This summer marked our very first Yom Kehillah—a day created to focus on what makes Camp Coleman more than just a place: the people. The idea was simple. Bring everyone together, step out of our usual routines, and spend a day building community in meaningful and memorable ways.
It wasn’t about big fanfare or flashy surprises. It was about slowing down, connecting across units, and remembering that kehillah—community—is something we actively create, not just something we’re part of.
The day began with breakfast and a short kickoff at Hillman Chapel before everyone set out for their morning projects.
For the morning, campers took part in a variety of hands-on service and creative projects that brought the spirit of kehillah to life. Some projects focused on Coleman itself—beautifying camp spaces, painting signs, and helping in the garden—while others reached beyond our campus. Campers worked on initiatives supporting outside organizations, like assembling donation kits and care packages.
Whether digging in the dirt or packing with purpose, every project was a reminder that community isn’t limited to where we live—it extends to how we live, and who we show up for. The work was meaningful, collaborative, and sometimes messy… in the best way.
After lunch, we slowed things down with an extended menucha and some much-needed downtime. In the afternoon, every age group rotated through four activities, each one offering a different kind of camp magic:
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MOO-chon Carnival on the Upper Athletic Field (UAF): Run by Machon, this was classic Coleman chaos—games, goofy costumes, and yes, a full-on dunk tank. Shoutout to Amy, our fearless director, who took the plunge in true camp spirit.
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Silent Disco at Brody: Campers danced like nobody was watching (or listening). With headphones on and personal playlists bumping, the energy was unmatched—and surprisingly quiet.
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Karaoke in Harris Center: Campers stepped up to the mic for pop hits, camp classics, and some surprisingly impressive performances. Whether you sang or spectated, it was a total vibe.
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Slip-and-Slide at the Lower Athletic Field (LAF): Water, laughter, and some very muddy socks. A perfect recipe for summer fun.
Each rotation gave campers a chance to laugh, move, and connect with campers outside their own units.
Dinner wrapped up a full day of projects, rotations, and plenty of shared laughter. The evening program brought everyone back together one last time—not to do something new, but to reflect on everything we had already done.
As the sun set, it was clear this first Yom Kehillah had done exactly what it set out to do. Campers formed new connections, found quiet moments of kindness, and reminded each other what it really means to be part of the Camp Coleman community.
We’re hoping this becomes a new tradition—because after seeing how much one day of intentional connection can do, we’re already looking forward to the next one.
