Director's Corner, Thursday, June 18, 2026

Thursday, June 18, 2026

What would you think if I sang out of tune?
Would you stand up and walk out on me?
Lend me your ears and I'll sing you a song
And I'll try not to sing out of key
Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends
Mm, I get high with a little help from my friends
Mm, gonna try with a little help from my friends

A number of years ago, when I became Camp Director, I found myself thinking about a simple question: How would we know if we were succeeding?

Of course, we could measure participation, retention, and all kinds of other numbers. But what I really cared about was something harder to quantify: How were our staff showing up for one another and for our campers every day?

That led to the creation of what we call the Beber Beliefs. They were never meant to be a list of rules. Instead, they became a set of shared expectations and values that help guide how we work, lead, and build community together. They remind us that camp is not just about what we do, but how we do it.

The five Beber Beliefs are Pride & Ownership, Spirit & Fun, Kindness & Gratitude, Health & Wellness, and Values & Connection. If you spend a day at camp, you can see them everywhere. You see Pride & Ownership when a counselor takes responsibility for a cabin or activity. You see Spirit & Fun in the energy that fills the courts, waterfront, and dining hall. You see Kindness & Gratitude in the way campers and staff care for one another. You see Health & Wellness in the choices we make to keep our community safe and thriving. And you see Values & Connection in the friendships, traditions, and Jewish experiences that bring meaning to camp life.

Over time, the Beber Beliefs became woven into the fabric of camp. Today, we recognize staff members who exemplify them through our Beber Belief Awards, and we challenge campers to live them as well. Whether it's showing kindness when no one is watching, stepping up to help a friend, embracing responsibility, or making our community stronger, these beliefs help define the kind of place we strive to be.

One of the things I love most is that the Beber Beliefs are not something posted on a wall and forgotten. They are alive in the daily actions of our campers and staff. When I see someone living one of those beliefs, I am reminded that success at camp is not measured only by the activities we run or the memories we create, but by the people we help shape along the way.

As I shared with our CITs yesterday, our mission explains why Beber Camp exists. The Beber Beliefs help us understand how we bring that mission to life each day. Together, they help shape the community we aspire to be and the experience we hope every camper carries home.

Our Pios returned today from their three-day trip, bringing home countless memories and strengthened friendships! From teambuilding games to changing the color of the bonfire, the group had an incredible time away, enjoying new experiences and building connections with peers from both sessions in their age group. For many of our Pios, this trip marked the first opportunity to spend significant time with (or even meet) the campers their age from the other session. Throughout the trip, campers formed new friendships, deepened existing ones, and created a sense of community that extends well beyond their previous session. From shared adventures and late-night conversations to plenty of laughter along the way, the trip was a meaningful experience that highlighted the power of Values & Connection and the special bonds that make camp such a unique place.

On the Spirit & Fun front, our other campers enjoyed a ruach-filled day at the waterparks! Out-of-camp adventures are always a highlight, and today was no exception. After fueling up with a breakfast of scrambled eggs and fruit turnovers, campers grabbed bag lunches and headed off for a day of excitement. Kesher spent the day at Noah’s Ark, while Makor, Ramot, and our CITs made a splash at Mt. Olympus. Noah’s Ark offered endless fun with its waterslides, lazy rivers, wave pools, and more. Meanwhile, Mt. Olympus provided the perfect combination of waterpark attractions and roller coasters, giving our campers of all ages plenty of opportunities for adventure and excitement. Our exhilarating day ended with a delicious pizza dinner at both theme parks. From splashing and sliding to laughing and bonding with friends, it was a fantastic day filled with memories that will last long after summer ends.

Whether they were racing down waterslides, floating along lazy rivers, or cheering on friends throughout the day, our campers embraced every moment with enthusiasm and joy. Beyond the fun, these experiences provided opportunities to put our Beber Beliefs into action. Our campers built friendships, included others, demonstrated responsibility, and created a strong sense of community. Days like today remind us that some of the most meaningful growth happens when campers step outside their routines, try something new, and share unforgettable experiences together.

Peace, Love, 3BC,

Michael

Yesterday’s song was Waitin’ on a Sunny Day by Bruce Springsteen. Congratulations to our correct answers:

• Billie Gluskin
• Shari Graham
• Michael Kirsch

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