Hail, Hail — Session 2 & 2a Is All Here!

Hail, Hail — The Gang’s All Here!

Yesterday, we welcomed Session 2 and 2a campers to their home away from home. As buses rolled down our familiar dirt roads, the 2025 Summer Staff erupted in cheers, ready to greet the next wave of Tawongans! Campers leapt off the buses and into the arms of their counselors and CITs, reuniting with old friends and meeting new ones, all while soaking in that first-day magic.

And what a crew we have! 84% of Session 2 campers and 88% of Session 2a campers are returning Tawongans – a true testament to the power of this community. These seasoned campers know the rhythms of Camp and help set the tone for newcomers, modeling traditions like silly song session hand motions, bunk clean-up teamwork, and a whole lot of ruach (spirit).

Our amazing Specialists and Counselors-In-Training (SCITs), rising 12th graders who just wrapped a week of immersive training, have dove in! This session, you can find them working with departments and supporting bunks in meaningful and magical ways.

No matter how many summers they’ve been here, every camper kicked things off with a Havurah (friend) hike, getting oriented to Camp and connecting with their bunkmates. By dinnertime, it already felt like these groups had been together for weeks, not hours! A high-energy song session filled the Dining Hall with joy and voices, echoing off the plaque-lined walls and marking the start of a new chapter in Tawonga history.

The evening continued with our Opening Campfire, where staff departments introduced themselves through hilarious skits and songs on our brand-new stage. Highlights included the Directors doing the Footloose dance and a wild splash zone moment from the Waterfront Staff.

Back in the cabins, campers gathered to create their “10 Commandments” – a list of bunk values and agreements to guide their time together. This cornerstone tradition helps lay the groundwork for a supportive, kind, and cooperative camp community, all rooted in Tawonga’s mission.

This morning kicked off with bunk and unit photos, followed by Camp rotations: swim checks at the Pool, orientation at the Rainbow Lounge with our therapist team, and plenty of get-to-know-you games to help ease the transition into Camp life.

With the first Cabin Floats and Free Swims already underway, it’s clear: our campers are settling in beautifully.

What’s ahead? For Session 2 and 2a: lots of crafts, garden activities (in our new Garden Kitchen!), epic backpacking trips, Challenge Course adventures, joyful Shabbat celebrations, and of course, plenty of s’mores, smiles, and sweet mission moments.

In this special 100th year of Camp Tawonga, let the summer magic continue!

P.S. For any newcomers to Tawonga, you can check out how to follow along with Camp happenings here.