Director's Corner, Friday, July 17, 2026

You can count on me like one, two, three, I'll be there…
And I know when I need it, I can count on you like four, three, two…

One of the themes we explored today as we prepared for Shabbat was leadership. Leadership is often associated with standing in front of a group, giving directions, or being the loudest voice in the room. But at Beber, we believe leadership often looks much quieter.

At camp, it's easy to think that the best counselors are the ones with the loudest cheers, the funniest jokes, or endless energy. While those things certainly add to the fun, what truly makes a great counselor, and a great leader, is something much simpler: they notice people. They notice the camper sitting alone, the child who finally works up the courage to join a game, or the friend who simply needs someone to sit beside them for a while. The best leaders aren't always the ones getting the attention, they're the ones giving it.

Being a counselor isn't about being perfect. No one has all the answers, and every day brings new challenges. The best counselors know they'll make mistakes, but they show up each day with patience, kindness, and a willingness to learn. They understand that what campers remember most isn't whether every activity went exactly as planned, it's how the people around them made them feel.

Throughout the summer, counselors become role models in ways they often don't even realize. A simple high five after trying something new, remembering a camper's favorite hobby, or asking how they're feeling after a difficult moment can make all the difference. These small acts of care build trust and help campers feel safe, valued, and included.

Some of the biggest moments at camp are actually the quietest ones: a conversation during a walk between activities, words of encouragement before trying the climbing wall, or sharing a laugh in the dining room. These are the moments that remind campers they are seen, appreciated, and important.

At the heart of every unforgettable camp experience is a counselor who chooses to notice. Not because they're perfect, but because they care. Those everyday moments of attention, compassion, and connection are what transform a fun week at camp into an experience that leaves a lasting impact long after the summer has ended.

This morning gave our staff an opportunity to put that kind of leadership into practice. We began the day keeping a close eye on the air quality as smoke from the Canadian wildfires affected our region. Out of an abundance of caution and in consultation with our medical team, we adjusted our schedule and spent the morning indoors. While campers enjoyed breakfast of eggs and potatoes, our indoor spaces were filled with games, activities, laughter, and plenty of energy. Behind the scenes, our counselors and leadership team remained flexible, positive, and focused on one thing: making sure campers continued to have a wonderful day while staying healthy and safe.

As the day went on, the air quality improved, allowing us to return outdoors for the afternoon and enjoy the kind of beautiful summer day we had been hoping for. Campers enjoyed pizza for lunch before settling into the rhythm of a beautiful Friday at camp. It felt especially meaningful to welcome Shabbat outside together. Sometimes the best days at camp aren't the ones that go exactly as planned, they're the ones where caring people quietly adapt, keep smiling, and make sure campers never miss out on the magic of camp.

Tonight, those connections were on full display as camp welcomed Shabbat with one of our most cherished traditions: White Shabbat. Dressed in white to symbolize peace and new beginnings, campers and staff gathered together, creating a beautiful atmosphere that felt both peaceful and celebratory. The evening began with our Shabbat Schmooze on Hobby Wheel Field, where siblings and cousins caught up, campers gathered by bunks, and everyone had the chance to slow down and enjoy being together on this sacred night.

From there, our kehilah kedoshah shared a delicious Shabbat dinner before coming together for meaningful services. As the sun set, the energy shifted from reflective to joyful with lively Israeli dancing that had campers and staff linking arms, singing, and celebrating together.

The night concluded with our beloved song sessions. With voices filling Crown Hall and the Amphitheater and spirits running high, campers ended the evening surrounded by friends, music, and a sense of belonging.

Tonight also marked a very special milestone for our camp community. For the first time, campers and staff prayed together using our beautiful new Beber Friday Night Siddur.

This project has been years in the making. We wanted to create a prayer book that reflects Beber's values, traditions, and unique approach to Jewish life while providing a shared experience for every camper, counselor, and staff member who joins our community. Seeing it in use for the very first time on White Shabbat made the evening even more meaningful.

If you are looking for a meaningful way to honor a loved one, celebrate a special occasion, or create a lasting legacy at Beber, siddur dedications are now available. Each dedication helps strengthen Jewish life at Beber while connecting your family's story to generations of campers to come. To learn more about dedication opportunities, click here. If you'd like to preview the siddur, you can also view the first two pages here.

As I looked around camp tonight, I couldn't help but think back to this morning. The schedule may have changed, but what never changed was the care our counselors showed for every camper. That's the kind of leadership we hope every camper learns at Beber and carries with them long after the summer ends. It's not about being perfect. It's about being present. It's about noticing people, choosing kindness, and making sure those around you know they matter. On this Shabbat, I am especially grateful for the remarkable counselors, staff, and community members who make Beber feel like home, and who remind our campers every day that they always have someone they can count on.

Shabbat Shalom.

Yesterday's song was "Sweet Caroline" by Neil Diamond. Congratulations to our correct answers:

• David Bate
• Nicole Jamison-Dinowitz
• Lillie Burkons
• Barbara Cohen
• Robb Feldman
• Amy Bloomberg
• Jerry Passman

Can you name the artist behind "Count on Me?" Send your guess to trivia@bebercamp.com, and I'll reveal the answer in tomorrow's blog.