The Start of Something Special ✨

Taste of Camp is well underway! Campers and Specialists-and-Counselors-In-Training (SCITs) are settling into the rhythm of life in the mountains with temperatures in the low 70s and a gentle breeze drifting through the pines. Campers spent the day exploring activities, building friendships, and making memories that are already sure to last long after our week together is over.

This morning began the Tawonga way, singing a spirited Hamotzi prayer to show gratitude before the meal to share gratitude before enjoying a delicious breakfast of French toast bake with bananas. We then had a lively morning song session that had campers singing, clapping, and dancing together before heading off to their morning activities.

For many campers, one of the best parts of Camp has been making new friends.

While molding a pear out of green clay during Arts & Crafts, 11-year-old Everett L. in B-7 shared that his day was “going great, in fact!”

“There are many activities, and they’re all really fun,” he said with a smile.

Everett especially enjoyed breakfast and was looking forward to spending time at the pool. But when asked about the best part of camp so far, his answer came quickly: making friends.

That feeling of connection could be found all around camp today. Whether campers were creating artwork side-by-side, cheering each other on during field games, or splashing together in the pool, new friendships continued to grow.

At Arts & Crafts, campers let their imaginations run wild and express themselves freely – which is connected to the first rung of our mission, encouraging campers to build self esteem. Some created colorful Shrinky Dinks while others worked with clay and paint. G-6 camper Emunah S. designed a night sky framed by a rainbow surrounding the words, “I’d Rather Be at Camp Tawonga.”

“How could a rainbow possibly shine in the night sky?” asked the counselor.

“Because Camp Tawonga is magical!” Emunah proclaimed.

✨ And magical it has been.

Other happenings of the day that campers enjoyed include:

• 🍣 Making sushi in the Garden Kitchen 
• 🏊 Swimming in our Olympic-size pool 
• 🧚 Building fairy houses/magical wands 
• 🏃 Playing Capture the Cone and other field games 
• 🏐 Volleyball
• 🏀 Basketball
• 🐸 Frog science and nature exploration
• 🦈 Sharks and Minnows
• 💃 Jazzercise
• 🎶 Ruach Hour and Jewish learning filled with spirit, songs, and laughter

With each passing minute campers become more comfortable in their bunks, more confident trying new activities, and more connected to the community around them. The laughter echoing across camp, the friendships forming between activities, and the excitement campers bring to each new experience all point to one thing: an incredible week ahead.

Tonight, campers will conclude their first full day of camp by singing songs under the stars, and campfire story time and s’mores. Mmm.

We are so, so excited for everything still to come and can’t wait to share more snapshots from Taste of Camp. Stay tuned!

P.S. Want to see how the staff prepared for this moment? Check out this year’s staff training blog. And learn about how to tune into more Tawonga magic here.