Summer 2026 officially began with excitement, laughter, and the joyful energy that only Opening Day at Camp Coleman can bring.
From the early morning hours, camp was buzzing with activity. Staff members were on the road to airports, decorating the Chadar ochel (dining hall), preparing cabins, and putting the finishing touches on camp, all in anticipation of welcoming campers home.
Campers arriving by air were greeted by Camp Coleman staff and traveled to camp on chaperoned transportation, while families driving to camp checked in at White County Middle School before boarding buses for the final short leg of their journey. Throughout the day, excitement filled the air as campers reunited with old friends, met new ones, connected with their counselors and specialists, unpacked their bags, and settled into their summer homes. Smiles stretched from ear to ear as campers explored camp, found their bunks, and eagerly anticipated all the adventures that await them in the weeks ahead.
As buses rolled onto campus, counselors, supervisors, and unit heads filled the pathways with cheers, songs, and excitement. The moment campers stepped off the bus, they were welcomed with the warmth, enthusiasm, and spirit that make Camp Coleman feel like home. Whether helping a camper find their bunk, introducing cabinmates, or offering a reassuring hug, our staff worked tirelessly to ensure every camper felt comfortable, included, and ready to jump into camp life.
The excitement continued into the evening as campers and staff gathered for their first meal together as one Camp Coleman community. The chadar ochel (dining hall) quickly filled with conversation, laughter, and stories as new friendships began to form and old friendships picked up right where they left off.
Following dinner, everyone gathered for our Opening Prep Rally, where the energy in the room was contagious. Campers learned Coleman cheers, sang camp songs, met their supervisors, and began building the spirit and excitement that make camp so special. During the rally, Camp Director, Amy Smyler McFarland, shared her vision for the summer and introduced Camp Coleman’s four core values, which will guide our community throughout the season. As campers cheered, danced, sang, and celebrated together, it was clear that Summer 2026 was off to an incredible start!
And the excitement is only just beginning. On Monday evening, the entire camp community will gather for one of Coleman’s most treasured traditions: the Torah Pass. As the Torah moves from unit to unit, campers and staff will celebrate the value of L’dor Vador—passing Jewish traditions, values, and community from one generation to the next—as we continue to officially open Summer 2026 together.
The summer we have all been waiting for is finally here, and we cannot wait to watch our campers learn, grow, laugh, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Welcome home, campers. 💙
