Director's Corner - Wednesday, July 31

Wednesday, July 31, 2024

I’ve Been Everywhere

I've been everywhere, man.
I've been everywhere, man.
Crossed the desert's bare, man.
I've breathed the mountain air, man.
Of travel I've a-had my share, man.
I've been everywhere.

It was another incredible day at Beber.  It was hot, but fun!

Makor started their day with waking up in their tents, packing up their gear and cleaning their campsite.  For many in Makor, this first time camping trip is an unforgettable milestone for campers, offering a unique adventure in nature. This experience immerses our campers in the outdoors and teaches them independence and responsibility as they set up tents, cook meals and even navigate some of our trails for the first time. It also strengthens the cabin bonds, as campers share the excitement of camping together, forming lasting friendships and a sense of cooperation. Also facing the challenges of a first camping trip helps campers develop resilience and confidence, which promotes personal growth. Ultimately, this Makor camping trip creates memories and reinforces the Beber values of sacred community and courage.

After packing up, Makor headed off to drop their gear at their bunks and then it was off to degel (flagpole) and breakfast.  They were so excited to share stories of their campout and how much fun they had with their friends in a camping setting.  For many of them, the s’mores were their favorite part of the night.  

After breakfast and cleanup we were off and running with a day jam packed with fun special programming.  The Walworth County Sheriff's Department and East Troy Fire and Rescue teams came to camp to talk about safety and show off their equipment to the kids which were allowed to sit in a fire truck, try on a fireman uniform and learn about the different tools that they use in a real emergency.   Everyone had fun role playing for a moment and the pictures taken captured some pretty incredible memories.  Our partnership with the East Troy Fire and Rescue allows us to not only ensure the safety of our campers and staff but has provided us with this unique opportunity for our campers.

After lunch and rest hour, the campers played Day at the Races where the campers were able to bet on the outcome of races pre-recorded by their staff and in person, including a three-legged race, giant speed cup stacking, and more.  This rousing activity is fun for everyone as they root on their favorites and try to be the biggest winner.

During third period, Makor did some more superhero arts and crafts projects.  They made masks, posters and banners celebrating their superhero theme for the summer.  After dinner and a really fun GA, with camp all to themselves, Makor had a “Dive-in” movie at the pool where they played in the water while watching The Incredibles on an inflatable screen.  The fun just never stops during Makor Mania.

Meals:
Breakfast: Scrambled eggs, potatoes
Lunch: Nacho Bar
Dinner: Indoor BBQ with all the fixings.

Here is some more information about our Kesher and Ramot trips:

Outdoor Sports Adventure

During our Outdoor Sports Adventure (OSA) trip, campers spend three days at Rivers Edge Campground in Stevens Point. They are organized into teams and engage in a variety of activities, including basketball, gaga, ultimate frisbee, and individual challenges such as hula hoop contests and plank challenges. Points are awarded to teams based on their performance in these activities. Additionally, the campground features a small aquapark where they can cool off and enjoy some extra fun.

Fine Arts Trip

Campers on the Fine Arts trip enjoy their days at Governor Dodge State Park in Dodgeville, Wisconsin, a stunning location boasting a picturesque beach with sand dunes and captivating hiking trails, including one leading to a waterfall. During this trip, campers immerse themselves in various art forms, from song sessions and reverse talent shows to morning yoga and advanced bracelet making. Adding to their experience is a special tour of the House on the Rock, a visionary project initiated in 1945 by Alex Jordan, aiming to create a man-made retreat as breathtaking as the surrounding vista. Over time, the House on the Rock has expanded to feature extraordinary exhibits and collections, such as a music room, tributes to nostalgia, a sculpture garden, streets depicting past eras, a dollhouse room, exhibits on marine heritage, an infinity room offering panoramic views, and a massive indoor carousel. This session they also went to Circus World.  What began with less than an acre of land, six historic circus wagons plus a lot of grit, determination, and passion, has now become an internationally recognized and respected institution encompassing 64 acres, 30 permanent structures, seven winter quarters buildings along Water Street, plus the Ringling Bros. Circus Train shed complex, and over 260 spectacular wagons. Circus World truly is “Wisconsin’s National Treasure!” They rode on a carousel, toured the wagon display and viewed circus acts throughout the park.  How cool!

Senior Ramot Backpacking

The last trip to discuss is a Senior Ramot Backpacking adventure. They journey together and camp as a cohesive unit along the Ice Age Trail, situated near the terminal moraine from the last Ice Age. Divided into two groups, they hike in opposite directions from Little Prairie to Highway C each day. This experience not only presents challenges but also empowers them to conquer obstacles and achieve success as they reach significant milestones along the way.

Each trip adopts a distinctive theme that permeates all aspects of the programming throughout the entire duration of the trip. Some other popular themes this session included: Toy Story Showdown,  O SlAy (Detectives), The Amazing Race, Fine Arts Circus, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Jurassic Park.  The trip leaders really enjoy coming up with these themes and creating activities around them.  It is these little touches that, in Beber terms 212 our programs.  The saying goes that at 211 degrees water is hot.  At 212 degrees water boils and with boiling water comes steam and steam can power a locomotive.  The extra degree makes all the difference.  

Checking in with the trips throughout the day, I am wowed by all of the fantastic experiences and the opportunities for them to bond with others in their division.  I am also proud to hear stories of conquering fears, learning new skills, and seeing beautiful sites all across Wisconsin.  Campers are happy and I am so excited to see them get off the bus tomorrow and hear about all their unique experiences. Our fishing trips caught a combined 16 extremely large salmon that they cooked up to delicious perfection.  Our climbers had a wonderful climb with Apex Adventures and are in bed early to do a sunrise hike to Devil's Doorway.  Canoers are loving the quiet aspect of being on a sandbar for the night right on the Wisconsin River and our bikers enjoyed the tunnels today and a break from the warm sun.  

The PIOs continue to exhibit great leadership skills as they help their Taste of Beber campers throughout the day.  They are getting so much hands-on experience to prepare them to be effective counselors in the future.  I am so proud of them.  We have 31 future Beber Campers and I know the role the PIOs are playing will be a part of the memories these new campers bring home. It is tiring but they are really doing a fantastic job.

P.S. Congratulations to the following who knew that Rascal Flatts and/or Tom Cochrane sang "Life Is a Highway”

Jill R
Wendy E
Ronit R

P.S. - Today’s question: Who sang “I’ve Been Everywhere?” Email your answer to trivia@bebercamp.com for a shoutout in tomorrow’s blog!