Director's Corner - Sunday, July 28

Sunday, July 28, 2024

Best day of My Life

I had a dream so big and loud
I jumped so high, I touched the clouds
Woah-oh-oh-oh-oh, oh, oh (Woah-oh-oh-oh-oh, oh, oh)
I stretched my hands out to the sky
We danced with monsters through the night
Woah-oh-oh-oh-oh, oh, oh (Woah-oh-oh-oh-oh, oh, oh)
I'm never gonna look back, woah
I'm never gonna give it up, no
Please don't wake me now
(Woo, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh) This is gonna be the best day of my life
(Woo, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh) My li-i-i-i-i-i-ife
(Woo, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh) This is gonna be the best day of my life
(Woo, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh) My li-i-i-i-i-i-ife

Today was an unforgettable day! It was a great day to celebrate our love of Israel! The Israel Day Carnival brought non-stop fun in every direction. It kicked off at the flagpole, where our Israeli staff, adorned in blue and white with Israeli flags and face paint, led spirited singing and cheering. A decorated utility vehicle added to the festive atmosphere. This morning, they introduced a new cheer and sang Hatikvah with such pride and passion that it touched our hearts.

We had a touch of rain this morning and a quick burst of rain this afternoon but it didn’t hold us back from celebrating Israel as campers were eager to experience all of the fun planned for the day.

For some of us, the day began early as we bid farewell to our Rookie campers. While we're sad to see them go, we're happy knowing they've had a wonderful time at camp, forging new friendships and creating lasting memories. We wish them a year filled with LOVE, HEALTH, and HAPPINESS until they return to Lake Beulah's shores.

This morning and afternoon for cabin activities, our campers enjoyed a variety of engaging activities. They embarked on a thrilling rope adventure with Thom, tried their hand at waterskiing, explored different sports options, and dabbled in tie-dye and arts and crafts, among other exciting pursuits. One camper even hit the most coveted shot on the slingshot paintball range.

Instead of the usual hobby day, campers took part in a carnival set up in rotation style. At the Beber pool, reminiscent of Eilat's beach life, they cooled off while grooving to lively Israeli music, splashing around and relaxing.

Over at the gym field, campers delved into three rotations of Israeli games. Makor and Kesher engaged in a Memory game matching pictures with their Hebrew translations, while Ramot enjoyed an active Israeli trivia challenge. Later, campers learned two new Israeli dances to be added to our repertoire for Friday night Israeli Dancing. The third rotation featured an Israeli Army station, where campers experienced what it's like for Israeli teens entering the military after high school, complete with an army obstacle course. I was impressed by the camper enthusiasm in all activities and the leadership shown by our Israeli staff, who effectively engaged campers of all ages and imparted valuable insights into life in Israel, reinforcing our camp's Jewish values.

At the Hobby Wheel Field, campers celebrated Israel with a vibrant carnival featuring inflatables, traditional Israeli food like Israeli chocolate balls, hummus, pita, falafel, and Israeli salad, as well as games such as spoon races, knock down cans, and Hamsa coloring. They also enjoyed activities like face painting, Israeli tattoos, writing letters for the Kotel (to be delivered there by our Israeli staff) and fortune telling. The day was packed with enjoyment, and the campers had a blast immersing themselves in the festivities.

Makor campers had an exceptional evening program where they shopped in our Beber Shuk using shekels provided at the start. They bargained for and bought a variety of fun items ranging from candy to fidget toys, glow-in-the-dark items, and colorful rubber ducks. Each camper left with pockets filled with treasures, getting a taste of a real Israeli shuk thanks to our dedicated Israeli staff. This exclusive program for Makor campers creates excitement and anticipation as they progress through different age groups each year.

Our Kesher and Ramot campers participated in an Israeli themed evening program as well where they played games, and pretended to be news reporters reporting on different sites of importance in Israeli mimicking a tour guide news channel. The PIOs hung out in the Moadon playing David Cards and sharing their stories from the day as they each had the opportunity to become a leader for one of the carnival stations learning how to facilitate a successful program.

Meals:

Breakfast: Eggs sandwiches and potatoes
Lunch: Grilled cheese, tomato soup and broccoli
Dinner: Indoor BBQ

As you can see the fun never stops at Beber. In closing, we have a busy week ahead and I am excited for what is still to come! Did someone say 3 Day Trips?

P.S. Congratulations to the following who knew that Chicago sang "Saturday In The Park”

Amy B
Brian B
Wendy E
Franci F

P.S. - Today’s question: Who sang “Best day of My Life?” Email your answer to trivia@bebercamp.com for a shoutout in tomorrow’s blog!