This past weekend, Camp Coleman welcomed home a truly special part of our community as alumni from the 1970s returned to Coleman for an unforgettable reunion weekend!

More than 50 years after their summers together, our 1970s alumni had the chance to experience Coleman side by side once again. They walked around Lake Shalom, reminiscing about summers spent swimming, playing, and growing up together along its shores. They stood in the Brody, surrounded by decades of MAC plaques, remembering the teams they once cheered for with all their ruach as campers and staff. And they gathered in the Minsky, a space they once knew as their Chadar Ohel, where countless meals were shared, songs were sung, and friendships grew stronger summer after summer.

Returning to these familiar places brought back more than memories. Coleman has grown and changed over the decades, but so much of what made it special all those years ago remains—the friendships, traditions, Jewish community, music, laughter, and unmistakable feeling of belonging. For some, it had been decades since they had been back, but it didn’t take long for the stories to start flowing, the songs to come back, and old friendships to feel as though no time had passed at all.

One of the reunion organizers, Micah Greenstein, beautifully captured the meaning of the weekend and what it felt like for this community to return to the place where so much of it began:

“Three cantors and a rabbi did not walk into a bar, but returned instead to the outdoor chapel of our childhoods. Named for the impactful youth rabbi of the 1970s, Andy Hillman, the weekend was a thank you and tribute to Coleman’s legendary director, Allan F. Solomon (z”l), who died recently.

Certain people and places stay in your DNA forever, like grooves in a vinyl record album. It’s more than muscle memory—it’s a soul print.

From Friday evening Shabbat through Havdalah and music past midnight, the only emotions greater than gratitude were feelings of love, joy, awe, and wonder.

This less-than-fancy camp in the woods of Cleveland, Georgia, was the Jerusalem of our childhoods. It was filled with the most gifted and greatest people whose spirits still live.

What started in the 1970s at Camp Coleman changed the Jewish world and countless lives.”

— Micah Greenstein

What an incredible summer it has been for Kesher! As the session winds down, it is impossible not to look back with so much pride at everything this extraordinary group has accomplished. Over the course of second session, Kesher has grown into a confident, compassionate, and spirited community. The friendships they’ve built, the independence they’ve gained, and the leadership they’ve demonstrated have made this one of the most memorable summers yet.

As one of Camp Coleman’s oldest units, Kesher embraced every opportunity camp had to offer while leading by example for the younger campers. Whether they were cheering on friends, welcoming younger campers into activities, or simply showing up each day with enthusiasm, Kesher demonstrated what it means to be a leader in the Coleman community. Their energy was impossible to miss. If you heard a unit singing across camp, chances are it was Kesher! From every meal in the Chadar Ochel to Song Session, their cheers echoed throughout camp, proudly celebrating their unit, their friendships, and their love for Camp Coleman.

Each day was filled with adventure, creativity, and moments that made summer unforgettable. You could find Kesher campers creating beautiful mosaics, wood-burning unique keepsakes, or letting their personalities shine in front of the camera while filming hilarious Friday Night Live skits. Others spent afternoons playing cards by the lake, hopping aboard the Israeli Cash Cab, or simply soaking up every moment with friends between activities. From sharing meals together to walking across camp with arms around one another, it has been a joy to watch this unit fully embrace camp life and appreciate every moment together.

One of the biggest highlights of the session was, of course, Mac in Time. Kesher gave everything they had from start to finish, bringing incredible determination, teamwork, and nonstop ruach to every event. Beyond competing, they helped make the entire experience special for the whole camp. Several Kesher campers worked behind the scenes creating their team’s plaque, while another cherished Coleman tradition continued as two Kesher campers sprinted the famous Marathon “suicides” before racing over to high-five the Chalutzim camper preparing for the dramatic half-court shot. Every challenge, every cheer, and every celebration reflected the pride they have in their team and in one another. It was an unforgettable MAC filled with smiles, encouragement, and memories that will last long after summer ends.

The fun certainly didn’t stop there. Evening programs have been packed with excitement, and Kesher embraced every one of them. The campfire quickly became a favorite, with campers roasting marshmallows and enjoying time together under the stars. The pool party brought plenty of laughs and splashes, while the Silent Disco transformed camp into one giant dance floor. With a live DJ and MC bringing incredible energy, campers danced, sang at the top of their lungs, and celebrated together in a night full of joy and unforgettable moments. Organized Mass Chaos (OMC) was another Kesher favorite, perfectly matching the unit’s enthusiasm, competitive spirit, and love for high-energy fun.

Last Friday, Kesher gathered with the Coleman community for their final Shabbat of the session—a beautiful reminder of just how meaningful this community truly is. Kesher campers could be found front and center during Song Session, singing every word with friends by their side before sharing a delicious Shabbat dinner of chicken schnitzel, chicken soup, challah, and everyone’s favorite dessert, apple brown betty. It was a night filled with gratitude, reflection, and appreciation for the friendships and memories they have built together.

As we look back on this incredible summer, one thing is certain: Kesher has made the most of every single day. They have laughed together, challenged themselves, supported one another, led with confidence, and filled Camp Coleman with unmatched spirit. Watching this unit grow into thoughtful leaders while never losing their sense of fun has been truly inspiring.

The friendships they have formed, the memories they have created, and the confidence they have gained will stay with them long after they leave camp. We are so proud of everything Kesher has accomplished this summer, and we cannot wait to see the incredible things they will continue to do. What a remarkable session it has been—and what an unforgettable chapter in their Camp Coleman journey!

As the summer winds down, one thing is certain—Nachshonim has made every single moment count. Over the past few weeks, this incredible unit has embraced everything Camp Coleman has to offer with endless enthusiasm, contagious energy, and hearts full of camp spirit. Whether they’re running to their next activity, laughing around the Chadar, or spending time with their closest friends, Nachshonim campers have truly fallen in love with camp life. Their friendships have grown stronger each day, their confidence has blossomed, and the joy they bring to camp is impossible to miss.

What makes Nachshonim so special isn’t just the adventures they take—it’s the way they experience them together. Every opportunity is met with excitement, every challenge with determination, and every moment with a group of friends by their side. From sunrise to lights out, Nachshonim campers have fully embraced the rhythm of camp, making memories that will last long after the summer ends.

Each day has been filled with exciting electives that allow campers to explore new passions and discover hidden talents. Whether they’re diving into Tarbut (pop culture arts), creating in Omanut (arts and crafts), challenging themselves during Etgar (outdoor challenge), competing in Sports, or cooling off during Swim, Nachshonim campers have embraced every opportunity with excitement.

One thing everyone around camp has noticed is just how athletic and spirited the Nachshonim unit is. No matter the sport, Nachshonim campers bring incredible energy, teamwork, and enthusiasm. Whether they’re playing basketball, soccer, frisbee, or even yoga, they’re always ready to jump in and give it their all. Of course, no sports period would be complete without plenty of friendly competition in the Gaga Pits, where laughter and cheers can be heard all afternoon. Many Nachshonim campers have also loved learning hockey from Camp Coleman’s incredible Israeli hockey specialist, trying a new sport while building new skills and having a blast!

Creativity has been shining just as brightly across camp. In Tarbut (pop culture arts), Nachshonim campers have loved stepping in front of the camera, creating hilarious skits for Friday Night Live that have everyone laughing. Others have been busy rehearsing with the Nachshonim band, preparing for the big stage at Coleman Rocks and working together to create an unforgettable performance.

Over in Omanut (arts and crafts), creativity has been everywhere you look. Nachshonim campers have crafted beautiful ceramic mugs, learned to throw clay on the pottery wheel to create plates, designed colorful mosaic masterpieces, and tie-dyed vibrant shirts to remember the summer. It’s been incredible to watch their creativity come to life with every project they complete.

Even during Chofesh and Mandatory Optionals, the simple moments have become some of the most meaningful. You can often find Nachshonim campers relaxing together on the swings, sitting under the shade of a tree playing cards, cheering on their friends in the Katan, or simply talking and laughing together between activities. These quiet moments of connection have become just as memorable as the biggest adventures. It’s a beautiful sight to see and a reminder that some of the best camp memories happen in the in-between moments.

Adventure has continued during Etgar (outdoor challenge), where Nachshonim campers have stepped outside their comfort zones to conquer the high ropes course, scale the climbing wall, and encourage one another every step of the way. Whether they’re celebrating from the ground or ringing the bell at the top, Nachshonim campers have shown courage, resilience, and an eagerness to try something new.

Perhaps the most special thing about the Nachshonim unit is that, even during the simplest parts of the day, it’s obvious their favorite thing to do is simply be together. Staff members constantly notice groups of Nachshonim campers walking to electives arm in arm, laughing over inside jokes, relaxing together at the lake or on the pool deck, and filling the Chadar with conversation and smiles during meals. Their ruach is contagious, their friendships are genuine, and the sense of community they’ve built is something truly special.

As the sun goes down, the excitement only continues with unforgettable Evening Programs that have brought the entire unit together. Nachshonim campers cooled off during an exciting Pool Party, danced the night away at the Silent Disco in the Harris Center, and gathered around the campfire to roast marshmallows, sing songs, and enjoy time together under the Georgia stars.

One of the biggest favorites was Organized Mass Chaos, where Nachshonim campers raced across the Lower Athletic Field completing hilarious challenges while getting absolutely covered in shaving cream, paint, and every messy surprise imaginable. Between the laughter, teamwork, and colorful chaos, it quickly became one of the most memorable nights of the session.

One of the most meaningful evenings of the summer was the final Friday night Shabbat. Dressed in white for the last time this session, Nachshonim campers gathered with the entire camp to celebrate a beautiful Shabbat together. They enjoyed a delicious dinner of chicken schnitzel, matzah ball soup, and, of course, Camp Coleman’s famous Apple Brown Betty before heading to Song Session.

With every song, cheer, and arm around a friend, Nachshonim campers soaked in the magic of knowing it was their final Friday night together. As Song Session came to a close, the entire camp transitioned into one of Camp Coleman’s favorite traditions—Israeli dancing. Following the Israeli dancers on the big screen, campers danced choreographed dances together, and Nachshonim was front and center, confidently leading with incredible enthusiasm. Knowing the dances by heart, they inspired younger campers to jump in, follow along, and celebrate together as one camp community.

Another unforgettable highlight was Trip Day, when Nachshonim campers headed out for an exciting white water rafting adventure. Working together to paddle through rushing rapids, encouraging one another along the way, and celebrating every splash made for an incredible day of teamwork and adventure. That evening, campers returned to camp for a relaxing Bunk Evening, where cabins reflected on the day’s adventures, played cards, shared stories, and enjoyed quality time together after an unforgettable trip.

Of course, no summer would be complete without MAC, and Nachshonim campers brought unmatched enthusiasm to every moment of MAC in Time. Whether they were cheering until they lost their voices, competing in challenges, performing in entrances, or supporting teammates throughout the competition, their spirit never wavered.

Nachshonim campers proudly represented both teams. The Red Martys included cabins 10, 3B, and 16A, led by camper captains Ronan M. and Layla K. The Blue Docs included cabins 3A, 16B, and 17A, led by camper captains Naomi G. and Nels R. No matter the team color, Nachshonim campers competed with heart, displayed incredible sportsmanship, and created memories that will stay with them for years to come.

Now, as the final week of camp unfolds, Nachshonim campers are soaking in every last moment. Every walk to an activity, every meal shared with friends, every evening program, every laugh, and every camp tradition feels a little more meaningful knowing just how special this summer has been.

From new friendships and unforgettable adventures to moments of courage, creativity, and nonstop laughter, the Nachshonim unit has truly made the most of every opportunity Camp Coleman has offered. Watching this group grow into such a close-knit, supportive, and spirited community has been a joy, and there is no doubt they will leave camp with memories, friendships, and a love for Camp Coleman that will last a lifetime.

What an incredible summer it has been for Nachshonim—we can’t wait to see where these amazing campers go next, and we know they’ll carry the spirit of Camp Coleman with them long after the final song has been sung!

It is hard to believe we are already heading into the final week of Second Session! The Tsofim unit has truly embraced every single moment of camp life, and it has been incredible to watch this community grow closer with each passing day. Whether they are racing across camp to their next elective, laughing together at meals, or ending the day with their favorite evening programs, Tsofim has learned exactly what it means to live in the moment and make every day count.

While Tsofim has loved all the adventures camp has to offer, it is so evident that their favorite part of camp is simply being together. The friendships within this unit have blossomed into something incredibly special. Throughout the day, you can find Tsofim campers walking arm in arm to electives, deep in conversation on the paths around camp, bursting into laughter over inside jokes in the Chadar, and cheering one another on wherever they go. Their counselors have become an important part of those memories too, creating a warm, supportive community where every camper feels they belong. The joy this unit shares is contagious, and it is clear that the relationships they’ve built will extend far beyond this summer.

Daily camp life has been filled with excitement as campers continue exploring their electives in Omanut (Arts), Tarbut (Culture), Etgar (Challenge), sports, and aquatics. One Tsofim favorite has been Friday Night Live, where campers get to write, perform, and film hilarious skits—Tsofim absolutely loves being in front of the camera! During Omanut, many campers can be found creating projects at Graceland Arts & Crafts, while Etgar favorites include spending time at Campscape, relaxing with the goats, chickens, and the camp’s beloved duck, while also learning about gardening in one of the most peaceful spots at Camp Coleman.

Swimming continues to be another highlight of the week. Whether they are splashing around in the pool, cooling off in the lake, or simply soaking up the sunshine while talking with friends on the beach or pool deck, campers have found countless ways to enjoy the beautiful outdoors and appreciate every moment together.

As Tsofim campers have grown more comfortable and confident, they have also embraced the independence that comes with being in Tsofim. During Chofesh and Mandatory Optionals, campers can truly choose how they want to spend their free time. Some head back to Graceland to continue working on art projects, others hop aboard the Israeli Cash Cab to test their knowledge of Israel, while many simply enjoy slowing down—swinging under the trees, playing cards with friends, or relaxing together in nature. These moments of choice and independence have become some of the most meaningful parts of each day.

One of the biggest highlights of the session was, of course, MAC: MAC in Time! The excitement, teamwork, and ruach throughout the week were absolutely incredible. Tsofim campers gave every challenge everything they had, cheering louder than ever, encouraging their teammates, and showing tremendous camp spirit from beginning to end. The Red Marty’s team included cabins 4B and 20, led by camper captains Benny L. and Arlee G. The Blue Doc’s team included cabins 4A, 15A, and 15B, led by camper captains Scotty W. and Lyla F. No matter which team they wore, every Tsofimer brought enthusiasm, determination, and unforgettable ruach that helped make this year’s MAC one to remember.

Evenings have continued to bring some of the most exciting moments of camp. From cooling off at the Pool Party to showing off their creativity during Dancing with the Stars, stepping back in time during Medieval (K)night, and experiencing the interactive journey of Ellis Island, every evening program has given campers another opportunity to laugh together, try something new, and strengthen the friendships that make this unit so special.

This past weekend, Tsofim celebrated their final Shabbat of the session together—a beautiful milestone that gave campers the chance to pause and reflect on everything they have experienced over the past four weeks. Dressed in white and surrounded by the friends and counselors who have become like family, the unit gathered for meaningful services, a festive Shabbat dinner, and an unforgettable song session filled with arm-in-arm singing, dancing, and smiles. There was something especially meaningful about this final Shabbat, knowing it was one of the last times this community would all be together before the session comes to a close. It was a celebration of the friendships they have built, the memories they have made, and the incredible journey they have shared. It was a perfect reminder that while camp may be coming to an end, the connections and memories created during this unforgettable summer will last far beyond the final day.

As we head into the final week of camp, there is still so much excitement ahead. More adventures, more traditions, more songs, more laughter, and countless memories are waiting to be made. This summer has been filled with growth, confidence, independence, resilience, and friendships that will last long after campers head home. Tsofim has truly embraced every opportunity Camp Coleman has offered, creating a community built on kindness, laughter, and unforgettable moments.

We cannot wait to see everything this incredible unit accomplishes during their final week. Here’s to finishing the summer strong and making every last Camp Coleman moment count!