As we enter the final days of an unforgettable Second Session, it is hard to believe just how much the Solelim unit has grown in such a short time. Over the past few weeks, we have watched friendships blossom, confidence soar, and independence flourish. The campers who arrived just a few weeks ago have truly become Camp Coleman pros, embracing every moment, every challenge, and every opportunity that camp has to offer.
One of the most incredible things to witness has been the sense of community that has developed within Solelim. While each cabin has formed close bonds, these campers have also created friendships that stretch far beyond their own unit. Whether they are cheering together in the Chadar, walking to activities with friends from different units, or encouraging one another during camp-wide programs, Solelim has become an important part of the greater Coleman community. They have learned that independence and community go hand in hand—growing more confident in themselves while always looking out for the people around them.
Every day has been filled with new opportunities to explore interests through Omanut (arts & crafts), Tarbut (culture), Etgar (outdoor challenge), and Sports electives. Solelim campers have eagerly jumped into trying new activities, discovering talents, and challenging themselves in exciting ways. Some of this session’s favorite electives have included ceramics, video production, and Coleman Rocks, where campers have been making music together as a band. Many Solelim campers have also loved spending time at the ropes course, climbing the rock wall, soaring across the zipline, and taking on the giant swing with determination and courage.
The creativity has certainly been shining this session as well. Graceland has become one of Solelim’s favorite places to be, where campers can often be found tie-dyeing shirts, creating colorful mosaics, trying their hand at wood burning, or designing jewelry in metals. In fact, they love these activities so much that even during Mandatory Optionals and Chofesh, many Solelimers choose to spend their free time back at Graceland creating something new.
One of the biggest highlights of the session was undoubtedly Maccabiah, this year’s unforgettable color war, MAC in Time. Throughout the week, campers traveled through different eras of Camp Coleman’s MAC history as Doc and Marty worked to stop Biff from erasing generations of camp traditions. Along the way, campers learned the importance of passing traditions from generation to generation (L’Dor V’Dor), remembering our shared history (Zikaron), taking responsibility for one another (Achrayut), and understanding that everyone has the ability to grow and make things right (Teshuvah).
Solelim brought incredible Ruach, teamwork, perseverance, and heart to every challenge. Whether competing in events, cheering for their teammates, or encouraging one another through every competition, these campers truly gave everything they had.
Representing the Red Marty team were Solelim cabins 19, 5B, and 14B, proudly led by camper captains Olivia Krin and Dexter Lagina. On the Blue Doc team, cabins 5A and 14A were led by camper captains Liam Matieri and Aliza Epstein. No matter which color they wore, every Solelim camper helped create an unforgettable week filled with excitement, sportsmanship, and lifelong memories.
When the sun begins to set, the fun is far from over. Evening Programs have continued to be some of the biggest highlights of camp life, giving campers even more opportunities to laugh, connect, and make memories together. Some Solelim favorites this session have included Silent Disco, gathering around the campfire to roast marshmallows while singing camp songs, Messy Mayhem (our famous Super Sloppy program), Wacky Olympics, and the always hilarious Gefilte Fish Tank. These evenings have been filled with nonstop laughter, cheering, and the kind of moments that campers will be talking about long after the summer ends.
As we head into the final few days of the session, it is amazing to reflect on everything Solelim has experienced together. From trying new activities and discovering new passions to building friendships that will last far beyond camp, this unit has embraced every opportunity with enthusiasm, positivity, and endless Ruach. We cannot wait to make the most of these final days together, soaking up every last campfire, song session, laugh, and memory. The friendships, confidence, and love for Camp Coleman that have grown this summer will stay with these campers long after they head home, and we are so proud of everything they have accomplished together.
