Director's Corner, Friday, July 25, 2025

Friday, July 25, 2025

For Good

I've heard it said
That people come into our lives
For a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led
To those who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return

‍Because I knew you
I have been changed for good

It's amazing to realize we're already approaching the end of our second week here at camp. Time really flies when you're immersed in so much enjoyment! I feel incredibly fortunate to spend days like today engaging in activities with campers, forging connections with them and their counselors. This community is truly unique. 

Hobbies were running smoothly today, with everyone joyfully giving their all before diving into Shabbat. I'm continually impressed with the Indoor Cooking hobby; they've been creating such a wide variety of foods! Today, they made potato latkes, expertly chopping potatoes and preparing their dishes.

Campers also signed up for their last round of hobbies for the session—oh, how the time has flown by! After breakfast, they carefully filled out their sheets, choosing their first, second, and third hobby options. I'm sure they chose thoughtfully, making every hobby important for their final experiences of the session and summer.

Plus, the Beber Camp Podcast released a new episode today! Tune in for some special featured people in this Maccabiah recap episode: "Camper Podcast - Maccabiah Highlights Second Session 2025."

Plus, the PIOs had an amazing visit today, hiking and go-karting in Milwaukee!

Fast forward to later today, as we begin Shabbat, I'd love to spend the next couple of days diving into all of our Beber Beliefs: Pride and Ownership, Spirit and Fun, Kindness and Gratitude, Health and Wellness, and Jewish Values and Connection. Tonight, I'm going to start with Pride and Ownership.

We introduced the Beber Belief of Pride and Ownership right from staff training. We explored how counselors can help campers nurture a sense of pride in and ownership of our community. I also spoke with the campers about this on their very first day, and I'm continually impressed by how many have embraced it. I often see campers actively picking up trash and tidying areas after enjoying their favorite hobbies or activities.

Every morning after breakfast, we have cabin clean-up, where campers actively help maintain their living quarters. Each camper has a daily task assigned on their cabin work wheel. Head counselors then assess the cleanliness of all bunks during the campers' first hobby session, assigning scores for cabin clean-up.

At the end of each week, we announce an overall winner who earns a special ice cream treat for their bunk. The campers take great pride in their scores and truly strive to improve each week. It makes me wonder how their rooms at home compare!

For the session's overall winner, we have an extra special treat in store.

Tonight marked the beginning of our second Shabbat of the first session. It was a joy to see all our campers dressed in their Friday best, coming together with their bunkmates at Shabbat Schmooze to express gratitude.

Fridays at camp are filled with a unique sense of anticipation and spirit as everyone prepares for Shabbat. Today is a special blend of routine and tradition, where the camp's vibrant atmosphere takes on an added layer of excitement. Campers and staff alike eagerly look forward to the evening's traditions, which serve as a highlight of the week and a cornerstone of the camp experience.

The preparations for Shabbat are both communal and personal: cabins tidy up, everyone dons their Shabbat best, and there's a collective effort to beautify the camp and themselves. The aroma of freshly baked challah and other delicious Shabbat dishes fills the air, building anticipation for Friday night dinner.

Shabbat dinner is a moment of togetherness and celebration. The entire camp community gathers to share a festive meal and a sense of unity. It's a time when the hustle and bustle of the week pauses, allowing everyone to reconnect with each other and with the camp's shared values. The beauty of Shabbat at camp lies not just in the rituals but in the feeling of being part of something larger – a sacred community that honors tradition while creating lasting memories.

During services, "Ruchel" shared a story that beautifully supported our Shabbat theme of Kehilah Kedosha, or "sacred community." I deeply appreciated Ruchel's lesson, which emphasized that holiness isn't just about prayer; it's truly about the people.

It was a special moment where we all put our arms around each other for "the song with no words" following Ruchel's story, further emphasizing Beber Camp as a sacred community. As we sang "Mi Shebeirach," this Shabbat became even more special. Two of our leadership team, Frannie and Victoria, came up on stage and played their clarinet and flute to the melody of the song. I had chills, what a beautiful moment for all of camp!

Every week, we have two phenomenal song sessions, led by members of our very own camp band! Campers and staff sing at full volume and dance enthusiastically to the music, creating a truly uplifting display of our community's unity and spirit.

Ramot and TLP have their song session in Crown Hall. We also hold a separate song session for Makor and Kesher campers in the amphitheater, specifically tailored to their age levels, allowing them to dance and sing along with their friends.

Meals:

• Breakfast: Eggs and hash browns
• Lunch: Pizza and Caesar salad
• Dinner: Shabbat chicken dinner with mashed potatoes, chicken noodle soup, broccoli, and challah

As we reflect on another incredible day culminating in the sacred embrace of Shabbat, the lyrics of "For Good" truly resonate. From campers embracing Pride and Ownership in their clean cabins, to the pure joy of hobbies, and the profound unity felt during Shabbat services, every moment here changes us. Beber Camp is a place where we are all "changed for good" by the connections we forge, the values we embody, and the unique Kehilah Kedosha we build together, ensuring these memories and lessons stay with us long after the session ends.

Shabbat Shalom!

P.S. Congratulations to the following who knew that Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell sang "Ain’t No Mountain High Enough"

• Lisa Roth
• Jessica Fonoroff

P.S. - Today’s question: Which musical sang “For Good” Email your answer to trivia@bebercamp.com for a shoutout in tomorrow’s blog!

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