Director's Corner, Sunday, July 26, 2026
It's a beautiful day
Don't let it get away
It's a beautiful day
People often ask me what I do all day at camp. The truth is, there really isn't a typical day. Every morning starts with a plan, and by lunchtime that plan has usually changed three times. But that's part of the beauty of camp.
As I walk across camp, I don't just see activities. I see moments.
I see a nervous first-time camper walking into a hobby, only to come out an hour later smiling because they made a new friend and learned a new skill.
I hear the sound of boats pulling away from the dock, tennis balls bouncing on the courts, laughter echoing from the pool, music drifting out of the recording studio, and cheers coming from a spontaneous game of Gaga. As I mentioned last week, every part of camp has its own soundtrack.
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I stop by the Health Center to check in with our nurses, pop into the kitchen to thank the staff preparing hundreds of meals, visit the office where parents' phone calls are answered, and spend time with our maintenance and housekeeping teams making sure camp looks beautiful and stays safe. Most campers never think about these things, but they couldn't have the experience they do without them.
I'll wander through the farm and see campers feeding the animals, stop at Arts & Crafts where a project is slowly becoming a masterpiece, peek into Crown Hall where music is being rehearsed, and make my way to the waterfront, where someone is standing up on waterskis for the very first time. You can almost hear their confidence growing.
The best part is that no one day looks exactly like the last. One moment I'm talking with a seven-year-old about the frog they found on the path. The next I'm meeting with staff about tomorrow's schedule. Then I'm answering a parent's email before heading to watch a camper perform in the talent show. Every conversation is different, but they all share one thing in common: they're about helping young people have the summer of their lives.
By the time evening arrives, camp begins to change again. The energy shifts. The rush of hobbies and schedules gives way to something a little different. Campers gather with their cabins, evening programs bring divisions together, and as the sun begins to set over Lake Beulah, there's a feeling that everyone can slow down just enough to enjoy being together. It's one of my favorite times of day. As I make one last walk around camp before heading home, I often pause for a moment. I look out across the lake, hear the sounds of another day coming to an end, and think about how lucky I am to witness all of this.
From my perspective, camp isn't just a collection of activities. It's thousands of small moments of kindness, courage, laughter, friendship, and growth happening all at once. Most people would call it an ordinary day.
From where I stand, there's nothing ordinary about it.
An extraordinary part of today began just as the sun peeked over the horizon of Lake Beulah: Staff Swim the Lake! Each session, campers get the opportunity to swim all the way across the lake one morning late in the session. It’s important that staff get to experience similar fun activities, so each summer, we also host an optional Beber Staff Swim the Lake.
Those staff members who choose to participate gather early in the morning, long before the rest of camp is awake, to make the journey across the lake together. With the rising sun lighting the water and fellow staff cheering one another on, the swim is both a fun challenge and a memorable bonding experience. Whether they are strong swimmers or simply eager to try something new, everyone who took part finished with a tremendous sense of accomplishment, and maybe a little extra appreciation for what our campers will experience later in the session!
Another extraordinary part of today was Israel Day! Campers came together for a full day of Israel-themed programming, participating in special divisional activities in both the morning and afternoon, with their regular hobbies woven throughout the day.
The divisional activities were engaging, energetic, and wonderful to watch. Campers tackled Israeli "army bootcamp" obstacle courses, worked together through team-building challenges, competed in Jewish holiday-themed charades, cooled down with drip-drip-drop, and took part in a variety of more games and activities that celebrated Israeli culture while strengthening friendships and cooperation.
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Our Ramot campers also had the opportunity to hear from representatives from TribeTalk, an organization dedicated to helping young Jews recognize and combat antisemitism. Through thoughtful discussion and interactive learning, campers explored ways to respond with confidence, knowledge, and pride when facing antisemitism, making for a meaningful and age-appropriate addition to an already memorable day.
Perhaps the most iconic part of Israel Day each year is the evening programming, when each division gets to experience a unique activity inspired by Israeli culture. Our Makor campers took part in our classic Shuk, receiving "shekels" that they used to barter with stallholders (our CITs) to score the best deals on snacks, prizes, and other fun items. The lively dining hall marketplace was filled with excitement, friendly negotiation, and plenty of laughter.
Meanwhile, Kesher gathered in the Chapel for Israeli Eurovision, where campers cheered on creative performances, sang along to favorite songs, and celebrated the spirit of one of Israel's most beloved cultural events. Our Ramot campers wrapped up the day with their own version of the hit Israeli television show Anything Goes, competing in hilarious challenges that had participants and spectators alike laughing from start to finish.
From sunrise to evening, I saw Israel Day packed with meaningful learning, spirited competition, and unforgettable memories. It was a wonderful celebration of Israeli culture and community, and one of the highlights of the summer for campers and staff alike.
Peace, Love, 3BC,
Michael
Yesterday's song was "We Are Family" by Sister Sledge. Congratulations to our correct answers:
- Lillie Burkons
- Nicole Jamison-Dinowitz
- Barbara Cohen
- Amy Bloomberg
- Jessica Fonoroff
Can you name the artist behind "Beautiful Day?" Send your guess to trivia@bebercamp.com, and I'll reveal the answer in tomorrow's blog.