Overview:
Weekend Programs
Tawonga offers a variety of weekend programs for families and individuals to unplug in Tawonga’s beautiful wilderness.
NEW! Shared Cabin Incentive for Family Camps 1, 3 and 6
New for 2024! Families attending our largest weekend programs (Family Camps 1, 3 and 6) may receive 20% off program fees for sharing one of our traditional camper cabins with another family. During the summer, camper cabins house up to 16 individuals; this incentive is available for two families to share one large camper cabin.
Why are you offering this?
At Tawonga, we want all families interested in our programs to be able to experience them. Family Camps 1, 3 and 6 have historically had long waitlists, and we want to make space for more families to attend.
How do I tell you I want to share a large camper cabin?
Upon registration, simply click the checkbox indicating your interest in sharing a cabin. In the spring or summer, you will have the opportunity to complete your family information forms and request another family you would like to share with; we will do our best to accommodate requests.
Will I get the incentive even if I don’t end up being housed with another family?
Housing assignments are made in the weeks leading up to the program; our goal is to ensure that all families wanting to share a cabin and receive this incentive are able to do so. Due to space constraints, we cannot guarantee that you will be assigned to a shared cabin until our housing team finalizes the assignments. If we do end up housing you with another family, you will retroactively get 20% reimbursed from your fees.
Will I get the incentive if I share a cabin during another weekend other than Family Camp 1, 3 or 6?
This season we are only offering the 20% off incentive for those who want to share cabins during Family Camps 1, 3 and 6. Families are still welcome to share cabins with other families upon request during other weekends, but this will not affect program fees.
What if I want my own living space for my family?
The default is that families will have their own living space which could be a large camper cabin, small cabin, yurt, individual room in a shared space, etc. We have minimal housing with private bathrooms – these spaces are set aside for families with children under 2 years of age and families in need of specific accommodations for medical reasons. Sharing camper cabins with a 20% off incentive is an opt-in option for those attending Family Camps 1, 3 and 6.
About Family Camp
Family Camp weekends are offered in May, August, September and October. Our weekends for families offer relaxation and rejuvenation for adults and fun for kids in the stunning beauty of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Family Camp is an all-inclusive family experience that includes rustically comfortable housing, delicious food, snacks and free-flowing Peet’s Coffee, and a full weekend of programs, activities, and childcare. Family Camp provides a taste of all that Tawonga has to offer:, song sessions, Shabbat, boating on the lake, arts and crafts, the challenge course, hiking to and dipping in the river, yoga, stargazing, specialized workshops and opportunities to make new friends for all members of the family.
Families have ample opportunities to enjoy Camp together, as well as fun morning care for children two and up while adults enjoy other program offerings. Children two and up are cared for by supportive counselors who provide fun programming including boating, baking, sports, archery, arts and crafts, gaga and more!
As a community, we celebrate Shabbat with singing, dancing and a delicious Friday night dinner followed by participatory, kid-friendly services in our beautiful outdoor sanctuary on Saturday morning. Tawonga’s weekend programs are the ultimate family getaway, to unplug and immerse in nature and community, relax, unwind and have some serious fun!
2025 Weekend Programs
| Program | Dates | Program For | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Service Weekend Friday - Sunday |
TBD 2 nights |
Adults 21+ only | Sliding Scale: $80-$360 |
| Ready, Set, Camp Friday - Sunday |
April 25-27 3 days |
Summer camp prep for first time families | Participant age 2+: $465 Baby (under 2): $230 |
| Family Camp 1: Memorial Day Weekend Friday – Monday |
May 23 - 26 4 days |
Families of all ages | Participant age 2+: $715 Baby (under 2): $395 |
| Family Camp 2: Keshet LGBTQ+ Weekend Thursday – Sunday |
Aug 21 - 24 4 days |
Families with LGBTQ+ parent(s) | Participant age 2+: $650 Baby (under 2): $350 |
| Family Camp 3: Labor Day Weekend Thursday – Sunday |
Aug 28 - 31 4 days |
Families of all ages | Participant age 2+: $715 Baby (under 2): $395 |
| Family Camp 4: JFAM Thursday – Sunday |
Sept 4 - 7 4 days |
Families with children 10 and under | Participant age 2+: $650 Baby (under 2): $350 |
| Family Camp 5: JFAM Thursday – Sunday |
Sept 11 - 14 4 days |
Families with children 10 and under | Participant age 2+: $650 Baby (under 2): $350 |
| Family Camp 6 Thursday – Sunday |
Sept 18 - 21 4 days |
Families of all ages | Participant age 2+: $650 Baby (under 2): $350 |
| Family Camp 7: Jewish Families of Color Weekend Thursday - Sunday |
Sept 25 - 28 4 days |
Families with at least one person identifying as a person of color | Participant age 2+: $650 Baby (under 2): $350 |
| Family Camp 8: JFAM Friday – Sunday |
Oct 3 - 5 3 days |
Families with children 10 and under | Participant age 2+: $550 Baby (under 2): $295 |
| Adults Unplugged Weekend Friday - Sunday |
Oct 10 - 12 3 days |
Adults 21+ | $695 |
| Women's Weekend Thursday - Sunday |
Oct 16 - 19 4 days |
Adults 21+ who identify as women only | $775 |
| Divorce & Discovery: A Jewish Healing Retreat Thursday - Sunday |
Oct 23 - 26 4 days |
Anyone who has ever navigated the multi-faceted challenges of divorce or the end of a long-term relationships; Adults 21+ only | $775 |
Specialized Weekends
Winter Family Camp
December 27 – 29, 2024
Explore a Tawonga winter wonderland at this intimate 3-day, 2-night cozy family camp! Families will stay in winterized cabins and enjoy classic family camp activities like a talent show, day groups for kids over 2 years old, s’mores, yoga, family floats, Shabbat and more – plus, bonus winter-themed activities! Also on tap, free-flowing Peet’s coffee (and hot chocolate), delicious food, shmira (nighttime babysitters) and an unforgettable adult silent disco! Learn more about Winter Family Camp here. Questions? Email liz@tawonga.org.
Family Camp 2: Keshet LGBTQ Family Weekend
August 21 – 24, 2025
For over 20 years, Tawonga’s Keshet LGBTQ Weekend has offered our classic Family Camp experience for LGBTQ+ families. Learn more about Keshet here.
Family Camp 7: Jewish Families of Color Weekend
September 25 – 28, 2025
We are thrilled to offer a family camp affinity space just for families with at least one person of color in their household! This weekend will celebrate multiracial Jewish community and cultural richness by centering JOC+ and offering dynamic workshops, discussions and other programming led by JOC+ guest educators on topics of interest and relevance to you. Plus, all the classic Tawonga Family Camp offerings, like campfires with s’mores, a community shabbat celebration, talent show and more. Learn more about the weekend here. Questions? Email kiyomi@tawonga.org.
JFAM Weekends
Family Camps 4, 5 and 8
We are thrilled to be supported by the Foundation for Jewish Camp and the Maimonides Foundation to offer three JFAM Family Camps in 2025. JFAM Family Camps focus on programming for families who are newer to Tawonga and have at least one child who is eight and under. Learn more here. New families in attendance will receive a $50/person discount. Questions? Email liz@tawonga.org.
Adults Unplugged
October 10 – 12, 2025
Unplug and immerse yourself in Tawonga’s beautiful wilderness to connect with an amazing group of adults – spanning the generations – for our first ever Adults Unplugged retreat! These three days and two nights will be an opportunity for you to refocus, relax, have fun, and build community by creating new friendships and deepening old ones. Questions? Email liz@tawonga.org.
Women’s Weekend
October 16 – 19, 2025
At Women’s Weekend, get ready to unplug and immerse yourself in a community of supportive, amazing women – spanning the generations – for a deeply inspiring, joyful experience in Tawonga’s beautiful wilderness. Through morning yoga, hikes in Yosemite, expert-led workshops, a soulful Shabbat celebration and more, this women’s weekend will help you reflect and recharge. For anyone 21 and older and woman-identifying. This will be a kid-free weekend with exceptions made for breastfeeding infants. Learn more here.
Divorce & Discovery: A Jewish Healing Retreat
October 23 – 26, 2025
Tawonga and Rabbi Deborah Newbrun are coming together to host a unique, adults-only Camp retreat for individuals affected by divorce. This 4-day fall program will focus on Jewish ritual, wisdom and community as a means of healing, in addition to all the traditional Camp experiences that Tawonga has to offer. Learn more about Divorce & Discovery here. Questions? Email deborah@tawonga.org.
And check out our Family Camp Packing List before you go!
Work A Weekend Program
Do you have experience with kids? Are you available and interested in working weekend programs for Tawonga? Please click here to be notified of upcoming opportunities.
