Session 3 and 3a are off and running!
Campers are cooking shakshuka in the Garden Kitchen, making earrings and hacky sacks at Arts & Crafts, dancing it up during Jazzercise, and splashing in the Tuolumne River. For some campers, simply being in the beautiful outdoors is one of the best parts of Tawonga.
“I like all the nature in general, and just being so close to everything natural,” said Rio S. in B-3. “There’s a bird right next to our cabin that we call ‘squirrel,’ and we get to watch him feed his kids, and there’s trees everywhere.”
Rio, a fourth-year camper, added that Tawonga’s combination of “structure and flexibility” in the activities offered is what keeps him coming back. Sam S., a camper of five years also in B-3, noted Camp has “a good mix of innovation and tradition.”
Like Rio and Sam, 93% of Session 3 campers and 67% of 3a campers are returners, bringing that familiar Tawonga spirit. Many campers this session are also the children of Tawonga alums — l’dor vador (from generation to generation). Together, these returning campers have helped newcomers quickly feel right at home, teaching steadfast traditions and welcoming new friends into the community. It’s been a fantastic first few days of Camp, filled with s’mores, singing Tawonga classics like “Country Roads,” boating on the lake, and, of course, Gaga Ball. New this summer, we have a dedicated sports specialist on staff helping kids elevate their athletic side.
As the week continues, Rio and Sam shared they’re both looking forward to the Challenge Course and spending time with their bunk playing pingpong. Of course, none of this magic would be possible without our incredible and supportive summer staff. The staff are forming strong bonds, and their leadership continues to shape a spirited and supportive community.
First-year Counselor Daniel S. said he’s feeling “energetic” and “very much in the Tawonga vibe” as Session 3 gets underway. As an international staff member from Canada, Daniel shared that people at Camp are much more expressive and accepting than he’s used to.
“I’ve engrossed myself into this new community,” he reflected. “It’s a very different environment, and it’s probably the most accepting and eventful community I’ve ever been in.”
Earlier this week, campers gathered for the beloved tradition of gender campfires: a cozy, reflective evening under the stars filled with storytelling, connection and intention-setting around the theme of gender expression. These campfires celebrate Camp as a safe, supportive space where everyone is encouraged to be their full, authentic selves.
There’s so much more to come: backpacking adventures, Challenge Course climbs, Shabbat celebrations, and more. But already, it’s clear – this session is off to a beautiful start.
P.S. Learn more about this summer’s dedicated staff who are caring for our amazing campers here.
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