Age Groups
New for Beber Camp 2011, all divisions are bunked according to entering grade. Over the past several years, Beber has organized divisions by finishing grades. Please review the divisional information below and contact the office with any specific questions about your child. Ex: if your child is currently in 8th grade and will be entering 9th grade in the fall they will be in Ramot.
Entering grades 2-5
The Makor division is Beber Camp’s youngest division. Many of our Makor campers are away from home for the first time and their counselors make sure they get the care needed to make the most of their camp experience. Makor campers are introduced to all program areas with a focus on developing news skills and interests. Our Makor programs are geared to engage all campers and make sure that everyone has a positive experience filled with new friends and amazing memories!
Entering grades 6-7
Kesher is our division for our middle school aged campers. Kesher offers campers a unique experience to develop existing skills and try new things in a safe and supportive environment. Campers in Kesher participate in a variety of camp activities that allow them the chance to interact and socialize with other campers in the division while in a supervised setting. Kesher campers also have several exciting out of camp trips including Noah’s Ark in the Wisconsin Dells and have the choice of a three day/two night camping trip. These trip choices include a fishing, rock climbing, biking, and teen sports adventure trips. Kesher provides campers with unforgettable experiences, memories, and friendships that will last a lifetime.
Entering grades 8-10
The mission of the Ramot division is to give our high school age campers the most enjoyable camping experience while simultaneously enabling them to expand their decision making skills. This teen experience encourages campers to take a more active role in program selection, development and implementation. Ramot campers are encouraged to participate in leadership opportunities created through several programs where campers can continue to develop their connection with the Beber community. Every Ramot camper will go on a three day camping trip, which is a highlight for many camper. These trips offer unmatched opportunities for campers to showcase their independence by helping counselors prepare meals, set up tents, and participate in new exciting activities. Ramot trips are Canoeing/Whitewater rafting, backpacking, and outdoor adventure. The Ramot division also spends an exciting day at Mt. Olympus in the Wisconsin Dells. Throughout the session, Ramot campers develop old friendships and foster new relationships in an inclusive, supportive environment.
Entering grade 11
Beber’s Pioneers division makes up the first of a two-year counselor training program. The Pioneer program is a four week session set to develop participant’s leadership skills and ability to work as a team. Throughout the session the group will participate in exciting programming and challenges aimed at individual and group skill development. Pioneers plan fun programs for the rest of camp, participate in hobbies, and act as role models for younger campers. The program also works to merge first and second session campers, allowing participants to connect with a new group of peers while strengthening old friendships. In addition to the four-week camp session, Pioneers can also participate in a three-week Israel trip with our sister camp, B’nai B’rith Perlman. A selection process exists in order to help this program accomplish its goals. Potential Pioneers must submit an application and interview to be accepted into the program.
Entering grade 12
Beber’s CIT (Couselors-In-Training) division makes up the second and final year of Beber’s two-year counselor training program. The CIT program lasts all eight weeks of camp and primarily teaches skills on how to be an amazing counselor and role model and leave long-lasting, positive impressions on campers. During the first session, CITs learn skills through fun activities, special sessions led by our well-trained camp administration, and plenty of real supervised counselor experience. Second session, CITs are paired up with Senior and Associate Counselors and live in their own cozy ‘CIT quarters’ in a cabin of one of our two youngest divisions. Some skills that CITs will learn throughout the summer include how to run great evening, all-day, and ‘back pocket’ programs, how to lead specialty hobbies, and how to address the needs of different age groups.
Another set of skills CITs take part of is the planning, organizing, and leading of a three day camping trip. First session, the CITs plan and go on their own camping trip to prepare them for the following session where they will be helping counselors lead campers in their camping trips. Another fantastic aspect of this program is the creation of far-reaching CIT projects that help improve camp. Some examples include a telephone pole-high Beber Camp welcome sign, a ten foot long puppet stage, and professional-looking and beautifully painted bookshelves for Siddurim. All of these are made with the help of our amiable, hardworking, and skilled maintenance staff. The CITs have the luxury of having one of the greatest support and mentor systems on camp.Beber Camp’s fabulous CIT Directors, who outline and implement the program, are their throughout the eight weeks to help the CITs through challenging situations, provide any support needed, and to be sure that the summer is one of the best of their lives. In addition to the CIT directors, there are 70+ counselors that are happy help the CITs on their journey to counsellorship. Finally, their very own CIT group provides a cohesive and encouraging group of friends that will be there for them during the eight weeks and subsequent years. Counselors that have come out of the CIT program have been fabulous Beber Camp Couselors, great and skillful sailing, climbing, arts and crafts, basketball, nature, and Ultimate Frisbee specialists (to name a few), and they have been camp administrators.
A selection process exists in order to help this programs accomplish its goals. Potential CITs must submit an application and be interviewed by a member of our full-time administration in order to be accepted into the program. This program is great for college applications and job resumes. Skills discussed in the CIT program include: teamwork, responsibility, respect, motivation, listening, planning, initiative, creativity, persistence, presenting, problem solving, observation, group leadership, activity leadership, body language, enthusiasm, communication, developing positive behavior, managing undesirable behavior teaching, caring, working together, and positive reinforcement. CITs are coming out of this program doing things that they have never done before and never believed they could do. The responsibility, skills learned, and surprise perks that come from this program make this summer one of the absolute best our campers’ lives.
