On Second Session’s Yom Kehillah, the Camp Coleman community came together for a day centered around one simple but powerful idea: our Core Four Values aren’t just something we talk about—they’re something we live.
From the moment campers began their day, there was a sense of purpose across camp. Rather than following a typical schedule, campers stepped away from their everyday routines to spend the day serving others, caring for Camp Coleman, and discovering how even the smallest acts of kindness can make a meaningful difference. Through hands-on projects and opportunities to give back, our campers experienced what it truly means to live the values of Shalom (Peace), Kavod (Respect), Kehillah (Community), and Chesed (Kindness).
Across camp, campers rolled up their sleeves and got to work caring for the place they proudly call their summer home. Groups spread fresh mulch, tended to gardens, cleaned plaques honoring Camp Coleman’s rich history, and helped beautify the Hillman and other shared spaces. Another group brought new life to the Dance Room by painting vibrant dancers across the walls, transforming the space into a colorful celebration of movement, creativity, and camp spirit. As laughter echoed across camp and friends worked side by side, these projects became about much more than landscaping or painting—they became a way of showing Kavod (Respect) for the spaces that have welcomed generations of campers and will continue to inspire those who call Camp Coleman home for years to come.
Other campers turned their focus toward lifting up others through thoughtful acts of kindness. With colorful markers, creativity, and heartfelt words, they created welcome-back-to-school cards for campers at Camp Jenny, filling each one with messages of encouragement and support. Nearby, campers reflected on their own summer experiences as they wrote letters home to their parents, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to spend another incredible summer surrounded by friendship, adventure, and Jewish community. These meaningful moments beautifully reflected the value of Chesed (Kindness), reminding campers that compassion can be shared through even the simplest gestures.
As the day continued, campers from every unit worked side by side with a shared purpose, strengthening not only Camp Coleman but also the connections that make our community so special. Whether they were planting flowers, improving camp grounds, writing heartfelt notes, lending a helping hand, or adding colorful new artwork to camp, every camper contributed to something bigger than themselves. Together, they experienced the true meaning of Kehillah (Community)—discovering that when we come together with kindness, respect, and compassion, we can make a lasting impact.
After a meaningful day of service and giving back, it was time to celebrate everything our campers had accomplished. The entire camp gathered on the Lower Athletic Field for the annual Machon Carnival, planned and hosted by our Counselors-in-Training. The field was transformed into a festival filled with excitement, laughter, and endless fun.
Campers bounced through inflatable obstacle courses and bouncy houses, raced down giant water slides, challenged their friends at the blow-up basketball inflatable, tossed frisbees across the field, joined in games and sports, and enjoyed spending time together in the summer sunshine. A cotton candy machine kept everyone smiling with a sweet treat as campers made their way from activity to activity. One of the biggest highlights of the afternoon was the dunk tank, where campers eagerly lined up for the chance to send their counselors splashing into the water. The fun didn’t stop there—campers also got the chance to pie their counselors, filling the field with laughter and creating unforgettable memories that perfectly captured the joy, silliness, and spirit of Camp Coleman. It was the perfect way to celebrate a day that balanced meaningful service with the fun, friendship, and excitement that make camp so special.
As the sun set on another unforgettable day of Second Session, campers returned to their bunks with tired feet, full hearts, and memories they’ll carry long after the summer ends. Yom Kehillah is so much more than a day of service—it’s a reflection of what Camp Coleman is all about. It’s a day where kindness is practiced, respect is shown, community is strengthened, and peace is nurtured. Most importantly, it reminds our campers that the values they live at camp don’t stay at camp—they become part of who they are, inspiring them to make a difference wherever life takes them.
