Director's Corner, Thursday, June 11, 2026
Thursday, June 11, 2026
On my way, on my way
On my way, on my way
I would like to reach out my hand
Oombayseeyou, oombaytellyou to run (on my way, on my way)
In just a few days, campers will be on their way to Beber!
After months of planning, preparation, shopping trips, packing lists, and countdowns, we are finally on the doorstep of Summer 2026. The excitement around camp is building every day, and while our campers are still at home, camp itself has already come to life.
Full staff training began last Friday, and each day camp feels a little more complete. Yesterday marked one of my favorite milestones of the preseason as counselors officially moved into their cabins. Beds were made, cabins cleaned, and the spaces that will soon be filled with laughter, friendships, and memories began to feel like home.
One of the things I love most about staff training is watching community form before campers ever arrive.
At Beber, we intentionally create opportunities for staff to build relationships with one another. During these first days, counselors are assigned to Mishpacha groups, bringing together people from different backgrounds, experiences, and program areas. They learn together, problem solve together, laugh together, and begin building the connections that will support them throughout the summer.
At the same time, they are getting to know their program area teams and, just yesterday, learned which divisions they will be working with this summer. Every day another piece of the puzzle comes together.
These moments matter.
When campers arrive, they will see counselors leading activities, cheering at flagpole, teaching skills, and helping them navigate camp life. What they won't see are the countless hours being invested right now to build a strong staff community. Those relationships become the foundation for everything that follows.
Campers feel it when counselors know and trust one another. They feel it when staff support one another. They feel it when everyone is working toward the same goal: creating an incredible summer.
As we enter these final days before camp begins, I know many families are experiencing a mix of excitement and nerves. That's normal. In fact, it would be unusual if there weren't some butterflies.
If you haven't already, I encourage you to take a look at two recent resources we shared:
Managing Before-Camp Worries for Parents and Campers
https://www.bebercamp.com/news/managing-before-camp-worries-for-parents-and-campers
How to Write a Meaningful Camp Letter
https://www.bebercamp.com/news/how-to-write-a-meaningful-camp-letter
Whether you're preparing for your first summer or your fifteenth, both articles offer helpful suggestions as we get ready for Opening Day.
As I walk around camp this week, I am reminded that while we spend the offseason improving facilities, planning programs, training staff, and preparing every detail, what makes Beber special has always been the people.
- The counselors who arrived last week ready to make a difference.
- The campers counting down the days.
- The first-time campers wondering what camp will be like.
- The returning campers who already know the magic that awaits.
- And the families who have entrusted us with their children.
The countdown is almost over. We cannot wait to welcome everyone home.
Peace, Love, 3BC,
Michael
Last Week's Music Trivia
Last week's song was These Are Days by 10,000 Maniacs. Congratulations to our correct answers:
- Ali Cantor
- Ashley Meneese
- Dennis Plankar
- Carly Pinzur
- Jill Rivkin
Can you name the song and artist from the lyrics at the top of this week's Director's Corner? Send your guess to trivia@bebercamp.com, and I'll reveal the answer in the first official blog of Summer 2026!