Director's Corner, Monday, July 28, 2025

Monday, July 28, 2025

Best Day Of My Life

I had a dream so big and loud
I jumped so high, I touched the clouds
Whoa-oh-oh-oh, oh, oh-oh, oh (Whoa-oh-oh-oh, oh, oh-oh, oh)
I stretched my hands out to the sky
We danced with monsters through the night
Whoa-oh-oh-oh, oh, oh-oh, oh (Whoa-oh-oh-oh, oh, oh-oh, oh)

From flagpole to evening program, it was such a fun day! The morning buzzed with regular cabin routines and the first day for our last round of hobbies. The weather was pretty hot again today, but with not a cloud in the sky, it was beautiful to be here at Beber Camp.

This morning was Swim the Lake! The campers that chose to do so were up around 5:30 AM, getting ready for a challenge they had prepared for over at least two weeks. We are incredibly proud of every camper who participated, and deeply grateful to all the staff who paddled alongside them, offering support the whole way. What an accomplishment!

Hobby 1 was such a fun time for me. I was able to visit the basketball hobby and play a bit. Campers and staff were warming up by playing 7 seconds and knockout. I also headed over to the archery hobby on upper camp. What a great setup they have there! So many campers were hitting the bullseye on the first day! 

Next to the bullseye haystacks, we also have a slingshot paintball. We've got two old waterskiing boats parked on the grass—one with a dummy head sticking out, and the other topped with a fox perfectly aligned with its tip! Plus, there are other paint-splattered animal objects scattered across the field. It's a really unique and amusing sight! And it’s a great activity!

Today’s menu was one of my favorites!
Breakfast: Chocolate Chip Pancakes
Lunch: Taco’s (hard AND soft shells), guacamole and chips
Dinner: Pasta and bread sticks 

This afternoon, our Kesher and Ramot campers eagerly packed for their upcoming three-day trips, buzzing with anticipation for the adventures ahead. Tomorrow promises excitement as they embark on their chosen journeys, ready to create lasting memories. I plan to share more about our tripping program in tomorrow's post.

Behind the scenes, our leadership team meticulously prepared for the upcoming trips, ensuring every detail was covered. The kitchen stocked provisions, the program team readied supplies, and the tripping team organized gear. Trip leaders underwent thorough training with the health center to address any medical needs, all while seamlessly managing the ongoing camp activities.

This afternoon, Ramot had a special cabin activity led by an organization called TribeTalk. The session focused on how to combat antisemitism. It began with a discussion of historical points in Judaism and world history, highlighting how antisemitism has resurfaced today. The session concluded with practical advice on commonly used hashtags, in-person conversation starters, and real-life scenarios for combating antisemitism. I am truly grateful that TribeTalk was able to come to our camp this summer to educate our Teen Leadership and Ramot campers. This was the first year we've offered such a program, and I believe it has been impactful and helpful in providing our older campers not only with knowledge about antisemitism but also with the tools to combat it if they choose to engage in such situations.

Later in the day, campers and staff gathered for the All-Camp Talent Show, featuring the top acts from each division. The Senior Ramot girls even added their own touch with custom lyrics that reflected their experiences at Beber, showcasing the diverse talents within our community.

Talent shows at Beber are more than just entertaining evenings filled with singing, dancing, and laughter; they enrich our community in numerous ways. For many campers, the talent show is their first opportunity to step into the spotlight and share their passions with an audience. Whether it's performing a favorite song, displaying a hidden talent, or participating in a skit with friends, getting up on stage fosters a sense of confidence and accomplishment. The supportive environment of camp encourages campers to take risks and celebrate their successes, no matter how big or small.

Talent shows are not just about the performers; they are a communal event where the entire camp comes together to support one another. The audience’s cheers, applause, and encouragement create a sense of unity and belonging. It's a night where we all come together to celebrate each other's strengths and cheer on our friends, reinforcing the strong bonds that make our camp community feel like a family.

There were so many funny acts tonight! We saw everything from an 8-year-old camper singing "Sweet Caroline" to gymnastics routines, diablo tricks, and even songs and dances from our CITs and Senior Ramot campers. What a great way to bring all of camp together before sending Ramot and Kesher off for their three-day trips tomorrow and kicking off Makor Mania for our younger campers here!

As we cap off another incredible day at Beber, filled with everything from lively hobbies and impactful TribeTalk sessions to the dazzling All-Camp Talent Show, it's clear that every moment here truly feels like the "Best Day Of My Life." With Kesher and Ramot embarking on their exciting three-day trips tomorrow and Makor Mania on the horizon, the energy and joy are palpable. We're consistently reaching for the sky, creating unforgettable memories, and experiencing the pure magic that only Beber Camp can provide.

P.S. Congratulations to the following who knew that Eyal Golan sang "Am Israel Chai”

• Ronit Ripes

P.S.S. - Today’s question: Who sang “Best Day Of My Life?” Email your answer to trivia@bebercamp.com for a shoutout in tomorrow’s blog!