Director's Corner - Thursday, July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

“These Are Days”

These are days you'll remember
Never before and never since
I promise
Will the whole world be warm as this
And as you feel it
You'll know it's true
That you are blessed and lucky
It's true that you
Are touched by something
That will grow in you, in you

And just like that, our four incredible weeks together have come to an end. It’s hard to believe that in just a few short hours, this session will be over, but what remains are the friendships, growth, and unforgettable memories that each camper is bringing home.

The morning began on a sweet note with warm cinnamon buns served at breakfast, fueling everyone for a busy and meaningful day. Afterward, the entire camp came together for an all-camp cleanup. Each cabin focused on tidying up and organizing, preparing their spaces for packing. This tradition isn’t just about cleanliness, it’s about taking pride in our shared home and leaving it even better than we found it.

With camp shining and spirits high, the energy shifted to one final round of Beber magic - Beber Fest! Campers traveled in groups with counselors, checklist in hand, determined to soak up every last drop of camp fun. They chose their favorite activities one last time - roasting s’mores over a fire at the farm (with animal spectators, of course), crafting candles in Arts & Crafts, or flying through the trees on the zip line. A special highlight of the day was the Beber Cup Sailing Regatta, where select campers showcased their skills and spirit out on the water in one final, friendly competition.

After a nacho and potato bar lunch, campers headed back for rest hour and then it was on to packing. Four weeks of memories and experiences were carefully folded into duffle bags, ready to travel home. A huge shout out to our Operations Team, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to coordinate the intricate travel details for over 300 campers, from luggage to logistics. It’s no small task, and their efforts ensure every camper arrives home safely, with all their belongings in tow.

Once their bags were loaded onto the trucks, campers enjoyed a relaxing afternoon on lower camp. From pick-up games on hobby wheel field to just hanging out with friends, it was a chance to soak in the last bit of camp sunshine, and they were treated to refreshing milkshakes as a cool bonus!

As the skies began to cloud over, our final BBQ dinner was moved indoors but the rain couldn’t dampen our spirits. The dining hall buzzed with energy, laughter, and a whole lot of singing. And when it came time for Birkat Hamazon, it was hands-down the loudest we’ve ever heard. The room shook with voices singing together one final time, united in joy and tradition.

After dinner, we gathered in Crown Hall for our Closing Ceremonies, a time to honor outstanding campers and staff, and reflect on the amazing session we’ve shared.

We began by recognizing campers who excelled in various hobby areas:

• Outdoor Adventure awarded golden-painted sculptures to the "Survivalist of the Session," "Farmer of the Session," and "Outdoor Chef of the Session."
  
  
• Climbing honored their top adventurers with knotted climbing ropes.
  
  
• Aquatics recognized Swim the Lake participants with commemorative pins and certificates, with the top finisher receiving a handmade mini lifejacket.
  
  
• Fine Arts celebrated creativity with honors like "Journalist of the Session," "Indoor Chef of the Session," and "Dancer of the Session."
  
  
• Music gave out golden guitar cables, headphones, and tuners to their "Rockers of the Session."
  
  
• Sports awarded three campers with “Golden Arrows” for archery and one with a golden diablo for being “Sportsman of the Session.”
  
  
• Waterfront awarded the Beber Cup to the regatta winners and recognized the "Windsurfer of the Session" with a special hat
  
  

We also took a moment to honor our dedicated campers who participated in early morning birding. Over 35 campers chose to wake up early on weekends to learn about and observe the many birds that call our beautiful property home. Their curiosity and commitment to nature was truly inspiring!

Next, we celebrated the heart of Beber, our staff. Beber Beliefs Awards were given to staff members who exemplify our core values: Pride and Ownership, Spirit and Fun, Kindness and Gratitude, Health and Wellness, and Jewish Values and Connection.

Two of the most meaningful staff awards were then presented:

• The Floyd Abramson Operational Staff of the Session Award, given to a staff member who contributes in quiet but powerful ways. Congrats to Karen Piscil Perez from the kitchen who is the first to receive this honor.
  
  
• The Ron Kaplan Staff of the Session Award, presented to the staff member who best embodies the legacy of Ron Kaplan - a dear friend, mentor, and true Beber role model. Congratulations to Abby Berger for receiving this incredible honor.
  
  

Finally, the evening culminated in the presentation of the Jane Beber Abramson Camper of the Session Award — the highest camper honor. Congratulations to Shai Morris for being recognized for embodying the values, spirit, and leadership that define our community.

We also celebrated a very special milestone: Ten Years at Beber. Twenty-four staff and campers shared heartfelt reflections about their journeys and received the coveted Ten Year Beber Blanket, a symbol of deep roots and lifelong connection to this place we all call home.

Staff celebrating their B’nai Mitzvah 13th summer (Izzy Strauss, Sophie Heller and Johnny Marks) were honored with a commemorative plaque.  We also honored three 15 year staff members (Lior Latimer, Lilah Ephraim, and Jack Bender).  The impact that these staff members have had in their tenure here at Beber cannot be quantified.  We have been so lucky to have them as a vital part of our community for so long.  And how about Trudy Sirkis who has spent an incredible 30 summers nurturing, teaching, BIRDING, and caring for the campers at Beber.  What an incredible milestone.  This was also a milestone summer for me at 35 incredible summers.  To get to spend 35 summers seeing campers find their voice or staff discover their purpose has been the most rewarding part of my life.  I have the best job in the world and could not imagine my life without this amazing community.  I am so lucky to be in a place where what I am a part of really matters!

The night ended with a moving slideshow, filled with moments captured by our talented photography team throughout the summer, images of joy, friendship, challenges, growth, and magic. As the final songs began-Leaving on a Jet Plane, Back to 3BC, Tucked Away, and of course, Bless This House, the emotion in the room was undeniable. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house.

What a special place we’ve been part of. What a summer. What a community!

Thank you, Beber Family. See you next summer.

Today’s Trivia: Who sang “These are Days” Email your answer to trivia@bebercamp.com for a chance to be featured in tomorrow’s blog!

Yesterday’s Trivia Answer: King Harvest sang “Dancing in the Moonlight.” Congratulations to

• Wendy Elman