Screen-Free Policy
Tawonga is Proud to Be Unplugged!
Camp is a wonderful opportunity for kids to unplug, both literally and figuratively. At Camp, kids develop deep relationships and communication skills without distractions, and tech gadgets compete with that immersive experience. Devices may become lost or broken.
Technology interferes with our mission of promoting socialization and instilling a love of the outdoors, and it also creates artificial divisions between campers whose families can afford expensive gadgets and those who cannot.Technology is all around us, but we strive to give campers a break from staring at screens. Please do not allow your child to bring electronic items to Camp. This includes, but is not limited to the following:
- Cell phones/smart phones
- Tablets
- Smart watches
- Laptops
- Video Games
- Electronic readers
- Cameras with internet capability
Music – Music at Camp is important and is very much a part of our Camp culture. For this reason, campers can bring connectivity-free/screen-free music devices, guitars, and headphones. In addition, staff will share appropriate music with campers. Tawonga does not tolerate music with themes of homophobia, transphobia, racism, sexism, or rape. Additionally, we ask that campers who bring music to Camp to bring the clean versions of all songs, without expletives.
B*Mitzvah Study and Materials – Campers should bring their own printed study materials to Camp. If audio is needed, please pack a screen free music player. If your child must bring an electronic device with a screen to use for studying, it should be handed to staff at the bus stop and labeled with the camper’s name. While at Camp, a staff member will hold onto the device when it is not being used for study sessions.
Books – We highly encourage campers to bring paperback books. Please do not bring e-readers.
Cameras – Campers may bring disposable cameras, Polaroid, and/or digital cameras without internet capability. Phones or other devices with connectivity are not permitted at Camp and cannot be used as cameras; there will be no exceptions.
We take this policy seriously and expect our campers to follow these guidelines. If campers bring devices with them to Camp that are not allowed, we will take them away. They will be returned at the end of the bus ride home.
We look forward to welcoming campers and know this policy will allow your children to enjoy deeper friendships, more meaningful connections to nature, and increased time for self-reflection. Thank you in advance for your support.
Package-Free Policy
Camp is an opportunity for campers to take a break from material possessions and consumerism, and for parents to enjoy a healthy separation from their children without the need to buy things for them – you’ve already given them the gift of Camp! Packages often create clutter in the cabin and litter around Camp, taking away from our natural surroundings, and can spark competition and feelings of inequity among campers over who has the “best” package.
For these reasons, Tawonga does not allow care packages. An old-fashioned letter is often the most treasured gift a camper can receive. We encourage you to write letters (or one-way emails) frequently, keeping in mind that it can take 3-5 days to arrive in a bunk’s mailbox.
Forgot to pack something essential?
Critical items like clothing, bedding, medication, or other personal items which will help your camper function at Camp may be sent. Please email [email protected] to make arrangements.
