Director's Corner, Thursday, June 25, 2026

Thursday, June 25, 2026

We are the world
We are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day, so let's start giving
There's a choice we're making
We're saving our own lives
It's true we'll make a better day, just you and me

“We are the world–united in color.” This is the quote that shaped First Session 2026 Maccabiah, as campers and staff united as one today in an amazing, energetic display of Beber friendship and energy. Once a session, campers and staff celebrate Maccabiah (Color Wars), and are split into four teams: Red, Yellow, Green, and Blue. Through spectacular sports matches, riveting trivia, cheerful challenges, creative competitions, and nonstop team spirit, every camper had the opportunity to shine today while building unforgettable memories with friends old and new.

From the outside, Maccabiah can look like a day of spirited competition. And yes, it certainly is. But what I love most is what happens beneath the surface.

Throughout the day, I watched older campers encouraging younger campers they had only met a week ago. I saw counselors pouring every ounce of energy into helping their teams succeed while making sure every camper felt included. I heard cheers not just after victories, but after someone simply gave their best effort.

That's what makes Maccabiah so special. It reminds us that competition and community can exist together. We celebrate effort, teamwork, resilience, and spirit just as much as the final score. Those are lessons that last long after the colorful shirts are put away.

Our team themes this session reflect how united we really are. As the Senior Ramot blue team captains said in their speech, it is impossible to contemplate one of these themes without recognizing how integrated each one of them is with the others. Our team themes today were:

• Red Team: Hearts of Courage
• Yellow Team: Light of Inspiration
• Green Team: Earth of Growth
• Blue Team: Ocean of Hope

Courage, inspiration, growth, and hope are all integral parts of not only Maccabiah today, but of Beber every day. Campers demonstrate courage when they show up to camp for the first time, try a new piece of equipment on the challenge course, make new friends, and encourage their peers during hobbies. Inspiration finds us all at camp, in the counselors who lead with kindness and enthusiasm, in the campers who persevere through challenges, and in the everyday moments that remind us of what we can accomplish together. Growth is evident in every new skill learned, every friendship formed, and every camper who leaves more confident than when they arrived. Hope shines through in the excitement of each new day, the belief that tomorrow brings new opportunities, and the lasting memories that remind campers they are capable, valued, and never alone. 

Maccabiah is more than just a day in a place where we spend a season; it helps create a community where courage is celebrated, inspiration is shared, growth is nurtured, and hope takes root in every camper who comes down the hill.

I am always so grateful to Kym and the rest of the team that makes Maccabiah come together each year. Campers got to participate in an enormous variety of activities today, and the masterminds behind Beber Maccabiah always make sure there are events geared towards every single one of our campers. Today, there was dodgeball, trivia, gaga, sing-downs, running relays, human tables, basketball, swimming events, ultimate frisbee, arts and crafts, and more. Makor and Kesher campers participated in an incredible relay around camp, while Ramot and TLP cheered on Senior Ramot as they built their fires to try to be the first team to burn through their rope to earn points for their team. 

The ruach and creativity of each team were on full display as campers proudly introduced their teams through performances and traditions that reflected their unique identities. Every team performed a dance and sang their team song (all of which were created today!) with enthusiasm, filling the room with energy, laughter, and plenty of team pride. Our Senior Ramot camper captains also unveiled their team banners, showcasing colorful artwork and symbols that represented their team's theme and values. These presentations were more than just performances. They were opportunities for campers to work together, encourage one another, and celebrate the friendships they had already begun to build. Watching each team cheer each other on reminded me that while friendly competition is part of camp, the true victory comes from the sense of belonging and community that grows when everyone has a chance to shine.

Today’s “WorldCabiah” theme has been reminding me of a time-honored Jewish idea: Whoever saves a single life, it is as if they have saved the whole world. We really are, as today’s song says, the world. Each of us as individuals is important and valued, but together, we generate more courage, inspiration, growth, and hope than we could have ever thought possible. 

When older campers include younger campers, they remind them that everyone belongs. When a counselor encourages a camper to try something new, they help build confidence that extends far beyond the summer. When teammates cheer each other on, celebrate one another's successes, and lift each other up after setbacks, they create a community where every person knows they matter. Around Hobby Wheel Field, in hobbies, and with our cabins, we learn that our words and actions have the power to shape the experiences of those around us. Camp teaches us that changing the world doesn't always happen through grand gestures; it happens through kindness, encouragement, and the simple choice to care for one another each and every day. That is what makes our Beber community so special: each individual helps make this small corner of the world brighter, and together, we create something truly extraordinary.

Mazal tov to our First Session 2026 Maccabiah winners, the Red Team! And huge congratulations to every other team as well! Together, we are the world.

United in color,
Michael

P.S. Our meals were wonderful today: cinnamon rolls, grilled cheese with tomato soup, and barbecue brisket sandwiches on pretzel buns.

Yesterday’s song was “Imagine” by John Lennon. Congratulations to our correct answers:

• Kim Sable
• Galite Shafer
• Lana Kimayeva
• Cindy Taitz
• Andy Whitman
• Asheley Victoria
• Patty Shalhav
• Mitch Greenfield
• Dana Saltzman

Can you name the artist behind our Maccabiah song “We Are The World?” Hint: it’s multiple artists! Send your guess to trivia@bebercamp.com, and I'll reveal the answer in tomorrow’s blog!