The Magic Begins: 2025 Staff Training Week

The magic of Camp Tawonga would not be possible without our extraordinary summer staff — and this past Sunday, we welcomed the 2025 team with open arms for a powerful week of all things Staff Training! This summer is extra special, given that this is our 100th year. As we gear up for another transformative season in the Sierras, we’re excited to give you a glimpse into what makes this week such a vital and vibrant part of the summer.

With 1,360 campers joining us across the summer months, our staff has been diving into the essential work of learning their roles, how to build and live in community, and how to bring Tawonga’s mission to life. Throughout the week, our directors and supervisors have been guiding staff through the four pillars of our mission: building self-esteem, creating inclusive and loving community, fostering a positive Jewish identity, and connecting with nature.

Staff who will be working directly with campers are learning everything from youth development and group dynamics to how to lead with empathy and plan creative, engaging programs. Across the board, our whole team has participated in a wide range of training — from emergency preparedness and camper wellness to Jewish programming and gender inclusion.

Of course, it’s not just bunk counselors who make the Tawonga experience so special. Our community is made whole by lifeguards, songleaders, A&C specialists, programmers, kitchen staff, maintenance crew, wilderness leaders, health center professionals, and so many more. Every person here plays a crucial role in bringing Camp to life. It truly takes a village — and we’ve got a phenomenal one.

As part of the wilderness staff training, this group embarked on a local backpacking trip to an area of Camp known as the Ridge, giving them a chance to bond as a group and prepare for the unforgettable outdoor adventures they’ll soon be leading with campers. The trip was equal parts practical and powerful, reinforcing backcountry safety, group leadership skills, and the deep sense of connection to nature that is so core to the Tawonga experience.

This year, 60% of our team are returning staffers, bringing back their passion, experience, and love for Camp. We’re also thrilled that new-to-Tawonga staff members bring fresh perspectives, creative ideas, and a willingness to think outside the box — enriching our community with their innovation and energy. Many of the staff are former Tawonga campers too, coming full circle to give back to the community that helped shape them. And as always, we’re so happy to welcome our Israeli staff (shlichim), who help strengthen our connection to the global Jewish family that we talk about at Camp, through meaningful conversations around culture, identity, and Jewish life. In total, we have 19 international team members joining us from five countries, making our community even more vibrant and diverse. 

Evenings this week were spent around the campfire, laughing through improv skits, creating during art night, and sharing stories under the stars. Tonight, the week will wrap up with a joyful, soulful Shabbat celebration — complete with an energetic freilach (our signature Shabbat song session) that is sure to leave spirits high and hearts full.

Sunday, we officially kick off the summer with Taste of Camp, and we couldn’t be more ready. Our staff is prepared, inspired, and deeply connected — ready to create a summer filled with growth, connection, and mission moments for every camper.

In this 100th year for Camp Tawonga, here’s to a summer of magic, meaning, and community. Let’s make it the best summer yet, 2025!

P.S. In case you haven’t seen it, get to know our talented Summer Director Team in this video.

P.P.S. You can check out how to follow along with the magic this summer here.