Farewell Session A!
I think everyone who has been to summer camp remembers the feeling of running into the arms of your family on the last day – proud of yourself for having accomplished so much over the summer, all by yourself, far away from home. As the campers boarded the busses this morning, we as a staff were so proud of each of them and excited for you all to have your loved ones back in your arms.
What a beautiful session and what a beautiful final morning to cap it off! Many campers had tears in their eyes as they ran through the “tunnel of love” (made of two rows of staff and SCITs) and boarded the busses to take them home. Campers pulled each other into tight hugs and cried tears of joy, sadness, excitement and love for each other and Camp Tawonga.
Last night we gathered for a banquet dinner, song session and closing campfire. The energy was palpable as we scream-sang all the Camp favorites.
After a cancelled season last summer, we could feel the campers’ gratitude for spending the past 3.5 weeks together and their joy and comfort in knowing they can come back next year.
Thank you so much, Session A families for keeping up with the blog and sharing your kids with us this summer – and to Session A fans who have been tuning in for your Tawonga fix too!
P.S. Next week, families of Session A campers will receive an email with a link to high resolution photos from the blog (free to download). We would love to stay connected with your family throughout the year through our “Down the Mountain” programs! Stay tuned for upcoming events, and be sure to save the date for our annual Erev Rosh Hashanah Celebration on Monday, September 6. Details coming soon!
Photos from today
Enjoy photos of campers departing camp this morning!
Timbrels of Hope Gallery
We’re closing out Session A on the blog with some inspired camper art! As you may know, this summer, the Jewish theme is “Choose Hope” based on the story of Miriam’s timbrel from the Torah. When rushing to escape the plight of the Israelites in Egypt, even while hurrying, Miriam chose to bring a timbrel (tambourine), predicting that she would eventually be leading the Jewish people in a celebration of freedom. Campers found deep meaning in this theme. Take a look at the personalized timbrels of hope bunks made, along with their accompanying artist statements. Enjoy!
G-Aleph
Each heart is for someone in the bunk. The feathers flutter when we shake the timbrel.
B-Aleph
We divided up our timbrel – each triangle shows something we find hope in.
G-Bet
The bird is a symbol for hope and when you look at it from the side, you can read all our names.
B-Bet
The natural elements of fire and water fill in the gaps on our Star of David. We have two hearts, one right side up and the other upside down. Hope looks different from different perspectives.
*Dove birds first appear in Parshat Noach. A dove returns with an olive branch in its mouth to show the flood was over. This became a symbol of peace and healing for Jewish people.
G-1
Our timbrel has two sides, the sun and moon, both of which light up the sky. Which side would you choose?
B-1
This compilation of our bunk theme and favorite activities give us hope at Camp.
G-2
A collection of funny inside jokes decorate our bunk’s timbrel.
B-2
Our favorite rapper Da Baby hypes us up and brings us joy.
G-3
We share our hopes for tomorrow during our bedtime ritual, Stars and Wishes. The 13 stars on our timbrel represent each person in our bunk. The purple string is a tribute to one of our bunkmates who chooses the color purple for everything.
B-3
The tree of life includes feathers, one for each person in our bunk, and the roots make a peace sign. We are hopeful for peace in the world.
G-4A
Our timbrel is a play on words – the sun shows its Rays of Hope. We can look to a new day and try again.
G-4B
The metallic clouds and stars symbolize hope for our bunk.
B-4
This timbrel has a chaotic design. It brings out the personality of our bunk. It makes us hopeful that we can always be ourselves.
G-5
We included some quotes that relate to our bunk theme, “Walking on Sunshine,” with a pretty scene for the aesthetic.
B-5
The pests in our cabin unites the bunk. This shared experience showed the group’s perseverance.
G-6
Our bunk identifies with the song, “Holding On.” What does it mean to hold onto hope?
B-6
These bunk quotes provide laughter in moments when we need it most.
G-7
Butterflies symbolize hope to all of us. We also included a hand, stars, diamonds, beads and a tissue paper crane made by our counselor, Ella.
*In many cultures, the butterfly has a deep connection to the soul and our ancestry.
B-7
The inspiration for our timbrel was a Zen garden with a giraffe, dinosaur, and a rake for the sand. We hope for a world where all animals live in peace.
G-8
The feather and string connect our goals and aspirations. Hope is possible when we’re together in community.
B-8
Our tissue paper flowers are blooming with new hope while the roots are tied to togetherness.
G-9
In this timbrel, we hope for rain and got rain soon after. After the storm, comes a rainbow of hope.
B-9
Our bunk imagines Stick Eater and Kanye fighting in the astral. One of them is spraying hope to defeat evil.
G-10
This is our charcuterie board of things that give us hope.
* Traditionally, a charcuterie board is a spread of meats, cheeses, fruits and more.
B-10
We wake up to a song by our favorite rapper Lil B every day. His music makes us hopeful for a new day.
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