Fifty Summers of Beber: A Night to Remember
October 25, 2025, was more than a date — it was a milestone.
More than 200 alumni, staff, families, and friends gathered to celebrate 50 summers of Beber Camp — fifty years of laughter, friendship, and Jewish joy. The evening overflowed with energy and connection as generations came together to honor the legacy that began in 1976 and continues to thrive today.
The celebration began with an intimate VIP Reception, featuring a State of Camp address from Camp Director Michael Wax, followed by a informative Q&A moderated by Executive Director, Harrell Wittenstein with Beber’s first two directors, Brett Skolnick and Len Keilin.
The main banquet program opened with performances from the Beber Band, Russell Wiener, Brett Fromson, and Alex Pomerantz, and included tributes to the Perlman, Klutznick, and Beber families, as well as longtime board members Ron Sonenthal and Steve Marcus. To close the evening, the staff led the room in Havdalah and Julia Bessen led everyone in a spirited Israeli dancing.
As one alum said that night, “It felt like coming home.”
For those who couldn’t join us, we’re proud to share the full remarks from the evening, reflections that celebrate where we’ve been, and the vision guiding Beber’s next fifty summers.
State of Camp — VIP Reception
If you can hear my voice, clap once. If you can hear my voice, clap two times.
Hi everyone. I’m Michael Wax, and I have the honor of serving as Beber’s Camp Director.
Before I get started, I want to thank Russell for opening with that song. You’re My Home couldn’t be a more fitting way to begin tonight because that’s exactly what Beber has been for me, and for so many of us in this room.
I first came to Beber as a camper in 1982. I didn’t know then that I’d still be here all these years later, certainly not as camp director, but I did know that I’d found a place where I felt safe, supported, and part of something bigger than myself.
And part of what made it feel like home were the people who looked out for me. My very first counselor, Steve Kabot, is here tonight. Steve, thank you for being the kind of counselor who made a nervous kid feel confident and cared for.
And while he wasn’t my bunk counselor, Bennett Gewurz was another person who always took time for me when I was young, someone who cared about me, believed in me, and made camp feel like home.
And years later, when I was in my early twenties, sitting in board meetings with absolutely no concept of business, I had people like Ted Perlman, who probably had every reason to roll his eyes but instead took the time to teach me. Ted, I learned so much from you. You showed me what it means to lead with both heart and wisdom, and that’s something I carry with me every day in this job.
That’s what makes Beber so special. It’s not just the place, it’s the people. It’s the community that surrounds every camper with kindness, friendship, and belonging.
So tonight, before we look ahead, I wanted to start by grounding us in that feeling. Because for fifty summers, this has been more than a camp. It’s been a home for me, for you, and for thousands of others.
And as we celebrate that milestone, I want to share where this home stands today, how it’s thriving, growing, and ready for the next 50 years.
Beber is thriving. And it’s not by accident. There’s a dedicated team that works tirelessly and passionately not just in the summer, but all year long: Harrell, Trudy, Julia, Debbie, Nancy, Stacy, Richard, Richie, Shannon, and Bruce. The full-time team grinds 365 days a year and is a major contributor to the success of this organization.
And before I get too far, I have to thank a few people personally. My parents, who are here tonight, thank you for sending me to Beber so many summers ago. What a gift. And to my wife, Caren, this job is truly one of a kind, and without your support, I wouldn’t be successful. And, of course, Len Keilin and Harrell Wittenstein, for giving me opportunities in my teens and twenties to lead at camp and paving the way for my career.
As we say in Saturday Torah Live (thank you Lowell Lustig), where we explain the Torah portion to the community each week at camp, I want to go “Back, back, back.”
More than fifty summers ago, Beber was just an idea: that Jewish children could come to a tucked-away corner of southeastern Wisconsin and be part of something extraordinary.
We have several people here tonight whose passion and efforts brought camp to life: Brett Skolnick, our first director; Ted Perlman, an original board member who spent decades supporting Beber in countless ways. And of course, the Beber/Abramson and Katelman families and their extended family, whose generosity and vision made all of this possible. I know that Sam Beber would be incredibly proud to see the site today and to know the impact he’s had on thousands of Jewish youth.
And now, here we are, fifty summers later, in 2025, with generations of campers, staff, and alumni who know what it feels like to belong here. That’s pretty incredible.
Our 50th summer, 2025, was amazing, and 2026 is on pace to be even better. We have nearly 700 campers enrolled, representing 28 states across the country. That 680–720 camper range is our sweet spot, the perfect size for energy, community, and connection.
Our staff applications are rolling in earlier than ever. We have a staff community that blends experienced returners with brand-new leaders each summer. Our Teen Leadership programs, the Pioneers and CITs, are true feeders, allowing us to mentor campers who grow into incredible staff.
We’re also fortunate to have many adult staff who return year after year: professionals with deep expertise, from nurses and social workers to educators and specialists. That dedication and passion cannot be replicated. It’s one of the things that makes Beber so unique.
When you look at our program, you can see the balance between tradition and innovation. Water-sports on Lake Beulah, athletics on the fields, arts & crafts, music - they all mix seamlessly with new elements, a state-of-the-art challenge course, an upcoming BMX pump track, a farm and garden, and yes, pickleball.
Every morning, we gather together to raise the Israeli flag and sing Hatikvah. Hundreds of campers’ voices fill the air. The notes don’t always line up, mine least of all, but what comes through is pride, belonging, and Jewish joy.
For me, that moment is deeply personal. Each morning, I pick up my guitar and play Hatikvah. It’s really the only song I play, but it’s the one that matters most. I actually learned it at camp years ago, inspired by Russell, who’s playing tonight and represents another piece of that “special sauce” that makes Beber so special.
Jewish life is at the heart of everything we do. It’s not a separate activity; it’s woven into the fabric of every day. And that spirit is reflected in the framework that now guides us, our Beber Beliefs: Pride & Ownership, Spirit & Fun, Kindness & Gratitude, Health & Wellness, and Values & Connection.
These aren’t just words painted on a wall or on flags on the path to Crown Hall Field; they’re the compass for every decision we make. They shape how we care for campers, how we train staff, and even how we invest in camp’s future.
Over the past several years, we’ve made thoughtful, strategic investments to strengthen every area of camp. We built a new double-decker self-belay challenge course, added sling-shot paintball, batting cages, and expanded gymnastics. We’ve continually refreshed our waterfront fleet with new ski boats, sailboats, and aqua-park elements, giving campers the chance to stretch themselves, take safe risks, and feel Pride & Ownership in their growth.
We redesigned the Dining Hall with buffet service, created a new Teen Leadership dining space, and expanded menus for inclusivity, reflecting Health & Wellness and ensuring everyone feels cared for.
We rebuilt cabins, most recently Oakies, added air-conditioning to the MPR, staff lounge, and now every cabin. We built hammock parks, a new playground, and upgraded our water systems (no more well water smell and hot water on demand). This year, we’re adding air conditioning to the kitchen, something our kitchen staff will definitely appreciate!
We refurbished the Dance Pavilion into the Moadon, a dedicated teen lounge, converted Bisno into a staff lounge and workout space, and expanded amphitheater seating, spaces that embody Values & Connection, giving campers and staff more ways to come together.
We’ve elevated our Yad B’Yad program, created sensory-friendly spaces, and improved accessibility to ensure that every camper belongs, Kindness & Gratitude in action.
And safety remains a top priority: 24/7 armed security, upgraded gates and cameras, new communication tools, six nurses, two health center assistants, a health-center administrator, a rotating camp doctor, and four social workers each session. Together, that’s Health & Wellness in motion, creating a safe, nurturing home for every camper.
We also recognize that camp is a significant investment for families. That’s why we’ve provided nearly $200,000 in financial assistance each year, keeping Beber accessible to families of all backgrounds. It’s because of so many of you in this room that this support has been possible, and I can tell you, it’s one of the best returns on investment you could make. The impact of making Beber accessible reaches far beyond one summer—it changes lives and strengthens Jewish community. That’s Kindness & Gratitude again, and it’s rooted in our Jewish values of Kehilah Kedoshah and shared responsibility.
But as strong as Beber is, we can’t stand still. The world our campers are growing up in is changing fast, and so are the challenges we face.
We’re navigating a mental health crisis that affects kids and staff alike, and our ability to provide meaningful care and support has never been more important — or more resource-intensive.
Our Dining Hall and kitchen, both located in the Lodge, have served us well for decades, but they’re now bursting at the seams. Mealtime is still one of camp’s most joyful moments, but we’re reaching the limit of what that space can handle as we grow.
And, of course, we can’t ignore the growing need to invest in security and Jewish safety. We’ve already made major strides, but maintaining a truly safe environment for our campers and staff is both vital and costly.
So as we celebrate 50 years of accomplishments, we also look ahead. To remain best in class, we need to keep investing in our people, our programs, and our physical spaces. And that means continuing to lean on the generosity, partnership, and vision of the people in this room.
Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, Crown Hall will be transformed, complete with new recording studios. Our new maintenance facility will secure the backbone of our site for decades. The BMX track, soccer-field lights, and kitchen upgrades will continue to elevate the camper and staff experience.
These projects aren’t just about brick and mortar. They’re about creating the conditions where campers and staff can thrive, where tradition and innovation work hand in hand to keep Beber timeless.
All of these updates and investments matter, but they’re not just about buildings, boats, or programs. They’re about creating a camp that feels like home. A camp that honors traditions and creates new memories year after year.
The state of Beber is strong. It is vibrant. It is ready.
So before I close, I want to say thank you once more to the people in this room. Whether through financial support, thought partnership, or simple encouragement, you make this possible. Tonight, we’ll celebrate several families and leaders who embody that spirit: the Klutznick family, the Beber and Abramson families, the Perlman family, Ron Sonenthal, and Steve Marcus.
Together, grounded in our Beber Beliefs and our shared Jewish values, we can ensure that the next 50 years of Beber are just as extraordinary as the first 50.
Thank you for your leadership, your generosity, and your love for Beber Camp. Let’s carry this energy into the celebration tonight.
Thank you.
Welcome Address — Main Banquet
Good evening, everyone.
What a moment this is. Seeing so many generations of Beber, campers, staff, alumni, families, and friends, gathered in one place reminds me how far we’ve come and just how much heart lives inside this community.
If you’ll walk with me for a minute, I’d like to take you on a little tour of camp, the place that connects us all.
We’ll start down in Perlman Village. It’s hard to believe that not too long ago, it was the Perlman Retreat Center. Today it’s home to our Teen Leadership Program, a thriving space for older campers learning to lead. There’s the Yurt Village, where up to 70 teens live each session; the Moadon, once a dance pavilion, now transformed into a hangout and community space; and a dedicated dining area in the Beber building that gives them comfort, independence, and a sense of ownership.
Nearby, the Beber, Feldmar, and Bisno buildings have been remodeled with air-conditioning, staff lounges, and even a fitness room, because when our adults are cared for, they can better care for our campers.
Wherever you walk in our 320+ acres, you can always feel the energy of camp. The pool, our new lending library, the renovated baseball field with a batting cage, the two challenge courses, a target-sports area with archery and slingshot paintball — every one of these spaces was built with intention: to help campers stretch themselves, take safe risks, and discover new interests, passions, and strengths.
Now when the sun sets, the new lights on the soccer field come on, transforming it into an exciting arena for staff sports and evening programs. And just beyond it, our farm and greenhouse remind us that growth takes care, patience, and roots. Soon, the BMX pump track will open, the first phase of what we hope becomes an extreme-sports park, another outlet for creativity and adventure.
But these aren’t just upgrades. Every project, every improvement, carries purpose. They create a safe, Jewish space, one where kids can be fully themselves, unplugged from the noise of technology and plugged into real friendship. In a world dominated by screens and social media, Beber offers something rare: human connection. Here, kids talk face-to-face. They sing, they laugh, they listen. They form relationships, meaningful real world relationships, that last a lifetime.
Every morning at camp, we raise the Israeli flag and sing Hatikvah. It’s one of my favorite parts of the day, and if you’ve ever been there, you know what it feels like. Hundreds of campers singing together, imperfectly and beautifully. I play the guitar, not much beyond Hatikvah, but it’s a reminder that Jewish life isn’t just taught at camp, it’s lived.
And we know from studies like the Pew Research on American Jewish Life that those who attend Jewish summer camps are far more likely to remain connected and involved as adults. What happens at Beber doesn’t end in Mukwonago, it ripples out into Jewish homes, synagogues, and communities across the country.
Of course, none of this happens by accident. Behind the scenes is a team that keeps camp running, Bruce, Richard, Richie, and Shannon, our site team. For fifty years, they’ve worked without a proper home base, and that’s finally about to change. The new Maintenance Facility will give them a safe, efficient space to care for the site, manage deliveries, maintain our ski-boat fleet, and keep Beber running smoothly for decades to come.
And yes, even our food service has evolved. Moving from family-style to buffet was a big change, but it made camp more inclusive and efficient. We can serve hotter meals, manage allergies, and provide more choice, all while maintaining the sense of community that comes from sitting around a table together. The Lodge kitchen and dining hall have been renovated, and soon even the kitchen will have air-conditioning, a small but mighty quality-of-life improvement for our hardworking staff.
All these changes, from the air-conditioned cabins to the expanded amphitheater, from the new water systems to Crown Hall’s upcoming renovation, share one goal: to make Beber a place that’s timeless, vibrant, and ready for the next generation.
Tonight, we’ll honor families and leaders who’ve made that possible: the Klutznick family, the Beber and Abramson families, the Perlman family, Ron Sonenthal, and Steve Marcus, along with our board, our donors, and everyone whose support ensures Beber’s future.
To my parents, who first sent me to camp; to my wife, Caren, who makes it possible for me to live this work; to Len and Harrell, who believed in me early on; and to our full-time team, who live and breathe Beber every day, thank you.
Fifty summers behind us, fifty more ahead. Beber isn’t just a camp, it’s a home, a movement, and a promise to future generations that joy, friendship, and Jewish life will always have a place to thrive.
Thank you for being part of that promise. Let’s celebrate tonight, and let’s build the next 50 years together.
Thank You, Beber Family
As we look back on fifty summers, we’re reminded that Beber’s magic has always come from the people, the campers who grew up here, the staff who led with heart, and the alumni who carry Beber’s spirit into the world.
The next fifty summers are already taking shape, with new facilities, leadership programs, and expanded program initiatives, all grounded in the same Beber Beliefs that have guided us from the start: Pride & Ownership, Spirit & Fun, Kindness & Gratitude, Health & Wellness, and Values & Connection.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this unforgettable milestone, and to all who continue to make Beber Camp a place where generations belong.
Here’s to the next 50 years.