There’s something magical about the way water transforms a hot summer day at camp. The second you hear the splash, feel that first chilly shock, or dive into the deep end—it’s like the heat never stood a chance. And let’s just say, with the temperatures soaring this week, Aquatics became the place to be.

At the pool, it wasn’t just about cooling off (though that was reason enough). Campers raced down the waterslide, played fierce rounds of basketball, launched cannonballs off the diving board, and posted up at poolside tables for card games and laughs. It was structured free time with a splash of spontaneity—and the kind of place where new friendships formed between rounds of Go Fish and Marco Polo.

Over at the lake, the breeze hit just right, and the adventures didn’t stop. For many campers, it was their first time in a canoe or kayak, and watching them go from hesitant paddlers to full-on lake explorers was a highlight of the week. Add in stand-up paddleboards and a giant inflatable aqua park, and you’ve got a full-on splash zone of courage, laughter, and the occasional hilarious wipeout.

One of the most powerful moments came early on, during swim tests. For some campers, stepping into the water with that challenge ahead felt intimidating. But then came the bunkmates—cheering from the sidelines, walking them through it, and celebrating every small win. It was classic Coleman: heart, support, and community, all shining through in a single moment of bravery.

What makes Aquatics so special at Coleman isn’t just the boats, the diving board, or even the giant floating playground. It’s the way water brings people together. It’s where campers shake off the heat, push past fears, try something totally new, and come out grinning—refreshed and proud of what they’ve done.

Whether they were cooling off or diving in, campers this week found more than just relief from the heat. They found adventure, connection, and the courage to make a splash.