Fourteen days ago, many of our Bonim campers arrived at Camp Coleman for their very first summer, full of excitement, anticipation, and maybe even a few butterflies. Today, they are well on their way to becoming true Camp Coleman pros. What may have felt new and unfamiliar on Opening Day now feels like home. Whether it’s navigating camp with confidence, participating in traditions, or forming meaningful friendships, the growth we have seen over the past 14 days has been incredible to witness. The confidence, independence, friendships, and joy that continue to blossom throughout the unit are a true reflection of the magic of camp. 💙
One of the highlights of the week was experiencing another beautiful Shabbat together as a camp community. Dressed head-to-toe in white, our Bonimers proudly filled the front rows of services, participating in prayers, singing along, and joining in with the signature Camp Coleman dance moves that make Shabbat so special. Watching our youngest campers engage so enthusiastically in Jewish life and tradition was a powerful reminder of the magic that happens here every summer.
Following services, the unit gathered with their cabins for a festive Shabbat dinner. Campers enjoyed a delicious meal featuring fried chicken, couscous, apple brown betty, challah, and grape juice while sharing stories and laughter with their bunkmates and counselors. While the meal was certainly a favorite, nothing compares to Song Session. The energy in the room was contagious as Bonimers danced, sang, cheered, and celebrated alongside their friends and staff members. Their ruach (spirit) helped bring Song Session to life, and they proudly helped lead the camp community with enthusiasm and joy. Seeing their confidence grow as they participated so fully was truly a highlight of the weekend.
Another highlight of the week was Super Nikayon! While campers tidy their bunks and personal spaces each day, Super Nikayon is a full-team effort that takes cabin cleaning to the next level. Counselors turned up the music, campers grabbed their cleaning supplies, and each bunk worked together to make their cabin sparkle. From organizing cubbies and making beds to sweeping floors and sanitizing shared spaces, everyone played an important role. What could have felt like a chore quickly turned into a fun bonding experience filled with teamwork, laughter, and plenty of cabin pride. With the coveted end-of-session Blizzard reward on the line for the highest-scoring bunk, Bonimers were determined to make sure every corner was spotless. More importantly, they learned the value of working together to create a clean, comfortable space they are proud to call home.
Bonim also participated in several exciting evening programs this week. One favorite was This or That, a high-energy game that got campers moving, laughing, and learning more about one another. Campers raced from one side of the space to the other to show their preferences on all kinds of important topics—whether they were team chicken patties or team hamburgers, slime or putty, chocolate or vanilla, and so much more. The game sparked plenty of friendly debate and laughter while celebrating something important: everyone is unique. It was a fun reminder that our differences help make our community stronger, and campers loved expressing their personalities while cheering on their friends choices.
Another favorite was a special campfire evening. Campers gathered together under the night sky to roast s’mores, sing songs, share laughs, and enjoy time with their cabins and counselors. These moments of simple connection often become some of the most meaningful memories of camp, and the Bonimers embraced every second of it. Of course, one of the biggest hits of the week was Messy Mayhem, Camp Coleman’s exciting new take on Super Sloppy Night. The Lower Athletic Field transformed into a giant playground filled with water slides, shaving cream, mud, and endless laughter. Campers raced across the field, dove into challenges, and fully embraced the messy fun. Judging by the smiles and laughter, it was an instant Bonim favorite and will certainly be remembered long after the summer ends.
To top off an incredible week, the Bonim unit headed out for their trip day adventure to Lake Lanier Water Park. Excitement was high as campers boarded the buses early in the morning and set off for a day of fun in the sun. Throughout the day, campers floated down the lazy river, splashed with friends, raced down water slides, and enjoyed every moment together. Some of our bravest Bonimers even took on thrilling attractions like the Toilet Bowl and Black Thunder slides, conquering giant drops with confidence and excitement. It was a day filled with adventure, laughter, and unforgettable memories.
As we move into the second half of the session, it is amazing to reflect on how much our Bonimers have grown in just two short weeks. They are becoming more independent, building lasting friendships, embracing new experiences, and creating memories that will stay with them long after summer ends. We are so proud of all they have accomplished and cannot wait to see what adventures await them next.
