The Pioneers – our nursery school and kindergarten-age campers – are the youngest Pardners in the Coleman Country family. They are led by Anna Coleman and Michelle Koslow, who are assisted by Glenda Glassheim. Head counselors in each group (experienced moms!) are keenly aware of the needs and energy levels, both physical and social, of these V.I.P. campers. Everything is in reach for the under three-foot set – from the rim of the basketball net to the oversized target in beachball baseball.
With four counselors in a group of about 17 children, and a squad of specialists in every area, these Lilliputian explorers are challenged with age-appropriate tasks involving small and large motor skills. Click here to check out a typical day in the life of a Pioneer.
The Scout Division, led by Felicia Simon and Lew Siegel, is comprised of boys and girls entering the first and second grades. Their typical day at The Ranch includes all available activities and incorporates all facets of camp life. Second graders also enjoy a Club period each day, when they can specialize in an area of interest. Check out the typical day in the life of our Scouts!
First graders participate in a self-respect and confidence-building multi-media program called “Free the Horses.” This curriculum teaches children to believe in themselves, their talents, and their dreams. The story centers on the adventures of Kelly and her friends as they face a variety of problems that children deal with every day.
The Explorer division, headed by Susan Schwartz and Andrew Richter, includes girls and boys entering third and fourth grades. The typical day in the life of an Explorer encompasses all the activities on The Ranch, along with an opportunity to choose areas of special interest during Club periods. Options include athletic clinics and/or artist-in-residence workshops.
Explorers get the chance to experience the sense of commitment and camaraderie of teamwork through participation in intramurals. Teams face off on rinks, courts, or diamonds to test their newly honed abilities, all while their coaches lend encouragement and inspiration.
“Big” Bob Ednick and Margie Noble, with assistance from Gary Spitzer and Dimitri Bernadel, supervise our senior campers, who are entering grades five through eight. While we believe that younger campers should be exposed to all activities so that they can make enlightened choices later in life, we encourage senior campers to tailor their own summer days for optimal fun and personal skill development. That’s why these campers design a good portion of their own program.
A typical day for our 49ers includes a variety of activities, as well as daily and weeklong blocks of time dedicated to the pursuit of Selective and Club options. Options include artist-in-residence workshops and/or athletic clinics. The artists and athletes in-residence are chosen for their skill and their ability to share their enthusiasm for their special talent. Past summers’ professionals have included a pro football kicker, ballerina, champion body-builder, chain saw sculptor, juggler, and magician, to name a few.
Extra adventures include off-campus, late-return trips to amusement parks, deep-sea fishing, and professional ball games. Older campers are also invited to late nights on The Ranch, campfires, barbecues, marshmallow roasts, and dances.
Campers entering 9th and 10th grades are eligible for the opportunity to enjoy being a sometimes camper and sometimes staff member! Karen Landsman supervises this wonderful program to help our former campers get work experience for the future while socializing with their peers. Check out the Staff section for more information!
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