Happy Earth Day from Camp Tawonga

Caring for the earth isn’t just something we do, it’s woven into who we are. Tikkun Olam, Repairing the World, is at the heart of our mission. From partnerships with local Miwok educators and archaeologists, to sourcing green and ethical products, we work every day to understand and protect the land we call home. In honor of Earth Day, here are 5 ways Tawonga walks the walk:

☀️ 1. Harnessing the Sun Our new solar array is a big step toward clean energy at camp. In 2025, these panels generated 232 Megawatt-hours (enough electricity to power approximately 21 average U.S. homes for an entire year).

🔥 2. Protecting our Forest is one of the most important ways we care for the land we love. This season we completed a fire break along the eastern edge of our property line, from above the solar array down to the river. At the end of each camp season, we perform multiple fuel reduction practices (e.g. ground and pile burning) to keep the forest healthy and reduce wildfire risk.

🥦 3. A Kitchen That Cares Our dedicated operations and kitchen staff ensure that the food and practices in the kitchen are aligned with our commitment to sustainability.

• We buy organic produce for the Dirty Dozen — the 12 most pesticide-laden crops identified by the EWG (think strawberries, spinach, peaches, and apples).
• We source food from local farmers, including our neighbors at Tyson Hill Farm in Waterford, who supply us with stone fruits, leafy greens, citrus, tomatoes, and potatoes throughout the season.
• All meals are served on reusable plates, cups, and cutlery — and when single-use is necessary (late-night snack, we’re looking at you), we use compostable products only.
• Campers regularly participate in composting, reusing, and recycling activities to help contain our community’s waste impact.

💧 4. Closing the Loop on Water Tawonga’s green lawns don’t come at the earth’s expense. Rather than drawing from municipal sources, we pump water from the river into our lake, and that water is then recycled back out to feed our sprinklers and hoses, keeping our grass lush and our footprint light.

🥾 5. Teaching the Next Generation Every camper who walks our trails learns the principles of Leave No Trace: respect for the land, the wildlife, and the people who will come after us.

This Earth Day, we’re grateful for our land, our community, and every person who helps us repair the world. 🏕️💚