When Dreams Become Reality: Camp Jeremy

Tomorrow, we’ll recognize my late husband Jeremy Coleman’s 17th yahrzeit. As I prepare for his azcara, I find myself still struggling to put into words what happened this summer when we pulled off Camp Jeremy—our first-ever five-day sleepaway camp for over 100 kids and teens with cancer or cancer loss in their immediate family.

I grew up with Jewish summer camp. Camp Yavneh in New Hampshire was where I learned that magic happens when you put kids together in an environment designed just for them. Jeremy was an active HaNoar HaZioni youth movement kid—he understood the power of community, of belonging somewhere where you didn’t have to explain yourself.

When Jeremy died 17 years ago, I was left with three small children—ages 1.5, 5, and 7—trying to navigate our new reality. I desperately searched for resources, for places where my kids could meet others like them. I discovered Camp Kesem in the US, a sleepaway camp for kids impacted by a parent’s cancer. It was too far away for us, but it planted a seed: someday, somehow, we would create something like this here in Israel.

In the 17 years since Jeremy’s death, Jeremy’s Circle has held nearly 200 family fun days and teen events. We’ve worked to offer normalcy, moments of joy, and the chance to build friendships among kids who just get it. And Camp Jeremy amplified all of that in unexpected ways.

The idea of summer camp was challenging for some of our families, particularly our phone policy—devices handed in for 23.5 hours a day. Some parents voiced their concerns about not having 24/7 access to their kids. While one mom confided that she hadn’t slept so well in years, knowing her children were completely unplugged and wouldn’t ask her for anything throughout the night.

I wasn’t disappointed when two of our youngest campers—girls who became fast friends and who had both lost their fathers to cancer within the past few years—needed to go home after just two nights because they desperately missed their mothers. I told those brave moms that I thought they and their daughters were all superheroes for trusting us and joining Camp Jeremy even for a few days.

And we didn’t discipline the group of our seven oldest teens who were caught after lights-out in a common room, sitting in a circle sharing their experiences. The counselor simply asked them to keep their voices down so they wouldn’t wake the younger campers. To me, this kind of bonding was exactly what we had hoped for.

What I struggle to articulate is the feeling I had watching packs of kids play and hang out together as if they had been lifelong friends. These children, who carry such heavy experiences for their young ages, were just being kids—running, laughing, forming those instant camp bonds that feel unbreakable.

But perhaps what moved me most was watching them care for each other with a wisdom beyond their years. When I saw one of the younger girls clearly struggling emotionally, my instinct was to swoop in immediately. But a ten-year-old boy gently stopped me, suggesting I wait a few minutes—that she needed some time to herself first. He was right. These children, who have navigated their own difficult journeys, understood exactly what their friend needed in that moment better than this adult.

Camp Jeremy achieved everything we wanted it to. We created strong connections among children who understand each other’s reality without explanation. The proof came at our Jeremy’s Circle event that followed camp—ice skating in July (coolly refreshing!)—where the kids arrived eager to reconnect with their new camp friends, their faces lighting up when they spotted each other across the rink.

Camp Jeremy was made possible by a very generous but one-time grant. It costs about $1,200 to send each child to camp—a small price for the connections, healing, and pure joy we witnessed. As we prepare for Jeremy’s azcara tomorrow, I’m filled with gratitude that his legacy continues to grow in ways that would have made him proud.

The dream Jeremy’s death planted 17 years ago became reality this summer. And seeing those children—his children, in a way—find friendship, understanding, and moments of carefree childhood joy was a gift beyond measure.