Director's Corner - Wednesday, June 25, 2025
June 25, 2025
Don’t Stop Me Now
Tonight, I'm gonna have myself a real good time
I feel alive
And the world, I'll turn it inside out, yeah
I'm floatin' around in ecstasy
So don't stop me now
Don't stop me
'Cause I'm havin' a good time
Havin' a good time
That lyric from Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now” says it all, because tonight at Beber Camp, we were absolutely on fire. The staff talent show is always a highlight, but this year’s performances brought the house down. From hilarious sketches to heartfelt songs and a few unexpected surprises, the evening captured exactly what we mean when we talk about the Beber Belief of Spirit & Fun.
And just when it felt like the night couldn’t get any better, Maccabiah broke. During what seemed like an ordinary card trick, one of our staff members began flipping over playing cards, one by one… until it spelled out M-A-C-C-A-B-I-A-H. The room exploded. Cheers, chants, color reveals, it was one of those magical moments only camp can create. We wanted this year to be more of a surprise and I believe the mission was accomplished.
The buzz built throughout the day. Campers fueled up with egg and cheese bake and French toast for breakfast, devoured nachos at lunch, and wrapped up the day with an indoor BBQ dinner that felt like a party in itself. The energy around camp was undeniable, and now we know why.
As all of this unfolds, I’ve been thinking a lot about the people who help make these moments happen. Our summer staff is an incredible mix of homegrown leaders and talented specialists. Building this team is a year-round process, and every role matters - from warm, nurturing counselors to skilled instructors who teach everything from windsurfing to guitar. Today I stopped by a Mah Jong lesson, peeked in on Model Rocketry, and watched a staff member help campers tune their guitars. These quiet moments are just as powerful as the big ones. They’re where growth and connection happen.
Many of our staff members came up through our Teen Leadership Program (TLP), a foundational part of our culture and a critical pipeline to future leadership. We also work with amazing international partners like CampCounselors USA, Camp America, and The Jewish Agency for Israel to bring in global talent through the J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa Program. This U.S. government-sponsored program promotes cultural exchange by allowing international students and young professionals to work at camps like Beber. It’s a meaningful two-way experience. Our campers benefit from global perspectives, and our international staff bring home friendships, memories, and professional growth that stay with them long after summer ends.
Want to put faces to the names making the magic happen? Meet Our Summer Staff
With respect to the hobby program and cabin activities, the staff training doesn’t begin on day one of camp. It begins months earlier, as Area Directors work to define goals, plan programming, and support counselors in their development. By the time Staff Week rolls around, lesson plans are coming to life and each program area is set up for success.
I’ve been getting updates from our CITs, who are currently spending the week at Rocky Mountain Village – Easter Seals Colorado. It’s been an incredibly meaningful and hands-on experience. Each day, our CITs are paired one-on-one with a different camper with special needs, supporting them as they move through the day’s activities, everything from fishing and arts and crafts to the climbing wall and evening programs. Last night included both a campfire and karaoke party, and tonight wraps up with a dance party. It’s a week that’s stretching our CITs in the best ways, building empathy, responsibility, and leadership in real time.
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I’m a shooting star leaping through the sky / Like a tiger defying the laws of gravity… That’s what tonight felt like. A camp full of spirit, bursting with fun, and ready to soar. And I can’t wait for Maccabiah tomorrow!
Trivia Time! Yesterday’s question was: Who sang “Dirty Laundry?” Answer: Don Henley
Congratulations to the following people who answered correctly
- Heather Carp
- Julie Houghton
Today’s trivia: Who sang “Don’t Stop Me Now?” Send your answer to trivia@bebercamp.com for a chance to be featured in tomorrow’s blog!
Peace, Love, 3BC,
Michael