Goodbye, Session IV!

It’s been an amazing few weeks with Session IV, and it’s hard to believe we’ve arrived at the bittersweet end. Today, as the session came to a close, campers embraced friends, counselors and other staff members as our songleaders led us in a final song session, closing with the classic Tawonga farewell song (a John Denver-adapted), “Leaving on a Jet Bus.”

So kiss me and smile for me
Tell me that you’ll wait for me
Hold me like you’ve never let me go
‘Cause I’m leaving, on a jet bus
We know that you’ll be back with us
Oh babe, I hate to go.

During the goodbyes through the “Tunnel of Love,” campers and staff were struck with the profound feelings of community and friendship that were made during our time together. We are sad to see our Session IV campers go, but their ruach (spirit) will stay with our community until we meet again next summer!

P.S. There are so many ways to stay connected to Camp Tawonga after the summer. Consider the following, and we hope to see your family again soon:

• Join fellow Tawongans at our beautiful outdoor Erev Rosh Hashanah Celebration on Sunday, October 2 on the Marin coast. Tickets here. 
• Attend other Tawonga Down the Mountain events like our 2016 Camper and Family Reunion. (Calender here) 
• Reminisce with Tawonga tunes through our songbook or latest CD.
• Consider Camp Tawonga for your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah experience. We’ve launched a brand-new, two-year alternative program starting next month for 5th and 6th graders (grade exceptions can be made for 7th graders). Please email Ashley@tawonga.org for more information and to save your spot for 2017.

Please enjoy the pictures of our last moments with Session IV. We’ll miss these campers!