http://www.bebercamp.com/index.php en michael@bebercamp.com Copyright 2009 2009-11-25T18:34:00-06:00 http://bebercamp.com/news/articles/winter_2009_enewsletter/ http://bebercamp.com/news/articles/winter_2009_enewsletter/#When:17:34:00Z Happy Thanksgiving! As we await Chicago’s first snowfall of the season and prepare for Thanksgiving, it is our pleasure to share memories of this past summer, provide information about upcoming year-round events, and give you the latest news about Beber Camp 2010! The 2009 camp season was a year for the record-books—our third year at full-capacity, 50,000+ photos taken of smiling campers and staff, and countless hours of song sessions, skill-focused hobby programming, and camping trips. With H1N1 still circulating in communities around the nation, continued thanks go out to our rock-star medical staff and parents whose children were affected by the flu this summer. What a year for a new Health Center! We’ve continued to be busy in the off-season. We are currently at 90% of capacity and have waiting lists in several age groups. The camper committee of the Beber Camp Annual Campaign welcomed over 100 people at the 2nd Annual Beber Rock Shabbat. They raised over $1500 for the Scholarship Fund. You can check out photos of that event here AND watch video of the old Health Center demolition at the Beber Camp YouTube Channel (intense!). Thank you for continuing to stay connected to Beber throughout the year. You’ll be receiving these alumni updates on a quarterly basis as we move in to 2010. We welcome your feedback and involvement. Become a Beber Camp Facebook fan and get year-round updates straight to your news feed. Best, Stefan, Becky, Joel, and Michael The Beber Camp Full-Time Staff In this issue... --> Ring in the New Year with Family Camp --> Winter Camp—For Campers! --> Alumni Reunion & Family Camp Recap --> Think of Camp for your B’nai Mitzvah Project --> Pioneer Israel Trip --> Annual Campaign Update --> Volunteers: We Want Your Help!       New Year’s Family Camp & Winter Camp (for campers!) Winter Camp for Campers – February 12-14 All campers are welcome to join us for an amazing weekend at Beber Camp in the warm Perlman Conference Center. This is a great opportunity to reconnect with your camp friends and meet new ones before summer starts and of course, see and play at Beber in the Winter. Click for information and registration information. We will be providing transportation from the Chicago area to/from camp. New Year’s Family – Don’t miss out on an amazing family weekend... Have the “Best New Year’s Ever” in Mukwonago, Wisconsin. Ring in 2010 at Beber Camp! We invite you and your family to be our guests starting on Thursday, December 31, 2009 to Sunday, January 3, 2010. Included in the weekend is amazing programming led by our amazing staff, supervised activities for campers, New Year’s parties for all, and more. Register today—we hope you’ll join us.   Alumni Reunion & Family Camp A Great Success! One would think that after working virtually around the clock for eight weeks during this past summer, Beber staff members would want to leave Mukwonago as soon as the last camper was picked up and head to their homes for some well-earned rest and relaxation.  Instead, after the last camper was picked up on August 14, 2009, staff members worked feverishly for five hours to get the camp ready for the nearly 150 people who were coming to Beber Camp for the Alumni Reunion and Family Camp Weekend.  Although it must have used quite a bit of the staffs’ waning supply of energy to ready the camp for this last hurrah of the summer, their hard work was much appreciated, as everyone who attended the Alumni Reunion and Family Camp Weekend had a great time. Check out pictures from the Alumni Reunion and Family Camp. The weekend kicked off with a Friday night Shabbat dinner, Israeli dancing and a campfire.  During Saturday and Sunday, the attendees, which included alumni, parents of current campers, parents of prospective campers, current campers, and prospective campers of all ages, enjoyed many of the hobbies Beber Camp offers, such as waterskiing, sailing, ropes course, and arts and crafts, to name a few.  Saturday night activities included a barbeque, a carnival for the young, future Beber Campers, and a casino night.   Needless to say, no one was lacking for fun things to do. Bennett Gewurz and Ron Wainer have attended every alumni weekend and they noted how much the weekend has changed since it was first held during the summer of 1993.  Bennett and Ron, along with a small group of people they knew who had attended Beber with them, helped organize the first Beber alumni weekend.  The attendees had raised money to purchase sailboats, a sound system and some shade trees for Beber Camp and when they met at Beber camp the weekend of July 4, 1993, they dedicated the items they had purchased to the memories of certain Beber alumni who had passed away.  Since that first alumni weekend, the event has grown and expanded to become a family-centered weekend as well.  As Ron explained, “In years past part of the appeal was in the small and intimate size of the group attending.  But now …it’s turning into a wonderfully large ‘don’t miss it’ event.” Bennett has three children who attend Beber camp and this year he shared the Alumni and Family Camp Weekend with his son. He thoroughly enjoyed walking around the camp with his son and hearing stories about what he had done during this past summer.  Bennett has many of his own memories when he walks around Beber Camp and it was very special to hear about the memories his son now has.  Ron brought his wife and his two future Beber campers, Ari, age 6, and Annali, age 4, with him for the Alumni and Family Camp Weekend.   The Wainer family took part in virtually every activity.  Despite the kids’ relatively young age, they enjoyed all types of water sports, rock climbing and Israeli dancing.  Six-year-old Ari even enjoyed the casino night, developing a strong preference for Texas Hold ‘Em.  For those Beber alumni who attended camp more recently, the weekend was a great opportunity to hang out with their friends from Beber and experience the camp as adults.   Ben Shamis attended the reunion with three of his best friends, David Saltzman, Andrew Hill and Wes Kretch.  Ben explained, “We all enjoyed our nostalgic drive up to camp, sleeping in cabins and hanging out on the shores of Lake Beulah. It was such a pleasure to reconnect with old friends and be able to do it at the place we all met, Beber Camp. We were also quickly reminded of the beauty of summer in Wisconsin. Being able to spend a summer weekend away from the city, lakeside with your friends was appreciated by all.” The Beber Alumni Reunion and Family Camp weekend was not just an opportunity for Beber alumni to reconnect, but also for alums and parents of current campers to enjoy Beber Camp with their kids.  The weekend was also an opportunity for parents who are not alumni and whose kids are not current campers to bring their kids to the camp and have them experience what it would be like to attend Beber.  Ron invited some friends who have not yet chosen a camp for their kids to come to the family camp weekend.  He said that they all felt welcomed by the Beber community and were thrilled with their experience over the weekend.  Given all the great activities and events that took place during the weekend, it’s virtually guaranteed that all who attended - the alumni, the current camp families and the prospective camp families – are counting the days until they can attend Third Session 2010—Register today!   Think of Camp for your B’nai Mitzvah Project Supporting Beber Camp via a bar or bat mitzvah social action project is a great way to show our campers that they can make a difference and help the Jewish community in which they live. Preparing for a B’nai Mitzvah is a substantial undertaking for a Jewish pre-teen.   Many synagogues now require bar and bat mitzvah candidates to complete a “mitzvah” or social action project.  Most synagogues are flexible in terms of what type of project the bar or bat mitzvah candidate can do to fulfill this requirement, as long as the project helps either the Jewish community or the community at large.  Many kids (and parents) may be somewhat overwhelmed by the prospect of choosing a mitzvah project.  It may be hard to imagine a project that will have meaning to the bar or bat mitzvah child and help the community at large.  Here is one idea that achieves both purposes:  a bar or bat mitzvah candidate can do a mitzvah project to support Beber Camp.  Beber Camp is a not-for-profit corporation that has a scholarship fund that allows children, who would not otherwise be able to afford overnight camp, to attend Beber and have a fun and meaningful Jewish summer.  A child who chooses to raise money as his or her mitzvah project can donate the money directly to Beber’s scholarship fund and this money will help more children attend Beber.  When a child attends Beber, he or she is not only able to have a summer filled with lots of great activities, Beber campers also have a Jewish experience; eating kosher food, celebrating Shabbat each week, and being surrounded by other Jewish kids and counselors.  Beber Camp strives to develop a child’s knowledge, love and pride for Jewish culture, heritage and religion.  Studies have shown that attending Jewish camp builds a stronger Jewish identity and ultimately leads to more young adults who affiliate with a synagogue, maintain Jewish practices and consider Jewish professional careers.  It is clear that by contributing to Beber’s scholarship fund, a bar or bat mitzvah candidate would be helping the Jewish community in a significant way.  If a bar or bat mitzvah candidate wants to do something other than raising money, another idea is to collect supplies that would be helpful in a certain area of Beber Camp—like collecting art supplies for the arts and crafts hobby.  It is not important how a child chooses to help Beber Camp.  Rather, it is important that he or she is helping an organization that has such a profound impact on the continued Jewish practices of so many kids and young adults.  The Beber Camp staff is more than happy to help brainstorm about mitzvah projects that help Beber Camp. You can learn more by visiting our Mitzvah Project page and watch a video about what a current camper did for their Mitzvah Project.   Pioneer Israel Trip This past summer, Beber Pioneers had a summer like none other—they spent the first four weeks at Beber in leadership training, interacting with cabins, experiencing Shabbat and the many activities unique to the Beber summer camp experience.  Many of the Pios then set off for Israel for the remaining part of the summer, united and ready for a hands-on adventure of learning and fun. Andrew Frankenthal was fortunate to have visited Israel before with his family, but with Beber friends, with whom he has a strong bond and so many shared experiences, he described the trip as “amazing, even surreal.” The Pioneer Israel experience was fantastic, what Andrew describes as “an extension of the Beber family - in Israel, such a special place.” It was Ally Stamler’s first visit to Israel and she was overwhelmed. “Moving” was the word Ally used to describe seeing the tanks, experiencing the army training and learning first-hand about Israeli army service from Israeli Madrich Shlomi Bahar.  Shlomi led the trip together with Lee Farber, educator and father to Zach Farber, another Pio on the trip and long-time Beber camper. Ally and Andrew describe Lee and Shlomi as strong leaders with whom they felt safe and had a great time. Ally enjoyed learning about other cultures in the Jewish state including Muslims and Druze, all living together. Ally and Andrew described Shabbat as "peaceful and quiet" in Jerusalem. The buses stopped, and everyone, no matter their level of religious, seemed to observe Shabbat in their own way.  Andrew enjoed learning about kibbutzim life and how the government works, traveling around the country and actually looking across and seeing Egypt and Jordan from a mountain top after a morning hike. One early morning, the friends who usually meet at the Flagpole, woke up at 3:00 a.m. to watch the sunrise from Masada. Each and every day was “just amazing,” they reported.   With all the stories they told about the power of experiencing Israel with other young Jews, it comes back to their Beber friends. Lee and Shlomi didn’t need to use ice-breaker activities for the Pios to get to know one another. A preceding session at Beber, and for many Pios, years at Beber, sealed the bonds. The Israel trip strengthened those bonds. When asked about recommending the Beber Israel trip for future Pios, Ally said “Go! Go! There’s nothing like experiencing this with the Beber family.” You can view photos from this amazing trip by visiting the Pioneer Israel Photo Gallery.   Annual Campaign Update This summer over 10% of campers were aided by our Annual Campaign.   The Annual Campaign directly benefits the Beber Camp Scholarship Fund. Through generous donations from Beber alumni, parents and friends, the 2008-9 Campaign raised $100,000.  This enabled us to help 60 campers receive the Beber experience.  Without this assistance many of these campers would not have been able to spend the summer with us. This past September we launched the 2010 Annual Campaign, with a goal of raising $100,000 to support the Scholarship Fund. Requests for support continue to increase and we do not believe any camper should be denied the Beber experience because of financial issues.  We have been fortunate to provide all who request aid with some level of assistance. Our goal is to provide assistance to 80 campers next summer.  Through the commitment and work of our Parents, Alumni and Camper Committees, along with the support of the Board of Directors, we know this goal is achievable. The committees are actively supporting the Annual Campaign and have many exciting accomplishments.  Over the summer the Camper Committee launched the Beber Bracelet program to not only raise money to support the Scholarship Fund but also educate campers and families about the opportunity to perform a mitzvah. The Alumni Relations Committee worked very hard to launch the Beber Camp Alumni Association and we have over 100 members to date.  This team also planned a successful auction at the Alumni and Family Camp weekend.  The Parents Committee is in the process of launching the Beber Bar/Bat Mitzvah Project and planning a series of Parlor Meetings to educate communities about the opportunity to support Beber.  As we approach the end of 2009, we ask you to consider Beber as you make your philanthropic decisions.  In early December you will be receiving more information about the Annual Campaign with a request for your support. Your gift makes it possible for Beber to directly impact Jewish youth, and help develop the next generation of Jewish leaders.  Your support will ensure campers and families receive the assistance they need.  Click to learn more about the Beber Camp Annual Campaign and other opportunities to support Beber.     Volunteer for the Beber Camp Alumni Association No matter your current location, it is easy to get involved with the Beber Alumni Association. What better way to reconnect with old friends while helping out the Alumni Association AND the camp you love?! There are many different committees to choose from: Membership - Chair: Barrie Jordan Marmor Special Projects - Chair: Ben Shamis Events - Chair: Stacy Heller Communications - Chair: Cheryl Davis Wittenstein If you enjoy writing and reminiscing about your Camp days, maybe writing for the newsletter is the perfect fit for you. The newsletter will be published quarterly, and for each issue, the Communications Committee would love the help of some “freelance” writers. To get involved please contact Danielle Litt Weinstein or Debby Beerman.  News, eNewsletter 2009-11-25T17:34:00-06:00 http://bebercamp.com/news/articles/june_2009_enews/ http://bebercamp.com/news/articles/june_2009_enews/#When:20:03:00Z In this June issue… Urgent Update: Communicable Disease Protocol Summer Program Highlights Featured Campers and Staff Do you have your CampMinder login for photos, news and email? Log in here. If not, please contact us so that you can check out the latest camp updates! Urgent Update: Communicable Disease Protocol We have been monitoring the progress of the H1N1 virus with the help of several different resources such as our local and state health departments, the Center for Disease Control and the Center for Infectious Disease Research & Policy. Working closely with these agencies, we have revised our camper and staff arrival policy to focus on prevention, screening, and control. These changes will effect all campers arriving throughout the summer. Please read the full details of our updated protocols by clicking through to a letter from our Executive Director, Stefan Teodosic. Summer Program Highlights Chicago Fire Partnership - Soccer will be kickin’ in Summer 2009!  We are very proud to announce a very special partnership between Beber Camp and The Chicago Fire - Chicago’s Major League Soccer team.   Each session, the Chicago Fire organization will help run a special soccer clinic.  Upon completion of the Beber Camp soccer hobby, each camper will receive a ‘buy one, get one free’ voucher to the Beber night at the Chicago Fire on October 22nd.   Also, at any time, through a link on the Beber website, Beber campers, family members, and alumni members can purchase discounted tickets to any regular season Chicago Fire home game. Rollerhockey – If you are interested in roller hockey this summer, please bring your skates.  We have an amazing program set up! Chicago Sky Partnership – Similar to the soccer program, Beber is partnering with the Chicago Sky - Chicago’s WNBA team. Discounted game tickets and a visit from the organization are in the works! Beber’s Big Book of Choices – We’re almost ready to unveil the complete hobby program for Summer 2009. Check out an abbreviated version of Beber’s Big Book of Choices. Artist in Residence – Beber’s Jewish Artist in Residence program is an ongoing tradition and vital piece of our overall camp experience as it engages Jewish professionals in the community who are doing amazing things and connects them with campers during the summer.  Our goal is to foster Jewish continuity and leadership through the introduction of high level skilled Jewish role models in an informal Jewish setting. Featured Camper Family: Ally Stamler So really, why is Ally Stamler coming to camp? Each month, feature a different camp family in an effort to get an unique look inside what it means to be a Beber Camper. Check this out and read more stories about this new Chicago camper in the camper section of the website… Staff Profile: Ross Bennett We work hard in the off-season to hire quality staff from around the world!  Ross Bennett is returning for a 12th summer, this time as Athletic Director. In this ongoing feature, get to know your 2009 Beber Camp Staff!   WINTER 4930 OAKTON STREET, SUITE 405 SKOKIE, IL 60077 TOLL FREE: 800-803-CAMP CHICAGO: 847-677-7130 FAX: 847-677-7132 INFO@BEBERCAMP.COM SUMMER W 1741 HIGHWAY J MUKWONAGO, WI 53149 (262) 363-6800 FAX: (262) 363-6804   News, eNewsletter 2009-06-18T20:03:00-06:00 http://bebercamp.com/news/articles/communicable_disease_protocol/ http://bebercamp.com/news/articles/communicable_disease_protocol/#When:13:56:00Z Communicable Disease Protocol For a complete copy of our communicable disease protocol, please click here. June 18, 2009 Dear Beber Camp Parents: Hello and I hope that this letter finds your family well!  Camp is literally right around the corner and we are preparing for another amazing summer here in Mukwonago.  I share a common goal with you and all of our families: to ensure the best possible, safe, fun and positive summer camp experience.  In an effort to continue to achieve this goal, I want to reach out to our families to let you know what we are doing about the H1N1 virus (and other communicable diseases). We have been monitoring the progress of the H1N1 virus with the help of several different resources such as our local and state health departments, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Center for Infectious Disease Research & Policy (CIDRAP).  We are working closely with these agencies to ensure that we are armed with the latest information with regards to the H1N1 virus and other communicable diseases. As a camp community our focus is first and foremost on prevention.  Over the past couple of weeks, the H1N1 virus has been the cause of two Jewish overnight camps to make a decision to delay the opening of camp and another camp is dealing with a large number of staff and campers who have come down with the flu.  Since health and safety always comes first, we have decided to increase the level of our health screenings for campers and staff and have added a preliminary screening which is outlined below. --Parents Driving to Camp -- If you are driving your child to camp, we will meet your vehicle at the welcome station at the bottom of the entrance hill on lower camp.  Please look for our staff on Highway J at the entrance and they will direct you to the welcome station.  Immediately upon arrival, a camp staff member will take your child’s temperature.  If your child has a fever greater than 100.5 degrees, we will require that your child delays the start of camp.  We will work with you to get your child to camp once your doctor has cleared them. --Campers Arriving on the Northbrook Bus -- If your child is taking the Northbrook bus, we will have staff members at Glenbrook North High School who will be taking your child’s temperature prior to the loading of luggage and boarding of bus.  If your child has a fever greater than 100.5 degrees, we will require that your child delays the start of camp.  We will work with you to get your child to camp once your doctor has cleared them. --Campers Traveling on Beber Staff Accompanied Flights (Cleveland CO 5517/CO 5559, Louisville AA 4287) -- As detailed in earlier emails, you will meet the Beber Camp staff member at Continental/American Airlines check in.  At this point, before parents leave and campers check in for the flight, the Beber Camp Staff Member will take your child’s temperature.  If your child has a fever greater than 100.5 degrees, we will require that your child delays the start of camp and they will not be permitted to board the flight with our staff.  We will work with you to get your child to camp once your doctor has cleared them. --Campers Travelling on Unaccompanied Flights -- If your child is travelling to O’Hare on another flight, per our standard airport pick-up procedures, s/he will be met at the gate by a Beber Camp Staff Member.  They will be escorted to baggage claim, where their temperature will be checked.  If your child has a fever higher than 100.5 degrees upon arrival to O’Hare, you will be immediately notified and your child will be separately escorted by our staff to Beber Camp.  Upon their arrival, they will be taken directly to the Health Center for a secondary screening.  If the secondary screening is negative for influenza, they will be treated according to our standard camp protocol and placed in the general population as soon as is medically appropriate.  If the screening is positive, we will decide how to move forward in partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Health.  As you know, we have a brand new, state-of-the-art Health Center facility with nurses and doctors on site 24/7.  However, we do recommend that campers recover at home and return to camp after they have been cleared by your doctor.  Since this flu strain seems to be continuing into the summer we want to safeguard our community as best as we can.  We are asking for your help as we strive to keep our camp community healthy. If your child has fever or flu-like symptoms prior to their departure for camp, please contact us so that we can make a decision together as to the best course of action.  Do not hesitate to contact Camp at anytime to discuss the full details of our communicable disease protocol: prevention, screening and control.  Also, on the day of departure for camp, please take your child temperature before leaving for the airport, bus pick-up location, or Beber Camp. If you plan on coming to camp for Visitor’s Day on Friday, June 19th, we encourage you to take the same precautions as on the first day of camp.  If you, your child or other guests, have had a fever or experienced flu symptoms within the past 7 days, please refrain from attending Visitors Day.  On the first day of camp, all campers will have a health screening upon arrival.  This has been standard protocol for the past few weeks as staff has arrived.  Our standard screening includes a general health and wellness check, which includes a lice screening and temperature reading.  Hand sanitizer will be provided in each cabin and campers will be directed to use the hand sanitizing stations located in the dining hall prior to all meals.  Hand sanitizer will also be available throughout camp and campers will be reminded to wash their hands frequently throughout the day.  As part of the health center orientation, we will instruct campers and staff to cough or sneeze into their elbows or use a tissue.  These are just a few examples of how to keep our staff and campers healthy while they are up at camp.  Everyone at camp has been free of symptoms since the first day of training almost 14 days ago.  Thank you for helping us to keep our camp community healthy.  We look forward to providing your child with a safe and memorable summer at Beber Camp. Sincerely, Stefan Teodosic Director, Beber Camp News, Breaking News 2009-06-18T13:56:00-06:00 http://bebercamp.com/news/articles/june_2009_alumni_news/ http://bebercamp.com/news/articles/june_2009_alumni_news/#When:00:08:00Z In this June issue… Meet us in Mukwonago: August 14-16 New Health Center to Open on Lower Camp Maccabiah, Maccabiah OOH AHH! Beber Rocked Chicago Alumni Children Pack for the Summer For the latest news and updates, please visit www.bebercamp.com! Meet us in Mukwonago: August 14-16 The 2009 Beber Alumni Reunion and Family Camp should be another memorable Beber Camp event. It’s only two months away from August 14-16th. Click to learn more and register.  Spaces are limited so act today! New Health Center to Open on Lower Camp Oh, that first day of camp. Most of us were probably so excited that we did not sleep the night before and counted down the minutes until we boarded that plane, bus or car and headed to Mukwonago. The excitement built as you passed Elegant Farmer and saw Lake Beulah for the first time of the summer. Upon arriving on lower camp, you were greeted by your counselor, ran to find your friends and figured out what cabin you would be living in for the session. It was after all of this that your cabin had its first activity - the walk up the 72 steps to wait in the Health Center line. This year, however, this routine has been tweaked - in a good way. A brand new, 4,000 square foot Health Center has been built on lower camp near the old memorial site, giving it a more central location and making it easier for the staff and campers to reach. Jason Kendall, Maintenance Director, describes the new building as having a more rustic look, exposed wood rafters, high ceilings and lots of windows to let in plenty of natural light. Also, each room has its own individual temperature control device for those hot, humid summer days. The building will include housing for medical staff nurses, camper rooms for when they are sick, a large reception area, staff kitchen and lounge overlooking a large patio, exam rooms and doctors office/meeting rooms. The design was modeled after a nature preserve building that Stefan and some of the other Beber staff liked and felt would not only be practical but also be visually appealing on lower camp.     Next time you visit camp, make sure to go check out the new building - hopefully as just a visitor and not as a patient! Maccabiah, Maccabiah OOH AHH! Attention Alumni! The Red, Blue, Green and Yellow Teams all need you! Maccabiah 2009 is quickly approaching and Beber Camp wants to bring in Alumni to help judge this year’s festivities!   With a $150 Donation to Beber Camp Scholarship Funds, you and your friends will have the opportunity to not only attend camp’s greatest day of the summer, but also attend the 2009 Beber Alumni Reunion at camp on August 14-16.   Got that Alumni? $150 donation to the Beber Camp Scholarship Fund (helping send kids to camp) = Judge at Maccabiah 2009 (dream job) + Admittance to the Beber Alumni Reunion (Nights at BV’s/Double D’s)   Please contact Ben Shamis or Michael Wax for further information including the dates for Maccabiah 2009. (Yes, campers may be reading this!) Beber Rocked Chicago - May 9th Scholarship Fundraiser Rocked On Sat., May 9th, at the Grand Central in Chicago, more than 125 alumni and friends rocked the house with Beber’s Own - Stefan Teodosic, Aaron "H" Hadley and Russell Wiener on guitar - and we raised nearly $3000 for kids in need to experience the summer of a lifetime at Beber. Funds raised will benefit the Beber Scholarship Fund. We were really pleased to see the turn-out and could barely keep up with the crowds signing in. Of course we were busy greeting old friends and meeting news ones. So many of those attended are now Facebook friends and reaching out more than ever. It was a great way to be in touch and help a great cause. Check out pictures from the event on facebook and on our website directly. Alumni Children Pack up for Beber Camp It seems like only yesterday (or for some of us maybe last year) that we were hanging out on the blue swing during G.A., sunbathing on the ping pong tables and begging our counselors to get us waterskiing for a hobby. Those days have sadly come and gone for most of us; however, a new generation of Beber campers has recently embarked on their camp experience - they are the children of Beber Alumni. This summer it is exciting to report that there are 42 children of Alumni attending camp - the most of any summer and a number that we should expect to increase in the upcoming years. Bennett Gewurz describes the joy and excitement of sending his kids to camp by saying, "Who amongst us did not talk of one day sending our children to Beber so that they could experience what we had experienced and continue our friendships through our children’s friendships?  Well, after 2 summers, I am happy to report that my three children have drunk the Beber ‘kool aid’ and my children’s experience has exceeded my most hopeful expectations.   If your children are approaching camping age, fasten your seat belt for a fantastic ride." Cheryl Davis Wittenstein also describes the experience as, “People ask me what it’s like to send my 8-year daughter away for 4 weeks at such a young age. I explain that camp is in our blood, and I’m comforted and excited knowing exactly what she’ll do each day. From flagpole to lights out, she’s going to have an amazing and memorable experience." Gay Nortman Gordon recounts how fortunate she is that her two sons have followed in her footsteps at Beber. She writes, “I delight in their love for camp and enjoy sharing the experience with them. Adam spent 10 years at Beber and was the first staff member who was a second generation ‘Beberite’. This will be Jesse’s 7th summer.  Camp has given them good values, a wonderful community, a connection to their religion, strong, meaningful friendships, and countless memories, just as it did for me 25 years ago! It is wonderful to share the gift of camp with my children! I’m looking forward to driving them up to camp the first day, stepping out of the car and walking back into that magical place.” These Alumni are just a few of a much larger group that still feel a strong connection to camp and now have the great opportunity to share a part of their childhood with their children. We wish all of our Alumni parents happy packing and for their children to have a great summer on Lake Beulah!     WINTER 4930 OAKTON STREET, SUITE 405 SKOKIE, IL 60077 TOLL FREE: 800-803-CAMP CHICAGO: 847-677-7130 FAX: 847-677-7132 INFO@BEBERCAMP.COM SUMMER W 1741 HIGHWAY J MUKWONAGO, WI 53149 (262) 363-6800 FAX: (262) 363-6804   Alumni News, News 2009-06-18T00:08:00-06:00 http://bebercamp.com/news/articles/april_2009_newsletter/ http://bebercamp.com/news/articles/april_2009_newsletter/#When:03:21:00Z eNewsletter for April 2009. In this issue... Spring Picnics in Chicago, Louisville, Cleveland Family Camp and Alumni Reunion CampMeds Clarification New Videos & 5 Year Camper Wall Jewish Artists In Residence Summer '09 Scholarship Drive Featured Campers and Staff For the latest news and updates, please visit www.bebercamp.com!     Spring Picnics in Chicago, Louisville, Cleveland Spring has sprung and camp is just around the corner! Please be our guest at a special pre-camp picnic. This is a great chance to meet new friends, reconnect with familiar faces, and ask questions about the upcoming summer. You should have received a postcard with details, but we've posted the information below for the Chicago, Cleveland and Louisville picnics.  Please don't forget to RSVP at info@bebercamp.com or 847-677-7130. When: Sunday, April 26th Chicago: Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Road, Highland Park 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Cleveland: Solon Community Park, 6679 SOM Center Road, Near the library 12:00 Noon - 2:00 PM (Transportation Q&A at 11:00 AM) Louisville: Jewish Community Center, Outdoor Pavilion 12:00 Noon - 2:00 PM (Transportation Q&A at 11:00 AM) Family Camp and Alumni Reunion Join us at camp, August 14-16 for a weekend of activities, food, friends, and fun! Parents often ask "Can I come to camp?" This is your opportunity! Check the events section of the website or jump to the event for more information! Included in the weekend is amazing programming as well as supervised programming for families. Click to learn more and register.  Questions? Please call Michael Wax at 847-677-7130 x4.  Space is limited! CampMeds: Take As Directed Clarification Often, prescriptions from your child's doctor are written to be taken "as directed." CampMeds fills all "take a directed" meds as Breakfast meds. We then need to contact you to verify that the medication is actually to be taken at breakfast or if it should be taken at another meal. Please ask your doctor to specify the time of day that the medication is to be taken and let your child know. This will go a long way to ensuring that your child gets their medication ar the correct time, while minimizing the stress for our Medical staff. Bebercamp.com update -- New Videos & 5 Year Camper Wall New Health Center Update Dining Hall Renovation Update Summer 2009 Israeli Staff Have you spent five or more summers at camp? Post a comment as to what Beber means to you on the Camper wall. Visit Beber's YouTube Channel! Jewish Artist in Residence Beber’s Jewish Artist in Residence program is an ongoing tradition and vital piece of our overall camp experience as it engages Jewish professionals in the community who are doing amazing things and connects them with campers during the summer.  Our goal is to foster Jewish continuity and leadership through the introduction of high level skilled Jewish role models in an informal Jewish setting. Learn more about your Summer '09 Artists! Featured Camper Family: Andrew Tuvlin So really, why is first year camper Andrew Tuvlin coming to camp? Each month, we'll be featuring a different camp family in an effort to get an unique look inside what it means to be a Beber Camper. Check this out and read more stories about this new Louisville camper in the camper section of the website… Staff Profile: Halley Wolf We work hard in the off-season to hire quality staff from around the world! Many are graduates of our Teen Leadership Program.  Last year, Halley was one of the CIT Program Directors.  Halley, who helped us recruit staff in England this year, returns again to the '09 Summer Staff in her same amazing role. In this ongoing feature, get to know your 2009 Beber Camp Staff!   WINTER 4930 OAKTON STREET, SUITE 405 SKOKIE, IL 60077 TOLL FREE: 800-803-CAMP CHICAGO: 847-677-7130 FAX: 847-677-7132 INFO@BEBERCAMP.COM SUMMER W 1741 HIGHWAY J MUKWONAGO, WI 53149 (262) 363-6800 FAX: (262) 363-6804     News, eNewsletter 2009-04-30T03:21:00-06:00 http://bebercamp.com/news/articles/april_2009_enews/ http://bebercamp.com/news/articles/april_2009_enews/#When:03:14:00Z In this issue… Upcoming Events, including Beber Rocks! Alumni Mazal Tov Alumni Council is Expanding Summer ‘09 Scholarship Drive England Reunion Photos & Video For the latest news and updates, please visit www.bebercamp.com!   Upcoming Events Beber Rocks! Saturday, May 9, 2009 8:00 - 10:00 PM. Grand Central in Chicago. Join Camp Friends and the Community for an Evening of Live Music and Good Times… All for a Great Cause. Click here for more details and to register. The 2009 Beber Alumni Reunion and Family Camp should be another memorable Beber Camp event. Mark your calendars for August 14-16th. Click to learn more and register.  Spaces are limited so act today! Interested in being a Maccabiah judge this summer?  Please contact Michael to learn more. Alumni Mazal Tov - We want to hear from you... Are you graduating? Getting married? Did you just have a baby? There’s nothing like Beber Camp gossip, so spread your good news! We would love to hear what is new and exciting in your lives. Visit the Alumni section of the Beber Camp Website and click on the Mazel Tov section. It’s as easy as ever to tell the Beber community just what’s going on. Not only would we love to hear your good news, but we would also love to congratulate you. Beber Babies literally get their own t-shirt. Mazal Tov! The Alumni Council is Expanding Calling all Alumni—Looking to get involved?  The Alumni Council is looking for your help and is an exciting way to keep camp in your life.  For more information about how you can help, please contact Joel Bennett or Michael Wax. Click to meet your Alumni Council. Summer Scholarship Drive Thank you very much to the generous alumni who have already made a difference this year.  It’s not too late to help a child experience the magic of Jewish summer camp.  Even a gift of "chai" will goes a long way.  Please click to donate and to show your support this year! ‘09 England Reunion We had an amazing turnout at the Beber Alumni Reunion in London this past February… Check out the photosand watch Video #1 and Video #2. Alumni and Summer video updates are always available at Beber’s YouTube Channel!     WINTER 4930 OAKTON STREET, SUITE 405 SKOKIE, IL 60077 TOLL FREE: 800-803-CAMP CHICAGO: 847-677-7130 FAX: 847-677-7132 INFO@BEBERCAMP.COM SUMMER W 1741 HIGHWAY J MUKWONAGO, WI 53149 (262) 363-6800 FAX: (262) 363-6804   Alumni News, News 2009-04-30T03:14:00-06:00 http://bebercamp.com/news/articles/january_2009_march_enewsletter/ http://bebercamp.com/news/articles/january_2009_march_enewsletter/#When:20:03:00Z eNewsletter for March 2009. eNewsletter for March 2009. In this issue... Parent Packet and Forms Now Online Spring Picnics in Chicago, Louisville, Cleveland Family Camp and Alumni Reunion New Videos & 5 Year Camper Wall Alumni Association is Expanding Summer ‘09 Scholarship Drive Featured Campers and Staff   Parent Packet and Forms Now Online Are you joining us for Beber Camp 2009? Wondering how to keep in touch with your child over the summer? How often does laundry get washed? Pondering the best way to get up to camp? The Parent Packet and Forms are now online at our website. Completed forms, along with complete payment of your balance is due April 1st. Note that the Camper Medical Profile Form was recently updated (March 4th) to include a complete vaccination history. If you have already sent in your forms, please be sure to download the updated Med form and send the vaccination history to our office. Spring Picnics in Chicago, Louisville, Cleveland Save the date: Sunday, April 26th. Beber’s Spring Picnics are a great way to meet new and returning campers, fellow parents, and your ‘09 summer staff. Cheese and veggie pizza and drinks will be provided. Bring your excitement and get any questions you have answered. Timing and location information to follow in early April. Family Camp and Alumni Reunion Join us at camp, August 14-16 for a weekend of activities, food, friends, and fun! Parents often ask "Can I come to camp?" This is your opportunity! Check the events section of the website or jump to the event for more information! Bebercamp.com update—New Videos & 5 Year Camper Wall Meet your 2009 Australian Staff Maccabiah Break—Second Session, 2008 Crocodile Hunter, Beber Camp Style Tennis with Maor—One of Beber’s amazing Jewish Artists in Residence, First Session ‘08 Have you spent five or more summers at camp? Post a comment as to what Beber means to you on the Camper wall. Beber Camp Alumni Association is Expanding We’re looking for volunteers to help build and update our alumni database, join event committees to help plan programming, and discuss fundraising opportunities.  This will be a great way to accrue community service hours, while helping to build and strengthen our Beber Alumni Community. Contact Joel or Michael if you’re interested in getting involved. Summer 2009 Scholarship Drive Thank you very much to the generous alumni who have already made a difference this year. We need your help in making camp a reality for campers and their families. Click here to make a donation. Featured Camper Family: The Fishmans So really, why do the Fishmans come to camp? Each month, we’ll be featuring a different camper family in an effort to get an unique look inside what it means to be a Beber Camp. Check this out and read more stories about this Chicago family in the camper section of the website... Staff Profile: Mark Shankman We work hard in the off-season to hire quality staff from around the world! Many are graduates of our Teen Leadership Program. Last year, Mark was one of our Pioneer Directors and was instrumental in making the new website a reality. Mark returns to the ‘09 Summer Staff as the Teen Connection Division Leader from Cleveland, Ohio. In this ongoing feature, get to know your 2009 Beber Camp Staff!     Alumni News, News 2009-03-10T20:03:00-06:00 http://bebercamp.com/news/articles/march_2009_enewsletter/ http://bebercamp.com/news/articles/march_2009_enewsletter/#When:19:53:00Z eNewsletter for March 2009. In this issue... Parent Packet and Forms Now Online Spring Picnics in Chicago, Louisville, Cleveland Family Camp and Alumni Reunion New Videos & 5 Year Camper Wall Alumni Association is Expanding Summer '09 Scholarship Drive Featured Campers and Staff   Parent Packet and Forms Now Online Are you joining us for Beber Camp 2009? Wondering how to keep in touch with your child over the summer? How often does laundry get washed? Pondering the best way to get up to camp? The Parent Packet and Forms are now online at our website. Completed forms, along with complete payment of your balance is due April 1st. Note that the Camper Medical Profile Form was recently updated (March 4th) to include a complete vaccination history. If you have already sent in your forms, please be sure to download the updated Med form and send the vaccination history to our office. Spring Picnics in Chicago, Louisville, Cleveland Save the date: Sunday, April 26th. Beber's Spring Picnics are a great way to meet new and returning campers, fellow parents, and your '09 summer staff. Cheese and veggie pizza and drinks will be provided. Bring your excitement and get any questions you have answered. Timing and location information to follow in early April. Family Camp and Alumni Reunion Join us at camp, August 14-16 for a weekend of activities, food, friends, and fun! Parents often ask "Can I come to camp?" This is your opportunity! Check the events section of the website or jump to the event for more information! Bebercamp.com update -- New Videos & 5 Year Camper Wall Meet your 2009 Australian Staff Maccabiah Break -- Second Session, 2008 Crocodile Hunter, Beber Camp Style Tennis with Maor -- One of Beber's amazing Jewish Artists in Residence, First Session '08 Have you spent five or more summers at camp? Post a comment as to what Beber means to you on the Camper wall. Beber Camp Alumni Association is Expanding We're looking for volunteers to help build and update our alumni database, join event committees to help plan programming, and discuss fundraising opportunities. This will be a great way to accrue community service hours, while helping to build and strengthen our Beber Alumni Community. Contact Joel or Michael if you're interested in getting involved. Summer 2009 Scholarship Drive Thank you very much to the generous alumni who have already made a difference this year. We need your help in making camp a reality for campers and their families. Click here to make a donation. Featured Camper Family: The Fishmans So really, why do the Fishmans come to camp? Each month, we'll be featuring a different camper family in an effort to get an unique look inside what it means to be a Beber Camp. Check this out and read more stories about this Chicago family in the camper section of the website... Staff Profile: Mark Shankman We work hard in the off-season to hire quality staff from around the world! Many are graduates of our Teen Leadership Program. Last year, Mark was one of our Pioneer Directors and was instrumental in making the new website a reality. Mark returns to the '09 Summer Staff as the Teen Connection Division Leader from Cleveland, Ohio. In this ongoing feature, get to know your 2009 Beber Camp Staff!     News, eNewsletter 2009-03-10T19:53:00-06:00 http://bebercamp.com/news/articles/new_winter_office_location/ http://bebercamp.com/news/articles/new_winter_office_location/#When:17:24:00Z We have a new winter location!  Our new office address and phone numbers are as follows: B’nai B’rith Beber Camp 4930 Oakton Street, Suite 405 Skokie, IL 60077 847-677-7130 Fax: 847-677-7132 News, Breaking News 2009-01-26T17:24:00-06:00 http://bebercamp.com/news/articles/january_2009_alumni_enewsletter/ http://bebercamp.com/news/articles/january_2009_alumni_enewsletter/#When:16:46:00Z eNewsletter for January 2009. In this issue... Launch of new & improved Bebercamp.com Upcoming Year Round Events Kim McCann Swanson Volunteer Opportunities A Look Back: New Years Family Getaway Calling all UK Alumni Featured Campers and Staff For the latest news and updates, please visit sign up using the orange newsletter box on the right. Launch of Bebercamp.com We are proud to officially announce the launch of a completely redesigned Bebercamp.com! With sections specifically designed for parents, campers, staff, and alumni, there truly is something for everyone. We’ve even hosted videos from camp programs, music from the recording studio, and have a new interactive calendar to keep you up to date on Beber’s year-round events. Special thanks to Mark Shankman, who, in addition to leading Beber’s 2008 Pioneers, worked in a design internship to help lay the foundation for the new site. Check it out! Upcoming Year-Round Events Signup now for these amazing winter programs at Beber! Ramot/TC/PIO/CIT Winter Camp and School of Rock/Dance Camp Weekend. March 27-29, 2009. Learn more and register today! Makor Winter Camp. April 3-5, 2009. Learn more and register on our website. Save the Date! August 14-16, 2009 Family Camp and Alumni Reunion Weekend. ***Note that the February 7th Alumni Weekend is being rolled into the August Alumni Weekend so that we can guarantee a high turnout.*** Kim McCann Swanson It is with deep sadness in our hearts that we share the news of the recent loss of a true friend and Beber alum.  Kim McCann Swanson was a staff member and long-time friend of Beber Camp, where she met her husband David in the summer of 1999.  In March, 2007, Kim and David gave birth to a beautiful and healthy baby girl, Emma Sage, and shortly thereafter, Kim was diagnosed with cancer.  Throughout her treatment, Kim remained positive and strong, never letting her diagnosis define her or slow her down.  On January 1, 2009, back home in her native South Africa, surrounded by family and friends, Kim passed away. Kim was a wonderful mother, wife, sister, daughter and friend and will be terribly missed.  To honor Kim’s wishes, a celebration of her life is being planned for the weekend of February 7th.  Specific details regarding time and location will become available in the next few weeks and information will be made available to the Beber community.  In lieu of flowers, please visit RealityCharity to help support the family during this difficult time.  Kim touched many people’s lives and for those of you looking for additional support, there are people available to speak with you.  Please contact Becky with any questions or concerns at 847-498-1441. Volunteer and help build the Beber Camp Alumni Association We’re looking for volunteers to help build and update our alumni database, join event committees to help plan programming, and discuss fundraising opportunities. Work will begin in mid-February. This will be a great way to accrue community service hours, while helping to build and strengthen our Beber Alumni Community. Contact Joel if you’re interested in getting involved. A Look Back: New Year’s Family Getaway Campers and parents had an wonderful time while staying warm at the Perlman Leadership Retreat Village at Beber Camp over New Years. The activities were amazing… including a New Year’s Party, ice fishing, broom ball, climbing, yoga, Iron Chef, Family Feud, and Ga-Ga! Check out photos on Facebook and mark your calendars for next year’s New Year’s Family Getaway December 31, 2009 - January 3, 2010! Calling all UK Alumni! Calling all international staff… We’re planning a reunion in the London area on Saturday, February 28th. Check the events section of the website for more information. Also, check out our facebook event and let us know you’re coming. Featured Camper Family: The Fromsons So really, why do the Fromsons come to camp? Each month, we’ll be featuring a different camper family in an effort to get an unique look inside what it means to be a Beber Camp. Check this out and read more stories about this Cleveland family in the camper section of the website... Staff Profile: Alyssa Wolff We work hard in the off-season to hire quality staff from around the world! Many are graduates of our Teen Leadership Program. Alyssa joins the ‘09 Summer Staff as an Associate Counselor from Louisville, Kentucky. In this ongoing feature, get to know your 2009 Beber Camp Staff! Alumni News, News 2009-01-16T16:46:00-06:00