Our original Camp Coleman founders took the first steps toward creating our home-away-from-home over six decades ago. For the next 65 years, generations of Coleman faithfuls have kept their vision moving forward. Now, it’s our turn to Take the Next Step.
In 2025, we introduced Founders’ Day as a new annual Coleman tradition—a time to celebrate the people whose vision and commitment brought Camp Coleman to life and the generations who have continued to shape it.
This year, during Founders’ Day: Take the Next Step we will celebrate and profile a special group of Coleman leaders: our Camp Committee Chairs. Each one helped move Camp forward in their own way, leaving a lasting mark on the Coleman we know and love today.
Over the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing their stories. Today, we’re introducing three leaders whose Coleman journeys span generations.
Alvin Hamburger | Camp Committee Chair, 1962–1974
Alvin Hamburger (far right) reviews original plans for Camp Coleman.
Alvin Hamburger was there from the beginning. As Camp Coleman’s first Camp Committee Chair, he helped turn the vision for a Reform Jewish summer camp into reality and guided the development of Camp’s earliest physical spaces. His Coleman legacy continues today through his son Marc, grandchildren Katherine and Robert, and great-granddaughter Addie.
David Strauss | Camp Committee Chair, 1996–1998
Tina & Dave with their grandchildren in the Strauss Chapel during Nad’van Shabbat at Camp Coleman, June 2023.
Dave Strauss said yes to serving as Chair because of a simple but powerful belief: keeping kids Jewish. During his tenure, he helped secure a $2 million gift that made the current dining hall possible and was part of the effort to build Strauss Chapel. More than 30 years later, the Strauss family continues to be part of Coleman’s story.
Steve Krams | Camp Committee Chair, 1999–2001
Steve Krams at the 1970’s Alumni Reunion at Camp Coleman, August 2026.
Steve Krams’ Coleman story began long before he became Chair. He was part of the construction crew in 1962, a camper, staff member, SEFTY Director, Assistant Camp Director, and eventually a Camp Committee Chair. For Steve, Coleman has always been a place shaped by the people who show up, step up, and help build something meaningful together.
Three leaders. Three Coleman journeys. Countless steps forward.
And this is just the beginning.
As we celebrate the people who helped move Coleman forward, we’re also looking toward our next step: strengthening the Etgar—challenge—spaces where campers climb higher, push farther, try something new, and discover what they’re capable of. We hope you will join us in supporting this effort over the coming weeks.
More Founders’ Day stories and exciting ways to Take the Next Step with Coleman are coming soon.
October 29, 2026 | Founders’ Day: Take the Next Step