From Donetta VanHuss:
Amazing…I have spent one-third of my life working for Camp Coleman! It certainly does not feel that way. Looking back over the years, I see so many incredible memories–of fellow staff members in Atlanta, I have seen the Harris children and the Gordon girls grow from babies to adult, I have celebrated their many accomplishments and had the privilege of rejoicing with them. I have seen incredible advancements in technology, from paper applications and forms to a “paperless” process. At the camp in Cleveland, I have watched a new dining hall, infirmary, and new cabins being built. I have seen the enrollment of campers more than double! I have been blessed to work with many parents and staff and have enjoyed that aspect of my job tremendously.
I am not retiring, but at this time I have decided to look for part-time work so I can have more time with family throughout the year and during the summer.
As I look forward to the next phase of my journey, I will be moving forward and looking for another place to serve, but Camp Coleman will always be foremost in my thoughts and prayers.
From Alex Glass:
It was 8 years ago that I learned about an opportunity to be an Assistant Director at URJ Camp Coleman. I can be an Assistant Director at a camp I didn’t grow up at!? I never went to Jewish overnight summer camp as a camper, and after meeting the team and going to camp with Bobby for my interview I knew this was where I wanted to be and a place I wanted to call home.
It has been incredible to see campers who were youngest Bonim my first summer in 2011 as Chalutzim in 2018 and to see those that were older campers then become incredible staff members now. I am grateful for everyone I have met over the years- our campers, parents, summer staff, the amazing Health Center staff I work closely with, our supportive Camp Committee, faculty, alumni, URJ staff, rental groups, and of course our year-round team- and I am truly grateful for all that I have learned from each person.
In 2012, Coleman celebrated its 50th anniversary with a celebration at camp bringing alumni from all different eras. I was truly inspired by the connections and relationships that remained so strong after so many years. It was then that I knew for certain that I had joined an incredible community for life. Though I was never a Coleman camper, Coleman will always hold a special place in my heart as a home away from home. I will never forget the relationships that I have made in this amazing community, and though I am leaving the year-round team, I will not be far away. I am staying in Atlanta pursuing the next stage in my career after completing the Evening MBA program at Georgia Tech this past December. This certainly isn’t a goodbye, but rather a l’hitraot– see you later- as Coleman will always be a place I call home.