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Founder’s Day is our annual celebration of the visionaries who built Coleman nearly 60 years ago — a moment to honor our past, celebrate our present, and sustain our future.

Help Us Celebrate the Lake

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Camp Coleman is a part of the Union for Reform Judaism, a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization, and your donation is tax deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law. Please keep your receipt as your official record. We'll email it to you upon successful completion of your donation.

💙 If we raise $36,000:
We can begin vital improvements like new steps between the Elisheva and the beach, a concrete path from the high road to the Elisheva, and erosion control to protect the area. 

💙 If we reach $90,000:
We can do all of that plus add a new sit wall along the beach path, new retaining walls, and fresh vegetation to stabilize and beautify the shoreline. 

💙 If we raise $136,000 or more:
We can complete all of the above projects plus add exciting new features like a footwash station, canoe and camper belonging storage, or upgraded pathways around the lake. 

$1,800 Become a Chai Society Giving Circle Member
Help sustain large-scale improvements, from dock updates to program expansions, ensuring Lake Shalom remains Coleman’s centerpiece for generations.

Activity

Why the Lake Matters

Lake Shalom has been at the center of Camp Coleman since the very beginning. It’s where campers cool off on hot summer days, challenge themselves on the zipline or blob, and build friendships that last long after the session ends.

The more we raise, the more we can do. Every dollar strengthens Coleman’s future and preserves the place where countless memories are made. This Founders’ Day, we invite you to give generously — to honor our past, celebrate our present, and build our future.

Your gift builds on our founders’ vision and ensures campers of all ages and abilities can enjoy the magic of Lake Shalom for generations to come.

Meet the Founders

Learn about the visionaries whose passion built Camp Coleman nearly 60 years ago. Their stories are the roots of the community we cherish today.

Read the Spotlights

Celebrate Wherever You Are

Host a Lake Lunch, make a donation, or simply wear your Coleman swag with pride. Our guide has easy ways to join the fun and honor Founder’s Day from home.

Open the Celebration Guide

Add Your Coleman Moment

Coleman’s story is still being written — and you’re part of it. Share your favorite memory and help us build a living timeline of our history together. The timeline will be available to view soon! 

Frequently asked questions