Director's Corner - July 3, 2024
Wednesday, July 3, 2024
What a Wonderful World
I see trees of green, red roses too
I see them bloom for me and you
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world
I see skies of blue and clouds of white
The bright blessed days, the dark sacred nights
And I think to myself
what a wonderful world
It was another incredible day at Beber. Sunshine and today's highs of 84 degrees, created the perfect opportunities for some amazing activities on and off camp.
Makor started their day with a late wake-up and then were off and running with a day jam packed with fun special programming. The Walworth County Sheriff's Department and East Troy Fire and Rescue teams came to camp to talk about safety and show off their equipment to the kids which were allowed to sit in a fire truck, try on a fireman uniform and learn about the different tools that they use in a real emergency. Everyone had fun role playing for a moment and the pictures taken captured some pretty incredible memories. Our partnership with the East Troy Fire and Rescue allows us to not only ensure the safety of our campers and staff but has provided us with this unique opportunity for our campers.
After a nacho bar lunch with all of the fixings, they were at it again but this time the PIOs designed, planned and executed eight different station style programs all related to the Makor session theme of Monster Mash. It was really nice to see them work through the process of creating engaging programs for our youngest campers. All of the activities were well thought out, and the campers had so much fun, making monsters, dressing their counselors as monsters, playing a monster game, working creatively and strategically to get across a “monster area” and performing with their decorated monsters. I am very proud of the PIOs and they showed great leadership in this program from start to finish. It is a goal of the TLP program to have the campers learn about and experience all areas of camp and as far as programming, they hit a home run today.
Makor campers finished out their day's activities with a trip to the pool and then packed up and headed to their overnight. They ate a dinner of make your own camper’s stew which is a personal favorite at Beber where they add meat and potatoes and all sorts of veggies and spices to a foil packet with their name on it and throw it on the fire to cook. Every camper has their favorite combination and the fact that this is a meal only served on a trip out of camp or overnight, it becomes a real treat.
After dinner, Makor headed to their campsite for a quick snack of s’mores and returned to the lake to watch the fireworks display. Mukwonago has a tradition of hosting a fireworks display every third of July. Tonight's show was truly spectacular, featuring vibrant colors enhanced by the moonlight reflecting off the lake, creating a truly magical sight. After the finale, they headed back to their tents to sleep for the night.
Here is some more information about our Kesher and Ramot trips:
Outdoor Sports Adventure
During our Outdoor Sports Adventure (OSA) trip, campers spend three days at Rivers Edge Campground in Stevens Point. They are organized into teams and engage in a variety of activities, including basketball, gaga, ultimate frisbee, and individual challenges such as hula hoop contests and plank challenges. Points are awarded to teams based on their performance in these activities. Additionally, the campground features a small aquapark where they can cool off and enjoy some extra fun.
Fine Arts Trip
Campers on the Fine Arts trip enjoy their days at Governor Dodge State Park in Dodgeville, Wisconsin, a stunning location boasting a picturesque beach with sand dunes and captivating hiking trails, including one leading to a waterfall. During this trip, campers immerse themselves in various art forms, from song sessions and reverse talent shows to morning yoga and advanced bracelet making. Adding to their experience is a special tour of the House on the Rock, a visionary project initiated in 1945 by Alex Jordan, aiming to create a man-made retreat as breathtaking as the surrounding vista. Over time, the House on the Rock has expanded to feature extraordinary exhibits and collections, such as a music room, tributes to nostalgia, a sculpture garden, streets depicting past eras, a dollhouse room, exhibits on marine heritage, an infinity room offering panoramic views, and a massive indoor carousel.
Senior Ramot Backpacking
The last trip to discuss is a Senior Ramot Backpacking adventure. They journey together and camp as a cohesive unit along the Ice Age Trail, situated near the terminal moraine from the last Ice Age. Divided into two groups, they hike in opposite directions from Little Prairie to Highway C each day. This experience not only presents challenges but also empowers them to conquer obstacles and achieve success as they reach significant milestones along the way.
Each trip adopts a distinctive theme that permeates all aspects of the programming throughout the entire duration of the trip. Some other popular themes this session included: Games, Games and More Games, Secret Spies, The Amazing Race, Night at the Movies, Pirates of the Caribbean, Voyagers and Music. The trip leaders really enjoy coming up with these themes and creating activities around them. It is these little touches that, in Beber terms 212 our programs. The saying goes that at 211 degrees water is hot. At 212 degrees water boils and with boiling water comes steam and steam can power a locomotive. The extra degree makes all the difference.
Checking in with the trips throughout the day, I am wowed by all of the fantastic experiences and the opportunities for them to bond with others in their division. I am also proud to hear stories of conquering fears, learning new skills, and seeing beautiful sites all across Wisconsin. Campers are happy and I am so excited to see them get off the bus tomorrow and hear about all their unique experiences.
What a wonderful world it is, but an even more wonderful world it is, being here at Beber!
P.S. Congratulations to those who knew that Rusted Root sang “Send Me on My Way!”
Laura S
Hannah G
Corey S
Anne R
Brett B
Dennis P
Alison O
Amy B
Who sang “What a Wonderful World?” Email your answer to trivia@bebercamp.com for a shoutout in tomorrow’s blog!