What’s In a Bunk?

The bunk unit at Tawonga is king and a central part of our approach to living in a cooperative community. Whereas at some camps, the main thing bunks do together is live in the same cabin, at Tawonga, bunks spend about 90% of their time together, learning to live harmoniously side-by-side. This includes not only sleeping in the same cabin, but also eating meals as a group, deciding on the week’s schedule through consensus decision-making, and participating in most activities together. Our primary goal in this group-centered approach is to build a cohesive bunk community, which translates beautifully into bonded larger units of cabins, and ultimately a connected broader camp community.

Tawonga bunks are organized by gender and age, and campers in a single bunk do not span more than two grade levels (e.g. rising 6th and 7th graders in a bunk). On the first night of each session, all campers get up on stage by bunk at the Opening Campfire, and introduce themselves as a unit by performing a spirited cheer. Then, each day of the session, all campers take on a daily role in their bunk to contribute to the larger group, determined by the daily work wheel. Responsibilities range from setting one’s bunk table in the Dining Hall to reminding fellow campers to apply sunblock. This community-focused approach at Tawonga facilitates lasting relationships and a highly supportive camp environment. Some camps emphasize mastery of an activity or sport, but the focus at Camp Tawonga is on self-growth, relationships, and community – with bunk unity and pride at the heart of it all.

Below, check out photos from the day: