Director's Corner - Monday, July 22
Monday, July 22, 2024
Manic Monday
It's just another manic Monday (Ooh-oh)
Wish it were Sunday (Ooh-oh)
'Cause that's my fun day (Ooh-oh)
My I-don't-have-to-run day (Ooh)
It's just another manic Monday
Yes Sunday was a “fun day” but this Monday was anything but Manic. After a well deserved late wake up for the campers and staff from the intensity of Maccabiah yesterday, campers were right back into routine. We started our second week of hobbies and many of the campers were thrilled to have the opportunity to try something new or get into a hobby that they waited all year to take. Those campers that tried hobbies today but wanted something a little different, were allowed to switch hobbies tonight at GA.
I was able to stop by cabin activities this afternoon where B1 and B2 were learning some outdoor education from Darren. Darren is a former staff member who worked many years at Beber where he met his wife Lara. The two of them moved to Australia and are raising 3 boys but wanted to spend a summer at Beber with their boys so that they could have the same amazing summer that they had at Beber so long ago. It is such a pleasure having both of them here at camp. Darren has been working with our campers teaching them fire building skills, proper tent set up and care, riding the trails with the biking hobby, and helping with some camp projects. His wife Lara works in the office and has also been working on some special projects. I am thrilled to have them back here at camp and seeing them experience Beber through the eyes of their sons is absolutely heartwarming.
As promised last week here are some introductions to our Area Director team responsible for facilitating our incredible hobby program and ensuring the smooth running of programs throughout the summer. You can check them all out here.
Bob Goldwin - Hobby Director
“Hi, My name is Bob Goldwin and I am so excited to be starting my second summer as the Beber Camp Hobby Director. I am a 49 year old elementary school teacher, basketball and soccer coach, but most importantly husband to camp clinician Frannie and father to two wonderful daughters Avery and Maddie. I am thrilled to continue working with the incredible campers and staff here at Beber and allowing them to customize a hobby program that challenges, teaches and rewards them. “
Thom van Keeken - Challenge Course Director
“Hi y’all. My name is Thom van Keeken, I am 23 years old and I am from the Netherlands. This is my 3rd summer at Beber camp and second summer as the challenge course area director. My first year at camp I was a B3 counselor for both sessions and a challenge course specialist. I love what I do because I can watch campers challenge themselves and feel pride in their accomplishments.”
Hannah Harris - Arts & Crafts Director
“Hi I am Hannah Harris from England and I’m the Arts & Crafts Director. This is my 2nd summer at camp and I’m excited to share new skills and hobbies with campers this summer. I love the creative possibilities of working with campers in Arts and Crafts and showing them how to make real works of art.”
Georgie Morris - Outdoor Adventure Director
“Hello! My name is Georgie, I am from Scotland and this is my third summer working at Beber. This year I am the Outdoor Adventures area director. My favorite part about working in outdoor adventures is caring for animals and practicing survival skills in the trails on upper camp. I really enjoy teaching the campers about the great outdoors and how to care for a functional farm including our newest addition of baby ducks”
Sari Stinson - Athletics Director
‘Hi everyone, my name is Sari Stinson and I am the athletics director this summer! I am from Vernon Hills, Illinois and this is my 13th summer at camp. Being an area director allows for me to create an environment that encourages campers to venture beyond their comfort zones while also allowing them to explore their competitive spirit. I am so excited for another amazing summer!”
Tomorrow I will keep the introductions coming with the other half of our amazing team.
Meals:
Breakfast: Waffles and strawberries
Lunch: Mac and Cheese and broccoli
Dinner: Brisket sandwiches on a pretzel roll with curly fries
Tonight, senior Makor took the spotlight with their very own talent show, showcasing a delightful array of acts ranging from songs and dances to hilarious skits. It was heartwarming to witness everyone letting loose and showing off their talents in such a supportive atmosphere. Here at Beber, you can truly be yourself—cool, creative, and a bit wild—and your friends will be there every step of the way, cheering you on. The younger Makor campers had their turn making superhero comic strips and they were absolutely adorable and creative. I love how they are diving into their summer theme.
Kesher participated in a Shark Tank style activity where they purchased items to construct their own unique Olympic game for the world famous Kesh Olympics and then presented it to the “judges” in hopes that they would invest in their innovative idea. Ramot took their talents to new heights with a lip sync battle. They take this very seriously and I could see each cabin practicing and perfecting their performance before they brought it live to the stage.
The PIOs left this morning for a three day camping trip to Iowa. They visited the iconic Field of Dreams today and have tucked themselves into their tents at their campground after some exciting programming at their campsite. The itinerary of their entire second session program is centered around experiences that parallel what they would have experienced in Israel. For example, the theme of their three day trip is Adventures in Northern Israel. Having a staff leader who is Israeli and other staff who went on the Beber Israel trip allows them to intertwine their experiences in Israel with the activities chosen for the PIO second session experience.
I was able to cap off the night doing a late night adventure sneak-in with O-6 where Russell and I played some music for the cabin. If I haven’t introduced Russell before, he is our music director emeritus. He has been coming to camp for 20 summers. There is no one better at creating a beautiful atmosphere of music at camp.
P.S. Congratulations to the following who knew that the Doobie Brothers sang "Listen To The Music!"
Jill R
Jessica F
Dennis P
Ronit R
Wendy E
Brian B
P.S. - Today’s question: Who sang “Manic Monday” Email your answer to trivia@bebercamp.com for a shoutout in tomorrow’s blog!