There was not a cloud in the sky as Camp Coleman’s Second Session began — just sunshine, smiles, and the sound of buses rolling in to welcome a new wave of campers home.
For many, Opening Day has been circled on the calendar for weeks. After a month of waiting, packing, and counting down the days, that long-anticipated moment finally arrived. Hugs were exchanged and the energy at White County Middle School buzzed with excitement. Our car rider families were welcomed there first, checking in and saying their goodbyes before campers boarded buses bound for camp.
At camp, staff were ready and waiting to greet campers with cheers, hugs, and cabin signs. Campers were welcomed into their bunks, began unpacking, and started forming those first bonds of the session.
Campers from Charlotte arrived midday on a chaperoned bus, and many of our flyers from across Florida came in throughout the afternoon on chaperoned flights. One of the airport buses included a sweet moment: a Kesher camper noticed a first-time camper looking nervous and leaned in to explain how the day would work. She talked through the schedule, the fun ahead, and the different activities. By the time the bus reached camp, the two were laughing together and ready to take on the summer.
The afternoon rotations gave every unit a chance to dive into the fun. Campers splashed down the water slide, played gaga and frisbee, and completed a photo scavenger hunt with their counselors.
In the early evening, the whole camp community came together for a beloved Coleman tradition: the Torah Pass. The Torah was carried from unit to unit as we celebrated L’dor Vador — from generation to generation — and officially opened our session with spirit and song.
Dinner in the dining hall brought the whole camp together for the first time. Cheers, songs, and birthday celebrations filled the room with sound and energy. It was a moment of togetherness, of community, and the start of a summer we already know will be unforgettable.
Later in the day, we had one delayed flight from Fort Lauderdale, but even before they arrived, their friends were thinking of them. A Chalutzim camper asked at dinner, “Are they okay? Will they have dinner? Should we save some for them? Can I help them unpack so we can all hang out faster?” The Fort Lauderdale crew arrived around 8:45 PM with smiles on their faces and full bellies from their dinner on the road. They joined their bunks quickly and were swept up in the Coleman energy without missing a beat.
Evening mixers wrapped up the day as each unit got to know each other better through games and silliness. As the sun set over camp, duffels were unpacked, friendships were forming, and Coleman magic was everywhere you looked.
