20-30 Months
Pioneers-in-Training
While not quite ready for a full camp day, toddlers ages 20-30 months have their own morning either 2, 3, or 5 times per week, during which they have an early exposure and first experience of life as a Coleman Country camper. Pioneers-in-Training ride the morning bus and join their group mates at their enclosed indoor-outdoor “house” in Pioneer Station. The transition is seamless, and the camp experience is normalized at a very early developmental stage.
The Pioneers-in-Training travel to each of three daily activities in their custom-built “Ranch Rover,” a buggy that transports them faster than their own feet could carry them. One activity period takes place every day at Water Works, our splash park. Other areas they visit include nature, crafts, pony rides, music, “human-powered” trains, ball fields, a cooperative play space, and age-specific playgrounds. Socialization skills, such as sharing and helping, are emphasized right alongside activities that focus on small and large motor skills.
They gather for singing and dancing as they await their pickup at 12:15, where they are affectionately walked to their caregiver! The supervision, just as with the Pioneers, is by professional teachers and experienced assistants. The ratio is essentially 1:1.
Meet the Pioneers-in-Training 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.
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.
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.
