There is something special about the Nachshonim unit this summer.
As campers continue making their way through the Coleman journey, Nachshonim marks an exciting milestone. It’s a summer where confidence grows, friendships deepen, and campers naturally begin taking on leadership roles across camp. They know the traditions, they know the songs, they know the cheers, and they have embraced every opportunity with confidence, enthusiasm, and heart. Every day, they’ve brought incredible energy to camp while creating a close-knit community built on friendship, encouragement, and unforgettable experiences.
A big part of what makes this unit so special is the relationship they’ve built with their Unit Head, Eliana Bloom. Whether she’s cheering alongside them, laughing with them between activities, or supporting them through every challenge, Eliana has created an environment where every camper feels encouraged to be themselves. The trust and connection they’ve built together have helped make Nachshonim feel like one big family.
One of the greatest joys of watching this unit has been seeing friendships continue to grow. Longtime camp friends have made even more memories together while new friendships have formed with ease. Whether they’re walking to activities, sharing meals in the Chadar (dining hall), or spending free time together around camp, there’s rarely a moment without laughter. Their positivity is contagious, and they have brought an incredible spirit everywhere they go.
One of the biggest highlights of the session was their exciting white water rafting trip. Working together as a team, campers paddled through rushing rapids, celebrated every successful turn, and cheered one another on throughout the adventure. Between the beautiful mountain scenery, plenty of splashes, and nonstop laughter, it was a day filled with memories they’ll never forget.
Back at camp, Nachshonim embraced every evening program with excitement. They traveled through the decades during Blast From the Past, gathered around the campfire roasting marshmallows and singing songs together, showed off their creativity during Dessert Wars, and continued building friendships through special unit programming. Every evening created another opportunity to laugh together and strengthen the community they had built.
One of the newest favorites of the summer was Silent Disco. With colorful wireless headphones on, campers danced all over camp while switching between music channels, singing at the top of their lungs, and laughing as friends realized they weren’t even listening to the same songs. It was one of those uniquely Coleman moments filled with pure joy that campers won’t soon forget.
Another special highlight was the Nachshonim unit service. Campers stepped up to lead prayers, songs, and reflections, creating a meaningful experience that truly reflected the close-knit community they had built throughout the summer. Watching each camper take ownership of a part of the service and support one another was a wonderful reminder of how much they have grown in confidence, leadership, and their connection to Jewish life at Camp Coleman.
As the third oldest unit in camp, Nachshonim naturally stepped into leadership roles throughout the session. They encouraged younger campers, led by example during activities, and showed kindness in countless everyday moments. Whether offering a helping hand, welcoming others, or simply bringing positive energy wherever they went, this group demonstrated that leadership is about the way you treat those around you.
That leadership shined brightly during one of Camp Coleman’s favorite traditions—MAC.
For several unforgettable days, camp transformed into a sea of team colors, spirited cheers, exciting competitions, and nonstop energy. Nachshonim proudly represented both teams throughout every challenge.
The Red Alexes were made up of Cabins 17A, 16B, and 3A, led by camper captains Zarina K. and Ethan K. The Blue Martys included Cabins 10, 3B, and 17B, with camper captains Della A. and Carson Z. leading the way.
Whether racing through Marathon, competing in athletic events, solving challenges, or cheering from the sidelines, every Nachshonimer gave their all. While the Red Alexes ultimately celebrated the MAC victory, every camper should be incredibly proud of the teamwork, resilience, sportsmanship, and camp spirit they displayed throughout the competition. Watching teammates encourage one another, celebrate each other’s successes, and give every challenge their best perfectly captured what MAC is all about.
As the summer comes to a close, it’s incredible to look back and see just how much this group has grown. From strengthening lifelong friendships and welcoming new ones to stepping into leadership roles, embracing every adventure, and creating countless unforgettable memories, the Nachshonim unit truly made the most of every moment at Camp Coleman.
Over the past several weeks, these campers have grown not only in confidence and independence, but also in the way they care for one another and contribute to the camp community. Whether they were encouraging younger campers, cheering on their teammates during MAC, paddling through white water rapids, dancing the night away at Silent Disco, or simply sharing laughs during everyday moments around camp, they embraced every experience with enthusiasm and heart.
While suitcases will soon be packed and campers head home, the friendships they’ve built, the traditions they’ve celebrated, and the memories they’ve created will stay with them long after the summer ends. We are incredibly proud of the leaders, role models, and friends they have become. Thank you, Nachshonim, for an unforgettable summer—we can’t wait to welcome you back home to Camp Coleman next year.
