Lake Shalom

Are you a Georgia resident, or perhaps part of an organization, seeking a versatile and inspiring location for a group retreat, conference, or a summer program amidst the breathtaking beauty of the North Georgia Mountains? While its primary identity is as URJ Camp Coleman, a renowned Jewish summer camp, the expansive and well-equipped facilities centered around Lake Shalom are also available for rentals and retreats, making it a unique "campground" in a broader sense. This article is designed to help you, as a local user, understand the multifaceted offerings of Lake Shalom and its suitability for various group needs, providing a truly special environment in Cleveland, GA.

Lake Shalom, at the heart of URJ Camp Coleman, represents more than just a body of water; it's a central hub for a wide array of activities and facilities designed to foster community, learning, and outdoor enjoyment. The campus itself is meticulously maintained, offering a blend of natural serenity and modern conveniences. With its history dating back to 1962, Camp Coleman has continuously evolved, demonstrating a commitment to providing a high-quality environment. While its core mission is a summer camp experience, the availability of its impressive infrastructure for rentals makes it an exceptional resource for local groups, schools, or organizations.

The entire property, including Lake Shalom, is built on core values such as kavod (respect), kehillah (community), chesed (kindness), and shalom (peace), which imbue the atmosphere with a sense of warmth and inclusivity. This foundation makes it an ideal setting for groups looking to bond, grow, and create meaningful experiences. From its diverse recreational opportunities to its comfortable lodging and dining facilities, Lake Shalom offers a comprehensive solution for any group seeking a well-equipped and inspiring retreat destination in the picturesque North Georgia region. It truly stands as a testament to creating a vibrant and welcoming environment for all who visit.

Lake Shalom is nestled within the beautiful North Georgia Mountains, located at 210 Camp Coleman Dr, Cleveland, GA 30528, USA. This address places it within White County, a region renowned for its stunning natural scenery, including rolling hills, lush forests, and crisp mountain air. For Georgia residents, its location offers an ideal balance of being immersed in nature while remaining accessible from major population centers.

Cleveland, GA, provides a charming gateway to the surrounding wilderness, with the campground situated conveniently enough to be reached without an overly arduous journey. Travelers from the Atlanta metropolitan area, Gainesville, or other parts of North Georgia will find the drive scenic and manageable, leading them directly into the tranquil environment of the camp. The area around Cleveland is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking trails, waterfalls, and charming small towns like Helen, all within a reasonable driving distance.

The specific address on Camp Coleman Drive indicates a dedicated facility, meaning clear signage and established access routes will guide visitors directly to the location. This ease of navigation is a significant benefit for groups arriving from various points. The serene setting, combined with its relative proximity to regional amenities and attractions, makes Lake Shalom an incredibly attractive and practical choice for organizations and groups across Georgia looking for a well-located and inspiring retreat venue.

Lake Shalom, as part of the extensive URJ Camp Coleman facilities, offers a wide array of services and amenities, primarily geared towards accommodating groups, retreats, and summer camp programs. These services ensure a comprehensive and comfortable experience for all participants:

• Accommodation Options:
  • Cabins/Bunks: 38 renovated camper bunks, each sleeping 10-12 campers and 2 staff, with full bathrooms and porches with lake or woods views. Separate areas for boys and girls.
  • The Village: Additional housing facilities for specific programs (e.g., Machon and Machon Adventure), featuring cabins, staff huts, a wash house, and a yurt.
  • Additional Housing: The Dorothy and Alvin Hamburger Lodge for visiting faculty and adult staff, including an alumni lounge with a kitchenette.
• Food Service:
  • Chadar Ochel (Dining Hall): A spacious, air-conditioned dining hall seating 700, with a full-service kitchen, allowing the entire community to eat together.
• Athletic & Recreational Facilities:
  • Lake Shalom Waterfront: Features a beachfront with swimming, "the Blob," aquajump (water trampoline), aquamat, paddle boards, a slide, and a zipline into the lake. Canoes, kayaks, and a fishing dock are also available.
  • Swimming Pool: An Olympic-sized swimming pool with lap lanes, a diving well, and a slide.
  • Athletic Fields: Two athletic fields for soccer, softball, Ultimate Frisbee, Gaga, etc., with the Lower Athletic Field being fully lit for nighttime use.
  • Brody Center: An open-aired gymnasium for basketball.
  • Tennis Courts: Four hardtop tennis courts.
  • Ropes Course: High elements (climbing wall, giant swing, zipline) and low elements for team building.
  • Courageous Warrior Course: An obstacle course with a parkour course and warp wall for strength and self-confidence building.
  • Archery Range: Opportunities for archery activities.
  • Walking Trails: Scenic trails for hiking and exploration.
  • Aqua Golf: Available upon request.
• Indoor Program & Gathering Spaces:
  • Max Minsky Creative Arts Center: Lodge-like center for fine and performing arts (ceramics, cooking, dance, drama, music, video production, journalism, etc.).
  • Ulam Elisheva: An open-air facility with lake views, ample floor space, and a stage.
  • Game Rooms: Including Ping Pong and various board games.
  • Chapels: Two outdoor chapels (Hillman Chapel overlooking Lake Shalom, Strauss Chapel in a wooded area) for worship services.
  • Additional Pavilions (Sukkah Alef, Bet, Gimel, Dalet): Four pavilions around Lake Shalom used for various daily activities.
• Other Essential Services:
  • Health Center: With examination rooms and private overnight rooms.
  • Wireless Internet (Wi-Fi): Available throughout the campus.
  • Campfire Circles: Several locations for traditional campfires.
  • Overnight Camp Site: A dedicated on-site camp out area for outdoor living skills.

These extensive services make Lake Shalom capable of hosting a wide range of programs and groups, from adventure retreats to arts programs and spiritual gatherings.

Lake Shalom, and the broader URJ Camp Coleman campus, boasts an impressive array of features and highlights that make it a truly exceptional destination for groups and individuals alike. These attributes combine to create a dynamic and enriching environment:

• Stunning Lakeside Setting with Extensive Water Activities: Lake Shalom itself is a centerpiece, offering a beachfront with unique water features like "the Blob," aquajump, and a zipline into the lake. Canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing are also readily available, providing endless opportunities for aquatic fun and relaxation.
• Diverse and High-Quality Recreational Facilities: Beyond the lake, the campus features an Olympic-sized swimming pool, multiple athletic fields (including a lit one for night use), tennis courts, and an open-air basketball gymnasium. This wealth of options caters to a wide range of athletic interests.
• Advanced Challenge Courses: The high and low ropes courses, including a climbing wall and giant swing, and the Courageous Warrior Course (parkour and warp wall) offer thrilling opportunities for team building, personal growth, and challenging physical activity.
• Dedicated Arts and Program Centers: The Max Minsky Creative Arts Center and other programming sites provide state-of-the-art spaces for creative expression, performing arts, and diverse educational programs, appealing to groups with artistic or educational focuses.
• Focus on Community and Values: Built on core values of respect, kindness, and peace, the environment fosters a strong sense of community, making it ideal for group bonding and collaborative experiences. The two outdoor chapels offer beautiful settings for spiritual reflection.
• Comfortable and Renovated Accommodations: The 38 renovated camper bunks with full bathrooms and porches, along with additional housing options, ensure comfortable lodging for large groups, making multi-day retreats feasible and enjoyable.
• Experienced and Supportive Staff: While primarily serving summer camp, the operational experience of Camp Coleman implies a well-trained team capable of supporting various group needs and ensuring the smooth running of facilities.
• Picturesque North Georgia Mountain Backdrop: The entire campus is surrounded by the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, providing a scenic and inspiring backdrop for all activities and offering breathtaking views.

These comprehensive features underscore Lake Shalom's capability to deliver a memorable and impactful experience for a wide variety of groups and events.

For those interested in exploring the possibilities that Lake Shalom, part of URJ Camp Coleman, offers for retreats, events, or group bookings, direct contact with their administrative office is the most effective way to obtain information and arrange visits. Given its primary function as a summer camp, general inquiries for camping might need to be framed in the context of group rentals or off-season availability.

• Address: 210 Camp Coleman Dr, Cleveland, GA 30528, USA
• Phone: While a specific direct number for Lake Shalom's rental office isn't provided, the general contact for URJ Camp Coleman, which manages the entire facility, is typically how inquiries are directed. Their main office phone number, often found on their official website (e.g., urj.org or campcoleman.org), is the most reliable contact point. Based on public information, this number is typically (770) 671-8971.
• Email: For detailed inquiries about facility rentals, availability, and specific group needs, emailing their main office (often found on their website, e.g., campcoleman@urj.org) is also an excellent method.

It is highly recommended to reach out well in advance, especially for larger groups or during peak seasons, to discuss your specific requirements, obtain pricing, and confirm availability. Their experienced team can guide you through the process of booking the appropriate facilities for your needs.

For Georgia locals and organizations, Lake Shalom, operating as part of URJ Camp Coleman, presents an incredibly suitable and unique venue for a wide array of purposes, extending far beyond just summer camp. Its comprehensive facilities, encompassing everything from diverse athletic fields and a full-featured lakefront to dedicated arts centers and comfortable cabins, make it an ideal choice for corporate retreats, youth group outings, educational programs, family reunions, or spiritual gatherings. The sheer breadth of activities available on-site means that groups can tailor their experience to fit almost any objective, ensuring engagement and enjoyment for all participants.

The strategic location in the beautiful North Georgia Mountains offers Georgians the convenience of a relatively short drive to a world-class retreat facility, eliminating the need for extensive travel. This accessibility makes it a practical option for weekend events or longer programs. Furthermore, the underlying values of community, respect, and peace that permeate the campus create an exceptionally positive and inclusive atmosphere, which is highly conducive to fostering strong bonds and meaningful interactions among group members.

In essence, Lake Shalom is more than just a collection of buildings and activities; it's an environment designed for growth, connection, and enjoyment in a stunning natural setting. For local businesses, non-profits, schools, or any group in Georgia seeking a versatile, well-equipped, and inspiring location for their next event, Lake Shalom offers an unparalleled opportunity to achieve their goals while providing an unforgettable experience amidst the beauty of their home state.

Lake Shalom

210 Camp Coleman Dr, Cleveland, GA 30528, USA