Aquatics program — Red Cross swim instruction on Lake Beulah
The Beber Aquatics program is committed to providing campers with a safe, high quality, enjoyable, and productive swimming environment. Water safety is the top priority and we operate from a belief that everyone should know how to swim. Our instructional swim program uses the American Red Cross learn to swim program. Along the shores of Lake Beulah campers will enjoy water sports and relaxing with friends. Our American Red Cross lifeguards and staff incorporate fun and skill building into each activity by following programs like USA Water Ski & Wake Sports and ACA Paddlesports.
At camp, friendships are the foundation of an unforgettable summer, and the bunk is often where these connections begin. Our goal in assigning bunks is to create the best possible experience for each camper while fostering a positive social environment. We ask each family to provide two bunk requests for their child. While we strive to honor at least one mutual request (where both campers name each other), this is only possible when campers are attending the same session. We believe intentionally building community and starting everything off on a high note — so we wait for all campers to arrive on the first day before assigning beds and unpacking.
The Makor division is home to Beber Camp's youngest campers. During the summer, Makor campers are introduced to a well-rounded view of all program areas and the experience is focused on building relationships and developing new skills. Many of our Makor campers are away from home for the first time and their counselors make sure they get the attention and care needed to make the most of their experience. First time Makor campers are given the option of coming to camp for our 2-week rookie program and can choose to extend their experience to 4 weeks.
Cabin life — counselors present during Golden Hours
The heart of the summer camp experience is in the cabin, where your child will make connections with campers from across the country. Cabin life at Beber is filled with bonding, conversation, games, music, drawing, reading, and some much needed rest at the end of the day! All of your child's counselors live in bunk and at least one is present during all of the times your child is in their cabin — primarily during Cabin Cleanup, Rest Hour, and bedtime. We call these times 'Golden Hours' as they are opportunities for staff and campers to connect and build meaningful relationships.
Camping trips — overnight adventures for all divisions
Every camper at Beber Camp gets to experience an overnight camping adventure. Our youngest campers, Makor, head to upper camp to roast s'mores and spend the night in tents. Our older campers in Kesher and Ramot embark on a 3-Day camping trip of their choice. These campers choose from an array of trips including Climbing, Biking, Fine Arts, Canoeing, Team Sports Adventure, Fishing, Backpacking, and more. Campers learn lifelong skills such as pitching a tent and enjoying time outdoors. For just one night or three, spending the night under the Wisconsin stars is something they will never forget.
Maccabiah is our one-day event each session where campers and staff get decked out in team colors to support their team for the day. Once each session, the whole camp is divided into four teams — red, yellow, green, and blue — and everyone competes in events in areas such as track & field, aquatics, fine arts, and overall spirit. Campers are put on teams 'for life,' so every year they return to Beber, they are on the same color team with the same people whom they form relationships with each summer.
Cabin independence and responsibility — daily Cabin Cleanup
Independence and responsibility are important skills developed at Beber Camp. Every day, campers spend time cleaning their cabins, rotating between jobs within their bunk. Campers leave camp with a deeper sense of responsibility for their spaces. Once a week we honor the 'cleanest cabins' on camp, with a sweet treat all campers are determined to win.
Our cabins house 12-16 campers, as well as 3 to 4 staff. All of our cabins have their own bathrooms, sinks, and filtered water. Almost all of our cabins have showers in-bunk and we have a shower house with private stalls and changing areas. There's always enough hot water for everyone, even while getting ready for Shabbat! Every cabin has been air-conditioned since 2024, giving campers a cool, restful night's sleep so they can wake up ready to take on each day with energy and spirit. Each child gets their own 'cubby,' with enough shelves and hanging space for everything on the packing list.
Hobby Program — choice-based, curriculum-driven activities
Kids of all ages know what they like to do, and we find it important to put activity choice in the campers hands. Our Hobby Program allows campers to customize their experience by choosing the activities they are interested in. Our intentional approach to high quality curriculum-based activities and our wide range of offerings separates Beber from other overnight camps. Some classic Beber hobbies include sailing, guitar lessons, ceramics, ultimate frisbee, and even gymnastics!
