation does not have financial assistance available for Israel teen programs, families can utilize any monies they have set aside through the “Passport 2 Israel” program. Questions about utilizing these funds can be found here.
Packing List
We see camp as a healthy escape from the instant communication and technology overload that bombards our campers on a daily basis; for many campers (and their parents,) separating from cell phones and the internet is challenging. However, we expect parents to fully support our mission to keep these things out of camp and to ensure that Beber remains a wholesome, outdoorsy, and safe place for all kids.
Items on this list will be confiscated and may be returned at the end of camp:
- Alcohol, tobacco, controlled substances and non-registered medicine, recreational drugs, vaping devices, etc.*
- Cellphones
- Any electronic devices that can connect to the Internet, including computers, iPod Touch, iPads, smartwatches and other tablets, eReaders, portable game systems, or other similar equipment
- Other electronics, including DVD players, televisions, video cameras, walkie-talkies, etc.
- Flammable materials (cigarettes, matches, fireworks, lighters, butane, incense, candles, etc.) and hot pots
- Food items, including bottled water and other beverages
- Knives or weapons of any kind*
- Weights/Dumbells
*Bringing any of these items will result in immediate expulsion from camp with no refund of tuition or fees.
Beber Camp does not assume responsibility for any lost, broken, or stolen items, including these which we discourage bringing:
- iPods (music only) or MP3 players
- Digital or expensive cameras
- Designer clothing
As a general rule, anything valuable that a camper would be upset about losing, broken, ruined, or stolen should not be brought to camp.
Campanion Guide
Campanion is the mobile app we’re using to connect you with your child’s camp experience through a personalized stream of content from camp. With brilliant photography, regular updates from camp, and more, Campanion connects you to camp like never before. You will also have the ability to register for camp and fill out your forms on this app.
You now have the ability to download high quality photos from the app for free!
Before camp starts, please do the following:
- Download the Campanion app (Apple App Store) (Google Play Store)
- Login using your CampInTouch login and password – this is the same information you used to register.
- Upload a reference photo of your child to Campanion – this is so the facial recognition technology can tag photos of your child while they are at camp.
- Please make sure you allow push notifications, this allows us to let you know when we upload photos of your camper and we will be using the platform to contact you regarding forms and other summer updates.
Explaining the Menu – access via the three lines at the top-left of the page
Stream
This is our “news feed”; this is where you find photos of your child(ren) and microposts (which are updates from camp).
Photos
This is where you can find the full camp photo albums as well as photos tagged of your child.
Favorites
This is where all of your favorite photos will be stored. You can make a photo a “favorite” by clicking the star at the bottom of the photo when it is selected.
Letters
This is where you can send letters to your campers; these will then be printed out and given to your child(ren) by the following rest hour. Our daily cut-off for printing letters is 10 AM; any letters sent after that time will be printed the following day. We are still working with CampMinder to find a solution to fit more than one letter/email on a page, it is a limitation of the software, and because of this, we ask that you send one longer letter when you do write rather than multiple short letters.
My Campers
This is where you will find information about your campers enrolled and change the reference photo you use for the facial recognition technology.
Registration
This is where you can register for the summer!
Forms
This is where all of your child’s forms will live; it is a much easier way to submit forms. For any paper forms, you can upload them using the paper scanner built into the app. For forms like the Medication Authorization Form, please ensure you scan all the pages/copies when you upload the form, so it compiles as one PDF. Save the hard copies or images in case you need to add any Medication Authorization forms later so that you can upload them all again together.
Help
Here you can reach out to CampMinder if you are having trouble with the app, you will also find the app’s FAQ.
