Director's Corner, Tuesday, August 4, 2026
Tuesday, August 4, 2026
You would not believe your eyes if ten million fireflies
Lit up the world as I fell asleep
'Cause they'd fill the open air and leave teardrops everywhere
You'd think me rude, but I would just stand and stare
I'd like to make myself believe
That planet Earth turns slowly
It's hard to say that I'd rather stay awake when I'm asleep
'Cause everything is never as it seems
As camp begins to wind down, I find myself looking around a little more carefully.
It's easy to think about how we'll miss the big moments like Maccabiah, 3-day trips, the talent shows, and Banquet. And we will. Yet, over the years, I've learned that it's often the little things that stay with us the longest.
Camp is built on routines. We walk the same paths, gather in the same places, and share hundreds of small moments every day. They may not seem remarkable while they're happening, but over the course of a summer, those ordinary moments become the memories we carry with us long after camp ends.
Today was another reminder to appreciate those everyday moments while also celebrating one of camp's biggest traditions: the musical!
Last year, we began a new tradition of performing the same musical during each session, and it has quickly become one of our favorite camp traditions. For our Second Session-only campers, the experience is as fresh and exciting as ever. For our eight-week campers, it's just as magical to see an entirely new cast step into beloved roles, bringing their own personalities, energy, and creativity to the stage. With a few new songs, fresh lines, and plenty of surprises sprinkled throughout, each performance feels uniquely its own. So, just as our incredible First Session campers wowed audiences with Shrek, our Second Session campers took the stage tonight and delivered an unforgettable performance of their own. and even some new songs and lines sprinkled in. So, just as our incredible campers performed Shrek during First Session, so too did our Second Session campers perform Shrek tonight!
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From the moment the curtain opened, the audience was transported straight to the swamp. Our campers fully embraced their characters, filling the stage with humor, heart, and confidence. Every scene was met with enthusiastic laughter, applause, and smiles as the story came to life through their hard work and dedication. It was impossible not to be swept up in the adventure alongside Shrek, Fiona, Donkey, and the rest of the unforgettable cast of fairy tale characters.
More than anything, tonight was a celebration of our campers' growth. The courage to step onto a stage, the teamwork required to put on a full musical, and the joy of performing for camp friends were all on full display. I am incredibly proud of every camper who contributed to the production—whether in a leading role, as part of the ensemble, backstage, or helping make the magic happen in countless other ways. Their enthusiasm, commitment, and talent shone brightly, making for a truly captivating evening and another wonderful reminder of the unforgettable experiences that make camp so special.
In between all of the excitement leading up to tonight's performance, today was one of our favorite kinds of camp days—a hobby day! Campers had the chance to spend the day diving into activities they love, trying something new, and enjoying a change of pace with friends. Whether they were creating, competing, exploring, or simply having fun together, it was a great example of how some of the best camp memories are made in these everyday moments.
Today also brought a couple of special moments that celebrated both our camp spirit and our rich history. Our Kesher and Ramot campers faced off in their all-star baseball game, filling the field with friendly competition, teamwork, and lots of cheering from their fellow campers.
We also unveiled the new Beber History Room, a space in our Sycamores building dedicated to preserving and sharing the story of our camp. From Camp Burr Oaks, which once stood where Beber is today, to learning about our founder, Sam Beber, and exploring photos and memories from every decade of camp, the room is a wonderful reminder of the generations of campers and staff who have helped make Beber the special place it is today.
While it's always fun to look back on Beber's history, one of my favorite parts of each day is getting to experience the moments that will become tomorrow's camp memories. One of my favorite parts of the day is walking around during GA and chatting with campers. I always enjoy seeing what they're working on and hearing about the highlights of their day. These GA conversations and shared laughs are some of my favorite camp moments, and they're a great reminder of the friendships and confidence that continue to grow throughout the summer.
Of course, a great camp day isn't complete without great camp food! We started the morning with warm waffles topped with sweet strawberry compote, enjoyed comforting grilled cheese sandwiches with tomato soup for lunch, and wrapped up the day with a taco dinner before everyone headed off to get ready for the big show. With full stomachs and excited hearts, our campers took the stage ready to shine—and they certainly did! With just a few days left in the session, we are all looking forward to making the most of this time we have together and all the fun camp has in store.
Peace, Love, 3BC,
Michael
Yesterday's song was "Teach Your Children" by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. Congratulations to our correct answers:
- Barbara Cohen
- Amy Bloomberg
Can you name the artist behind "Fireflies?" Send your guess to trivia@bebercamp.com, and I'll reveal the answer in tomorrow's blog.