History of Camp Coleman

Map of Camp Coleman

SUMMARY: “Camp Coleman” is a map of Camp Coleman. At the far left are the canoes. Across the road stands the Juliette Low Hall, and across from that is the flag pole and Archery Shelter. Down from the flag pole is Outlook Inn and Central (in that order). Just across the road from Central is the Memory Lodge and Trading Post. Below those stands Dogwood. Upward and slightly to the right is the Pool and Pinetree, above which is Robinhood and Adirondacks. Above Adirondacks is Merry Men, then Sherwood. To the left of Sherwood is OGU, and to the right is Sunset Point. To the immediate right of Sunset Point is Suicide Slide. Below Suicide Slide is the Upper Arena. On the far right of the picture are the stables. Below the stables and to the left is Virginia.
RESPONSE: I like the map- it’s very creative and colorful. However, the Juliette Low Hall is definitely NOT nearly directly in front of the canoes (coming from someone who has had to hike from one to the other with a bunch of 8-12 year old girls in tow), it's actually much closer to the Swinging Bridge. Also, Fairy Rock (which is depicted as directly below the canoes) is a lot closer to Memory Lodge than the Juliette Low Hall. In addition, Suicide Slide is actually on the other side of Sunset Point.


"Camp Coleman." Map. Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama. Girl Scouts of America. .

Camp Traditions

SUMMARY: “Camp Traditions” is self-explanatory – it is about the traditions at Camp Coleman. The Flag Ceremony is held before breakfast and supper, and the campers are not allowed to talk until the ceremony is over. Fairy Rock is a short way away from camp and legend holds that the rock is home to tiny fairies. Suicide Slide is a trail that, according to camp legend, was created by the last bear in Camp Coleman as he was being chased away by the scouts. His name was Old Scar, and he leapt off the edge of a steep hill at the top of Camp Coleman – his plight created a trail that campers love to hike. The Docks is actually an old water pumping station, but it makes the campers wondered about “the reasons for a dock on the tiny Cahaba River.” These are just a few of the many camp traditions listed.

RESPONSE: This source talks about the hike to the caves, which are just off of camp property. It says, “The entrance is small and located at the bottom of the cave. Once inside, the cave is large enough to hold and entire troop and a crack in the ceiling permits light to enter.” They should probably note that the guide needs to enter the cave first and check for snakes, mountain lions, and other wildlife. I personally have a friend who tried to enter the cave a few years ago and was about to put her hand on a ledge when she heard a hissing sound. It may have been a mountain lion or a rattlesnake, but she didn't stick around to find out (and I can't say I blame her).

"Camp Traditions." Camp Coleman Seasonal Camp Staff Training Manual. 1995.