Entering Nursery Through Kindergarten

Pioneers

The Pioneers are the youngest full-day campers in the Coleman Country family. Head counselors in each group include experienced moms, teachers, and child development specialists. They are keenly aware of the needs and energy levels, both physical and social, of our young campers. Everything is in reach for them—from the rim of the basketball net to the scaled down climbing wall.

At this young age, we want campers to try everything! As they advance through the older divisions, they are able to customize their programs incrementally. At the same time, their goals expand right alongside their accruing experiences.

With five counselors in a group of approximately 16 children, and a squad of specialists in every area, these fledgling discoverers have a 1:2 ratio of supervision. They are challenged with age-appropriate tasks involving small and large motor skills.

The Pioneers have their own meeting place, Pioneer Station, as well as their own “houses,” which together comprise our ”real west village.” Each of these bunks functions as a home base rest and story time space for individual groups. We make sure there is a feeling of familiarity and closeness, and still the entire campus is accessible for them.

The Pioneers’ schedule is literally organized to accommodate their little feet, paced to their endurance, and adapted to their growth-related abilities.

Meet the Pioneers Team

Anna Coleman

At Coleman Country since 1992

Anna Coleman (no relation, but we would happily have her as part of our family!) was at Coleman Country first as a counselor of that division before becoming their co-supervisor. Anna holds an M.S. in education and taught kindergarten for the New York City Department of Education until her retirement. Her three children have “grown up” at camp; they are all former Coleman Country campers and counselors. Anna’s grandchildren currently are campers.

Read less Read bio

Anna Coleman (no relation, but we would happily have her as part of our family!) was at Coleman Country first as a counselor of that division before becoming their co-supervisor. Anna holds an M.S. in education and taught kindergarten for the New York City Department of Education until her retirement. Her three children have “grown up” at camp; they are all former Coleman Country campers and counselors. Anna’s grandchildren currently are campers.

Michelle Berger

At Coleman Country since 1989

Michelle Berger, co-supervisor of the Pioneers, began her tenure as a Pioneer camper herself. Working her way through the ranks, Michelle has been a CIT, an assistant counselor, and a counselor. During the school year, she is a special education teacher in South Huntington. Michelle received her B.S. in elementary and special education, and her M.S. in educational technology. She is the mom of her own two Pioneer campers.

Read less Read bio

Michelle Berger, co-supervisor of the Pioneers, began her tenure as a Pioneer camper herself. Working her way through the ranks, Michelle has been a CIT, an assistant counselor, and a counselor. During the school year, she is a special education teacher in South Huntington. Michelle received her B.S. in elementary and special education, and her M.S. in educational technology. She is the mom of her own two Pioneer campers.