The Solelim unit has truly found its rhythm, and it has been incredible to watch this group continue to grow into one of the most spirited, welcoming, and close-knit communities at Camp Coleman. As the summer has gone on, friendships have grown stronger each day, new connections have formed across cabins, and the entire unit has created a sense of belonging that makes camp feel like home. Whether they’re cheering the loudest, encouraging one another, or simply laughing together between activities, the Solelimers bring endless energy, kindness, and fun everywhere they go.
A huge part of what makes this unit so special is the relationship they share with their Unit Head, Ian. Returning for his second summer with many of these campers, Ian has built meaningful relationships that have continued to grow even stronger this year. It’s clear how much the campers admire him, and seeing the excitement they have whenever they’re together speaks volumes about the trust, laughter, and community they’ve built over the past two summers.
Over the past few weeks, Solelim has made the most of every single day. During their regular camp schedule, campers have embraced every opportunity Camp Coleman has to offer, from action-packed activities to unforgettable evening programs. Some of the biggest favorites have included Dessert Wars, where cabins competed in sweet-themed challenges and enjoyed delicious treats; bunk programming, which gave each cabin the chance to spend quality time together through games, activities, and plenty of laughs; and a memorable campfire evening filled with roasted marshmallows, songs under the stars, and stories shared with friends. These evenings created some of the summer’s sweetest memories while bringing the unit even closer together.
One of the campers’ favorite parts of each week continues to be Mandatory Optionals, our free-choice activity day where they get to build their own schedules and choose exactly how they’d like to spend their time.
Many Solelimers have been spotted creating masterpieces in the Art Room, challenging themselves on the Ropes Course, or heading to Sports to play Gaga, baseball, and frisbee with friends. Others have loved spending time at Campscape visiting our goats, chickens, and Camp Coleman’s newest feathered friend—our duck! One of the simple joys has been seeing groups of campers gathered in the shade, relaxing together while playing card games and enjoying time with friends between activities.
The unit also celebrated another beautiful Shabbat together. Dressed head-to-toe in white, Solelim gathered with the entire camp community for meaningful services before sharing a festive Shabbat dinner filled with laughter, conversation, challah, and delicious food. The celebration didn’t stop there. During both of our recent Song Sessions, the Solelimers absolutely brought the ruach! From the very first song to the final cheer, they could be found singing at the top of their lungs, dancing with their friends, and helping lead the entire camp with incredible spirit and enthusiasm.
Another unforgettable highlight for the Solelim unit was their exciting trip day adventure! Campers headed out with their bunks for a day of white water rafting, taking on rushing rapids, paddling as a team, and cheering one another on every step of the way. As they navigated the river together, campers built confidence, strengthened friendships, and created memories that will last long after the summer ends. Between the excitement of splashing through the rapids and the laughter shared during the calmer stretches of the river, it was a day filled with adventure and teamwork that perfectly captured the spirit of Solelim.
Of course, one of the biggest highlights of the past week has been Maccabiah (Mac)! Camp transformed into the world of Madagascar as campers proudly competed on their color teams through exciting challenges, teamwork, and nonstop camp spirit.
Throughout Mac, Solelim campers were impossible to miss. During Rope Burn, they packed the front rows, cheering on their teammates with incredible excitement and energy. At Maccabowl, they worked together with their color teams to answer Camp Coleman trivia questions, showing off both their knowledge and teamwork. Marathon challenged campers to race through timed activities across camp—from sprinting from one side of camp to the other, balancing tennis balls on spoons, completing dance challenges, and much more—and the Solelimers tackled every challenge with determination, creativity, and plenty of laughter.
Behind the scenes, two talented Solelim campers even helped create the beautiful Mac plaques, using their creativity and artistic talents to leave their mark on one of camp’s biggest traditions.
If you’re looking for a great conversation starter when your camper gets home, be sure to ask them all about Mac!
❤️ Red Alexes
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Cabins: 5B & 14A
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Camper Captains: Logan O. & Gideon F.
💙 Blue Martys
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Cabins: 5A, 14B & 19
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Camper Captains: Nolan A. & Avery B.
As we head into the final week of camp, the excitement certainly isn’t slowing down. Today, Solelim will take part in one of Camp Coleman’s favorite traditions—Mandatory Optionals! Campers will have the chance to build their own schedules for the day, choosing the activities they’re most excited about, whether that’s heading back to the lake, creating another art project, climbing at ropes, playing sports, or exploring something completely new.
It’s hard to believe we’re already entering the final stretch of the summer, but one thing is certain: Solelim has made this camp their home. Their friendships, spirit, leadership, and joyful energy have left a lasting impact on everyone around them, and we can’t wait to make even more unforgettable memories together during this final week.
