Cuddle Puddles, Cheese-Making Magic, and Farm Fun: Goat Love at Tawonga!

Session 2 and 2a campers are already fully  settled into Camp life and have infused Tawonga with their enthusiastic energy and curiosity. From diving into activities to exploring the many traditions that make this place so special, these campers have brought some serious ruach (spirit)! 

Our Specialists and Counselors-In-Training have also taken beautifully to their roles working directly with campers to support bunk unity, as well as supporting different departments like the Garden Kitchen.

Every day, Camp is abuzz, but one highlight so far has been Ruach Hour — a lively, meaningful activity all campers take part in, to connect to spirituality and Jewish identity through reflection, song, and discussion, led by Gavin, our Jewish Program Director. 

This Friday evening we’ll kick off our first Shabbat of the summer with campers, a cherished tradition to enjoy a day of rest gratitude in community. We can’t wait to see the campers put on their Shabbat finest (which is whatever they feel most comfortable wearing)! .

Another beloved ritual bringing joy this week to our older campers is the Schvitz — our rustic outdoor steam sauna near the Pipeline area of the Tuolumne River that runs through our property. For generations, campers and staff alike have found it to be a space of connection and renewal. (A current SCIT with us this session, Nina, wrote an award-winning essay about the Schvitz you can check out here.)

Amid all this magic, there’s one group of stars campers can’t stop talking about — our wonderful Tawonga goats. These furry friends have quickly become central to camp life this session.

They climb, cuddle, and occasionally nibble on shoelaces — truly stealing the spotlight. At the Farm and Garden, their names are doodled in hearts on camper notebooks, whispered like hometown crushes, and tucked into bunk poems as tiny love notes to the farm. Whether being brushed, serenaded, or nestled in a classic “goat cuddle puddle,” these four-legged celebrities have captured hearts all around.

This year’s crew includes mama Patience, OG queen Xbox, and two adorable babies — Clover and Tulip (aka Tutu). From gentle bleats to curious nibbles, they embody the magic of Tawonga.

During one cozy cuddle puddle, SIT Toby T. said,
“It’s great we have goats at camp as it really helps to foster a strong relationship with nature and animals for the kids.”

Over the session, bunks visit the Farm to play with goats and gossip with the chickens. At the Garden Shed, they learn to make fresh goat cheese using milk and herbs harvested right from our garden.

Goat meditation, birthdays, lullabies — you name it, campers are living their best goat lives. Adam E. from B-7 shared,
“I love how they interact with us. They play with us, and act like puppies! Yesterday, someone pretended to be a rock, and one of the babies jumped on their back!”

The goats offer more than fun — they provide a chance for campers to practice empathy, patience, and connection. Learning to read goat cues and respecting their space fosters kindness, trust, and confidence.

Farm & Garden Supervisor Camila says,
“The goats teach kids to appreciate where food comes from. Seeing the process of feeding, milking, and making food from what we harvest really educates them about the full cycle.”

Maintenance staff member Jesse S. adds,
“In Jewish tradition, the goat is more than just an animal — it stands for kindness, forgiveness, and the connection between people and something greater.”

Whether you’re learning about sustainability, practicing tza’ar ba’alei chayim (kindness to animals), or just relaxing next to a snoozing goat, there’s no denying it — goat time is golden time at Tawonga.

Check out the photos below of our goats and their biggest fans — the campers, among other sweet moments from the session!