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An investment in Camp Tawonga is an investment in the individual...
Camp's focus on the core Jewish value of b'tzelem, Elohim, the idea that we are all created in the Divine image, leads summer campers, adult participants, and staff to see themselves as having ultimate potential and ultimate worth.
An investment in Camp Tawonga is an investment in the community...
Camp Tawonga programs form enduring community: lifelong friendships begin at camp, and campers feel a sense of belonging in a deep-rooted, centuries-old family.
An investment in Camp Tawonga is an investment in our Jewish future...
Living, learning and celebrating Jewish custom and culture every day teaches children to associate their Jewish identity with friends, family, laughter, curiosity and love.
An investment in Camp Tawonga is an investment in our planet...
Camp Tawonga's commitment to the tenet "shared space means shared responsibility" inspires children and young adults to commit themselves to tikkun olam, our responsibility to help repair the world in which we live.
Reading the words of just a few campers conveys a sense of the impact Camp has on children who attend Tawonga summer programs:
"The atmosphere is just a wind that soaks into you as soon as you see the girls' side field from the bus. The integration of kids and nature and freedom creates an air that is impossible to replicate."
"Honestly, the philosophy is just genius. I love the way that Tawonga focuses on the cabin. I love that Tawonga is a Jewish summer camp-at the same time I love that Judaism is not the only focus. Most importantly: I love the staff-many of my counselors have been so influential on my development as a young woman."
Parents discover that their children are more confident and self-aware when they return from Camp:
"I just wanted to say how happy I am about the Tawonga experience both my children had. Both of them had a fabulous time and came home unbelievably dirty and quite happy with themselves, full of all manner of stories. Thank you for giving both my kids a terrific experience complete with frogs, new songs, blessings, questions, one bear and lots of new friends. There is no doubt they will remember their Tawonga experience their whole lives."
"Our daughter gained so much confidence. Her emotional growth and maturity was noticeable upon her return. It is wonderful to see her so connected to the Jewish community again."
The difference Camp Tawonga makes in the lives of staff members is profound:
"I grew up completely unaffiliated and the few times I went to temple, I felt no connection. When I was eleven, my parents sent me to Camp Tawonga for the first time. Tawonga was the first place where I ever felt a sense of connection to both the current Jewish community and to my ancestors - when I was able to see my place in the chain that began with the stories my family spoke and sang about at holiday dinners and will someday continue through my children and my children's children. Tawonga taught me the concepts of Tikkun Olam and Gimmilut Chassadim, and inextricably linked my Judaism to nature, community, fun, and love."
"The positive Jewish experiences I had at Camp Tawonga for five summers as a camper, and then for nine summers on staff, encouraged me to seek out similar experiences in other aspects of my life. For the past three years I have been working in the professional Jewish world, most recently at the Hebrew Free Loan in San Francisco, a path that I could not have followed had it not been for the years I spent at Camp Tawonga."
-Jordan: Camper, Counselor, Assistant Unit Head, Unit Head, Year Round Staff, Summer Assistant Director
"I've rarely felt better than the moment I saw the ways in which I had helped a camper recognize her self-worth and develop her positive self esteem. How lucky to be able to spend the summer in the most beautiful place in the world, learning with children, and building an intentional community based on mutual respect and care. I can think of nothing better."
-Kate: Camper, Counselor
"Working at Camp Tawonga is the most rewarding experience a person can have. Every day I felt blessed to be in such a beautiful place, surrounded by the most inspiring people, changing the lives of children for whom I genuinely care. It's hard not to be in love with Tawonga. I believe it brings everyone's strengths together to form a strong community of staff members who love and support each other in the spirit of creating the best camp experience possible. Back at school, I still share what Camp Tawonga has given me with those around me. I know my experiences have shaped me for the best."
-Melanie: Camper, Counselor
With your support, Camp Tawonga will continue to fulfill its mission as it has since 1925, creating a place for every child, helping children see the world as a place of infinite possibility and themselves as having a starring role in that potential.
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