This Thankful Thursday, we are overflowing with gratitude for someone whose energy, leadership, and love for camp have left a lasting mark on generations of campers and staff — Rabbi Adam Miller.
Rabbi Miller, Senior Rabbi of Temple Shalom in Naples, Florida, has been a beloved member of the Camp Coleman faculty since the summer of 2011, missing only two summers — once to welcome his son Eli into the world, and summer 2020. Camp is truly a family affair for Adam: his twin sons, Jonah and Gabriel (18), will both be on staff this summer, and Eli (12) will be part of the Nachshonim Unit. All three are life long Colemanites!
Adam LOVES camp — and not just because he gets to pull out the letter lotto! Camp is woven deeply into the fabric of his life, both personally and professionally. He met his wife, Jennifer, in 1997 at URJ Green Family Camp, and in the early years of his rabbinate, he served on faculty at URJ Eisner Camp and URJ Crane Lake Camp, building lifelong friendships and mentorships along the way. As Adam often says, one of the greatest perks of being a rabbi is getting to come to camp FOREVER.
And when he arrives at Coleman each summer, he dives in headfirst. (Which at 6’6” is a big dive!) Whether he’s dressed in a foam-covered lab coat or rocking a sparkly purple jacket as his alter ego Apollo Starshine, or building sand castles in the sand for Tefeliah-palooza, Rabbi Miller brings an unmatched joy and creativity to LaB. He makes learning so fun that campers are genuinely disappointed when there’s no LaB on Shabbat. Adam is at his happiest being silly, playful, and fully present with campers — and after more than a decade at Coleman, he has had the privilege of watching so many of them grow up before his eyes.
But Rabbi Miller’s impact extends far beyond the summer months. Since 2020, he has served as Chair of the Faculty Advisory Board, offering invaluable partnership and guidance to camp leadership. From helping navigate engagement during COVID, to strengthening relationships with clergy across the region, to reimagining Jewish education at camp — including the creation of LaB and expanded electives — Adam has been a trusted thought partner every step of the way. His generosity with his time, insight, and leadership has helped shape the Coleman experience in profound ways.
Adam’s generosity also extends beyond his time and energy. Through meaningful contributions — from enhancing camp spaces like the Hillman and staff lounge, to supporting staff onegs, scholarships, and ensuring that every camper who wants to attend Camp Coleman can — he continues to invest deeply in our community. Since his arrival at Temple Shalom, the number of campers from his congregation has more than doubled, a true testament to his passion and advocacy for camp.
After six years of dedicated service, Rabbi Miller is stepping down as Chair of the Faculty Advisory Board. While we will miss him in this role, we are so grateful for all he has given — and we know his impact will continue to be felt for years to come.
But don’t worry! Apollo Starshine isn’t stepping away from Coleman – he cannot wait to be a part of our faculty for summer 2026 and beyond!
Rabbi Miller, thank you for your joy, your leadership, your generosity, and your unwavering love for Camp Coleman.
We are truly thankful for you.