The Soundtrack of Taste of Camp

Our first Taste of Camp session of the summer is nearing its conclusion. Over the last five days, campers have built friendships, discovered new passions, and experienced the joy and community that make Camp Tawonga so special. For many campers and staff, some of the moments they’ll remember most have been the ones spent singing together.

At Wednesday night’s Haifa s’mores campfire, Neta M. from G-7 surprised song leader Devin by asking if she could play “Count on Me” on the guitar. Devin gladly held the songbook while she played, as bunkmates and counselors wrapped their arms around one another and sang along.

“When I play for my family, they’re excited to hear me, but they’re used to it,” Neta said. “It’s really fun to share with new people.”

For Devin, moments like these capture the essence of Camp.

“It’s an old Tawonga saying: every child feels special because every child is special,” he said.

“As the music department, we know that few kids will grow up to be musicians. But for musically inclined kids — and for all kids — our job is to help them feel seen. The same is true for Wilderness, Arts & Crafts, and every other department. We’re here to create memorable experiences that build confidence.”

“Camp is where kids get to stand in what makes them unique and share it with others,” he added. “That’s positive self-esteem and cooperative community happening at the same time.”

Music has been woven throughout the Taste of Camp experience, from energetic morning song sessions to evening campfires and spontaneous singalongs between activities.

Beyond the music, campers spent the week exploring all that Tawonga has to offer. They cruised the lake by pedal boat, created colorful projects in Arts & Crafts, played Gaga and basketball, hiked through camp and into the Stanislaus National Forest, cooked delicious treats in the Garden Kitchen, and danced their hearts out during Jazzercise. 

Along the way, they explored Jewish traditions and values through meaningful experiences shared with their bunkmates and counselors.

“The kids are excited to dance,” Devin said. “The ITs are up front every session modeling the hand motions and all the little shtick and callouts. We’re having a great time.”

For Unit Counselor Maya G., those daily song sessions have been a highlight of the week.

“Song sessions each morning and night have given me goosebumps,” she said. “I love that the kids have a place to experience Jewish joy, dance, and be completely silly. The silliness is one of my favorite parts.”

As the session progressed, counselors watched campers settle into their bunks, grow more confident, and form friendships that often felt much older than just a few days.

Much of that growth happens within the bunk community. Tawonga being a group-centered camp, campers spend their days sharing meals, moving between activities together, and taking responsibility for their shared space. 

Throughout the past week, every Taste of Camp camper participated in a day hike, explored Jewish traditions during Ruach (Spirit) Hour, and enjoyed Floats – a beloved Tawonga tradition that allows campers to choose activities based on their interests, and practice independence outside their bunk group. Campers also participated in unit swim and unit sports, led by our new sports specialist. Together, these experiences help campers build confidence, strengthen friendships, and discover new passions.

For Unit Counselor Gil, one of the most rewarding parts of the week has been hearing campers talk about returning.

“One of my counselors told me last night that most of her campers are already thinking about coming back for another session,” Gil said. “That’s what makes it worth it, hearing that they had such a positive experience that they want to come back for more.”

A former camper himself, Gil spent eight years at Tawonga before joining the staff. Now, he sees his role as part of a larger tradition.

“I say it almost every day: l’dor vador — from generation to generation,” he said. “It’s one of the most beautiful things in the world, strengthening our Jewish community.”

As Taste of Camp comes to a close, campers will head home with new friendships, favorite songs, and memories from a week spent exploring, creating, laughing, and growing together. We’re so grateful to these incredible campers for helping create the joyful Jewish community that makes Tawonga feel like home.

We’re already looking forward to welcoming them back.