Staff Orientation kicked off long before the first camper duffel hit the dirt. On May 19, our earliest crew arrived. Staff from our kitchen, maintenance, and housekeeping teams got to work setting the stage for summer. A week later, our supervisors, programmers, lifeguards, and ropes staff arrived for their own training. Soon after, the rest of our specialists and international counselors rolled in for Specialist Weekend, a time for bonding, preparing program areas, and diving into hands-on activities.
On June 1, the remainder of our general counselors arrived. With each wave of staff, Coleman felt more alive. Every person brought a little more energy, a little more spirit, and maybe a little less luggage space than they needed. By that evening, our full team was finally together.
From the moment we gathered, the tone was set with intention, energy, and anticipation. This year, we emphasized building a culture of awareness and action. This included everything from restorative justice to inclusion, from health center deep dives to neurodiversity at camp. Every session was designed to strengthen our collective impact.
Training highlights included:
- Restorative Justice: Because conflict happens, but repair is sacred.
- Being Present: Not just physically (though that helps), but emotionally and mentally for our campers.
- Sessions like Fencepost Learning and those led by Rahel Bayar focused on boundaries, trust, and the responsibilities that come with being in positions of influence.
- Security and Health Center Protocols: Safety isn’t just a checklist. It’s a commitment.
- Neurodiversity and Inclusion: Real tools, real talk, and real change.
Each evening, we wrapped the day with Siyyum. It was a time to reflect, to breathe, and to lift our voices together in song. These moments grounded us in community and reminded us why this work matters.
But orientation wasn’t just training manuals and long sessions. Staff orientation came alive through shared laughs, late-night karaoke, a mug-making night, and the now-legendary Colechella, which somehow thrived despite a downpour. If that’s not a metaphor for camp leadership, we don’t know what is.
Thursday’s “Day in the Life” gave everyone a taste of the camper experience. Counselors rotated through activities as if they were campers, while specialists had the chance to practice teaching in their program areas. Swim tests were completed, transitions were smoothed out, and the rhythm of camp started to take shape. By Friday, we were moved in, grounded in our unit teams, and getting ready for a spirited Shabbat. And by Saturday night, after Drum Café and our final Siyyum, one thing was certain.
We are ready. Camp is alive. And this team is built for the magic ahead.
