Campers in Music classes have been having an incredible session diving into rhythm, melody, and community. In Coleman Rocks, our Tsofim through Chalutzim campers have been hard at work preparing for their big performance tomorrow. The program gives them the chance to form a band and perform 2–3 songs in front of the entire camp at the end of the session. This year’s setlist includes “Hit Me With Your Best Shot,” “Creep,” and more — and with the energy building in the studio, they’re ready to rock.
Younger units got to explore everything the Camp Coleman Music Factory has to offer. Bonim campers spent time learning classic camp songs as well as helping our newest campers feel connected to the spirit and traditions of Coleman. In Kochavim and Solelim’s Factory Jam, campers tried their hands at piano, guitar, drums, and even synthesizers. Whether they’ve been taking lessons for years or just felt like trying something new, music here fosters confidence, creativity, and connection.
One of the most exciting moments this week came when a group of Solelim campers who had never played instruments before learned “Wagon Wheel” on piano and guitar — and then performed it at Friday Night song session. Leading the way was Benny Lazarus from Solelim, who took the initiative to teach his friends how to play the song. That moment of collaboration and growth was only topped by what happened next: we had our first-ever string section at Friday T’fillah, with a viola player from Kesher and a cellist from Chalutzim adding their own magic to the melodies. Every week, we also have campers who play guitar and help lead Shabbat walk, adding even more ruach and camper-driven energy to our sacred time together. That’s what this space is all about — learning something new, building each other up, and making music together.
The Music Factory is more than just a place to jam. With calming lights, a cozy rug, a room full of guitars, drums, keyboards, and even some wild synth sounds, it’s a space that welcomes everyone — from seasoned performers to first-time players. Music is a unique part of Camp Coleman because it is an integral part of our collective Jewish identity. Whether we’re dancing to Hava Nagilah at song session or closing our eyes to take in the words and melody of the Shema, music is at the core of what makes this place feel Jewish.
