Why Tawonga Loves Pigs!

Here at Camp, we’re always looking for ways to be more sustainable. Part of our Mission focuses on Tikkun Olam, repairing the world, so throughout the session we try to implement programming for the kids that intentionally tackle how we can positively interact with the natural world around us. One way we do this is by utilizing pigs in our Camp Farm. We’ve been hosting pigs to live on The Farm for the last few summers. The pigs contribute to decreasing our environmental impact mainly by eating our food waste, a cool form of composting. The kids, of course, love visiting The Farm to meet the pigs and hang out with them.

Linda Jerviss from Sisters Heritage Farm in Placerville has generously allowed us to host three of her five month old Kune Kune pigs at Tawonga this summer. When Linda dropped them off during Spring Family camp our Farm & Garden Coordinator Leora Cockrell sat down and talked about the wonders of these little creatures.

How do Kunes tend to relate with children?

What lessons can the story of the Kunes teach children?

The story of the Kune Kune pigs is a fantastic way to teach children about the power they can have to change something for the better. About 50 years ago, purebred Kune Kune pigs were almost exinct in their homeland of New Zealand. Two men believed that it would be too great a loss to the world to lose these endearing pigs so they started a breeding program and today this breed in not in threat of going extinct. It just took two people following their passion to change the course for an entire breed!​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​