Reflecting on 20 Years at Tawonga

As I step away from my role as Tawonga’s CEO today, I’m holding many emotions, but above all, I feel deep pride as well as profound gratitude for this extraordinary community from which I have received even more than I have given. 

I’ve been reflecting on my Tawonga journey, which began more than 20 years ago. In 2004, at 26 years old, I arrived at Camp for my first summer as a unit head. Like so many people, I found my first summer at Tawonga absolutely magical. I slept by the river in a sleeping bag, dunked into the cold water before breakfast, and spent every day immersed in a highly intentional, joyful community that was centered around children. 

I was immediately drawn to Tawonga’s approach to Judaism, embodied by Camp Director Deborah Newbrun’s leadership. Grounded in nature and values like Tikkun Olam, it felt resonant and alive. I had always been searching for a Jewish experience like this – Tawonga quickly became my Jewish home.

It has been the honor of my life to grow alongside this organization, from Assistant Director to Camp Director, to Chief Program Officer – and ultimately CEO. All the while, my kids have grown up at Tawonga, spending their summers here, being shaped by the same community that has shaped me.

Pride in What We’ve Built Together

Tawonga is a remarkably strong organization, grounded in powerful values, sustained by extraordinary people, and guided by a mission that matters deeply. I know this community will continue to thrive.

Over the years, we’ve accomplished so much together. Tawonga’s strength has always been its collaborative spirit, and one of my favorite guiding Camp principles captures this well: People support the things they help create. 

It has been an honor to bring together people who care deeply about Tawonga’s mission, children, and the Jewish future – and to help keep those voices engaged, invested, and aligned in building something meaningful and larger than ourselves.

Over the past two decades, Tawonga has grown into a vibrant year-round organization, growing from serving roughly 2,000 participants annually to more than 5,000 today. We launched new programs like the B*Mitzvah Program, creating opportunities for lifelong engagement in Jewish life, and deepened our commitment to inclusion and belonging. Together, we completed a transformative capital campaign that improved and preserved our beloved Sierra site; the Garden Kitchen stands as a particular decade-long dream realized.

I’m proud of the many systems our team has built and strengthened, from staff training and camper support to health and safety and forest stewardship – to ensure Camp remains intentional, safe, and responsive to the needs of today’s campers, staff, and families.

But what gives me the most comfort is something harder to measure: that Tawonga’s core remains unchanged.

Even as we’ve innovated and grown, the essence of Tawonga — the deep commitment to children, community, belonging, the natural world, and positive Jewish identity — has endured. Every summer for the past 20 years, I’ve witnessed Tawonga changing the lives of kids and staff, and I know it will continue for generations.

Grateful to So Many 

There are so many people who have shaped my journey here.

Rabbi Deborah Newbrun helped me discover my calling and introduced me to a vision of Jewish life rooted in nature, community, and shared values. 

Mimi Gordon hired me, believed in my potential from the very beginning, guided me as my first supervisor and mentor, and set an extraordinary example of what it means to live Tawonga’s values.

Ken Kramarz, of blessed memory, and Jamie Simon were extraordinary mentors and partners. Their leadership, wisdom, and trust helped guide me through every chapter of my career at Tawonga. I learned so much from them about courage, integrity, and what it means to lead with heart.

I’m also so grateful to incredible board leaders for their steady guidance and wisdom over the years. I’ve loved learning from our talented summer staff season after season and watching them create magical experiences for our campers. I’m especially appreciative of Tawonga’s year-round team, filled with passionate, thoughtful people who bring our mission to life every day.

And to the thousands of campers, families, alumni, and supporters who make Tawonga what it is — thank you. Being part of this community has meant so much to me.

There’s a lyric from the Camp song, Stars in the Sky: “The friends you make become a part of you.” That has certainly been true for me. Tawonga and the people in this community will always be part of who I am.

As I pass the torch, I do so with complete trust in Tawonga’s strong and vibrant future.

I have worked side by side for 20 years with Ryley Katz, our Interim CEO and Aaron Mandel, our Camp Director, and I know the organization is in excellent hands. The Board will continue to support and guide Tawonga during this interim period and lead the search for permanent leadership. 

In the meantime, please look out for information on a Farewell Celebration taking place May 9 to bring our community together. 

Stepping into my next chapter, I’m excited to support Tawonga and other Jewish camps from a new vantage point, as Chief Impact Officer at Foundation for Jewish Camp. FJC has been a steady support throughout my two decades at Tawonga, and I look forward to this opportunity to strengthen and support the broader field of Jewish camping.

While today may be my last day in this role, Tawonga will always be part of my life and my Jewish home. Thank you for the privilege of serving this community that has shaped so many lives. Because of its deep values, incredible people, and powerful mission, Tawonga is a community built to endure. I know it will continue to flourish in the years ahead.

In the bond of Tawongans,

Becca Meyer
Chief Executive Officer

P.S. You can share well wishes, a photo, or a fond memory of Becca here.