Unit Programs

Bonim (which is the Hebrew word for “Builders”) is always in motion, moving throughout their day and experiencing all that camp has to offer. A daily schedule with 6 activity periods and an evening program ensures that our Bonim campers enjoy swimming in our pool and lake, performing and fine arts, nature and outdoor living, sports and so much more. The wonderful Bonim counselors make sure that they are always up to something fun and exciting! One of our favorite Bonim cheers: “You wish you were in Bonim, ooh…aah”

Kochavim (which means “Stars”) is an opportunity for campers to step out of the known into a world of possibilities. Over the course of the day, these campers are encouraged to try new things and be the best they can be. Kochavimers get the best of all worlds: they make lifelong friendships while experiencing a top-notch program giving them the opportunity to reach for the stars. A Kochavim cheer: “Ko – Ko –Kochavim, Vim, Vim, Vimakoch, Kochavim, Vimakoch, Go Stars!”

Solelim (which means “Trailblazers”) gives campers a chance to learn about all of the communities in which they live and others around the world. The daily schedule affords these campers the opportunity to choose “majors” within our performing and fine arts program as well as our outdoor and nature program. Solelim campers will participate in the activity they choose for 2 weeks, developing advanced skills and having a great time. “S-OL-ELIM, Solelim is best, oh yes, Solelim is best!”

Tsofim (meaning “Scouts”) allows campers to begin exploring themselves on a whole new level. Tsofim campers are beginning to prepare for their Bar or Bat Mitzvah and developing their personal connection to Judaism. These campers choose their activities within two week rotations to make their own summer experience. And, our 3 day long Maccabia (color war), different every year, is always a summer highlight. Each individual camper’s Tsofim experience is unique and exciting.

Bringing together teens with a taste for adventure and an interest in being a part of a dynamic community, Nachshonim (meaning “Leaders”) is a unique way to spend the summer at camp. The program takes advantage of the camp’s activities and facilities and enhancing the camp experience they are exposed to teen-oriented programs and discussions. Developing leadership skills while making friendships that last a lifetime is what our campers love about Nachshonim. A Nachshonim cheer (to the tune of “Macho Man”): “Nachso, Nachshonim…I want to be in Nachshonim”

Kesher (meaning “Connection”) is all about being together, together with friends feeling a connection with something bigger than you- the camp community. This special program, specifically designed for high school aged teens, enables campers to feel a sense of community, challenge, learning and belonging as part of the URJ Camp Coleman. The Kesher Trip is an adventure trip that will include whitewater rafting, outdoor living overnight and either caving, high ropes, rock climbing or another cool outdoor adventure. A Kesher cheer (to the tune of “Livin’ on a Prayer”): “Whoa, whoa, livin’ on Kesher, take my hand and we’ll make it I swear, whoa, whoa, livin’ on Kesher.”

Chalutzim (Pioneers) campers engage in meaningful experiences in order to learn more about themselves and what they can do to make a difference in the world, all the while having an incredibly fun and exciting summer adventure. With these values in mind, they travel out of camp on a 3 night/4 day experience each session learning, growing and having the time of their lives. At the end of each session, campers are encouraged to make a significant contribution to the camp community and to leave a positive mark on the place they all come to love.

Join your camp friends on a journey to Israel! For more information, visit NFTYIsrael.org.

The Machon 8-week program provides participants with an immersive opportunity to work with campers and to reflect on their experience. During the 1^st session of camp, participants will learn what it means to be a great counselor and will develop the skills necessary to be an effective role model and mentor to our campers.  During the 2nd session, participants will live in cabins with campers and counselors and under supervision, will practice those skills.

The 8-week program is best for teens who showed leadership as a camper through their commitment to our Brit Kehillah and core values and have proven that they are ready to be role-models at camp. The ideal candidates have experience working with children in a camp or school environment.

 https://campcoleman.org/new-families/unit-programs/machon-staff-in-training/

*Applications are required*

One of the options that will be available to you as part of our Summer 2021 Machon opportunities – the Coleman Machon Israel program! Machon is our staff training program for rising 12th graders. Because the 2020 Israel trip was canceled, we are thrilled to be able to offer you a chance to do both the Israel trip and the Machon program this summer with an 8-week experience. For those who choose this option, you’ll attend first session at Coleman as part of the Machon program, and then you’ll head to Israel on a special 3.5 week experience in partnership with NFTY in Israel.

Machon (Staff in Training)

The Machon Adventure Program is a Leadership Development and Staff-in-training program.  Machon Adventure participants spend a week living outdoors gaining outdoor living skills. During the Machon Adventure week, participants will learn to setup a campsite and how to cook their own meals. In partnership with Landmark Learning, participants will also receive training and certification in Wilderness First Aid, a 2-day advanced first aid course. The week also includes several outdoor adventure experiences, including whitewater rafting, hiking, and ziplining. You will push your limits both physically and emotionally and share in the joy of a challenge surmounted.

Participants of this program will arrive back at camp on opening day of 2nd session and will spend the next 4 weeks incorporating their Machon Adventure experience into our Leadership Development and Staff-in-training program. Participants will learn what it means to be a great staff member and will develop the skills necessary to be an effective role model and mentor to our campers.  

*Applications are required*

Machon (Staff in Training)