Beyond the Beber Bubble: CITs Building Skills and Community in Colorado

Last week, our CITs embarked on an unforgettable Colorado Internship experience at Shwayder Camp, an opportunity designed to expand their leadership journey beyond the Beber environment and deepen the skills they are developing as future camp leaders.

The Colorado Internship is an immersive experience that fosters independence, empathy, confidence, and adaptability. By stepping into a new camp community, our CITs were challenged to apply what they have learned at Beber in a different setting, while discovering new perspectives on leadership, inclusion, and community building.

During their time at Shwayder Camp, our CITs worked directly with campers, supporting activities, building relationships, and gaining valuable hands-on experience in a new camp environment. They played an active role in Opening Day, helping welcome campers and families and contributing to the excitement and energy that marks the beginning of every camp session.

In addition to their practical experience, CITs participated in programming focused on communication, inclusion, belonging, and leadership. Through discussions, reflection, and shared learning, they explored what it means to create spaces where every individual feels seen, supported, and valued. These conversations challenged them to think critically about the impact they have as role models and leaders, both within camp and beyond.

One of the most meaningful aspects of the internship was the opportunity to experience Jewish community in a new setting. Sharing Shabbat with the Shwayder Camp community allowed our CITs to connect with camp traditions through a different lens, strengthening their understanding of the many ways Jewish life and values are expressed across communities.

Of course, the week also included plenty of adventure. After spending the morning exploring the historic town of Idaho Springs, our group headed to Clear Creek River for an exhilarating white-water rafting experience. As they navigated the rapids together, CITs practiced teamwork, trust, communication, and resilience, skills that are just as important in leadership as they are on the river.

Throughout the week, our CITs developed skills that extend far beyond camp. They learned how to work effectively with different groups of campers and staff, adapt to unfamiliar situations, communicate with confidence, and build meaningful connections in a new environment. Most importantly, they discovered that leadership is rooted in empathy, curiosity, and a willingness to step outside of their comfort zones.

We are incredibly proud of our CITs and all that they accomplished during their time at Shwayder Camp. They represented Beber with enthusiasm, maturity, and kindness, embracing every opportunity to learn, contribute, and grow.

We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Shwayder Camp community for welcoming us so warmly this week. Their generosity, compassion, and hospitality made this experience truly special, and we are grateful for the opportunity to learn alongside them. The relationships built, memories created, and skills developed during this internship will undoubtedly stay with our CITs long after the summer comes to an end.