Director's Corner - July 10, 2024
Wednesday, July 10, 2024
Endless Summer Nights
And I remember how you loved me
Time was all we had until the day we said goodbye
I remember every moment of those endless summer nights
What a day! Very bittersweet. Today marks the conclusion of our first session's regular activities, and it's hard to believe we'll be saying goodbye in just over 24 hours. Time flew by as we kept ourselves busy with countless enjoyable moments!
Our day began with the final round of cabin activities and hobbies. The morning kicked off with campers enjoying their last rides on the ski boats, scaling the climbing wall, and engaging in arts and crafts. Campers had a fantastic time bonding with their hobby friends around camp, playing games, making bracelets, sharing stories, and cherishing their final moments with their beloved hobby leaders. I feel so fortunate to have spent a lot of time with campers. I was able to drive a ski boat a few times. Several campers told me they were able to slalom which is quite an accomplishment. We are having so much fun!
After wrapping up hobbies, everyone freshened up and dressed up for our banquet. We started with Mocktails on the Island, where campers mingled, snapped photos with friends, nibbled on snacks, and sipped fruity, fizzy drinks to the beat of some tunes all supporting the banquet theme of “Let the Journey Begin, to Bring You back to Beber Summer 2025!”. It's always heartwarming to see everyone dressed up, especially our senior Ramot campers in matching shirts, and our CITs and PIOs showcasing their special summer t-shirts.
Following the socializing and singing, campers proceeded to the dining hall for a special Banquet dinner. They were treated to a pasta bar featuring marinara and garlic butter sauces, an array of pasta types, pesto pasta, garlic rolls, and sautéed veggies. Pop accompanied their meal, and dessert delighted with various slices of assorted pies. The banquet's theme transformed the dining hall with airplanes, globes and travel themed backdrops and signs. Again, a huge thank you to the kitchen staff. We have an incredible team lead by Abdiel and Chuck. They work so hard to make sure the campers are well fed.
Post-dinner, each division held a closing program where they wrote heartfelt bus notes, celebrated their bonds through polaroid snapshots, and reflected on their session experiences. These moments were poignant reminders of how much they've grown and connected since their opening day. During this final divisional program there is always a sense of sadness that this is all coming to an end but gratitude for all of the experiences and friendships formed throughout their relationships formed and programming this summer.
Tonight we introduced a new tradition here at Beber. A long standing tradition is recognizing 5 year campers during our closing ceremony. We’ve created something new so that each camper that has been here three summers or more will receive a special commemorative Beber water bottle to stay hydrated during future Beber summers. Upon completion of each summer, campers will receive a special sticker for their water bottle to add to the thrill of spending another summer on the shores of Lake Beulah! Campers loved this new tradition! Since we want to keep this a secret for second session campers, please don’t share this news just yet.
Later in the evening, divisions enjoyed a DJ’d dance with contests, plenty of singing, and energetic dancing. Special recognition goes to Arianna Rozen and her team from Vibe for their exceptional performance during the Makor/Kesher and Ramot/TLP dances, which added to the excitement of our end-of-session festivities. Anyone looking for entertainment for their B’nai Mitzvahs, she and her team are exceptional and all of the campers had an amazing time.
The night continued with some bunks extending the fun with late-night adventures. It truly was an incredible event and a fitting celebration of our time together this session. Tomorrow, we look forward to Beber Fest and the second half of our Fine Arts Festival, which I'll cover in tomorrow's blog. These “Endless Summer Nights” are coming to a close. Even though I am sad, I am fulfilled in knowing that the campers are leaving a little tanner, a lot more confident, and with memories that will last a lifetime!
P.S. Congratulations to those who knew that the song “When I Grow Up” is from the musical Matilda.
Amy L
Dana S
Alison O
Carrie G
Corey S
Who sang the song “Endless Summer Nights?” Email your answer to trivia@bebercamp.com for a shoutout in tomorrow’s blog!