Blog

Family Camp 2025: A Weekend of Connection and Coleman Magic

Family Camp was a long weekend filled with Shabbat in white, creative prayer experiences, goat cuddles, lake adventures, and a rainy-Sunday pivot that turned into trivia and Israeli dancing. Thank you to all the families who joined us for an incredible weekend — Coleman truly felt like home.

Building Belonging Together: Coleman Joins the B’yachad Cohort

Camp Coleman is proud to join the B’yachad initiative from 18Doors. Over the coming months, we’ll focus on creating deeper connections with interfaith families by hosting listening sessions, reimagining our onboarding process for new families, and strengthening our culture of true belonging.

Thankful Thursday: Honoring Bryan Kellert

Camp Coleman is Thankful for Bryan Kellert If there’s a job to be done and you want it done well, with a sense of humor, and maybe a few cow puns along the way, there’s one person Camp Coleman calls: Bryan Kellert. A lifelong Colemanite, Bryan began his journey in...

A Duck, a Chicken, and the Magic of Camp

This summer in Campscape, I witnessed something unforgettable: a duck guarding a chicken as it laid an egg, while campers cared for goats and cuddled chickens nearby. At Camp Coleman, these small but powerful moments embody M’shaneh Makom, M’shaneh Mazel—the idea that in new places, we discover new rhythms, lessons, and connections that enrich our lives.

Summer Spotlight: Lights, Sound, Action at Camp Coleman

This summer, Coleman’s AV program took center stage—literally. From new sound systems to our first-ever follow spotlight in the musical, campers learned to run the tech, design the lighting, and bring performances to life in ways we’ve never seen before.

From Senior OD to Soulmates: A Coleman Love Story

Some Coleman stories start with a summer job. Molly and Justin’s turned into a lifelong partnership. From working side by side to getting engaged and married at camp, Coleman has been part of every chapter — and now they’re raising their own kids here.

Machon Summer Recap: Leaders in the Making

Now that the dust has settled and the bug spray has (mostly) worn off, we’re still feeling the impact of this incredible Machon unit. From lifeguard training to Maccabiah leadership, these campers wrapped up their Coleman journey by stepping up, standing out, and showing us all what it means to lead with heart.

From Camper to Chai Society Co-Chair: Leah Grossman’s Coleman Legacy

A camper in the ’90s, now a proud mom and Chai Society Co-Chair, Leah Grossman’s story is one of camp love, lifelong friendships, and finding her voice in the Jewish world.

Chalutzim: The Final Summer, Full of Legacy and Laughter

They danced, they rocked, they road-tripped, and they led. From Jasmine in Aladdin Jr. to a half-court shot heard ‘round the Brody, Chalutzim closed out their camp journey with everything they had.

Kochavim: Bright Stars, Big Moments

Kochavim brought the energy this week with Aladdin Jr., Coleman Rocks, and MAC! From trivia night to thoughtful cards from bunkmates, this unit keeps showing up for each other in all the best ways.

My Aha Jewish Camping Moment

My Aha Jewish Camping Moment

Mason and I returned from camp that summer and I doubled down on my involvement in The Diamond Family Religious School at Temple Emanu-El, eventually becoming the Principal of the school. After that summer, I knew I wanted to infuse camp-style learning into the religious school setting.

Nachshonim Program Update 1st Session

Nachshonim Program Update 1st Session

During Nachshonim’s first Mashehu, the campers participated in a program called “Hero Value Shopping”; campers went around the room and saw various different values written down (e.g. enthusiasm, empathy, and compassion).

Out of Frame

Out of Frame

The transformative power of camp can be found in the bunk at night when campers build the foundations for lifelong friendships; on the sports field when one camper picks up his opponent who has tripped and fallen; when a counselor is there to bring laughter and lift up her campers’ spirits; when the dining room is filled with song, energy and spirit; when two campers work together on a creative prayer reading for services; and at countless other sacred moments that no camera can possibly capture.