Director's Corner - Sunday, August 4
Sunday, August 4, 2024
“Oh, what a beautiful mornin'”
Oh, what a beautiful mornin'
Oh, what a beautiful day
I've got a beautiful feelin'
Everything's goin' my way
All the sounds of the earth are like music
Oh the sounds of the earth are like music
The breeze is so busy, it don't miss a tree
An' a ol' weepin' willer is laughin' at me
Today was a fantastic day here at camp as we start to wrap up the session. Campers had a blast and our bunks are now enjoying their final rounds of all our activities. We started the day bright and early with 26 campers swimming across the lake. The water was like glass and the calm of watching them swim towards camp with support boats was incredible. I am always impressed with the kids that accomplish this feat as they had to train during hobbies and then get up at 6am for the slow, no wake ride across the lake to the other side. The smiling, slightly tired swimmers are so proud of their accomplishment when they reach shore and are eagerly cheering on those that come after them while sipping on some well deserved hot chocolate.
Hobbies ran smoothly today. Campers navigated to their activities with ease, staff took attendance efficiently, and everyone had a blast. Our biking enthusiasts hit the trails for an exciting adventure, while our tennis players honed their backhand skills. The musical campers are busy adding the finishing touches to their production of “Frozen, Jr,” and I can't wait to see it Tuesday. I got to hang out with the campers playing ultimate frisbee this afternoon. We took a break in the shade and grabbed some water and talked about the summer. It was fun getting to share this time with them. The waterfront was bustling today as the warm weather made the water enticing.The sight of coloful sails traversing Lake Beulah is truly awesome.
Meals:
Breakfast: Waffles
Lunch: Mac and Cheese
Dinner: Brisket
After a delightful dinner of brisket sandwiches, campers enjoyed General Activities (GA). It was heartwarming to see so many campers playing games, chatting with friends, or relaxing on the Blue Swing, a beloved fixture at camp since Burr Oaks (the camp that was on grounds before Beber). My favorite GA activity is Baggo (aka Cornhole, Bags, Bean Bag Toss). I often play Baggo with campers on Saturday morning GA, which is a nice tradition.
Speaking of camp fixtures, you might have heard about the 72 steps—yes, there really are 72 of them, always a fun count going up or down. Another iconic spot is the Hobby Wheel, a wooden wheel where campers gather in lower camp to break out for hobbies. A recent addition, the Giant Green Chair overlooking Lake Beulah, has quickly become a favorite photo spot. Last summer, we expanded our camp fixtures with a playground and hammock area. Due to its popularity, over the winter we expanded the hammock area. The hammock area, built by myself and Swany, has become a popular relaxation spot, while the playground buzzes with activity around the tables and jungle gym, offering a cool photo op with campers hanging out at the top.
Senior Ramot enjoyed a special trip to Lake Geneva this afternoon for some group shopping and bonding time off camp. They ended their special right of passage day at the Elegant Farmer where they experienced a hayride, tour of the facilities and a grilled cheese dinner. They of course got an opportunity to shop in the market and many campers enjoyed a slice of their famous apple pie with ice cream or a Beber Camp, t-shirt shaped cookie.
Tonight for the evening program, campers were entertained with the Fine Art Festival. The Fine Arts Festival is camp’s premiere showcase of music, film, dance, and multimedia, and session 2 of 2024 had no shortage of creativity and talent on display in Crown Hall.
Videos included a best-of-recording-studio compilation reel, and a synchronized swimming video, and two fantastic films facilitated by artist in residence (and Beber alum) Danny Farber, who made movie-making a special hobby to be in for the second year in a row.
The capper was perhaps the rockumentary made by the music department about the band I Agree with Pickle, who got together for the third year in a row to make music together. The film followed their journey of reuniting after a diss track came their way - to which they had to respond in the form of rock and roll! (Fear not the diss track was all in good fun, made by friends of theirs, and was ALSO included in the festival!)
The video led right into a live performance from the band, an original song called We’re Too Busy Pickling! They just love pickles!.
Two more amazing live music performances came from Kesher and Ramot divisions, singing all time classics like Free Fallin and Don’t Stop Believin - and got the whole camp singing.
Add in a wonderful hobby dance performance, and cap things off with a rainbow-themed singalong from our song leader Brady (the theme of the Fest was “Rainbow to the Stars”) and you have a Fine Arts Fest for the record books! The stage was decked out in a rainbow balloon arch to tie into our banquet theme to be discussed in a later blog.
The night ended with a performance from the Beber band “Lo, Key, Ha” as the kids went off to bed. Everyone was thoroughly impressed with the level of talent and I was amazed at what the campers and staff were able to create in just 5 short hobby periods. The Fine Arts Festival will continue on Thursday during Beber Fest where our art projects will be displayed for all of camp to see and some of our other rock bands will perform in Crown Hall to kick things off. So exciting!
We had several late-night adventures tonight, from stargazing to a Hamilton-themed event. I also had O2 and T4 up to my house for some late night song sessions with Russell. The fun and creativity just never stops here at Beber. We are relishing all of the time we have left in this most special place. Tomorrow promises to be just as exciting, as we head off to the Wisconsin State Fair.
P.S. Congratulations to the following who knew that Sister Sledge sang "We Are Family.”
Amy L
Wendy E
Amy B
Dennis P
Ronit R
Franci F
Jessica F
P.S. - Today’s question: What musical is the song “Oh, what a beautiful mornin'" from?” Email your answer to trivia@bebercamp.com for a shoutout in tomorrow’s blog!