Director's Corner, Monday, July 27, 2026

Monday, July 27, 2026

You just call out my name
And you know, wherever I am
I'll come runnin'
To see you again
Winter, spring, summer or fall
All you have to do is call
And I'll be there
You've got a friend

If you’re a regular reader of my blog posts, you know by now that I enjoy and appreciate the seemingly small moments at camp. I’ve spoken in recent weeks about camp’s soundtrack, as well as the feeling one gets from being here. Today, I’ve had something related on my mind: the quiet acts of kindness between campers and staff alike.

Perhaps the most special parts of camp are the moments that aren’t captured for social media or highlighted in the daily photo albums. They’re the simple interactions that happen naturally throughout the day: an older camper helping a younger one tie a shoe before heading to an activity, a counselor taking an extra few minutes to listen to a camper who needs to talk, or friends making room for someone who’s feeling left out. These moments rarely come with applause, but they leave a lasting impression.

Kindness at camp often shows up in ways that seem ordinary. A water bottle is refilled without being asked. Encouraging words are shared after a difficult challenge. A high five is offered after someone tries something new, whether they succeed or not. These small gestures create an environment where campers feel safe to be themselves, take healthy risks, and grow.

Today, I’d like to share with you some quiet acts of kindness I’ve witnessed at camp this session:

• A staff member picking up a piece of trash on Hobby Wheel Field when she thought no one was watching
• A camper helping a cabinmate get up after he fell and making sure he was okay
• A camper helping her cabinmate braid challah after finishing hers early in the challah baking cabin activity
• A whole division cheering on a camper as he stepped out of his comfort zone to perform at the talent show

What makes these moments so meaningful is that they become contagious. One act of kindness inspires another, and before long, it becomes part of the culture. Campers notice it. Staff notice it. Even visitors can feel it. It's one of the many reasons camp feels different from everyday life.

Today at camp was full of fun, flexibility, and plenty of time together! Makor and Kesher kicked off the morning with breakfast and cabin activities, while Ramot enjoyed their regular late breakfast. Today's menu featured a camp favorite, pancakes, which was the perfect way to start the day.

With some rainy weather rolling in, campers stayed cozy inside their cabins for Hobby 1. While the schedule looked a little different than usual, the fun certainly didn't stop. Cabins spent the morning playing games, building forts, and sharing lots of laughs with friends. After a delicious lunch of pizza wheels and poke bowls, everyone enjoyed a relaxing rest hour before heading off to Hobby 2 as planned. We extended Hobby 2 a little longer to wait out the weather, and once it cleared, campers were able to make their way to Hobby 3 before wrapping up the afternoon with cabin activities.

Dinner tonight was fajitas, giving everyone a chance to refuel before an exciting evening. After GA, the entire camp came together for the All-Camp Talent Show. It was such a wonderful way to end the day, with campers and staff cheering each other on, celebrating everyone's unique talents, and making memories together that are sure to last a long time. Between all of their dancing, singing, jumping rope, diaboloing (is that a verb?), and more, I am so proud of all of our campers who stepped outside of their comfort zones onstage tonight.

As another week unfolds, I hope our campers remember that the biggest difference they can make doesn't always come from grand accomplishments. Sometimes it's the quiet decision to include someone, offer encouragement, cheer on a friend at a talent show, or lend a helping hand. Those are the moments that shape memories just as much as campfires, games, and adventures, and often, they last much longer.

Peace, Love, 3BC,
Michael

Yesterday's song was "Beautiful Day" by U2. Congratulations to our correct answers:

• Bari Bate
• Nicole Jamison-Dinowitz
• Shana Sexton
• Jenny Wood
• Scott Shapiro
• Amy Bloomberg
• Abby Taylor
• Lillie Burkons
• Heather Shapiro
• Brian Berns

Can you name the artist behind "You’ve Got a Friend?" Send your guess to trivia@bebercamp.com, and I'll reveal the answer in tomorrow's blog.