Director's Corner - Sunday, July 14
Sunday, July 14, 2024
Here Comes the Sun
Little darlin’, it’s been a long, cold, lonely winter (here comes the sun)
Little darlin’, it feels like years since it’s been here (here comes the sun)
Believe it or not, it started dark and rainy and it’s ending that way. BUT the sun has been out all day - just the way we scripted it. There's a vibrant energy here in Mukwonago as we kick off the second session! Today has been electrifying as we finally welcomed our campers back to the shores of Lake Beulah. The second session energy is invigorating.
After months of careful planning and an amazing first session, it's indescribable to hear the laughter and see the joy on everyone's faces once more. The camp is alive again, buzzing with excitement and life. For our returning campers, it’s a joyful reunion, and for our newcomers, a thrilling adventure begins. We are so excited to have campers from around the world - Australia, France, England, Israel and of course all over the US, including Texas, California, Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Tennessee, Utah, and Wisconsin!
As I write this blog, the camp has settled down for the night after an amazing first day. I want to extend a heartfelt thanks to our incredible staff. Their dedication throughout the first session and staff training was evident today. They've fully embraced camp life, learning how to create the best experience for your campers, trying out favorite activities, and laying the groundwork for a memorable summer.
The weather today was really great! We had clear skies and plenty of sunshine—ideal for games of beach volleyball, 9-Square in the Air, or simply hanging out in our playground and expanded hammock area. New friendships blossomed, and old ones rekindled as campers played icebreaker games and toured the camp to get oriented throughout the day. Campers also were fitted for life jackets, signed up for hobbies, met the health center staff, and oriented themselves in the dining hall.
Speaking of food, all early arrivals enjoyed a delicious BBQ lunch on the island. Dinner was a hit with chicken nuggets, French fries, mixed vegetables, vegetarian and gluten-free options, a full salad bar, and frozen ices for dessert. A huge thanks to our returning kitchen manager Abdiel, the kitchen leadership team—Fer (allergies), Michel (salad bar), Jesus (dish room), Carlos (inventory), Jafet (dining operations), Cesar (cook), and Chuck (menu planner and head purchaser) — and the entire food service team for their hard work in providing delicious meals for over 500 people.
For those who don’t know me, I’m Michael Wax, and this is my 34th summer at Beber Camp. I began my journey here as a camper from Louisville, Kentucky, back in 1982. It's an honor to serve as the camp director, and I thank you for entrusting us with your children. We’re dedicated to providing them with an unforgettable summer. My two sons grew up here, and I understand firsthand the significance of our mission: creating an inclusive community that challenges and nurtures fun, individual and community-based growth, and Jewish identity in a safe, positive, and diverse environment with exceptional professional leadership.
This evening, we held our opening ceremony in our beautiful amphitheater, tucked away behind the lake. Campers sang camp anthem favorites like “I Wanna Go Back to 3BC,” “Gum Trees,” and “The Beber Boogie.” During the ceremony, we introduced the entire leadership team and shared our core values: Sacred Community, Leadership, Courage, Gratitude, and Love of Israel. I also talked about stepping out of comfort zones, showing gratitude, and the importance of our dedicated staff who will be taking care of everyone this summer.
Speaking of staff, check out this link. You can see a little blurb about your camper’s counselors. This is something new and I hope you like it!
After the opening ceremony, campers spent time talking about how to live in a community and getting ready for bed.
A few other exciting things to note: Our CITs, who were here learning during the first session, are now living in cabins. This is a special opportunity for both our campers and the CITs participating in this program. Our Pioneers, participating in a special second session program, are finishing a campfire and gearing up for some fun day trips over the next several days!
I hope every camper will try something new, discover a new passion, and make lifelong friends. I look forward to sharing more stories with you. I’ll write this blog nightly and aim to post it on our website by 10 AM each day. Additionally, I’ll send out a push notification with a link to the blog on the Campanion App, where you can also view photos from the previous day.
Tomorrow, I’ll provide updated contact information for those wanting to know more about their camper’s experience. Remember, the camp number is 847-677-7130. For emergencies after 10:30 PM, dial 3.
Here’s to Summer 2024. Peace, Love, 3BC,
Michael
P.S. - I love trivia, especially music trivia. Today’s question: Who sang “Here Comes the Sun”? Email your answer to trivia@bebercamp.com for a shoutout in tomorrow’s blog!
We ended first session with the song “Is This the End” by New Edition - one of my favorite music groups growing up. No one guessed it correctly. I sure hope we see a lot of action on my trivia this session!
P.S.S. - Check out our Parent Summer Checklist linked here. We’ll take great care of your campers, and we challenge you to tackle some summer bucket list items. If you have a fun activity to share, email kim@bebercamp.com, and we might feature it in our blog!