Overview:
Weekend Programs
Tawonga offers a variety of weekend programs for families and individuals to unplug in Tawonga’s beautiful wilderness.
About Family Camp
Family Camp weekends are offered in May, August, September and October. Our eight weekends for families offer relaxation and rejuvenation for adults and fun for kids in the stunning beauty of the Sierra Mountains.
Family Camp provides a taste of all that Tawonga has to offer: campfires, song sessions, Shabbat, boating on the lake, arts and crafts, the challenge course, hiking to and dipping in the river, yoga, stargazing, delicious food and free-flowing Peet’s Coffee.
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!
2023 Weekend Programs
| Program | Dates | Program Geared Toward | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Family Camp 1: Memorial Day Weekend Friday – Monday |
May 26 - 29 3 nights |
Families of all ages | Participant age 2+: $645 Baby (under 2): $385 |
| Family Camp 2: Jewish Families of Color Weekend Thursday - Sunday |
Aug 17 - 20 3 nights |
Families with at least one person identifying as a Jew of Color | Participant age 2+: $570 Baby (under 2): $335 |
| Family Camp 3: Keshet LGBTQ Weekend Thursday – Sunday |
Aug 24 - 27 3 nights |
Families with LGBTQ parent(s) | Participant age 2+: $570 Baby (under 2): $335 |
| Family Camp 4: Labor Day Weekend Thursday – Sunday |
Aug 31 - Sept 3 3 nights |
Families of all ages | Participant age 2+: $645 Baby (under 2): $385 |
| Family Camp 5: JFAM* Thursday – Sunday |
Sept 7 - 10 3 nights |
Families with children 8 and under or anyone who attended a JFAM weekend in 2022 | Participant age 2+: $570 Baby (under 2): $335 |
| Family Camp 6: JFAM* Thursday – Sunday |
Sept 21 - 24 3 nights |
Families with children 8 and under or anyone who attended a JFAM weekend in 2022 | Participant age 2+: $570 Baby (under 2): $335 |
| Family Camp 7 Thursday – Sunday |
Sept 28 - Oct 1 3 nights |
Families of all ages | Participant age 2+: $570 Baby (under 2): $335 |
| Family Camp 8: JFAM* Friday – Sunday |
Oct 6 - 8 2 nights |
Families with children 8 and under or anyone who attended a JFAM weekend in 2022 | Participant age 2+: $495 Baby (under 2): $295 |
| Women's Weekend Thursday - Sunday |
Oct 12 - 15 3 nights |
Adults only | $750 |
Remaining 2022 Weekend Programs
| Program | Dates | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Family Camp 8: JFAM Chanukah Program Tuesday – Friday |
Dec 20 - 23 | Participant age 2+: $610 Baby (under 2): $385 |
Specialized Weekends
Family Camp 2: Jewish Families of Color Weekend Now In Its Third Year!
August 17 – 20, 2023
We are thrilled to offer a family camp affinity space just for families with at least one person of color in their household for the third year! 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.
Family Camp 3: Keshet LGBTQ Family Weekend
August 24 – 27, 2023
For over 20 years, Tawonga’s Keshet LGBTQ Weekend has offered our classic Family Camp experience for LGBTQ+ families. Learn more about Keshet here.
Women’s Weekend Now In Its Third Year!
October 12 – 15, 2023
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.
JFAM Weekends
Family Camps 5, 6 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 2023! 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 ashley@tawonga.org.
Divorce & Discovery: A Jewish Healing Retreat
October 27 – 30, 2022
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 2022 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!
COVID-19, Health & Safety
In order to prioritize the health and safety of our campers, staff, and entire Tawonga community, we will be making some changes to our 2023 programs and Camp practices. Expect 2023 FAQs shortly.
Work A Weekend Program
Do you have experience with kids? Are you available and interested in working weekend programs, like Families at Camp, for Tawonga? Please click here to be notified of upcoming opportunities.
