Director's Corner, Friday, June 19, 2026
Friday, June 19, 2026
So imagine I was glad to hear you're coming
(Glad to hear you're coming)
Suddenly I feel all right
(And suddenly it's gonna be)
And it's gonna be so different
When I'm on the stage tonight
Tonight the Super Trouper lights are gonna find me
Shining like the sun
(Sup-p-per Troup-p-per)
Smiling, having fun
(Sup-p-per Troup-p-per)
Feeling like a number one
Shabbat at camp is a special time. It is a chance for everyone to slow down, come together as a community, and celebrate the week through songs, prayers, traditions, and meaningful moments with friends.
Tonight marks the first Shabbat of First Session 2026! What they say is true: at camp, the sunny, activity-filled days can feel like weeks, but the weeks go by so quickly that they feel like days. It is an honor to spend Shabbat at the end of each week with our campers and our wonderful staff.
Tonight, for the first time, campers and staff prayed from our beautiful new Beber Friday Night Siddur. We undertook this project because we wanted a prayer book that reflects Beber's values, traditions, and approach to Jewish life while creating a shared experience for every camper and staff member who walks through our community. If you are looking for a meaningful way to honor a loved one, celebrate a special occasion, or create a lasting legacy at camp, 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 - learn more here. If you want to see the first two pages, click here.
Today was filled with joy, creativity, and adventure as campers enjoyed Day Four of our first Hobby Week. Each session includes three five-day Hobby Weeks, giving campers the opportunity to explore their interests and develop new skills. When hobbies aren’t running, the remaining days are packed with exciting experiences like three-day trips, Makor Mania, Maccabiah, and more!
After a delicious breakfast of eggs and potatoes, I spent part of First Hobby period out on Lake Beulah in one of our ski boats, simply taking in everything happening on the waterfront. It is always impressive to watch campers waterskiing, sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, and kayaking, but what struck me most today was not what I saw. It was what I heard. Across the water were the sounds of camp at its best: laughter, encouragement, cheering, and pure joy. There is something special about hearing hundreds of campers fully engaged, having fun, and enjoying summer together. It is difficult to describe, but it brought a smile to my face and reminded me once again how lucky we are to call this place home.
As I headed back toward shore for a delectable pizza lunch, I heard one final eruption of cheers coming from the volleyball courts. Earlier in the week, I had watched campers and counselors playing together there, and today the week came full circle when the campers defeated the counselors in a spirited match. Judging by the celebration, it was a victory they will be talking about for quite some time.
As hobbies wrapped up for the day, campers began preparing for Shabbat. This evening, the entire camp came together for Shabbat Schmooze, a special time to relax, connect with friends, and celebrate the community that makes Beber feel like a home away from home. After sharing highlights from the week and expressing gratitude during cabin circles, everyone gathered in the dining hall for Shabbat dinner. Our incredible kitchen team prepared a traditional and nostalgic meal featuring challah, chicken noodle soup, roast chicken, broccoli, potatoes, and more. The evening continued with meaningful and reflective Shabbat services, followed by Israeli dancing filled with ruach and excitement. We closed the night with lively song sessions, filling the Amphitheater and Crown Hall with music, energy, and joy. It was a beautiful way to welcome Shabbat and celebrate another unforgettable week at camp.
Shabbat Shalom,
Michael
Yesterday’s song was With A Little Help From My Friends by The Beatles and/or Joe Cocker. Congratulations to our correct answers:
- Daniel LaDeur
- Michelle Tasman
- Shari Graham
- Yair Bernstein
- Jill Rivkin
- Carrie Goldman
- Patty Shalhav
- Galite Shafer
- Asheley Victoria
- Stephanie Shaikun
- Kim Sable
- Amy Bloomberg
- Andy Whitman
- Mitch Greenfield
Can you name the artist behind the song “Super Trouper?” Send your guess to trivia@bebercamp.com, and I'll reveal the answer in tomorrow’s blog!