Director's Corner - Sunday, June 29, 2025
June 29, 2025
“Endless Love”
Forever
I'll hold you close in my arms
I can't resist your charms
And love
Oh, love
I'll be a fool for you
I'm sure
You know I don't mind
Oh, you know I don't mind
'Cause you
You mean the world to me
Oh
I know
I know
I've found in you
My endless love
Another stunning summer day at Beber, and a beautiful one to celebrate our Love of Israel with a full day devoted to Israel!
Our Israeli delegation kicked things off at morning Degel, parading onto Crown Hall Field in full blue and white after decorating the Beast (our programmatic utility vehicle) with Israeli flags and banners. They led us in a heartfelt Hatikvah and taught everyone a new Israeli cheer: “Mi Meshuga!” Campers were decked out, too! O1 wore matching pajamas, and almost every camper in G4 waved an Israeli flag at Degel. G4 definitely got my vote for most spirited cabin.
Breakfast featured egg and cheese “McMuffins” and scrambled eggs—delicious fuel for the day ahead.
We also said goodbye to our rookie campers this morning. Covered in tie-dye and friendship bracelets, they left camp smiling and full of stories. I watched our youngest campers group-hug at breakfast as the first one left, pure joy. We can’t wait to see them back next summer.
Cabin activities were all Israel-themed. One rotation split campers between a Hebrew word memory game and traditional Israeli childhood games—3 sticks, Dag Maluach, Chayei Sarah, and Kwakwa. Another rotation featured an IDF-style obstacle course and a lively round of Israeli trivia. I was blown away by the energy and pride our Israeli staff brought to the day—and the campers’ excitement to learn and play.
It was also the final day of Hobby Week 2. Campers finished art projects, fine-tuned tennis swings, and took on our challenge course one last time. Many hobbies tied in Israel: face painting, Israeli music, and sticker “awards” for achievement.
Lunch was a huge hit—shawarma, falafel, hummus, pita, and Israeli salad. A true taste of home for our Israeli staff and a favorite for all.
Dinner was a cookout on the Island. Burgers, hot dogs, and bunk bonding made for a magical meal.
Evening programs kept the Israel theme going.
Makor enjoyed an authentic Israeli shuk (market) experience. Each camper received 172 homemade Beber shekels to spend on toys, trinkets, and treats. Staff played the role of energetic vendors, and campers bargained like pros. I even snuck by the “bank” to hand out a few extra shekels. A few Makor campers heading to Kesher next summer told me they’re saving a shekel as a keepsake.
Kesher and Ramot “traveled” to five cities across Israel—Jerusalem, Haifa, Tel Aviv, Eilat, and the Dead Sea. At each stop, they learned about the city and completed a hands-on challenge. In Jerusalem, for example, they pulled trivia questions from Jenga blocks without toppling the tower. In Haifa, they used PVC pipes to move a marble (symbolizing mayim, water) to a bucket. At the end, they pieced together their own maps of Israel—each city now filled with new meaning.
Ramot and TLP also participated in TribeTalk, a national Jewish educational initiative that helps teens understand, recognize, and confront antisemitism and anti-Israel bias. These conversations are meaningful and timely, giving campers a chance to reflect and grow.
As rain finally came at the end of the night, washing away our blue and white, we headed to bed—tired, happy, and proud. Another week begins tomorrow, and we can’t wait to keep the magic going.
Peace, Love, 3BC
Michael
Today’s Trivia: Who sang “Endless Love”? Email your answer to trivia@bebercamp.com for a chance to be featured in tomorrow’s blog!
Yesterday’s Trivia Answer: Sister Sledge sang “We Are Family.” Congrats to:
- Wendy Elman
- Heather Carp
- Andy Whitman
- Dana Saltzman
- Jennifer Stern
- Jessica Fonoroff