Frequently Asked Questions

In a small, close-knit community like camp, it is important that everybody knows what is okay and what is not okay. With consistency, children know what to expect, and they begin to learn how to be good members of their village—not just to do what feels good for them. Our policies make sense for kids! Each person in camp knows the expression, “Everyone Knows!” and everyone happily abides by the steady set of rules.

At the outset of summer, campers and counselors create a “Code of Living,” a set of guidelines for each group that will direct their actions while at Coleman Country.

We don’t tolerate any behaviors that hurt the feelings of others. We maintain a Tease-Free Zone, where teasing and bullying are not accepted. We are committed to educating campers about respect, kindness, and how to be a good friend. We coach campers to be “upstanders” rather than bystanders.

Parents receive a phone call from a divisional supervisor before camp begins and from a counselor after the first week of camp. Parents can call the camp at any time with questions or concerns and ask for the divisional supervisor, although a member of the Coleman family is always accessible.

Campers live an active, outdoor lifestyle! Therefore, all camp footwear should be safe and stable on uneven or soft ground. That means sturdy sneakers (and socks) every day!

If you need to change a pick-up or drop-off location or time, we request that you notify us by 1 p.m. on the same day you wish to make the change.

Campers wear Coleman Country camp T-shirts each day. Colemanwear eliminates the pressure and resulting competition that campers might feel about what to wear to camp. Camp uniforms also give kids a sense of community and belonging.

While each group has a schedule of activities to ensure that every camper samples all of the camp offerings, there is still time for focus on areas of special interest. Our youngest campers benefit from a diverse schedule adjusted to their individual and group preferences, while older campers enjoy more independence and choice.

Depending on their age, campers have up to two choices daily. Children entering grades 2-4 select a Club for a two-week cycle, which they attend every day. Those in grades 3 and 4 have an additional option period called X-Factor. Senior campers in grades 5-9 also choose a Club, plus they have an additional “Selective” period each day.

The term “fast friends” should have been invented for camp. So, don’t worry, many of our campers don’t have friends until the second hour of the first day!

See your child in action at Visiting Evening (for campers entering kindergarten, first, and second grades) or on Visiting Day (for younger campers).

There is no such thing as a typical day in Coleman Country! Though we adhere to a schedule to make sure campers have a well-rounded experience (check out our sample schedules to learn more), surprises, “stuff,” and special activities are always popping up! And, it is certainly true that Coleman Country events are like no others! We arrange everything from theme days to extraordinary performers to outrageous and outlandish happenings.

Our chefs prepare nutritious, delicious, kid-friendly hot lunches that are served family style. We are a highly “nut-aware” camp, and we also are able to accommodate a variety of special diets. The Chow Hall, our main dining facility, is air-conditioned, and our outdoor dining pavilion attracts natural breezes. There is an afternoon snack, Snack and Go, of ice cream or ices, and younger campers also have a morning snack.

Our air-conditioned health center is staffed with nurses who are always ready to care for your child, if needed. Our nurses will call you if your camper comes to visit for more than a scrape or splinter. We also have a pediatrician on call for consultation. The health center staff dispenses medication when required, first-level health care if indicated, and TLC all the time! Our ultimate goal is to be proactive and to practice prevention by safeguarding against accidents and illness as much as possible.

Safety and security are top priorities. Coleman Country is secluded from the surrounding area, and entrance to camp is permitted only through the main gatehouse. All visitors must be approved by directors, are required to check in and out, show identification, and wear nametags at all times. Staff members also wear name badges and uniforms.

Yes, it is possible to miss home even if you’re returning to it every night! Our staff is trained to help children adjust to being away from home—a skill your child will be able to draw on later in life!

Coleman Country is a community where all members care about, support, and cheer on those around them. With a focus on instruction, each camper is encouraged and supported to give their best effort. At the same time, we are coaching life skills, including the ability to be gracious in both victory and defeat.

Every group of approximately 15-20 campers has a head counselor, an assistant counselor, and a counselor-in-training. Younger campers have an additional assistant counselor and/or C.I.T. Groups travel to activities where specialists supervise them, as well. Our ratio ends up being better than 1:3, and at swim it is 1:2.

While camp is eight weeks long, there is an option to attend for four weeks, five, six, or seven, although we advocate for the full summer experience. The camp day begins at 9 a.m. and concludes at 4:30. The structure of the day is planned for the stamina of each age group. Younger campers have a brief rest time. A mini day is offered for our youngest children whose families reside in Merrick or Bellmore.

There are no additional fees for transportation, horseback riding, 49er (5th-9th grade) weekly trips, towel and bathing suit service, lunch and snacks, camp pictures, or video yearbook. The only added costs are suggested gratuities for group staff, bus drivers, and swim instructors, as well as the purchase of ColemanWear and optional overnights for older children.

In the spirit of healthy and harmonious competition, we conduct Coleman Country Olympics, patterned on the traditional Olympic Games.

You should feel comfortable with the directors and with the camp. Look closely at community and values, methods of communication, and facilities. You should feel confident with the level of training and professionalism of the people who will be working with the children. There is a suggested list of questions for you to ask.

Our scenic location and state-of-the-art facilities speak for themselves. But what really sets Coleman Country apart is our staff. On The Ranch, friendships are made, self-confidence is built, values are deeply-rooted, goals are exceeded, and life lessons are learned. We have unmatched skill in youth development, unparalleled expertise in camp management, and the keenest desire for camper well-being. We provide the highest quality of staffing, programming, and facilities, all within a community that constantly strives to help each person become his or her best self.