Director's Corner - Tuesday, July 8, 2025
July 8, 2025
“Somewhere Over the Rainbow”
Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high,
There's a land that I heard of once in a lullaby.
Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue,
And the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true.
Someday I'll wish upon a star and wake up where the clouds are far behind me.
Where troubles melt like lemon drops away above the chimney tops,
That's where you'll find me.
Time continues to fly, and as I sit at my desk reflecting on another amazing day at camp, I’m struck by how quickly the session is coming to a close. We're deep into preparations for the final days of our first session, and our operations team is working with impressive precision behind the scenes—coordinating camper departures and gearing up for the next wave of arrivals. Moving over 300 campers in and out of camp is no small task, and the team's attention to detail, commitment to service, and boundless energy are truly inspiring.
Each day is filled with laughter, smiles, and heartwarming moments with the campers, and I find myself wishing time would slow down just a little. Watching the growth in these young people has been nothing short of extraordinary. Their experiences here have clearly supported their emotional and social development, and I know their return home on Friday will be filled with stories and reflections they’ll carry with them long after the summer ends.
A special note of gratitude goes to our incredible housekeeping and maintenance teams. They work from sunrise to well past sunset, cleaning, repairing, plunging, mowing, and doing the countless unseen tasks that keep camp running. Their efforts often go unrecognized, but they are essential to the Beber experience. Just the other day, they installed plaques in Crown Hall to preserve memories from Maccabiah and ensured the camp looked spotless. There’s even a little magic in the mix, our very own Beber tooth fairy, Cuspida, has been quietly delivering letters and treats to campers who’ve lost teeth this session.
Our program team is busy gearing up for our end of session Banquet and Beber Fest which, as I am told, will be a sure hit with the campers and leave them with both amazing memories and the feeling of having “done it all” this summer!
Today, campers dove into their favorite activities with enthusiasm-finishing up art projects, soaking up the sun on Lake Beulah, hanging out with Amy the cow at the farm, getting competitive on the basketball courts and tennis courts, and cooking up a feast of Israeli food in Indoor Cooking. There's a bittersweet energy in the air as they savor these last moments, excited to return home but already nostalgic about saying goodbye.
Tonight brought a highlight of the session: the debut performance of "The Wizard of Oz." After weeks of rehearsals, set construction, and character development, our campers took the stage and dazzled the audience. With classic songs and loveable characters, the audience was “all in!” It was especially meaningful to see campers who once battled homesickness now shining under the spotlight. They had found their “courage” and played their roles with pure “heart.” The pride in their eyes and the joy of performing for their peers was infectious. Our musical director Pat marked his thirteenth Beber show tonight, and his ability to bring out the best in every performer is remarkable. The lessons these campers learn through theater-confidence, presence, and resilience are gifts they’ll carry far beyond camp. I couldn’t be prouder. Tomorrow, they'll celebrate with a Beber-style cast party complete with cake and ice cream!
Tonight was filled with special late-night activities designed to deepen connections and create lasting memories. From a lively pool party and a meaningful evening with a beloved former counselor to joyful karaoke and cozy bunk spa nights, these experiences are helping your children end their session on a high note, surrounded by friends, laughter, and the magic of camp.
As regular programming concludes tomorrow, my hope is that every camper leaves with a heart full of joy, memories that will last forever, and friendships that continue to grow beyond the summer.
Today’s meals were a hit-eggs, potatoes, and bagels for breakfast; grilled cheese and tomato soup for lunch; and a fan-favorite taco bar for dinner.
As the session winds down, I feel an overwhelming sense of pride and gratitude to have shared in this journey. I hope our campers carry these moments with them always. For many, Beber is truly a place “somewhere over the rainbow” where dreams really do come true and there is no place like “home” away from home (Beber).
Peace, Love, 3BC
Michael
Today’s Trivia: Who sang “Somewhere Over the Rainbow?” Email your answer to trivia@bebercamp.com for a chance to be featured in tomorrow’s blog!
Yesterday’s Trivia Answer: Katrina and the Waves sang “Walkin’ on Sunshine.” Congrats to:
- Stephanie Shaikun
- Amy Bloomberg
- Yoav Lurie
- Jill Rivkin
- Jennifer Stern