Director's Corner - Friday, July 26
Friday, July 26, 2024
Friday I’m in Love
I don't care if Monday's blue
Tuesday's grey and Wednesday too
Thursday, I don't care about you
It's Friday, I'm in love
Monday you can fall apart
Tuesday, Wednesday break my heart
Oh, Thursday doesn't even start
It's Friday, I'm in love
It's amazing to realize we're already approaching the end of our second week here at camp. Time really flies when you're immersed in so much enjoyment. I feel incredibly fortunate to spend days like today engaging in activities with campers, forging connections with them and their counselors. This community is truly unique.
Last week, I discussed one of my core beliefs at Beber: Pride and Ownership. During staff training, we explored how our counselors can nurture a sense of pride and ownership among our campers for our community. I also spoke with the campers about this concept on their first day, and I'm continually impressed by how many have embraced it. I often witness campers actively picking up trash and tidying areas after participating in their favorite hobbies or activities.
Every morning after breakfast, we have cabin clean-up where campers take an active role in maintaining their living quarters. Each camper has a daily task assigned on their cabin work wheel. Head counselors assess the cleanliness of all bunks during the campers' first hobby session, assigning scores for cabin clean-up. At the end of each week, we announce an overall winner who earns a special ice cream treat for their bunk. The campers take great pride in their scores and strive to improve each week. It makes me wonder how their rooms at home compare!
For the session's overall winner, we have an extra special treat in store.
Tonight marked the beginning of our second Shabbat in the first session. It was a joy to see all our campers dressed in their Friday best, coming together to express gratitude with their bunkmates at Shabbat Schmooze. I am deeply impressed by our Jewish life team and their skillful leadership of the services, engaging our entire community in songs and prayers. Having so many campers interested in leading prayers speaks to the inclusivity of our community and its embrace of all levels of Jewish Life.
Fridays are filled with a unique sense of anticipation and spirit as everyone prepares for Shabbat. Today is a special blend of routine and tradition, where the camp's vibrant atmosphere takes on an added layer of excitement. Campers and staff alike eagerly look forward to the evening's traditions, which serve as a highlight of the week and a cornerstone of the camp experience.
The preparations for Shabbat are both communal and personal; cabins tidy up, everyone dons their Shabbat best, and there is a collective effort to beautify the camp and themselves. The aroma of freshly baked challah and other delicious Shabbat dishes fills the air, which builds anticipation for Friday night dinner.
Shabbat dinner is a moment of togetherness and celebration. The entire camp community gathers to share a festive meal and a sense of unity. It's a time when the hustle and bustle of the week pause, allowing everyone to reconnect with each other and with camp’s shared values. The beauty of Shabbat at camp lies not just in the rituals but in the feeling of being part of something larger – a sacred community that honors tradition while creating lasting memories.
During services, “Ruchel’s” daughters shared a story with a moral supporting our Shabbat theme of Leadership. What resonated most with me tonight was the Israeli dancing, where our entire camp community gathered on the basketball courts. It was a wonderful feeling to have everyone united in one place, dancing and having fun. Israeli dancing has always held a special place in my heart from my own days as a camper.
There are 2 song sessions, led by members of our camp band. These are phenomenal experiences, with campers and staff singing at full volume and dancing enthusiastically to the music. Our community's unity and spirit are truly uplifting. Ramot and TLP have a song session in Crown Hall. We also have a separate song session for Makor and Kesher campers in the amphitheater, tailored to their age levels, allowing them to dance and sing along with their friends.
Meals:
- Breakfast: Eggs and hash browns
- Lunch: Pizza and Caesar salad
- Dinner: Shabbat chicken dinner with mashed potatoes, chicken noodle soup, broccoli, and challah
The Pios today had an amazing visit to Madison. They toured both the capital, campus, and State Street. It's been another great week and the spirit of Shabbat is seen through all of camp. That's why because today is “Friday, I’m in Love”
P.S. Congratulations to the following who knew that One Direction sang "That’s What Makes You Beautiful!"
Ronit R
Amy B
P.S. - Today’s question: Who sang “Friday I’m in Love” Email your answer to trivia@bebercamp.com for a shoutout in tomorrow’s blog!