Coleman Country Day Camp: A Day in the Life

On July 22, Coleman Country Day Camp in Merrick was abuzz with excitement as campers and counselors alike eagerly awaited the arrival of Yankees’ outfielder Brett Gardner. Shortly after 9:30 a.m., Camp Director Ross Coleman received the cell-phone call that he had nervously awaited: Gardner was on his way to Coleman, in a car on the George Washington Bridge. Thereafter, the announcement came over the loudspeaker to thunderous applause throughout the camp: Gardner would arrive on schedule at 11 a.m. In the hour and half before Gardner’s arrival, the Herald took a quick tour of the camp that serves hundreds of Bellmore-Merrick children and found kids engaged in any number of activities, from rock climbing, basketball, soccer and volleyball to swimming, arts and crafts, and music. Herein, we present photos and two videos of our morning at summer camp. Comments about this story? Sbrinton@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 203.