Director's Corner - Saturday, July 5, 2025
July 5, 2025
“One Love”
One love
One heart
Let's join together and I'll feel alright
One love (oh, Lord, have mercy)
One heart
I tell you, let's just celebrate (let's join together)
And I will feel alright (and I'll feel alright)
Let's join together and I'll feel alright
Time with friends becomes even more important as the days wean. Swinging on hammocks, climbing the jungle gym, playing a game of knockout, or just socializing on the giant Green Chair—all of it created the most peaceful and perfect camp morning.
This week’s Shabbat theme was Leadership, and we saw it shine in so many ways across camp. We honored our Senior Ramot campers and camping trip leaders with special Aliyahs before reading from the Torah.
This morning’s services were led by many of our incredible campers, including Lila N. and Ilana F., who courageously took on the impressive challenge of learning and beautifully reading this week’s Torah portion. Their poise and grace were nothing short of inspiring.
Campers from Makor, Kesher, and Ramot led prayers and blessings with confidence, and even our CITs stepped into the spotlight, acting in Saturday Torah Live with a spirited puppet show that creatively highlighted their journey toward leadership. It was heartwarming to see them fully embrace this meaningful rite of passage.
From our oldest teen leaders to our youngest campers, everyone contributed with respect, enthusiasm, and joy. We couldn’t be prouder of the leadership emerging all around us.
We also had a magical moment in services when a special guest returned to share a beloved tradition. “There Once Was a Wizard” made a triumphant comeback, taking us on a chant-filled journey across the world—from learning to read Torah, to making matzah, to dancing the hora. The smiles and laughter were contagious.
During Mikud, each division gathered to reflect on what it truly means to be a leader:
- Makor considered how leaders can help others feel included and what the hardest part of leadership might be.
- Kesher discussed setting goals, overcoming obstacles, and promoting teamwork.
- Ramot explored communication, collaboration, and resilience.
- TLP dove into advanced discussions around balancing authority with approachability and fostering innovation.
Meanwhile in Mishpacha, campers connected deeply with one another through creative projects—matching bracelets that symbolized shared time, letters to their future selves, and a collaborative fingerprint mural that represented their group’s identity.
Jewish Life programming was in full swing as Ramot campers tapped into their knowledge with a spirited Kahoot-style trivia challenge. Not only did they compete, they even crafted their own questions to test their peers, demonstrating both learning and leadership.
Campers cooled off under the warm sun with time at the Aquapark (Makor and TLP) and pool (Ramot and Kesher). Makor and Kesher also had divisional kickball Maccabi games, back by popular demand after carnival night!
Meals of the Day
- Breakfast on the island: Donuts, cereal, muffins, and fresh fruit.
- Lunch: Cold cut sandwiches and chips.
- Dinner: Baked ziti, roasted vegetables, and garlic breadsticks.
Due to some incoming rain, we moved Havdalah into Crown Hall. I opened with a special poem about leadership and our camp journey this session. Each rhyming phrase was met with delighted “oohs” and “aahs”—a moment that touched my heart.
But even more powerful was the sight of each bunk arm in arm, forming circles to sing the Havdalah prayers together. As “Bless This House” rang out, just a little louder tonight, it was clear how deeply this community has bonded.
Our media team treated us to a slideshow featuring highlights from the three day trips and Makor Mania. Watching campers climb, bike, fish, explore fine arts, and simply be kids in beautiful, natural settings brought out cheers and smiles from the crowd. A special shout out went to our trip leaders, Makor Mania staff, and the TLP campers who planned exceptional programs.
K3, G3, A1, Yurt 1—well done! Only a few days remain before the overall summer winner is crowned for cabin cleanup.
TLP campers enjoyed a special high-energy song session, followed by a late-night adventure for O1, O2, and G2 up at my house. Singing, dancing, laughter, and a sweet treat made for an unforgettable evening that truly filled my cup.
As we wrap up our last Shabbat of First Session 2025, it’s impossible not to reflect on the beautiful moments of unity and growth we’ve witnessed. Whether embracing Jewish Life, diving into the lake, laughing with friends, or stepping into leadership, our campers have shown what it means to live with heart.
Like the song says:
“One love, one heart, let’s get together and feel all right.”
In every hammock swing, prayer reading, group circle, and late-night song, we’ve felt that one love—the love of camp, of community, and of coming together as one.
Peace, Love, 3BC
Michael
Today’s Trivia: Who sang “One Love”? Email your answer to trivia@bebercamp.com for a chance to be featured in tomorrow’s blog!
Yesterday’s Trivia Answer: The Lovin’ Spoonful sang “Do You Believe in Magic.” Congrats to:
- Susan Heath
- Andy Whitman
- Jenny Howard