As we look back on 2025 — Camp Tawonga’s 100th year — we are struck by the profound meaning of this moment. Reaching a century feels like a true simcha, a joyful milestone worthy of blessing and reflection. For generations, Tawonga has been a place where Jewish values come alive in nature, where community is built through song, story, and shared responsibility, and where children discover their own spark of sacredness. This year carried all of that forward in extraordinary ways.
From a vibrant summer season marked by the launch of our new Garden Kitchen, to a record-setting 100th Anniversary Celebration that brought generations together under one roof, every aspect of 2025 honored the essence of our mission: creating joyful Jewish community, nurturing each person’s dignity, and building a more just and compassionate world.
Just read what our campers have to say below.
Throughout the year, we witnessed Tawonga’s legacy and future intertwine. Young people took brave steps toward independence, families formed lasting bonds, staff grew into thoughtful leaders, and our land and facilities evolved to meet the needs of the next generation. The magic of this place continues because of the countless people — campers, families, alumni, donors, staff, volunteers, and friends — who hold Tawonga as a sacred community and carry its mission forward.
Thank you for being part of this community — and for helping to launch Tawonga into the next century of joy and belonging.
Warmly,
🏕️ Summer Camp
Campers arrived in early June ready to explore and grow in all the ways we know are possible at Camp. For some, it was completing their first backpacking trip; for others, it was performing in a talent show, leading shabbat blessings, or cooking up a new recipe in our Garden Kitchen.
One camper, terrified before heading out on a hike, returned beaming: “I did it — please tell my mom I did it.” It was a quintessential Tawonga moment — when trying something hard becomes an opportunity for pride, belonging, and self-discovery.
In fact, 96% of parents last summer reported Tawonga created an environment that helped their child experience growth and try new things. Meanwhile, Camp continued to serve as a safe haven during a tumultuous year for the Jewish community: 98% of families said Tawonga created an inclusive and protective space free from antisemitism (Summation Research Group).
“Tawonga feels more and more like a family to our daughter with each year she attends. We love that the rituals, the songs, the connections made, stay with her throughout the year. We love that the first thing she says when we see her right after leaving camp is, ‘I want to go back. I miss camp.’ That fills our hearts with joy. We have deep gratitude for everyone there for creating an atmosphere of deep belonging and community, values we hold dear in our family.” – 2025 Tawonga Parent
🌲 Adventure Quests
Questers had the ultimate summer of exploring the natural world with backpacking, rock climbing, kayaking, and more! It’s hard to beat cool nights under the stars and action packed days with new friends. Our 6 Quests led campers throughout California, including up to the Pacific Northwest – creating epic mission moments on the road.
Adventure Quest is definitely one of the most magical nature experiences I have ever had.
💙 Teen Leadership Institute
Our Teen Leadership Institute offered its largest cohort yet. Teens engaged in deep leadership work in Portland, Oregon, wilderness skills, Jewish learning, and community building. Throughout the program, we heard again and again from teens: “This changed how I see myself. I feel more grounded, more confident, and ready to take on hard things.” We are proud to have had such a dedicated group of teens in this leadership program.
Teens rounded out their time on the road by coming back to Camp to give back to the place they love. “Everyone was so excited to get here. On the bus ride down, the energy was so high singing Country Roads!Lev G., IT Staff
🌈 Specialists-and-Counselors in Training
48 SCITs, many of whom experienced Camp as children themselves, brought leadership, passion, deep care, and ruach to Session 2! From facilitating creative programs, to leading bedtime rituals, these teens truly embodied what it means to give an amazing Camp experience to the next generation. We can’t wait to have many of our SCIT participants on staff for summer 2026!
As a CIT, I learned how to succeed in unique environments. But more importantly, I learned things about myself that could have only been learned in an environment like the SCIT program. It prepared me for the next steps in my life, fostered my independence, and solidified my identity. 2025 CIT
By investing deeply in skills training, community-building, and wellness, we equipped 274 summer staff with the tools to support campers in a year when connection, confidence, and Jewish joy were needed – and more important than ever. 60% of our summer staff were returners from past summers. Tawonga was proud to have X Cornerstone Fellowship participants this summer – a leadership role for standout counselors of 3+ years through the Foundation for Jewish Camp – who created a ripple effect across our entire staff community.
Some of my deepest values and personal growth have happened at camp. Being a counselor now, I still experience so much insight and growth within myself every summer…Tawonga fosters an inclusive and intentional community which is upheld by the staff and cascades down onto the campers making it such a special place for everyone 2025 Staff Member
🌀 Family Camps
Tawonga’s 2023 summer was filled with plain old FUN, free from screens, extracurricular pressure and test anxiety. Kids got to be kids within an unconditionally loving, supportive and accepting Jewish community. This inclusivity lays the groundwork for connection – with each other, with the larger community and with something greater than ourselves. Nina S., a Session 2 camper, described her powerful and spiritual experience at Camp in this way: “I was overwhelmed with awe. It was so meaningful to discover a strong connection to myself, the people around me, and the natural world. I have realized that these moments when I get to be part of something greater than myself happen so rarely.”
🌷Adult Retreats
A total of 73 “Questers” experienced Tawonga on the road in 2023. They climbed over boulders, paddled through rivers and caught waves during our 7 exhilarating Quest adventures. Each trip was an opportunity to accomplish physical goals, develop deep friendships and encounter the magnificence of nature. Quest leaders experienced their own highlights as well: “My favorite part of leading Quests is all the spontaneous moments that occur,” explained Quest leaders Sarah and David. “On Sierra Slam, this included stopping on the side of the road at Sonora Pass to have an hour-long snowball fight. Or stopping for a bathroom break on the way to Tahoe and having a four-minute dance party on the jungle gym at the rest stop. None of these moments are planned but all are highlights.”More here.
A heartfelt thank you for taking such good care of my kid this summer. Nobody gets through their teen years without a bit of heartache and tears, but my daughter walked away with new friends and old. Every summer she has grown. That’s what we wanted. She is stronger. She considers camp a safe place, and I’m so grateful.2023 Camper Parent
✡️ The Tawonga B*Mitzvah Program
Tawonga’s 2023 summer was filled with plain old FUN, free from screens, extracurricular pressure and test anxiety. Kids got to be kids within an unconditionally loving, supportive and accepting Jewish community. This inclusivity lays the groundwork for connection – with each other, with the larger community and with something greater than ourselves. Nina S., a Session 2 camper, described her powerful and spiritual experience at Camp in this way: “I was overwhelmed with awe. It was so meaningful to discover a strong connection to myself, the people around me, and the natural world. I have realized that these moments when I get to be part of something greater than myself happen so rarely.”
🎵 Bay Area Family Programs
A total of 73 “Questers” experienced Tawonga on the road in 2023. They climbed over boulders, paddled through rivers and caught waves during our 7 exhilarating Quest adventures. Each trip was an opportunity to accomplish physical goals, develop deep friendships and encounter the magnificence of nature. Quest leaders experienced their own highlights as well: “My favorite part of leading Quests is all the spontaneous moments that occur,” explained Quest leaders Sarah and David. “On Sierra Slam, this included stopping on the side of the road at Sonora Pass to have an hour-long snowball fight. Or stopping for a bathroom break on the way to Tahoe and having a four-minute dance party on the jungle gym at the rest stop. None of these moments are planned but all are highlights.”More here.
A heartfelt thank you for taking such good care of my kid this summer. Nobody gets through their teen years without a bit of heartache and tears, but my daughter walked away with new friends and old. Every summer she has grown. That’s what we wanted. She is stronger. She considers camp a safe place, and I’m so grateful.2023 Camper Parent
🍎 High Holidays
A total of 73 “Questers” experienced Tawonga on the road in 2023. They climbed over boulders, paddled through rivers and caught waves during our 7 exhilarating Quest adventures. Each trip was an opportunity to accomplish physical goals, develop deep friendships and encounter the magnificence of nature. Quest leaders experienced their own highlights as well: “My favorite part of leading Quests is all the spontaneous moments that occur,” explained Quest leaders Sarah and David. “On Sierra Slam, this included stopping on the side of the road at Sonora Pass to have an hour-long snowball fight. Or stopping for a bathroom break on the way to Tahoe and having a four-minute dance party on the jungle gym at the rest stop. None of these moments are planned but all are highlights.”More here.
A heartfelt thank you for taking such good care of my kid this summer. Nobody gets through their teen years without a bit of heartache and tears, but my daughter walked away with new friends and old. Every summer she has grown. That’s what we wanted. She is stronger. She considers camp a safe place, and I’m so grateful.2023 Camper Parent
🎉 The Night of Nights
Tawonga’s 2023 summer was filled with plain old FUN, free from screens, extracurricular pressure and test anxiety. Kids got to be kids within an unconditionally loving, supportive and accepting Jewish community. This inclusivity lays the groundwork for connection – with each other, with the larger community and with something greater than ourselves. Nina S., a Session 2 camper, described her powerful and spiritual experience at Camp in this way: “I was overwhelmed with awe. It was so meaningful to discover a strong connection to myself, the people around me, and the natural world. I have realized that these moments when I get to be part of something greater than myself happen so rarely.”
🎥 Historic Video
A total of 73 “Questers” experienced Tawonga on the road in 2023. They climbed over boulders, paddled through rivers and caught waves during our 7 exhilarating Quest adventures. Each trip was an opportunity to accomplish physical goals, develop deep friendships and encounter the magnificence of nature. Quest leaders experienced their own highlights as well: “My favorite part of leading Quests is all the spontaneous moments that occur,” explained Quest leaders Sarah and David. “On Sierra Slam, this included stopping on the side of the road at Sonora Pass to have an hour-long snowball fight. Or stopping for a bathroom break on the way to Tahoe and having a four-minute dance party on the jungle gym at the rest stop. None of these moments are planned but all are highlights.”More here.
A heartfelt thank you for taking such good care of my kid this summer. Nobody gets through their teen years without a bit of heartache and tears, but my daughter walked away with new friends and old. Every summer she has grown. That’s what we wanted. She is stronger. She considers camp a safe place, and I’m so grateful.2023 Camper Parent
📖 A Visual History of Tawonga at 100
A total of 73 “Questers” experienced Tawonga on the road in 2023. They climbed over boulders, paddled through rivers and caught waves during our 7 exhilarating Quest adventures. Each trip was an opportunity to accomplish physical goals, develop deep friendships and encounter the magnificence of nature. Quest leaders experienced their own highlights as well: “My favorite part of leading Quests is all the spontaneous moments that occur,” explained Quest leaders Sarah and David. “On Sierra Slam, this included stopping on the side of the road at Sonora Pass to have an hour-long snowball fight. Or stopping for a bathroom break on the way to Tahoe and having a four-minute dance party on the jungle gym at the rest stop. None of these moments are planned but all are highlights.”More here.
A heartfelt thank you for taking such good care of my kid this summer. Nobody gets through their teen years without a bit of heartache and tears, but my daughter walked away with new friends and old. Every summer she has grown. That’s what we wanted. She is stronger. She considers camp a safe place, and I’m so grateful.2023 Camper Parent
🍳Garden Kitchen
Tawonga’s 2023 summer was filled with plain old FUN, free from screens, extracurricular pressure and test anxiety. Kids got to be kids within an unconditionally loving, supportive and accepting Jewish community. This inclusivity lays the groundwork for connection – with each other, with the larger community and with something greater than ourselves. Nina S., a Session 2 camper, described her powerful and spiritual experience at Camp in this way: “I was overwhelmed with awe. It was so meaningful to discover a strong connection to myself, the people around me, and the natural world. I have realized that these moments when I get to be part of something greater than myself happen so rarely.”
☀️ Golden Triangle
A total of 73 “Questers” experienced Tawonga on the road in 2023. They climbed over boulders, paddled through rivers and caught waves during our 7 exhilarating Quest adventures. Each trip was an opportunity to accomplish physical goals, develop deep friendships and encounter the magnificence of nature. Quest leaders experienced their own highlights as well: “My favorite part of leading Quests is all the spontaneous moments that occur,” explained Quest leaders Sarah and David. “On Sierra Slam, this included stopping on the side of the road at Sonora Pass to have an hour-long snowball fight. Or stopping for a bathroom break on the way to Tahoe and having a four-minute dance party on the jungle gym at the rest stop. None of these moments are planned but all are highlights.”More here.
A heartfelt thank you for taking such good care of my kid this summer. Nobody gets through their teen years without a bit of heartache and tears, but my daughter walked away with new friends and old. Every summer she has grown. That’s what we wanted. She is stronger. She considers camp a safe place, and I’m so grateful.2023 Camper Parent
🔋Solar Array
A total of 73 “Questers” experienced Tawonga on the road in 2023. They climbed over boulders, paddled through rivers and caught waves during our 7 exhilarating Quest adventures. Each trip was an opportunity to accomplish physical goals, develop deep friendships and encounter the magnificence of nature. Quest leaders experienced their own highlights as well: “My favorite part of leading Quests is all the spontaneous moments that occur,” explained Quest leaders Sarah and David. “On Sierra Slam, this included stopping on the side of the road at Sonora Pass to have an hour-long snowball fight. Or stopping for a bathroom break on the way to Tahoe and having a four-minute dance party on the jungle gym at the rest stop. None of these moments are planned but all are highlights.”More here.
A heartfelt thank you for taking such good care of my kid this summer. Nobody gets through their teen years without a bit of heartache and tears, but my daughter walked away with new friends and old. Every summer she has grown. That’s what we wanted. She is stronger. She considers camp a safe place, and I’m so grateful.2023 Camper Parent
🌲Institutional Donors and Community Partners
Tawonga’s 2023 summer was filled with plain old FUN, free from screens, extracurricular pressure and test anxiety. Kids got to be kids within an unconditionally loving, supportive and accepting Jewish community. This inclusivity lays the groundwork for connection – with each other, with the larger community and with something greater than ourselves. Nina S., a Session 2 camper, described her powerful and spiritual experience at Camp in this way: “I was overwhelmed with awe. It was so meaningful to discover a strong connection to myself, the people around me, and the natural world. I have realized that these moments when I get to be part of something greater than myself happen so rarely.”
💛Legacy Giving
A total of 73 “Questers” experienced Tawonga on the road in 2023. They climbed over boulders, paddled through rivers and caught waves during our 7 exhilarating Quest adventures. Each trip was an opportunity to accomplish physical goals, develop deep friendships and encounter the magnificence of nature. Quest leaders experienced their own highlights as well: “My favorite part of leading Quests is all the spontaneous moments that occur,” explained Quest leaders Sarah and David. “On Sierra Slam, this included stopping on the side of the road at Sonora Pass to have an hour-long snowball fight. Or stopping for a bathroom break on the way to Tahoe and having a four-minute dance party on the jungle gym at the rest stop. None of these moments are planned but all are highlights.”More here.
A heartfelt thank you for taking such good care of my kid this summer. Nobody gets through their teen years without a bit of heartache and tears, but my daughter walked away with new friends and old. Every summer she has grown. That’s what we wanted. She is stronger. She considers camp a safe place, and I’m so grateful.2023 Camper Parent
As we sing at Tawonga to close out every campfire, Shalom chaverim – goodbye friends, we’ll see you again!
In 2023, Tawonga hosted a record-breaking 12 weekend programs, where nearly 2,000 people of all ages experienced the magic of Camp’s mission surrounded by Jewish community and immersed in the beauty of the Sierras. From affinity space adult retreats to family camps spanning from May to December, weekend wonder abounded!
Building Brotherhood
Our first-ever Men’s Weekend brought together 66 men of all ages – fathers, sons, uncles and even old Tawonga bunkmates – to unplug from the daily grind and reconnect on a deeper level. Activities ranged from fun pickup basketball games to meaningful somatic workshops, a lively Shabbat celebration and a hilarious open-mic talent show.
By creating a space where participants felt comfortable being vulnerable, this program allowed men to meaningfully reflect on their masculinity. It was three days of camaraderie, self-discovery and transformative experiences.
“I didn’t know how much I needed this weekend until I arrived. It reconnected me with who I was 15-20 years ago when I spent my summers at Camp, and helped me think about how I want to bring the ruach (spirit) of Tawonga into my life now. I will be back next year, and have so many male friends and family members that I hope to bring with me.” – Charlie Berman (Read more)
Trail Mix and Torah: Family Camps
In response to the growing demand for more family camps, Tawonga has expanded its offerings with vital support for JFAM Weekends (for families with young children) from the Foundation for Jewish Camp and the Maimonides Fund. We witnessed new families connecting for the first time, along with heartwarming homecomings for many Tawonga alumni who are now bringing their own young families back to experience the magic of Camp. 2023 also saw a new record for the highest number of babies at Camp at one time: 20 tots under the age of two!
“I grew up at Camp Tawonga, as a camper and a counselor. Getting to be there as a parent and see my child start the same journey towards confidence, lifelong friendships, environmental awareness and love of nature and the outdoors, and Jewish identity is precious. I spend all year looking forward to it, every year.” – Jacob Leland
Going 25 years strong, our Keshet LGBTQ+ Family Camp continues to fill year after year with a growing, vibrant community of families:
“Keshet weekend at Tawonga is such a magical experience. The power of community is something so special. To watch our daughter flourish and make connections in such a small period of time was just incredible. To be surrounded by families that looked just like ours felt like home. To be in such a beautiful place surrounded by nature and spending quality time as an individual, as a family and as a couple all at the same time and place. I have no words, Keshet weekend just filled our hearts!”
These weekends were made even more special when they coincided with Jewish holidays. During Sukkot, families created lasting memories as they decorated and dined under the Tawonga Sukkah. Families also celebrated Simchat Torah at Camp, participating in re-rolling the ancient pages of Tawonga’s Vodnany Torah.
The generational connections forged during these family-centric weekends create our vibrant and enduring Jewish community. Tawonga is a place where memories are made, traditions are upheld and community bonds are strengthened.
Tawonga’s joyful brand of Judaism, originally hatched up at summer camp, continues to resonate “Down the Mountain” throughout the Bay Area at high holiday observances, tot shabbats, alumni reunions and more.
Down the Mountain Data
Holy and Happy
Our Erev Rosh Hashanah Celebration in Oakland’s majestic woods serves as the annual pilgrimage of sorts for thousands of Tawongans; in September 1,389 people welcomed the Jewish New Year with our signature Tawonga ruach (spirit) and enthusiasm, accompanied by the joyous sounds of over 300 shofars crafted by the children in attendance. The sentiment was perfectly captured by an attendee who reported, “Tawonga rocks your soul.”
As many Tawonga families are unaffiliated with a synagogue and look to Camp as their spiritual center, back by popular demand was our Early Kol Nidre Service, where 250 Tawongans and friends attended for prayer, soul-searching and musical observance.
High Peaks to City Streets
As the winter unfolded, our community gathered for Chanukah, including a special event for our families of color, where 63 people came together to kindle the lights and celebrate. The season also witnessed two heartwarming reunions of former Tawonga summer staff. The gatherings, both for our younger staff and our “Old School” alumni, allowed generations of Tawongans to share stories, foster lifelong friendships and embrace the love that defines our unique tribe.
We often hear from Tawongans that they feel the most spiritually connected to Judaism when at Camp. Through our locally-based Jewish education programs – our B’nai Mitzvah program and Tawonga Family School – that resonant feeling is increasingly making its way down to the Bay Area.
Mitzvah Magic
Since 2016, Tawonga’s Bar, Bat & B’nai Mitzvah Program has left an indelible mark on our students, infusing this right of passage with the magic of Camp through experiential learning and connections with nature. Our innovative, award-winning B’nai Mitzvah program gives participants the tools to shape their own simchas (celebrations), honoring the uniqueness of each individual family.
Last year, our B’nai Mitzvah program enrolled its eighth cohort, totaling 134 students across San Francisco and the East Bay. That’s 223% more students than when the program first launched in 2016!
The result? More students are fostering meaningful connections with their Jewish identity, as echoed by these B’nai Mitzvah parents:
“Tawonga’s flexible and approachable program seemed right for our family at the outset, as we weren’t affiliated with a synagogue and were looking for a meaningful way to teach our son about his heritage. During the course of the b’nai mitzvah program he has really connected with his Jewish identity, in large part because of the tailored approach to Jewish learning and the enthusiasm and dedication of the staff. We wish there had been something like this when we were studying for our b’nai mizvot back in the 1980s. By starting off on this path, we are confident that a seed has been planted that will lead to lifelong Jewish pride and connection.” – Tawonga B’nai Mitzvah parent, 2023
“I just wanted to send you a brief note to say thank you for everything you and the other staff are doing with the Tawonga B’Mitzvah program. We are really starting to see the magic of it all at this point – the kids’ and adults’ friendships are growing deeper, our son now understands the meaning of some of the prayers and the overall flow of the service, and for the first time he is asking to light Shabbat candles and singing out loud. We are so very grateful.”– Tawonga B’nai Mitzvah parent, 2023
In true Tawonga spirit, we continue to innovate Jewish learning, creating mitzvah magic that endures over a lifetime.
Tawonga Family School
Launched in 2021 as a havurah-style program fostering positive Jewish learning experiences for young families, Tawonga Family School has steadily grown over the past two years. Responding to the community’s call for more opportunities to gather, we doubled the number of cohorts offered in 2023. Over the course of 42 classes across the Bay Area, families absorbed Jewish knowledge, explored their Jewish identities and had a whole lot of fun!
Mazel Tov, Meg!
Our Jewish education programs have thrived, thanks to the incredible leadership of Meg Adler, our talented Associate Director of Bay Area Programs. In 2023, Meg won the Jewish Learning Works’ Ruby Award as well as the Covenant Foundation’s Pomegranate Prize for her excellence in Jewish youth education and her pivotal role in growing Tawonga’s B’nai Mitzvah program. Catch Meg sharing her insights on the Judaism Unbound Podcast or on her blog, “Turn It, Turn It” (also now a book!) for a deeper dive into her journey. We’re kvelling to have such a talented and passionate educator on our team!
Approaching our 100th anniversary, stewardship of Camp’s stunning property is one of our highest priorities. Each of the projects below reflects our commitment to providing the best possible facilities with the highest regard for the natural environment.
We were thrilled to unveil the new Tawonga Village in time for our 2023 summer season! A direct result of our incredible Capital Campaign donors, this latest addition to our site was designed primarily for Tawonga’s teens. Each session, we watched them unplug, bond and cultivate leadership skills in this magical space set apart from our younger campers. Now, nestled among the Manzanitas on the Ridge Side of Camp, are five new cozy cabins, an all-gender bathhouse and a communal programming area. One Teen Leadership Institute (TLI) participant shared, “I really love how Tawonga Village was designed with a hangout spot and with our own bathroom.” By increasing capacity not only for teens during the summer, but also for families and adults at our weekend programs throughout the year, Tawonga Village has brought our vision to serve more people, more often, to life.
Rising to the Challenge: Solar Power & Environmental Commitment
With the impacts of climate change looming large, we’re laser focused on protecting Camp’s ecosystem for future generations. That’s why we’re so excited about the upcoming installation of solar panels – a long-awaited milestone in our ongoing climate work. Each step towards renewable energy reduces our carbon footprint and inspires campers to become lifelong stewards of the earth.
Cultivating Connections: The Garden Kitchen Sprouts
Construction is underway on our new Garden Kitchen, a natural companion to our flourishing garden. More culinary center than standalone kitchen, it will offer campers hands-on farm-to-table experiences where they can dig into sustainable farming practices, learn cooking skills from seasoned professionals and explore Jewish food traditions. From planting seeds to harvesting ingredients, campers will embark on a journey of discovery, forging connections with the land, nature and each other. Get ready to taste the fruits of our labor in 2025 when Tawonga’s Garden Kitchen nourishes both body and soul.
Ensuring that Tawonga feels like home to everyone remained mission critical in 2023. We doubled down on our Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) work to advance unconditional belonging and widen the Tawonga tent. Kiyomi Gelber, who identifies as a Jew of Color, is leading initiatives at all levels of the organization to create a sustainable equity culture and build a JEDI model for the field of Jewish camping.
Affinity and Beyond!
Our identity-based affinity spaces flourished. More children and adults who feel marginalized both in their daily lives and the broader Jewish community connected in ways they didn’t know were possible. These reflections capture the impact:
“As a person of color, it was so beautiful to just show up as myself and not have to worry about whether I fit in. I felt like I found a place of belonging.”
“A highlight was making new friends who seemed a lot like me.”
“I felt like I could have a big exhale, not just because of the beautiful nature, but for feeling like, ahhh, my people are all around.”
Over the summer, 30 campers across the gender spectrum lived in our three all-gender cabins. This pioneering initiative has encouraged them to embrace their authentic selves.
Summer staff opted into weekly affinity spaces for people of color (participation soared!), concluding with a “Rest & Relaxation” event for staff of color that focused on appreciation and self-care.
In August, we hosted our Jewish Families of Color Weekend for the third year in a row. This intentional space for Jewish families of color continued to center and celebrate our multiethnic and multiracial Jewish community.
At year’s end, more than 60 people came together for our light-filled Families of Color Chanukah celebration!
Our JEDI work also included anti-racism training for our year-round team, Board and summer staff. Our Indigenous solidarity work continued as well. On July 25, Tawonga hosted its second annual Land Gathering at Camp, inviting our Miwok neighbors to lead educational experiences and explore the history of the land with staff and teen campers while sharing our own Jewish traditions.
In 2023, Tawonga continued the trajectory of expanding our programs in order to increase the reach of our vital mission. Accordingly, our annual operating budget has grown to keep pace with the increasing number of people participating in our offerings each year.
Growth of Tawonga’s Operating Budget
Why does Tawonga fundraise?
Program fees only cover approximately 80% of the full cost of the camper experience. Fundraising makes it possible for Tawonga to continually innovate our programming, award financial assistance and maintain our 160-acre site.
Through the generosity of our community, Tawonga raised $2,428,193 in 2023. Your commitment to Camp Tawonga has made a profound impact on the lives of so many children, young adults and families. Thanks to your contributions, we were able to create transformative experiences, foster deep connections with nature and build a vibrant community rooted in joy, inclusivity and Jewish values.
Camperships
We know that many families rely heavily on financial assistance to attend Tawonga programs. Our goal is for ALL children to be able to experience the magic of Camp, regardless of their family’s financial situation. This past year, campership support provided 518 children and families with the life-changing Tawonga experience of building friendships, self-esteem, community and a positive Jewish identity.
“Thanks to your financial assistance program, my son was able to go to camp for six continuous years, became a CIT and is now a Tawonga camp counselor giving back to the community. I am forever grateful for the financial aid and support Tawonga provided. Camp Tawonga has always been and continues to be his happy place. The values, friendships, Jewish education and learned lessons continue with him as he is now away at college. He is flourishing and is an active member of the Hillel community at college.”
Thank You!
Heartfelt appreciation goes out to the amazing individuals, families, and organizations who generously donate to Tawonga’s Annual Fund. We simply couldn’t do this work without you.
Institutional Donors and Community Partners
Thank you to the following foundation donors and community partners who help make our programs possible:
Tawonga Legacy Society
Thank you to our Legacy Society members who secure Camp’s future by including Tawonga in their will, trust, retirement account or life insurance policy. See Legacy Society members below.
Our Board of Directors is an inspiring group of professionals. With their vision, guidance and leadership, Tawonga is in amazing hands. Get to know our Board here.
Remembering Ann
In 2023, we sadly lost beloved former Tawonga Director Ann Gonski. For over two decades, starting in 1986, Ann served as the vital backbone of our administrative functions. Her gentle leadership, dedication to social justice and commitment to camper care continue to influence our work today. Ann’s irreverent humor, quiet strength and unconditional compassion left a lasting imprint on all who knew her. Her memory and contributions to Tawonga are truly a blessing. Read about Ann’s legacy here.
In Closing
Looking ahead to our 100th anniversary in 2025, our amazing, committed community has positioned Tawonga to thrive in the coming years. We couldn’t be more excited about Tawonga’s future and grateful for your partnership. Thank you for being a part of our loving, inclusive community.
Gratitude & Looking Forward
As we close out a landmark year, we are humbled by the dedication, generosity, and love that fuel Camp Tawonga. Every camper who found confidence, every family who felt belonging, every staff member who grew into a leader — these moments are made possible by you.
Thank you for believing in our mission, for supporting this community, and for helping us steward Tawonga into its second century. Together, we ensure that generations to come will continue to experience the joy, wonder, and grounding that only Tawonga can offer.
Shalom Chaverim – Goodbye Friends, We’ll See You Again
