Director's Corner - Saturday, June 21, 2025
June 21, 2025
Brave
“Say what you wanna say / And let the words fall out / Honestly, I wanna see you be brave…”
At Beber Camp, Shabbat is more than a pause in the week, it’s a celebration of who we are. It’s a time to reconnect with our Jewish values, reflect on our shared experiences, and embrace the spirit and fun that make camp so special. This Shabbat was filled with warmth in every sense of the word, blending tradition, creativity, and meaningful new moments.
The day began with a relaxed and happy morning GA (General Activity). Campers played Ga-Ga, tossed baseballs, lounged in hammocks, and enjoyed the simple pleasure of each other’s company. These moments, while unstructured, captured what it means to be part of a sacred community, built on connection, joy, and a sense of belonging.
Following morning GA and cabin cleanup were Saturday services. One of the highlights of every Shabbat is Saturday Torah Live (STL). This tradition began back in 1980 when staff member Lowell Lustig created a way to bring Torah to life for campers. Blending Jewish learning with puppetry, humor, and creativity, STL mirrors the format of Saturday Night Live and features original sketches based on the weekly parsha. Each show kicks off with a catchy theme song that campers of all ages sing with pride:
We’re so glad that you’re here, that we’ll stand up and cheer,
we’re having so much fun,
Torah is alive, always it will survive,
there’s no need to run,
we’ll all praise the Lord, no one ever gets bored,
it should be crystal clear,
sit back in your seat, you’re in for a treat,
this is Saturday Torah, Saturday Torah, Saturday Torah Live!
This week’s STL delivered all the ruach, insight, and laughter we’ve come to love. For the campers who performed, it was a chance to lead, to take a risk, and to share their voices. It was just one of many moments this weekend where courage came to life.
Courage was our theme of the week, and you could feel it throughout Shabbat. In Kesher’s "Jewish Life Minute to Win It" competition, campers faced challenges tied to the weekly parsha and moments of bravery. In one game, “The Giant Grape Challenge,” campers used clothespins to transfer pom-pom “grapes” into egg cartons, inspired by the story of the spies returning from Canaan. During the debrief, campers shared reflections and expressed gratitude for the support of their bunkmates, recognizing the courage it takes to show up, try, and help one another.
We also saw courage in quiet moments, in campers leading prayers for the first time, in those who stood up to perform in STL, and in those who shared personal stories during Mikud. At Beber, courage isn’t about being the loudest voice, it’s about being brave enough to grow, to try something new, and to lift others along the way.
Gratitude was everywhere this weekend. It showed up in shared laughter, in bunkmate appreciation, and in the ways campers recognized each other’s kindness and leadership. Mikud provided a space for reflection, where campers recalled moments from the week when they stepped outside their comfort zones, trying a new activity, welcoming a new friend, or stepping into a leadership role, and felt thankful for the support that made it possible.
Our connection to Israel was ever-present, from Israeli dancing and songs to stories shared by our shlichim. These traditions help deepen our understanding of Ahavat Yisrael and keep our connection strong and personal.
A new tradition also began this Shabbat—Mispacha, or Family Time. Campers gathered with their mishpachot on Saturday afternoon to reflect, connect, and begin creating time capsules that will serve as a memory of this unforgettable summer. Mispacha added a special rhythm to the day, slowing us down and reminding us that at camp, family is what we create together.
Meanwhile, our CITs were making memories of their own, out west at Shwayder Camp in Colorado. They brought their ruach with them, leading songs, sharing dances, and representing Beber with pride. One of the day’s highlights was a white-water rafting adventure that challenged them physically and brought them closer as a group. Their journey continues, and we can’t wait to hear more.
Back at camp, the weather was hot, but so was our spirit. Campers stayed cool with swim rotations, shady hangouts, and indoor sports as part of the Maccabi Games. The energy stayed high, and our air-conditioned cabins gave everyone the perfect reset during rest hour.
As Shabbat came to a close, we gathered as one for Havdalah. We sang shoulder to shoulder, swaying gently as the sun dipped below the trees. Havdalah at Beber isn’t just an end, it’s a beginning. It’s a moment of reflection, renewal, and reconnection. We leave it feeling grounded in our values and excited for the week ahead.
Mazel tov to this week’s Cleanest Cabin winners: O1, O3, B1, T1, and Yurt 3! Your teamwork, attention to detail, and pride in your space stood out. From tidy floors to organized shelves, you set the bar high. Keep it up!
Shabbat at Beber is more than a tradition, it’s a living, breathing expression of our values. From hammocks to Havdalah, from puppets to time capsules, every moment this weekend reminded us that at Beber, Torah isn’t just studied, it’s lived.
Shabbat Shalom!
Trivia Time! Yesterday’s question was: Who sang “You Make My Dreams (Come True)?” Answer: Hall and Oates
Shoutouts to
- Jessica Fonoroff
- Eric Ritvo
- Heather Carp
- Andy Whitman
Today’s trivia: Who sang “Brave”? Send your answer to trivia@bebercamp.com for a chance to be featured in tomorrow’s blog!
PS - Today's Menu
Breakfast on the Island including Bagels with Lox, Donuts, Yogurt and Fruit
Lunch - Sub Sandwiches
Dinner - Baked Ziti