Director's Corner - Saturday, June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

“We are Family”

Everyone can see we're together
As we walk on by
(And) And we flock just like birds of a feather
I won't tell no lie
(All) All of the people around us, they say
"Can they be that close?"
Just let me state for the record
We're giving love in a family dose

And here we are putting the finishing touches on our second week and gearing up for an exciting third week of camp. We celebrated an amazing second Shabbat together. The morning began with several campers bird watching with Trudy. More on that another time. I was able to run with a few campers which was a treat. There was all kinds of energy this morning, but all campers enjoyed a late wakeup and a scenic breakfast on the island, a refreshing change from the usual routine. Breakfast overlooking Lake Beulah included bagels and lox, donuts, yogurt, cereals and more.

Afterward, campers had the chance to unwind with morning GA, choosing from activities like basketball, relaxing in their bunks, or spending quality time with friends. The calm and connection set a perfect tone for the rest of the day.

Shabbat services in Crown Hall included many camper led prayers and a rousing performance of Saturday Torah Live by our CITs which was both educational and Beber silly at the same time supporting this week’s parsha Korach, when someone challenges Moses’ leadership. At this point in the summer, even campers who may have been less familiar with the prayers, are able to sing along clearly demonstrating our commitment to inclusive Jewish Life.

After services, campers headed to a delicious brunch featuring a fully stocked sandwich bar with all the fixings. Following the meal, everyone settled in for rest hour, a daily opportunity for campers to relax in their bunks. During this quiet time, they can write letters, play calm games, take a nap, or simply enjoy bonding with bunkmates. A counselor, called the Shomer (Hebrew for "guard"), stays with the group during rest hour and again after 10:30 PM, when other staff have their break. This system ensures our campers are always supervised and cared for. At Beber, your child’s safety and well-being remain our highest priorities.

Today's Mikud (reflection time) focused on our Shabbat theme of Kehillah Kedosha (Sacred Community). Each division was given a list of age appropriate questions. Here are a few of them:

Makor was asked:

Why is it important to work together as a team in our camp community?
How do we show appreciation for each other in our camp community?
What can you do to help someone who is feeling left out at camp?

Kesher discussed:

How do you think our camp values reflect the idea of a sacred community?
What are some actions you can take to support a friend who is feeling homesick or left out?
How do you feel when you participate in camp activities that involve everyone working together?
Why is it important to celebrate our differences in a sacred community?

Ramot considered:

What responsibilities do we have to each other to maintain a sacred community?
How can we address conflicts within our camp community in a way that strengthens our bonds?
What does it mean to you to be a leader in creating a sacred community at camp?
How can we ensure that everyone's voice is heard and valued in our camp community?
In what ways can we extend the sense of sacred community we build at camp to our lives outside of camp?

and TLP discussed:

How does our Jewish heritage and culture influence our vision of a sacred community at camp?
What role does empathy play in building a sacred community, and how can we practice it more effectively?
How can we ensure that everyone feels included and valued in our camp community, especially those who may feel marginalized?
How can the lessons we learn about sacred community at camp be applied to our lives beyond the camp setting?

After rest hour we once again gathered into our Mishpachot. First, the Mishpachot got to know each other better with an activity called "a little-known fact," then they played a quick game, like Zip-Zap-Zup, but with our a twist: “Ometz, Todah, B’yachad!" After that, each camper filled out a Courage Card, sharing a moment they were brave at camp. These went into the group’s memory box. Then, they made a Gratitude Chain where each camper wrote 3 to 5 things they're grateful for on paper links, and built a chain as a group. All members of the Mishpachot are also on the same Maccabiah team, so they have been able to spend some extra time together this week.

Maccabi games today featured a rotation of multiple sporting events including a bean bag toss, a basketball free throw contest, a volleyball circle, baggo competition, kan jam tournament, pickle ball challenge. But none of these were played as you would think. The sports equipment was used but the challenges were inventive and a bit silly allowing a creative twist to challenge the bunks participating and crown an ultimate overall winner. Campers in Ramot and Kesher had a blast competing in these events which accommodated all skill levels and encouraged them to work as a bunk to complete the event.

Makor became storytellers and filmmakers during Jewish Life programming today with the job of helping to tell the story of Beber Camp as a sacred community. They visited between 5 to 8 spots around camp where they as a cabin group feel that sense of community...where they feel the most connected, happy, supported, or loved....cabin, Crown Hall, the flagpole, etc. I cannot wait to share the finished product with you in the coming blogs.

CITs spent the afternoon shadowing cabins beginning their transition from campers to counselors. Similar to student teaching in a classroom setting, the CITs are getting hands-on experience working with campers while the counselors in charge of the bunks serve as role models. Campers in the bunks are already bonding with them and after their week working in Colorado, they are even more eager to step into this upcoming role.

Makor and Kesher enjoyed a rotation at the pool and Ramot and TLP had a chance to cool off at the aquapark. The Saturday schedule cohesively mixes time for learning, time for relaxing, time for family and time for fun!

Today we also assisted our Rookie campers in packing their belongings, a reminder that two weeks have flown by in a blink. I'm incredibly proud of them for embracing new activities, stepping out of their comfort zones, and forging lasting friendships. Witnessing their growth over this short period has been remarkable. While it's bittersweet to see them depart, I'm eagerly anticipating their return next summer for the full session. I wish them a year of LO-HE-HA (Love, Health and Happiness)!

Dinner tonight was delicious baked ziti, green beans and garlic rolls.

We concluded our Shabbat with a community-wide Havdalah in the AmPIOtheater. Kitschy songs and speeches from our division leaders open the evening followed by a few Havdalah favorites like “There is So Much Magnificence” and then our Havdalah prayers. As we douse the Havdalah candle in the wine we are reminded that the “longer the sizzle, the greater the week.” I can tell that this coming week will be amazing as the sizzle lasted a long time! Congratulations to our announced cleanest cabin winners of the week: O5, B1, A3 and Yurt 3. The A3 boys may have anticipated their win as they came armed with brooms, dustpans and cleaning supplies and paraded around the amphitheater in pride. It is so special that Shabbat both begins and ends here in our outdoor amphitheater surrounded by nature sitting on benches with our bunkmates celebrating our love of Judaism. At the end of the service, our Israeli staff took the stage introducing Israel Day to the camp. Tomorrow, we'll celebrate the Jewish value of Love of Israel. With passionate Israeli staff members this summer, our campers are in for an enriching experience as they share their love for Israel and celebrate our Jewish identity. Don't forget to wear your Blue and White tomorrow!

And the day does not end here. After each bunk was given their special El Al Airline ticket to Israel Day, Ramot got to have their own song session with artist in residence, Brett Fromson and Music Director Brady. Kesher campers embarked on an adventure to find lost chickens (rubber ones) hidden around camp after they got loose from a shipment on the Kesher airplane. Even Makor got to stay up later as they had a special night planned as a final night for the rookie campers. Makor girls had a mermaid themed pool party complete with umbrellas turned into jellyfish, a real mermaid (well a staff member dressed as one) and lots of under the sea decor. Makor boys played a glow in the dark game of dodgeball and 9 square in the air, having a fun last night as a complete group.

In closing, although some of our members of our Kehillah Kedosha may be leaving camp tomorrow, they will always be a part of the Beber family!

Peace, Love, 3BC

Michael

Today’s trivia: Who sang “We are Family?” Send your answer to trivia@bebercamp.com for a chance to be featured in tomorrow’s blog!

Yesterday’s trivia question was: Who sang “You’ve Got a Friend?” Congrats to those who knew the answer was James Taylor or Carole King:

Andy Whitman
Wendy Elman
Rick Bloomberg
Dana Saltzman
Heather Carp
Julie Houghton
Amy Bloomberg
Jessica Fonoroff

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