Session 3 & 3a Are Off and Running!

Yesterday, we welcomed our Session 3 and 3a campers — and just like that, Camp is buzzing with joy, laughter, and new connections. 

And what a group we’ve got! Over 80% of Session 3 campers and about 50% of 3a campers are returners — bringing that familiar Tawonga spirit. Many campers this session are also the children of Tawonga alums – l’dor vador (from generation to generation). These returning campers help newcomers feel right at home.

After settling into their bunks, campers set off on Havurah (friendship) Hikes — a Tawonga tradition that helps each bunk get oriented and start building community. By dinnertime, it already felt like these groups had been together for days. Campers were laughing, sharing stories, and jumping right into the Camp spirit — and the Dining Hall was rocking with ruach during our first song session.

This morning, the first full day of Camp was buzzing with energy. Campers moved through their opening activity rotations — painting watercolor postcards at Arts & Crafts, cooling off during free swim at the Pool, and going on a scavenger hunt with Teva in the Garden. On the stage with the Program Department, campers are already dreaming up and performing hilarious skits. 

Meanwhile, over at the Moadone, Songleaders and Jewish Programmers led a joyful, silly activity to explore the value of Hachnasat Orchim — the Jewish tradition of welcoming guests. Through songs and skits, campers explored what it means to be warm, kind, and inclusive, especially toward those who are new or in need.

Tomorrow, we’ve got even more in store — including rotations to our brand-new Garden Kitchen! This beautiful space right next to the Garden has quickly become a camper favorite. In past sessions, kids have loved cooking shakshuka with fresh-picked veggies, rolling out bourekas (a Middle Eastern savory pastry), and even making their own veggie sushi. We can’t wait to see what delicious creations come next.

We’re also thrilled to share one of Camp’s biggest upgrades this summer — the newly reimagined Golden Triangle. This central spot between the Dining Hall, Lake, and Office is the beating heart of Tawonga — the place where generations of campers have gathered to eat, sing, dance, and connect.

Campers this season are experiencing this space  transformed. The area features a brand-new wooden stage with raised seating and native landscaping woven in with existing rocks and trees. It’s already become a natural gathering space, and we can’t wait to see the performances, campfires, talent shows, and everyday moments that will unfold here in the seasons to come.

Of course, none of this magic would be possible without our incredible summer staff. With weeks of Camp already under their belts, they’ve built powerful bonds with campers and each other, and their leadership continues to shape a thoughtful, spirited, and supportive community. Read more about our 2025 staff here!

Tonight, campers will gather for our first round of gender campfires — a cozy, reflective evening under the stars filled with storytelling, connection, and intention-setting around the theme of gender expression. This special Tawonga tradition celebrates Camp as a safe, supportive space where everyone is encouraged to be their full, authentic selves.

There’s so much more to come — from backpacking adventures and Challenge Course climbs to Shabbat celebrations and s’mores by the fire — but already, it’s clear: this session is off to a beautiful start.

Stay tuned — we’ll be sharing photo highlights and behind-the-scenes moments all session long.