Director's Corner - Thursday, July 3, 2025
July 3, 2025
Better Be Home Soon
Somewhere deep inside
Something's got a hold on you
And it's pushing me aside
See it stretch on forever
And I know I'm right
For the first time in my life
That's why I tell you
You'd better be home soon
What a jam-packed and joy-filled day here at Beber Camp!
Our Makor Mania campers started their final day on the perfect note—with a delicious pancake breakfast that set the tone for the fun ahead. After fueling up, they headed out on the last morning of their Taste of Three Day Trips. What a neat experience it has been! Each camper got to sample unique adventures that helped them stretch their comfort zones, try new things, and bond with friends. It was a special way to close out their mini-tripping experience, and we couldn’t be prouder of how they embraced it.
The rest of the day brought even more excitement. Our PIOs took the reins and ran a high-energy, music-themed program for Makor. From Israeli freeze dance to hilarious hula hoop contests, the fun didn’t stop. It was inspiring to watch the PIOs step up as leaders—their enthusiasm and creativity were absolutely contagious. Makor campers were drawn to their energy, and the whole program was a shining example of camper-led success. We're excited to see how these future leaders continue to grow.
They ended their day with a Makor Mania closing program where they received certificates for their accomplishments and filled out evaluations. Their feedback is important to driving future summer programs and it was nice to see how much they loved their time having the run of the camp and getting to experience new activities.
Meanwhile, a major part of camp life unfolded as our Ramot and Kesher campers returned from their multi-day trips, tired but beaming with pride. Watching them step off the buses—sun-kissed, dirt-smudged, and full of stories—was truly heartwarming. They got right to work: sweeping out their tents, putting away their personal belongings, and unloading over 85 tents and piles of camping gear with impressive teamwork and determination. It was no small task! A special shout out to our former Beber director Danielle Weinstein and Health Center staff, Davina Golden for coming to camp today to help wash all of the trip dishes. Their generosity mixed with the alumni coming to help run the trips makes camp so special. When our alumni come to give back to the community it is a huge moment for everyone. Also behind the scenes, our kitchen staff, program team and operations team managed to get everything put away and reset for tomorrow. This is a daunting task and they all accomplished it with efficiency and enthusiasm. From putting away dry goods, to organizing program supplies, they got it done in record time.
In fact, it’s always a sight to behold—tents stacked high in the utility vehicle, campers coordinating like a well-oiled machine, and staff supporting every step of the way. The Health Center was ready and available for any immediate care, a helpful shift from the usual post-dinner clinic check-ins.
As campers disembarked, they were greeted by a member of the program team who not only gave them their unpacking plan but also asked about their trip highlights. Their responses were awe-inspiring: overcoming a fear of camping, climbing mountains, biking long distances, and taking on responsibilities they never imagined themselves handling. THIS is why we believe so deeply in our tripping program—because these moments of challenge turn into lifelong confidence and growth. One truly special moment came when a long-time bus driver of ours came to me and said how the group of campers and staff that she had on her trip were the nicest she’s ever worked with. She said that they were so polite, helpful and respectful. What a great impression they left on her.
After all the hard work, the campers treated themselves to hot showers, picked up clean laundry, and got their cabins back in order. Before dinner, many headed to lower camp to play games and reconnect with friends. I had the pleasure of walking around and hearing animated stories of adventure, laughs, and triumphs being shared among cabin groups. It’s these simple moments—friends reuniting and celebrating their accomplishments—that capture the true spirit of Beber.
The dining hall was buzzing with energy tonight—it was louder than usual, and for good reason. Everyone is back in camp, and the excitement was contagious as we gathered over a delicious pasta dinner complete with meatballs and garlic knots. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of being reunited under one roof, sharing laughter, stories, and great food.
And in true Beber fashion, the fun didn’t stop at dinner.
Tonight was an epic celebration—a post-Makor Mania and Three-Day Trips bash, mixed with an early Fourth of July Carnival! The evening was packed with nonstop activities, spread across three awesome stations.
At the soccer field, campers dove into a variety of fun games: giant Jenga, Connect Four, and Tic Tac Toe; potato sack races; hula hoop contests; musical chairs; giant cup stacking; face painting; fortune telling; and of course, a classic tug of war.
Outside the gym, it was an inflatable heaven. Campers bounced around in a giant castle, battled it out in a joust arena, tested their aim with a football throw, and raced down the bungee run.
Over on the baseball field, everyone came together for a massive game of kickball. There was also a special reflective moment—campers wrote heartfelt Beber Gratitude Grams to their friends and penned letters to be taken to the Western Wall after the summer ends.
But the night wasn’t over yet.
After a quick stop at the bunks to grab some bug spray and warmer clothes, we all made our way down to the waterfront. The Lake Association put on a spectacular fireworks show—and while the fireworks were incredible, the most memorable part was seeing our campers sprawled on towels and blankets in the sand, simply enjoying each other’s company under the night sky. It was a picture-perfect moment of camp togetherness.
Another unforgettable evening at Beber, filled with joy, friendship, and the magic that only this place can bring.
Today’s Trivia: Who sang “Better Be Home Soon”? Email your answer to trivia@bebercamp.com for a chance to be featured in tomorrow’s blog! PS - I’ve already used this band and it’s one of my favorites!
Yesterday’s Trivia Answer: Coldplay sang “Adventures of a Lifetime.” Congrats to:
- Carly Finley
- Amy Bloomberg