We’re rounding out the last full day of Session 3a, and it’s bittersweet knowing we’ll be saying goodbye to our Carmel campers tomorrow.
Meanwhile, the session is in full swing, with backpacking and car camping trips out on adventures, the challenge course soaring, and bunk bonding in full effect. Last night’s Earth Day celebration was a total hit, featuring the Earth Tones staff band and even llamas joining in on the fun. All the while, excitement is building for Shabbat tomorrow. Below, take a peek into sports at Tawonga.
Sports Spotlight
At Camp Tawonga, sports are about more than competition. They’re a way for campers to try something new, challenge themselves, and build connections — sometimes during scheduled activities and sometimes long after the day’s official programming has ended.
This summer, Tawonga welcomed Eli B., a new Sports Specialist from London. Eli has been playing soccer — or, as she calls it, “football” — since she was a child and has spent years coaching children of all ages.
“It’s so much easier to bond with people when you have a shared objective,” she said.
At Tawonga, that might mean working together on a team, competing against another bunk, or simply trying a new sport. Eli has led activities including soccer, basketball, volleyball, rugby, and archery tag, which has quickly become a camper favorite. Other sporty activities available to campers include baseball and Gaga – in addition to tether ball and, of course, ping pong.
For Benjamin R. and Gabe R. of B-11, sports have also become a way to strengthen their bunk community.
Most nights this session, after their final activity, the campers quickly brush their teeth, get ready for bed and head to the soccer field.
There, they play “World Cup,” a tournament-style game where campers choose countries competing in the real World Cup and face off in competition.
“Our bunk really bonds over soccer,” Benjamin said.
The game has become one of the highlights of their time together and a way to connect with other bunks, too. The B-11 campers recently challenged B-7 to a soccer match, an experience Benjamin said helped the two groups get to know each other better.
Gabe said sports offer a unique way for campers to connect.
“It’s a good way to bond,” he said. “Especially bunk vs. bunk.”
While Benjamin and Gabe admitted they are disappointed to miss watching the real World Cup during Tawonga’s screen-free summer, they said being at Camp is worth it.
“Honestly, Tawonga is one of the best things that you can look forward to,” Benjamin said, “especially with just being in Yosemite.”
For Eli, sports are about more than the game itself. She hopes campers develop a lasting appreciation for movement and physical activity – especially girls, who she said have historically had fewer opportunities to participate in sports.
“Being able to enjoy moving your body is so important,” she said. “Pysically and mentally.”
Eli began coaching children when she was young, working with kids as little as 1½ years old. She said those experiences helped her develop the confidence to lead and connect with campers.
“It’s so important to have your kids get into sport,” she said.
At Tawonga, sports are giving campers opportunities to compete, collaborate and find new ways to connect. Whether it’s an afternoon activity, a bunk-versus-bunk game or a late-night soccer tradition, the goal is not always to win.
Sometimes, it’s simply to show up, join the team and play.
