2019 Impact Report

Dear Friend,

Thank you for your partnership in making Tawonga so much more than a summer camp. Together, we have built a community that lifts us up, celebrates diversity, connects us to Judaism and feels like home. In 2019, we served over 5,000 people – the highest number in Tawonga’s history.

This report highlights the many accomplishments of 2019, including graduating our second cohort of Tawonga B’nai Mitzvah students, offering more year-round programming and providing new opportunities for teens to learn life skills, for young adults to sustain the magic of Tawonga and for families with young children to gather in community.

Our commitment to full inclusion accelerated in 2019. We offered an all-gender cabin pilot for campers who identify as non-binary, centered Jews of color with at-camp affinity spaces and new down the mountain programming and launched construction projects to make our Tuolumne County property more accessible to people with disabilities. A home for everyone is how we see Tawonga.

Whether you’re an alum, send your child to Camp, participate in programs Down the Mountain, give to Tawonga – or all of the above – we hope you’ll take stock in the milestones we reached together in 2019.

We are grateful to each of you who supported Tawonga last year. Your generosity makes the gift of Camp possible. Enjoy the read!

Tawonga offers a place of acceptance, support and transformation for campers, staff and families alike. At Camp, Tawongans grow into their best selves, connect with nature and develop pride in their Jewish identities, all within a warm and welcoming community. The memories and lessons of Camp are lifelong.

A bit of that magic was captured this past year in our Camper Satisfaction Index Survey, a survey filled out by Camp families and facilitated by the Foundation for Jewish Camp:

• Over 90% of Camp families indicated that their child found a sense of home, family and community from their session at Tawonga.
• 87% of families indicated that building Jewish identity and reinforcing Jewish values are a key strength of Tawonga.
• 97% of Camp parents are likely or extremely likely to recommend Camp Tawonga to family and/or friends.

Read more highlights from the survey and our stellar results here.

ALWAYS HOME FOR EVERYONE

Creating a sense of belonging for every camper is at the heart of our mission. In 2019, Tawonga piloted an all-gender cabin option for campers who identify as non-binary. Results were overwhelmingly positive and our commitment to full inclusion caught the attention of the New York Times. Read the NYT feature here.

PARENT REFLECTIONS

“We have a very strong Jewish identity at home. This camp did the impossible: It enhanced our son’s Jewish identity and pride in ways I didn’t think he needed to improve.”Tawonga parent

“The community, friendships, connections to counselors and fostering of our daughter’s Jewish identity all make this a very positive experience for her and our family. Her growth and independence is through the roof.”Tawonga parent

“My (three) kids came back from Camp exuding such joy, confidence and self-reliance! Making the decision to send them to Tawonga is one of my proudest parenting moments.”Tawonga parent

CAMP IN ACTION

Whether sleeping under the stars, exploring quintessential camp activities, or expanding leadership skills, campers leave Tawonga with lifelong memories and friendships. See for yourself:

Tawonga is Thriving Down the Mountain

As more community members report that Tawonga is their primary connection to Jewish life, our offerings in the Bay are resonating like never before. Tawongans of all ages gathered at a plethora of local programs throughout 2019 and we welcomed new families into the Tawonga fold.

Reimagining a Jewish Rite of Passage

2019 marked the fourth year of Tawonga’s Bar, Bat and B’nai Mitzvah Program, with 130 students enrolled. The small pilot that launched in 2016 has become a national model program for unaffiliated families seeking an alternative B’nai Mitzvah experience. In 2019, we expanded our parent education program and enhanced opportunities to explore Jewish identity through community building, service projects and mentorship. Meg Adler, our amazing B’nai Mitzvah Program Director, reflects on having reached this moment in her recent blog post.

Tawonga Alums Keep the Magic of Camp Alive

In 2019, with the leadership of Tawonga’s Young Alumni Board, our young adult cohort – 400 strong – gathered for a second synchronized multi-city Shabbat, participated in service projects, celebrated Passover together and met up for happy hours! Young Alumni Board member Noah Zaves describes the enduring beauty of the Tawonga bond in his blog post.

Looking Forward,
Forward Thinking . . .

Preserving our beloved campsite is more important than ever as Tawonga nears its 95th birthday. Our strategic plan is designed to enable Tawonga to serve the Jewish community for the next generation and beyond. These 2019 construction projects are just the beginning.

Why fundraise?

Fees cover just 80% of what it costs to provide Camperships, design innovate programming and maintain our 166-acre property. Donations bridge the gap and make Tawonga accessible to everyone.

“We are incredibly grateful for the generous financial assistance we’ve received. We could not participate without it and Camp Tawonga has played an integral role in my daughter’s social and emotional development and our connection to the Jewish community.”Campership parent

Dedicated Donor Spotlights

Annual Donors – It’s All Thanks to You!

The individuals and institutions that support Tawonga’s Annual Fund are the true change-makers. Thank you for impacting so many children, families and young adults.

Your support makes all of this possible. Click here to view all our 2019 annual donors.

Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors is an inspiring group of professionals with tremendous expertise in finance, business, tech, PR, communications and child development. With their vision, guidance and leadership, Tawonga is in amazing hands.

Tawonga Legacy Society

Our Legacy Society members secure Camp’s future by including Tawonga in their will, trust, retirement account, or life insurance policy. Thank you to our members – your investment is deeply appreciated.