Unit Programs

Camp Coleman Mission

Our mission is to inspire campers and staff to be caring, committed, and connected to the Jewish community through an extraordinary camp experience.

Taste of Coleman: Entering 1st & 2nd Graders
Our Taste of Coleman program is  designed especially  for entering 1st and 2nd graders who are new to overnight camp. Our supportive counselors are selected to help support campers through this transition.  Over the 5 day period, the campers follow a carefully crafted schedule that allows them to experience the  full range of  Coleman activities for our younger campers.

Bonim - Entering 3rd & 4th Graders
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”
Solelim: Entering 6th Graders
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!”
Kochavim: Entering 5th Graders
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!”
Tsofim: Entering 7th Graders
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.
Nachsonim: Entering 8th Graders
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: Entering 9th Graders
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: For Entering 10th Graders
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.
NFTY in Israel (4-week): Entering 11th Graders
Join your camp friends on a journey to Israel! For more information, visit NFTYIsrael.org.
Machon Full Summer Program: Entering 12th Graders

The Machon Full Summer Program is a Leadership Development and Staff-in-training program.   Our emphasis in this program is to provide participants with an immersive opportunity to work directly with campers and to reflect on their experiences.  During the 1st session of camp, 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.  During the 2nd session, participants will live in cabins with campers and staff and under supervision, will practice those skills.

*Applications are required*

Machon Adventure Program (5-week): Entering 12th Graders

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 take pride in your accomplishments.

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 campersMachon Adventure participants live in the Machon Village and have daily opportunities to work directly with campers and practice the skills they are developing.

*Applications are required*

Machon (Staff in Training)

 

MACHON MITZVAH CORPS ATLANTA (6-WEEK): ENTERING 12TH GRADERS

The Machon Mitzvah Corps Program is a Leadership Development and Staff-in-training program.  Mitzvah Corps Atlanta is run in partnership with Camp Best Friends, a subsidized, quality summer program for Atlanta children, engaging them in wholesome, organized and productive recreational activities while school is out for the summer. Machon participants will spend 14 days volunteering as junior counselors at Camp Best Friends, while living in dorm-style accommodations in Atlanta. This program is inspired in part by the relationship that Camp Coleman and NFTY have built over many years with the City of Atlanta in running Camp Jenny. As participants do volunteer work, listen to guest speakers, and learn about issues of race and access to education, they will build meaningful relationships with one another and their global peers, understand the complexities and challenges facing various communities, take action on issues they care about, and embrace the ways that Judaism empowers them to enact real change. 

Participants of this program will arrive back at camp on opening day of 2nd session and will spend the next 4 weeks incorporating their Mitzvah Corps 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 campersMachon Mitzvah Corps participants live in Machon Village, and have daily opportunities to work directly with campers and practice the skills they are developing.

*Applications are required*