Program Details
Tawonga’s Bar, Bat & B’nai Mitzvah Program will begin for students entering 6th grade* and over the course of two years, will culminate in a unique and personalized B’nai Mitzvah service. This journey will consist of thought-provoking discussions about topics relating to teens, engaging activities and outdoor adventures led by trained and experienced Tawonga staff and song leaders. Families will also have the chance to participate in community events and learning opportunities.
*This program is geared towards 6th graders, so that by the time participants have completed this two-year program, the majority of them have turned 13. Please reach David “Griz” Griswold, Assistant Director of Bay Area Programs, at griz@tawonga.org or 415.852.4224 if you have any questions about the grade guidelines.
I am learning that being Jewish is a lot about family and friends and being together. We don’t have to be super religious; we can just be Jewish, and I like that.
Program Includes:
*Year One
- Experiential learning through outdoor education, social justice and leadership
- Award-winning curriculum and student learning materials
- Two weekend Shabbaton retreats to celebrate and explore the magic of Shabbat at the Walden West Outdoor School in Saratoga
- Community building for youth and families
- Exploration of spirituality, Jewish values, and prayers
- Torah programming and learning for the family
- 7-part parent learning series facilitated online with an expert Lead Educator
- Professional and experienced teachers and staff
*Year Two
- Mitzvah Project: community engagement or volunteering in an area of choice
- Award-winning curriculum and student learning materials
- Two weekend Shabbaton retreats to celebrate and explore the magic of Shabbat at the Walden West Outdoor School in Saratoga
- D’rash (sermon) preparation and mentorship
- Continued prayer and Torah study and coaching
- Creation of B’nai Mitzvah service or ceremony that is a unique reflection of your student’s Jewish identity and values
- More learning, community building and outdoor excursions
- 7-part parent learning series facilitated online with an expert Lead Educator
- Professional and experienced teachers and staff
*Specifics subject to change
Learn More
My kid was reluctant about going on the weekend retreat. But, when I picked her up two days later, she barely glanced up at me, as she was having so much fun with her new friends.
Press and Stories
- “Summer Camp BMitzvah” with Meg Adler on Judaism Unbound podcast.
- “Mazal Tov to 2023 Ruby Award Winner, Meg Adler” By Jewish Learning Works
- Praying with Our Feet: Mazel Tov to Tawonga’s First Bar & Bat Mitzvah Graduates! By Tawonga’s Blog
- “B’nai mitzvah, their way: Tawonga program hands teens ‘keys to their Judaism” By Alissa Greenberg, J. The Jewish News of Northern California
- “Who Said Camp Has to Be in the Summer? Camp Tawonga Down the Mountain” By Jon Moskin, posted by The Jewish Community Federation & Endowment Fund of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties
- JNS Article features this program’s unique individualized program model.
- “Tawonga is helping me connect to Judaism” By Tawonga’s Blog
Questions
We are here to help! For additional questions about the program, please contact David “Griz” Griswold, Assistant Director of Bay Area Programs, at griz@tawonga.org or 415.852.4224
