Over Labor Day weekend, families gathered at Camp Coleman for a joyful Family Camp experience that blended Shabbat, community, and classic camp fun.
From the moment families arrived Friday afternoon, the energy was high. We welcomed Shabbat together in white, sang songs that filled the Chadar Ochel with spirit, and closed the night with mixers and Oneg.
Saturday morning offered unique ways to celebrate Shabbat — torn-paper tefilah, Aleph Bet yoga, geocaching, a guided nature walk, or a traditional camp tefilah in Strauss Chapel. Families could choose their own way to connect, reflect, and welcome the day.
The rest of the weekend was packed with camp favorites: tie-dye, archery, ropes and climbing towers, boating, swimming, art projects, music jam sessions with Lauren, and of course, goat visits in Campscape Farming. Families cooled off with Limonana while crafting lavender dream pillows, and joined camp talks about raising confident Coleman campers and growing with Coleman.
Sunday night was supposed to bring Colechella, a big outdoor field festival. But in true camp fashion, the skies opened up, and we pivoted to Family Trivia Night. Families crowded together indoors, laughing, competing, and showing off their best camp knowledge. To top it off, our Coleman campers led the way in teaching their parents classic Israeli dances like Bananot and Bahkalil — turning a rainy night into one of the weekend’s most spirited highlights.
By Monday morning, families packed up with tired smiles and full hearts, taking home tie-dye, dream pillows, and memories that will last long past the summer.
We’re so grateful to the families who joined us for this incredible weekend — thank you for bringing your joy, energy, and spirit to Coleman. We can’t wait to welcome you back for Family Camp next year, or see your kids dive into their own Coleman summer full of growth, friendship, and joy.
