The excitement is back at Camp Coleman! After an incredible First Session, our staff couldn’t wait to welcome a new group of campers home for Second Session and begin another unforgettable chapter of Summer 2026.
The day began bright and early at White County Middle School, where cars filled with excited campers and their families lined up for check-in. Smiles stretched from ear to ear as families snapped photos with Camp Coleman signs, checked in with staff, and completed the arrival process. Campers had their temperatures checked before sharing one last hug with their parents, loading their luggage onto the buses, and boarding for the short ride down the road to camp. While goodbyes can be emotional, they were quickly replaced with excitement as campers knew they were just moments away from reuniting with friends and beginning another incredible summer.
As the buses rolled through Camp Coleman’s gates, the energy was contagious. Counselors, supervisors, and staff members filled the pathways with cheers, songs, and excitement, welcoming every camper home. Returning campers raced to hug old friends, while first-time campers were greeted with warm smiles and enthusiastic introductions, immediately becoming part of the Camp Coleman family.
After stepping off the bus, campers made their way through a final health check before being welcomed by a staff member who escorted them to their cabins. There, they met their counselors, connected with their cabinmates, and discovered the place they would call home for the next month. One of the day’s most exciting traditions followed as each camper drew a raffle to determine which bunk would be theirs for the session. With beds chosen, campers unpacked their bags, decorated their spaces, got to know one another, and began building the friendships that will continue to grow throughout the summer.
Before dinner, the entire camp gathered in the Chadar Ochel for Opening Day Prep Rally, officially kicking off Second Session. Camp Director Amy welcomed everyone home and introduced Camp Coleman’s Core Four Values—Kavod (Respect), Kehillah (Community), Chesed (Kindness), and Shalom (Peace)—reminding campers that these values are at the heart of everything we do. Campers also met the incredible supervisors who help lead each area of camp, with every introduction met by loud cheers, applause, and endless camp spirit.
Following Prep Rally, campers shared their very first meal together as one Camp Coleman community. The Chadar Ochel buzzed with laughter, conversations, singing, and excitement as old friends caught up and new friendships continued to blossom around every table.
As the evening continued, campers gathered with their units and Unit Heads for their first official unit meetings. Together, they reviewed camp expectations and traditions, learned about the exciting weeks ahead, participated in icebreakers, and spent time getting to know one another. It was the perfect way to end an exciting first day and begin building the strong sense of community that makes Camp Coleman feel like home.
Opening Day is always filled with anticipation, excitement, and new beginnings, and Second Session is no exception. We can’t wait to watch these campers grow, laugh, challenge themselves, strengthen their Jewish identities, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Welcome home, Second Session. Here’s to an unforgettable summer at Camp Coleman! 💙
