Each week, we celebrate members of our community who live out Camp Coleman’s Core Four: Chesed (kindness), Kehillah (community), Shalom (peace), and Kavod (respect). These campers and staff didn’t just talk about values—they lived them. Here are the standouts from our first week of Summer 2025:
Campers Living Our Values
Hannah G. (Chalutzim)
Hannah is a quiet powerhouse of kindness and respect. She consistently helps her counselors without being asked, models appropriate behavior when others don’t, and encourages her peers to do the right thing—just because it’s right. She brings Kavod (respect) into every part of camp life.
Spencer D. (Chalutzim)
Spencer arrived at camp with what we call “Camptitude”—a positive, community-first mindset that radiates through everything he does. When a bunkmate realized he forgot a toothbrush, Spencer offered up his unused extra without hesitation. During Nikayon, he takes on the least desirable jobs and cheers on his friends while they work. His leadership is grounded in Chesed (kindness) and Kavod (respect), and it sets the tone for everyone around him.
Aden K. (Chalutzim)
During a fast-paced hockey game, a Bonim camper got knocked down. Without being prompted, Aden immediately stepped in to help him up, calm him down, and make sure he was okay. He even stayed afterward to check in and help him get back into the game. That instinct for care and empathy is pure Chesed (kindness).
Becky C. (Tsofim)
Every mealtime, Becky is the first one up to clean—no reminders, no fuss. She grabs the bin, helps wipe down the tables, and makes sure the space is left better than she found it. Her initiative and Kavod (respect) for her community are clear in the way she simply steps up.
Dara R. (Solelim)
Dara noticed a younger Bonim camper struggling with homesickness and didn’t hesitate. She walked over, sat beside them, and comforted them with the calm and care of someone far beyond her years. Dara’s ability to tune in and act on someone else’s need is a beautiful example of Chesed (kindness).
Marlee F. (Solelim)
Marlee’s kindness is steady and consistent. Whether she’s offering to carry a bunkmate’s heavy skates or giving up her snack to share because her friend didn’t like theirs, she goes out of her way to make life easier for others. These small, thoughtful gestures show daily Chesed (kindness) and Kehillah (community).
Nathan S. (Tsofim)
New to camp but already a vital part of the group, Nathan makes inclusion look effortless. Whether it’s inviting someone to join a game or checking in during downtime, he constantly looks for ways to bring people together. He lives out Chesed (kindness) by making sure everyone feels like they belong.
Liam R. (Bonim)
Liam might be one of the younger campers at camp, but he already acts like someone who’s been here for years. He’s quick to clean up after meals, respectful to every counselor, and kind to his peers without needing to be asked. He models Kehillah (community) through action and attitude.
Eve L. & Ashlyn B. (Machon)
Eve and Ashlyn went out of their way to support a camper having a tough day—sitting with them, listening, and offering comfort until the mood lifted. It was quiet, heartfelt, and entirely for someone else’s benefit. Their actions showed deep Chesed (kindness) and the kind of awareness that strengthens Kehillah (community).
Dylan G. (Tsofim)
Dylan is the kind of camper who always steps up. Whether it’s going the extra mile during Nikayon or refilling the food during meals (even when it’s not his job), he looks for ways to contribute. His awareness of the needs of others and the community is constant—and that reliability makes him a rock for his bunk. He lives Kavod (respect) and Chesed (kindness) daily.
Sasha L. (Solelim)
Sasha has made it her mission to welcome everyone—new campers, returning ones, anyone who seems like they might need a friend. She invites others in, checks in during programs, and makes sure no one is left out. She builds Kehillah (community) one relationship at a time.
Raf W. (Kochavim)
During the Warrior Course, a fellow camper fell and got hurt. Raf was the first to react—putting his arm around the camper, helping them up, and walking with them to a staff member to get help. His immediate compassion and responsibility reflect deep Chesed (kindness) and care for others.
Jacob S. & Ryan B. (Nachshonim)
After their bunk’s Jewish Cooking activity, Jacob and Ryan stayed behind to clean the entire kitchen. They didn’t ask for recognition, didn’t do it for praise—they just saw something that needed doing and handled it. That quiet leadership and Kavod (respect) for shared spaces is what helps camp thrive behind the scenes.
Staff Living Our Values
Dawid R. – Lifeguard
Since the moment he arrived, Dawid has thrown himself into camp with heart and intention. Whether he’s learning the words to a new prayer or jumping in to help without being asked, Dawid shows up for his campers, his co-staff, and the community at large. He’s consistently the first to volunteer, always brings positive energy, and makes everyone around him feel included. His commitment to Kehillah (Community) is unmistakable—he doesn’t just join the community, he strengthens it.
Joshua “Squid” M. – Counselor
Squid has met every challenge thrown at him this session with a sense of purpose and a lot of heart. He’s had to navigate some tough moments but has never let it affect the care and attention he gives to his bunk. He builds a culture of fun and belonging through pure dedication, keeping his campers laughing, supported, and safe. His resilience and consistent presence are a real-time example of Chesed (Kindness) and Kavod (Respect) in motion—especially when things aren’t easy.
Rae F. – Counselor
Rae brings warmth and stability to her bunk and beyond. With a smile that sets the tone and a calm demeanor that draws others in, Rae consistently puts her campers’ emotional well-being at the forefront. This week, she helped two campers navigate a disagreement—offering support, guidance, and just the right amount of space—until they came through stronger and closer. Her care didn’t just impact the campers involved; it strengthened the entire Kochavim Kehillah (community).