Director's Corner - Saturday, July 27
Saturday, July 27, 2024
Saturday In The Park
Saturday in the park
I think it was the Fourth of July
Saturday in the park
I think it was the Fourth of July
People talkinging, people laughing
A man selling ice cream
Singing Italian songs
Eh Cumpari, ci vo sunari
Can you dig it? (Yes, I can)
And I've been waiting such a long time
For Saturday yeah
Today at camp, we enjoyed a delightful second Shabbat. In the early morning, our campers cherished their time in the morning with GA, engaging in activities like basketball, socializing with friends, or simply relaxing around their bunks. The morning was serene, starting with a scenic breakfast on the island—a refreshing break from the usual camp routine. I enjoyed some pickleball and Baggo, as usual for my Saturday morning. Following GA, campers cleaned their cabins and prepared for morning Shabbat services.
The services at Crown Hall were led with great spirit by Lara and our music team. We've introduced new songs that have been warmly embraced by everyone at camp. It's been heartwarming to see campers and staff eagerly volunteering to read Torah and lead prayers during our Saturday services. Additionally, our CITs delighted us with their unique Saturday Torah Live puppet show, skillfully sharing the Torah's stories in a way that resonates with everyone, even with a cameo song by our program director Kym Bird. Here is a snippet of the song written by our Jewish Life Director for the Saturday Torah Live about leadership and the three day trips.
At first I was afraid, I was petrified, Kept thinking I could never pack enough for their long bus rides. But then I spent so many nights, Just thinking how it could all go wrong, And you grew strong, And you learned how to carry on!
And now we're back, with backpacks on, We just walked in to find you here with all that gear, now get along!. We need our sleeping bags and snacks, We need our water bottles too, And now we'll pack it all together, That is what I've got to do!
Oh, now you’ll hike, and you’ll canoe, Oh, as long as you keep moving, you’ll know just what you should do. You’ve got our campout stuff to take, You’ve got the plans that I did make, And you’ll survive, I will survive, We will survive!
We also honored our 8 week campers and our Rookie campers with an aliyah during the Torah portion of our service. It was a large group of campers and very impressive to see all of their smiling faces up there participating in the service.
During Mikud (reflection time), which was by Mishpaha, I had the opportunity to move around camp and listen to different families express times they were leaders and what makes an effective leader, guided by questions from our Jewish life team. It was incredibly touching to see these Mishpahot come together again and feel even more connected since their first gathering during the first week. The closeness among generations is truly special and a part of what makes this such a tight knit community. Hearing their comments was truly inspiring.
After a delicious lunch featuring a sandwich bar with all the trimmings, campers enjoyed rest hour—a daily time for them to stay in their bunks. During this period, they have the option to rest, write letters, play quiet games, or simply bond with their bunkmates. A counselor, known as the Shomer (guard in Hebrew), remains with them during this hour and after 10:30 PM when other staff members have some free time. This ensures constant supervision and safety for our campers throughout the day. We want you to feel reassured that your campers are always cared for and under supervision here at Beber, with their safety as our top priority.
After rest hour, each division began their Saturday rotations including time at the pool. For their Maccabi games this week, divisions played a rousing game of capture the flag which energized all of the campers in a spirited competition. For Shabbat programming, Makor played a game of flash leader frenzy where they acted as leaders to create dance moves together for their bunks. Kesher participated in a game called Leader Speak, a twist on the game Taboo. Ramot was presented with some cool Shabboptions this week which included boxing, fencing, kickball, salsa dancing, Shalom stretch and Hebrew songs. Having a choice in their Shabbat program really makes them buy in to the activity that they choose and they get a lot out of it in the end. I really enjoyed watching the salsa dancing being taught to the campers. Their enthusiasm and ability to pick up the technique was impressive.
After lunch, we assisted our Rookie campers in packing their belongings—a reminder that two weeks have flown by in a blink. I'm incredibly proud of them for embracing new activities, stepping out of their comfort zones, and forging lasting friendships. Witnessing their growth over this short period has been remarkable. While it's bittersweet to see them depart, I'm eagerly anticipating their return next summer for the full session. I wish them a year of LO-HE-HA (Love, Health and Happiness)!
We concluded our Shabbat with a community-wide Havdalah in the amphitheater. Following the announcement of the week's cleanest cabins and a kitschy song from our division leaders, camp was given the news of a very special day tomorrow! Our Israeli staff stormed the stage introducing Israel Day to the camp. Tomorrow, we'll celebrate the Jewish value of Love of Israel. With passionate Israeli staff members this summer, our campers are in for an enriching experience as they share their love for Israel and celebrate our Jewish identity. Don't forget to wear your Blue and White tomorrow!
Our PIOs took a special trip into Mukwonago and East Troy today as they boarded a trolley that took them from the Elegant Farmer into East Troy to have some ice cream at Laubers, an old fashioned ice cream parlour.
Meals:
- Breakfast: Grab and go on the Island
- Lunch: Sandwiches, fixings, chips and salad bar
- Dinner: Pasta and sauce, salmon, fried rice, green beans and garlic bread
In closing, these past two weeks have been filled with memorable moments and meaningful connections. Tomorrow will bring a mix of emotions as we bid farewell to our rookies and cap off the day with our Israel Day Carnival. All of this joy and camaraderie reminds me of how fortunate we are to be together in this special place.
P.S. Congratulations to the following who knew that The Cure sang "Friday I’m In Love"
Leanna W
Steven S
Debra C
Brian B
Ronit R
Dennis P
Amy B
Amy G
P.S. - Today’s question: Who sang “Saturday in the Park” Email your answer to trivia@bebercamp.com for a shoutout in tomorrow’s blog!