Session 3: A Night of Joy, a Morning of Gratitude

As Session 3 rolls into its final stretch, campers are making every moment count. From nature exploration to garden cooking to late-night bunk bonding, the ruach is strong and the spirit is high. Just yesterday, the whole camp gathered for our All-Camp Production – a camper-led performance full of heart, hilarity, and standing ovations. Right after the curtain fell, Camp transformed into a full-blown Wicked–themed Carnival!

Campers followed the Yellow Brick Road to all kinds of creative booths: from the “I’m Melting!” station, where they soaked song leaders with wet sponges, to the Meet the Wizard tent where Gavin, Jewish Program Director, offered fortunes, blessings, and Jewish wisdom. Inside the silent disco, campers jammed out to the Wicked soundtrack in their headphones, creating a kaleidoscope of dancing joy. Face painting, themed snacks, and silly activities  rounded out the night. Photos of the magic are coming in tomorrow’s album.

Earlier in the day, G-12B had a different kind of special experience in the Garden Kitchen. Alongside staff members Maria and Mix, they collected extra food from the Dining Hall and prepared three full meals — both veggie and meat options — which were donated to a local food pantry. As they worked, campers reflected on Jewish values like tikkun olam (repairing the world), tzedakah (charity grounded in justice), and pe’ah — the ancient practice of leaving crops for those in need. It was a powerful, hands-on lesson in reducing food waste and showing up for our broader community.

After all that energy and impact, the evening closed with a meaningful moment of reflection and gratitude. Our Chalutzim 2 campers surprised our staff meeting with handwritten gratitude letters that they read aloud. In these notes, campers shared profound reflections about growth, community, and their emotional journeys at Tawonga. Here are some quotes from B-11 campers.

Lev W. wrote:
“I am grateful for the support that Camp Tawonga offers through staff, counselors, and peers. I appreciate the way this support has helped me discover aspects of myself that are hidden back at home – including stepping out of my comfort zone and maturing as a person. I also learned how to approach masculinity without toxicity.”

Mason Z., in his sixth summer at camp, shared:
“I was able to do the Bagel Run this year, which was a great experience – from the views to the conversations I had with others. I’d like to thank the wild staff, and all the staff at camp, for deepening my connections with the world around me and helping me carve my own path.”

Aiden B. reflected:
“Through its supportive staff, tight-knit community, gender campfires, and reflective spaces, Camp Tawonga has allowed me to realize what true friendship and camaraderie can look like. Over the past five summers, I’ve let the depth of Tawonga seep into the other communities I’m a part of.”

And Blake W. offered:
“For me, Tawonga has been a guiding force in becoming someone who can uplift others and break free from the limits and stigmas of my home environment. Being my Camp Tawonga self helps me learn more about the traits and qualities I value – and builds a new base of confidence within me.”

Moments like these are why we call this place holy ground. Whether campers are flying through a carnival or sitting quietly in gratitude, they’re deepening their sense of self, connection, and joy.

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s photo album!