Camp Director Reflections on Session 3

By: Aaron Mandel

It’s bittersweet here at Camp, knowing that this was our last night together of this spectacular session. What a unique experience, living together in our supportive community at our beloved home away from home, Camp Tawonga. 

Earlier this week, a Chalutzim camper shared, “I feel like Camp has gone by so fast, and I’m just grateful to be in a bunk of girls who I love and who love me. I feel like Camp Tawonga has given me a second family.”

This session, within this loving, inclusive culture, it has been wonderful to see kids just being kids. I have continued to watch campers experience the Tawonga mission with a newfound appreciation. They’re immersed in the natural beauty of Tawonga’s wilderness. Hikes, backpacking trips and plenty of dips in the pool and Tuolumne River – it doesn’t get much better! With each new skill learned, comfort zone stretched and Jewish value imprinted, I have seen campers stand a little taller, more self-assured each day of who they are. I hope the glimpse below into how campers have experienced Tawonga’s mission brings a smile to your face:

Self Esteem & The “Challenge Zone”

Every camper this session experienced our epic Challenge Course, which boasts 17 unique challenges spanning the low and high elements. In the morning, kids collaborated through the challenges of the low elements, preparing for the climbing to come. In the afternoon, they were introduced to the high elements – strapping on their harnesses and helmets, helping each other on the way to the top. 

Guided by our expertly trained staff, the course encourages campers to enter the “challenge zone” where they can decide to push themselves in a safe environment and grow as individuals. 

It’s always heart-warming to see bunkmates cheer on their fellow campers as they take on the elements, encouraging them to keep trying. This supportive team-centered environment boosts campers’ self esteem every time, giving them the bravery to persevere and triumph!

Friendship and Creativity 

Tawonga is all about self-expression, and a lot of that happened at Arts & Crafts this session. From collage making and clothing upcycling to jewelry making and letting music guide their art, there are virtually unlimited creative outlets for campers. Julia in G-9, who enjoys expressing herself through fashion, said tie dye was her favorite A&C activity to do with her bunk.

Over the paint-splattered picnic tables in A&C, some of the best bunk bonding takes place. With a relaxed ambiance and good tunes in the background, A&C is the coziest spot to get closer with a new friend or bond with someone over a shared love for an artistic medium.

 Connection to Nature

During Session 3 every bunk left Camp on a backpacking or camping trip. Venturing deeper into neighboring Yosemite National Park and Stanislaus National Forest, to awe-inspiring destinations such as Ostrander Lake and Chilnualna Falls, these campers immersed in nature and reaped the benefits. Carrying their own gear and sharing the load of group items, campers discovered a strength and independence they didn’t know they had. Without fail, every bunk returned to Camp triumphant and more closely connected. Even the campers who were a bit nervous to go on their trip often cited it as a session highlight.

“We had the best backpacking trip ever,” B-12 camper Neptune said. “We overcame some challenges, as you have to do when you’re away from society, and it brought us closer as a bunk. We formed unbreakable bonds.”

B-3 camper Ollie echoed the positive backpacking sentiments: “I think that the backpacking trip was very fulfilling because we got to explore a lot, and it was fun to bond with our bunk.”

Campers have also connected to nature every day right on our beautiful property, which spans 160 acres. They stargazed at Stone Couch, made and enjoyed delicious treats with ingredients from the garden and explored river spots like Ladybug Cove, Paradise Island and Secret Beach. 

Speaking of the Tuolumne River, campers have been able to adventure down to Lower Falls, a gorgeous waterfall and swim spot that comes as a reward after a fun hike. We are so lucky that the Tuolumne is right in our backyard! 

Jewish Identity & Learning

Campers this session have strengthened their Jewish identities, cultivating a deep sense of belonging to our community. Part of our Jewish programming includes Ruach (spirit) Hour for every bunk, led by our Director of Jewish Programming, Gavin. The theme of Ruach Hour this summer was Shabbat: the journey we go on together during Shabbat, the blessings and traditions involved and the gratitude we can express during this time. We talked about how campers might be able to take some of these ideas home with them, or as we call it, “Taking Tawonga home.” Campers also discussed what being Jewish means to them; some shared about the culture and food; others reflected on being proud of being Jewish. Ruach Hour is one of the many ways campers are able to explore and reflect upon their sense of spirituality and connection to Judaism during the session. 

Another highlight of this session within the Mission rung of Jewish identity was outdoor freilach on Shabbat! A fun change from daily song sessions in the Dining Hall, dancing and singing on the River Side lawn with the sun setting behind us felt absolutely magical as we closed out each week together. Campers especially loved learning the dance moves and hand motions to “Miriam’s Song.”

In Closing

It has truly been a thrill to witness these Session 3 campers thrive over the past three weeks. I’m deeply grateful to the parents for entrusting Tawonga to care for your children during this idyllic slice of the summer. 

I have often reflected that Camp Tawonga is somewhere between a prayer, a blessing and a dream. These kids get to experience true belonging, self discovery and joyful Jewish community at Tawonga. I strongly believe that they take this experience and use it to make the world a better place. Tomorrow, Session 3 parents will get to wrap your arms around your campers. I can’t wait for parents back home to hear these campers’ heartfelt stories and to see their profound growth. 

Sincerely, 

Aaron Mandel 

Camp Director