The Machon Staff-in-Training programs train future leaders of the Camp Coleman community. Participants will:
- Learn what it means to be a great staff member – a role model and mentor to children.
- Develop essential 21st-century skills such as communication, problem-solving, conflict resolution.
- Receive hands on experience through internships in bunks and specialty areas.
- Earn community service hours and certifications such as first aid, CPR certification, and lifeguarding.
Ready to learn more? Read about Machon program expectations and the application process.
Machon Session 1
June 7 – July 2 | $6,245 + $180 security fee | 100 community service hours
A leadership experience bridging the gap between camper and staff member. Participants gain
hands-on experience in camper relationships, behavior management, and staff development.
Highlights:
- Paired with a bunk (3rd 8th grade) while living in the Machon Village
- Shadow counselors and engage in cabin activities, daily routines, and evening programs
- Build leadership, communication, and relationship skills
- Daily balance of cabin time (2 3 hours) and skill development workshops (2 3 hours)
- Workshops include: Ages & Stages, Behavior Management, Conflict Resolution, and
Program Writing - Optional Lifeguard Certification Training
Machon Session 1 + Internship
June 7 – July 31 | $7,245 + $180 security fee | 300 community service hours
A comprehensive eight-week experience combining the traditional Machon program with a
supervised internship focused on camp operations and leadership development.
June 7 – July 2: Traditional Machon experience
July 6 – July 31: Supervised Internship
Internship Areas: Childcare, Business Management, Operations, Finance, Safety & Security,
Facilities
Highlights:
- Live in a cabin supporting counselors and campers
- Build leadership and teamwork skills
- Gain hands-on experience in:
- Business & Finance: Budgeting and administrative operations
- Facilities & Operations: Logistics and infrastructure
- Food Service: Menu planning, food safety, kitchen operations
- Programming: Planning, logistics, and supply coordination
- Leadership: Shadow the director and year-round team
- Daily structure: 2 3 hours with campers, 2 3 hours interning, plus guided reflection
Machon Session 2
July 6 – July 31 | $6,245 + $180 security fee
Mirroring Session 1, this program offers the same leadership curriculum for participants
attending the second half of summer.
Highlights:
- Hands-on counselor experience while living in Machon Village
- Practice leadership and problem-solving in real-time
- Daily balance of cabin time and skill-building workshops
- Workshops include: Ages & Stages, Behavior Management, Conflict Resolution, and
Program Writing - Optional Lifeguard Certification Training
Machon Adventure (5 Weeks)
June 29 – July 31 | $6,745 + $180 security fee
A five-week experience that combines leadership training with an immersive 7-day outdoor
adventure trip (June 29 July 5).
Trip Highlights:
- Hiking, outdoor cooking, and white-water rafting
- “Leave No Trace” environmental education
Program Highlights:
- Same counselor shadowing and leadership development as traditional Machon
- Daily mix of camper engagement and staff skill workshops
- Optional Lifeguard Certification Training
Machon Israel 2.0
June 7 – July 24 | $2,500 + $100 security fee *This cost is in addition to the Yallah! Israel program fee*
For participants also registered with Yallah! Israel, this program extends leadership
development into a global Jewish learning context.
Highlights:
- Combines traditional Machon training with Israel education
- Camper and counselor experience parallel to domestic Machon sessions
- Workshops include: Israel Education, Ages & Stages, Behavior Management, Conflict
Resolution, and Program Writing
Apply for Machon!
Important Dates:
- Machon Weekend March 27-29
- Applications Open – Friday, November 7
- Applications Due – Sunday, December 7
- Interviews will take place from December 15 – January 10
“The Machon program was amazing this year. I’m so grateful for the experience. Overall, best summer of my life!”
The internships gave me real insights on being staff at Coleman for the first time, and made me truly realize how much I want to be a counselor next year. The amount of freetime and worktime I felt was perfect. We had freedom, yet also had responsibility. Overall it was a great program!