Director's Corner, Friday, June 26, 2026

Friday, June 26, 2026

Say what you wanna say
And let the words fall out
Honestly, I wanna see you be brave
With what you want to say
And let the words fall out
Honestly, I wanna see you be brave

Shabbat Shalom! I hope you have all had a restful evening and are looking forward to a peaceful Shabbat wherever you are in the world. I look forward to camp Shabbat every week. Shabbat here at Beber is such a happy time, where siblings reunite, friends smile and laugh, and campers and counselors reflect on an amazing week.

All of camp joined Ramot with a late 9am wakeup to allow campers and staff to regain the energy that they expended yesterday on our incredible day of Maccabiah. It was amazing to watch everyone giving their all for their teams and showing incredible sportsmanship, enthusiasm, and ruach throughout the day.

We were back to our regularly scheduled hobbies today! Today was Day Four of Hobby Week 2. It’s hard to believe we are nearly halfway through this session, but when I think back on all the amazing memories campers have made, friendships that have been created, and sunshine we’ve had, I know we’ll continue to have an incredible rest of the session these next couple of weeks.

Today, the Beber community felt a little fuller because our CITs are back! Our counselors in training spent the last week in Colorado, where they participated in a formative internship program. The Colorado internship is an opportunity for the CITs to gain experience and skills in childcare, programming, and Jewish life at another Jewish summer camp. This year, the CITs were at Shwayder Camp for six days, where they worked with campers of all ages, took part in activities, learned about Shwayder’s traditions, and ran two amazing evening programs. They also got to go whitewater rafting and explored Idaho Springs (a small, former goldmining town) for a day! This Colorado internship helps to build our CITs’ skills in preparation for living in bunk second session. I am so proud of all of our CITs and cannot wait to watch them continue to thrive this summer and beyond.

This evening marked our second Shabbat as a First Session 2026 community. This Shabbat’s theme is Courage, one of our Beber Jewish values. Courage manifests itself everywhere at camp: in campers trying a new activity, introducing themselves to someone new, speaking up for what is right, supporting a friend who needs encouragement, and embracing challenges with confidence and resilience. I see our campers demonstrate courage all the time in hobbies, when leading flagpole, onstage in Crown Hall, and truly everywhere else on camp. 

Our services tonight were, as always, beautiful and meaningful. I’d like to take a moment to thank Lara, Brady, Victoria, and special guest Frannie (on the clarinet!), as well as all of our other campers and staff who make Shabbat what it is. As we welcomed Shabbat together tonight, we reflected on the many ways our campers and staff have demonstrated courage throughout the week and celebrated the growth that comes from stepping outside of our comfort zones. 

Following Shabbat services, all of camp joined together on the basketball courts for Israeli dancing, followed by divisional song sessions in the Amphitheater and Crown Hall. One of my favorite parts of camp is the incredible energy that fills moments like these. Watching campers and staff of all ages singing, dancing, and celebrating together is a powerful reminder of the joy and sense of belonging that make our community so special. The ruach was contagious, and tonight was the perfect way to welcome Shabbat as one camp family.

Our meals today were scrambled eggs with potatoes for breakfast, pizza for lunch, and our classic Shabbat dinner feast: chicken, broccoli, mashed potatoes, and our wonderful salad bar. And, of course, no Shabbat dinner would be complete without challah and grape juice! We had an incredibly meaningful and fun evening as a kehilah kedoshah (holy community) tonight, and we are looking forward to a rejuvenating and unforgettable weekend (and another late wakeup for Shabbat tomorrow!).

Shabbat Shalom,
Michael

Yesterday’s song was “We Are The World,” recorded in 1985 by USA for Africa (written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie). Congratulations to our correct answers:

• Heidi Brett
• Hagit Tambor
• Mitch Greenfield
• Andy Whitman
• Patty Shalhav
• Amy Bloomberg

Can you name the artist behind the song “Brave?” Send your guess to trivia@bebercamp.com, and I'll reveal the answer in tomorrow’s blog!

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