Director's Corner - Sunday, July 21

Sunday, July 21, 2024

Listen To The Music

Don't you feel it growing, day by day
People getting ready for the news
Some are happy, some are sad
Oh, we got to let the music play
What the people need
Is a way to make 'em smile
It ain't so hard to do if you know how
Gotta get a message
Get it on through
Oh now mama, don't you ask me why
Whoa, listen to the music
Whoa, listen to the music
Whoa, listen to the music
All the time

We just experienced one of the most anticipated events of the summer – Maccabiah! This cherished tradition at Beber is more than just a friendly competition; it’s a celebration of teamwork, camaraderie, and the incredible sense of community that defines our camp experience. Check out this video for a little clip of the day.

Maccabiah brings out the best in our campers as they come together to compete in a variety of challenges, from sports to arts to creative activities. It’s inspiring to see the dedication and effort each team puts into every event. The competition is fierce, but what stands out the most is the spirit of collaboration and mutual support. Our campers learn that success is not just about winning but about working together, supporting one another, and giving their best effort.  

One motto we have at Beber is “Challenge by Choice.”  By providing campers with several amazing choices during an activity period, there is a place for everyone to either try a new activity, stick with an old favorite, or cheer on the ones that are participating.  For example, first period campers could choose from a game of Nuk’em (a type of volleyball game where you can catch the ball), Ultimate Frisbee, dodgeball, gaga, or trivia.  Throughout the day, there are swimming events, track and field events, tug of war, a Beber relay, and our senior Ramot campers take their long awaited turn at a firebuilding/rope burning competition.  The night ends with a presentation of a song, banner, dance and cheer, which somehow get created during the busy activities of the day.  

Here is the write up on the theme presented to the campers last night:

‍BEBER “SONGSESHCABIAH”

Second Session 2024

We all know that Beber is a very special place with deep traditions, iconic moments and incredible people.  Much of our life at Beber can be represented through songs that elicit emotions and fond memories of our time here at camp.  

The true heart of Beber—a place where connections ignite, personal growth blossoms, and comfort zones are left far behind is deeply rooted in the very songs that we sing together here at camp. Here, we live by the Beber mission, woven into our very existence at camp. It's what makes us thrive, living 10 for 2. Whether it be a late night campfire with our bunk, a rousing song sesh on Shabbat, time spent in the recording studio or playing in a newly created camp band, rocking it out to Israeli dances, making up a bunk song or jamming out with friends, music is one of the things that makes up quintessential Beber. Singing “Tucked Away” at flagpole, ending Havdalah with “Bless this House,” and singing “Beber Boogie” and “Wanna go Back” at Friday night song session help create our kehillah kedosha (sacred community).

Now, let's celebrate all that makes Beber extraordinary! Create a banner, song, cheer and dance that incorporates all that makes Beber Camp music and songs so special.

Above all, let's revel in the joy of participation, where happiness springs not from winning alone, but from the shared journey and the bonds we forge. Cheer on not only your team but every individual on this incredible adventure. Lift each other higher, express gratitude, and savor every fleeting joy of the day.

Whether you're Red, Yellow, Blue, or Green, remember—we are all a part of this special place we call our “home away from home”. So, let's embrace the spirit that defines us, and let it guide us through the magic of this day. Best of luck, and may our Beber spirit shine brighter than ever before!

We often talk about our Mishpacha – our family. Maccabiah is a time when this concept truly comes to life. Campers from different bunks, age groups, and backgrounds come together on teams, creating bonds that transcend the usual boundaries. The sense of unity and togetherness is palpable as our Mishpacha grows stronger with each cheer, each high-five, and each shared moment of triumph or challenge.

Having spent time together in the mishpacha program on Tuesday, the family groups came back together for this special day creating a stronger sense of belonging when the schedule is different.  It was so nice to watch our Senior Ramot campers hanging out at the Makor and Kesher events just to cheer on their Mishpacha members.  From the morning flagpole to the closing ceremony campers were exuding excitement about having the best camp day so far!  To see this from campers win or lose not only becomes a highlight of why we do this program but a life lesson that will hopefully follow them through life.  

It was an exciting day that brought everyone together from the planned events to the unplanned.  We had a little rainstorm in the afternoon which forced us inside for about 45 minutes.  In true Beber fashion, our program team pivoted and the campers played a spirited game of “Name that Tune” which instantly became a highlight of the day.  Once the all-clear was announced, we were right back at it and managed to complete all of the activities scheduled for the rest of the day.  I am especially proud of our senior Ramot campers who were true leaders today and burned through the rope in an extremely short amount of time with two nearly photo finishes.  We had met as a group on Friday and talked about what it means to be a captain and then they gathered their firewood for today's event.  They are an incredible group of campers and I cannot wait to see what they bring to TLP next year.  

Speaking of TLP, the CITs continue to impress me with their energy and love for the campers that they are living in bunk with.  Their fresh enthusiasm and love of Maccabiah transcended to all of their charges.  The PIOs also had an opportunity to be counselors and bouncers this afternoon as they spent time within the areas encouraging campers to participate and cheering them on as well as making sure they were safe and accounted for.  

Maccabiah is a microcosm of what makes Beber Camp special. It’s about more than just the competition; it’s about the community we build together. Whether we’re painting banners, strategizing for a relay race, planning a dance, or simply cheering each other on, every activity reinforces our shared values of respect, inclusivity, and love for one another.

As the youngest and oldest campers pass the torch to our staff captains, you can feel the anticipation and deep rooted love of this place in everyone.  Congrats to the GREEN team. This was an unforgettable Maccabiah where we celebrated teamwork, the friendly competition, and most importantly, the community spirit that brought us together.  We certainly had a lot of laughter, joy and memories today that will last a lifetime.

P.S. Congratulations to the following who knew that Cat Stevens and/or Sam Cooke sang "Another Saturday Night!"

Leanna W
Wendy E
Dennis P
Art D
Franci F

P.S. - Today’s question: Who sang “Listen to the Music”  Email your answer to trivia@bebercamp.com for a shoutout in tomorrow’s blog!