Director's Corner - Thursday, July 18

Thursday, July 18, 2024

Can’t Stop the Feeling

I got this feelin' inside my bones
It goes electric, wavey when I turn it on
All through my city, all through my home
We're flyin' up, no ceilin', when we in our zone

I got that sunshine in my pocket,
got that good soul in my feet
I feel that hot blood in my body when it drops (Ooh)
I can't take my eyes up off it, movin' so phenomenally
Room on lock, the way we rock it, so don't stop

Another banner day here at Beber from start to finish.  Is it possible that each day is better than the last?  

Today I would like to discuss our cabin activity program. Every day, campers dive into two action-packed periods of activities with their bunkmates. These cabin activities offer a preview of the diverse hobbies available, making it easy for campers to explore new interests in a familiar group. It’s not just about trying new things – it’s about cabin bonding and creating lasting memories with cabin mates.

Just imagine the excitement as campers sample activities like waterskiing, recording studio, drama games, arts & crafts, and even challah baking! From Thom’s Challenge to Israeli dancing, each 45-minute session is designed to enrich their summer with fun and skill-building experiences. Many campers leave these sessions eager to pursue these interests as hobbies, inspired by the thrill of trying something new.

Our Makor campers have instructional swim a couple of cabin activity periods each week to better their aquatics skills in a safe, fun and well structured environment, surrounded by their friends where they can really show growth.  Having campers learn safety and strong swimming skills adds to our level of security in and around water and builds their confidence to try more aquatic activities as they become stronger swimmers.  

And let’s not forget the legendary Elegant Farmer experience! Located just 2 miles from camp, this farmers market is a feast for the senses, offering delicious treats like giant pickles, fresh-baked muffins, and their famous apple pie baked in a brown paper bag. Each camper gets $5 to splurge on these mouthwatering delights, adding a flavorful twist to their camp adventure.

For our senior Ramot campers, the Elegant Farmer visit is a special tradition. They not only explore behind the scenes but also enjoy a cozy dinner featuring grilled cheese and, of course, a slice of that irresistible apple pie. It’s a cherished ritual eagerly anticipated by all.

Get ready for the thrill of a lifetime with our latest summer cabin activity: sling shot paintball! Picture this: a meticulously crafted course awaits you, adorned with an array of challenging targets. From an eerie old refrigerator housing a skeleton to scattered pieces of junk, each target dares campers to take aim. There’s even an old ski boat on the course.  Armed with eco-friendly biodegradable paintballs and trusty slingshots, campers take aim in an adrenaline-pumping adventure like never before!

At Beber, these experiences aren’t just activities – they’re part of what makes camp unforgettable. Whether mastering new skills or savoring local flavors, every moment is a chance for growth, friendship, and pure summer joy.

Today’s Meals:

Breakfast: Apple and cherry turnovers
Lunch: Nacho bar
Dinner: Pasta bar with garlic bread

Tonight brought on a slew of exciting evening programs for our divisions.  Our younger Makor campers had their chance to light up the stage in their own talent show.  Inspired by last night's staff talent show, the acts included, skits, dances and songs showcasing their great talents.  Our older Makor campers dove into their superhero theme of the summer by creating comic strips in arts and crafts.  These came out super sool and their creativity really shined through.  Our Kesher campers played a camp favorite game of Pass it Up. Campers lined up with items from their bunks, ready for action. As each item was called out, the race was on to pass it up the line, earning points for their team. The twist came when campers used those same items to dress up their counselors. The result was a fun, fashion-forward display of creativity. Campers worked together quickly and creatively, learning the value of teamwork and resourcefulness. Ramot campers continued on with their Olympics theme with a night of challenges and games ranging from the creative to the athletic to teamwork.  Bunks are earning points at all of these activities towards earning medals, with each bunk working hard to make the podium and wear that gold medal with pride.

The night didn't end there as late night adventures were in full force tonight.  From night climbs on the new challenge course to glow in the dark dance parties, the fun just never stops here ar Beber.

And in PIO news, today they had a more relaxing day as they spent the morning kayaking down the Milwaukee River, having a dairy lunch brought in from Jimmy Johns and spending the afternoon playing and hanging out at Bradford Beach.  They finished off their evening with a program in their new teen hang out building called the Moadon.  This former dance pavilion got a makeover in the off season and is a great programmatic space and hangout spot for our teen leadership campers.  Their program tonight called We are not Really Strangers explored similarities in both differing cultures and even in this group of Pioneers.  This has been an incredible week for them.  

I just ”Can’t Stop the Feeling” that we are having the time of our lives here at camp.  

P.S. Congratulations to the following who knew that The Brady Bunch sang "Sunshine Days!"

Brian B
Stacy L
Jared S
Maya F
Jill R
Jessica F
Jenny M
Sara E
Dennis P
Ronit R
Laura S
Amy L
Susan G

P.S. - Today’s question: Who sang “Can’t Stop the feeling?”  Email your answer to trivia@bebercamp.com for a shoutout in tomorrow’s blog!