Often we sing of Camp Tawonga being “Almost Heaven.” Last night the In-Training Participants made that a reality with their Heaven themed all camp carnival. After 2 weeks of planning and an afternoon of getting dressed up in the perfect “Heavenly” costumes, the ITs flung the doors of heaven (or the dining hall) open to all of camp. Whether it was through dancing, sundae making or game playing, everyone found a little slice of their own heaven.

Campers competed against Hercules himself in weight lifting games!

Lightning bolts face painting was all the rage!

Campers competed to find candy in the clouds!

Check out this godly god!

Even by the lake the jolly mood continued!

// posted by The Camp Tawonga Staff @ 2:31 PM 0 comments

On Sunday night the bunk of B-8 challenged Camp Tawonga’s Maintenance Crew to a game of hockey, and both teams were in it to win it when they squared of this afternoon. Soon after the puck (or more accurately the tennis ball) dropped, campers and staff alike were flying around the dining hall going for the goal. It was no Stanley Cup Finals, but it definitely was a game for the ages!

// posted by The Camp Tawonga Staff @ 9:49 AM 0 comments

Even though it is only Tuesday, cabins are already preparing for our first camper Shabbat of 2009. Each cabin was given their own prayer to lead as part of their unit Kabbalat service. Then the whole unit came together to learn new songs that will be a part of our Shabbat service on Saturday morning. Carmel particularly enjoyed learning Hashalom Alechem, a song new to Camp Tawonga. Each line of the song is a message of peace in first Hebrew, then Arabic and lastly Sanskrit. Only four more days until Shabbat… the countdown begins!

// posted by The Camp Tawonga Staff @ 3:05 PM 0 comments

The campers of First Session were magically whisked away to sunny Israel for a morning block of learning about the sights, sounds and culture of the Holy Land. Whether it was learning about Israeli history and geography at the Wheel of Israeli Fortune station or sunning themselves next to Camp Tawonga’s very own version of the Mediterranean Sea, it was clear everyone had a blast.

It wouldn’t be a day in Israel without a game of gaga…

… or snacking on some homemade pita.

Campers learned to milk a cow just like a real kibbutznik.

Campers trained with IDF drill sergeants at the obstacle course.

// posted by The Camp Tawonga Staff @ 1:45 PM 0 comments

After a block full of freeze dance, the girls of G-4 wind down with a good old fashioned massage train.

G-6 learns to write Jewish words with cookie dough… and gets a little messy too!

B-2 gets into its robotic bunk theme by creating their own robots at Arts and Crafts.

G-7 enjoys mirror dancing on the Camp Tawonga stage!

B-1 plays a great game of Gaga!

// posted by The Camp Tawonga Staff @ 3:51 PM 0 comments

Everyone knows that Camp Tawonga serves amazing chicken dinners for their Friday night Shabbat dinner. But I was wondering, what happens the next night? Its still Shabbat, is there anything special for dinner? What separates Saturday night dinner from the rest of the week?

Yours,

Gastronomical Guesser

Dear Gastronomical Guesser,

You were right on!!! Saturday night is a special night here at camp. After participating in the Torah Service in the morning, and our great Shabbat programming in the afternoon, there is only one way to close out such a fabulous day… Barbeque!!! One of our most popular meals, campers get to choose between hamburgers, hot dogs, and chicken sandwiches, while piling their plates with watermelon, rice crispy treats, macaroni salad and chips. And all campers would agree that the Shabbat BBQ is extra special since it is the one meal during which they can enjoy soda!!! So check out these photos of Chalutzim and Haifa at their “Q”, and get ready to salivate over our very special Shabbat BBQ!

Yours,

The Blogger

// posted by The Camp Tawonga Staff @ 9:15 AM 0 comments

I sent my son to Tawonga Sports, that great session where kids get to learn and play a variety of different sports, while still getting the complete Tawonga experience. He was so excited to get on the bus. But now, I am worried. Will my sporty son overheat? Will he get exhausted with all those runs around the baseball diamond? What ever shall I do?

Yours,
Dad of Sporty Son

Dear Dad of Sporty Son,

While your son is getting an amazing experience and learning sports and teamwork skills, he also has a well rounded Camp T schedule. Each morning, Tawonga Sports’ campers participate in two blocks dedicated to a specific sport. But in the afternoon, all the camp is theirs. If you don’t believe me, check out these great photos of them making pots at Arts and Crafts.

Yours,

The Blogger

// posted by The Camp Tawonga Staff @ 10:35 AM 0 comments

In the end, every one had fun, and as of yet, no one had to leave the island…

G-3 learns the rules of the game.

The campers prepare for the boats.

// posted by The Camp Tawonga Staff @ 10:19 AM 0 comments

Every time a baby laughs, or a flower opens on a warm spring morning, a fairy is born! So keep your eyes and imagination open, look for sparkling fairy dust in the river, and remember that fairies are drawn in by the sounds of children’s laughter!

Today the girls of G-Gimmel dressed up as fairies (so they wouldn’t scare any they might have come across), gave themselves and each other fairy names, and went in search of the magic creatures of the forest! Songs were sung, stories were told, fairy homes were found and built and smiles were shared by all!

G-Gimmel worked as a team to make giant fairy braids to attract the fairies to Lady Bug Cove.

// posted by The Camp Tawonga Staff @ 3:40 PM 0 comments

Dear Shabblogger,

It is my camper's first year at camp. How will they ever know what activities are offered so they can help to design their bunk’s schedule?

Yours,

Scheduling Slueth

Dear Scheduling Slueth,

Here at camp we think it is SO important for campers to help design their own bunk’s schedule. If they have special interests or games they enjoy, it is important they tell their counselors so that it can be included in the group’s experience. One way they can learn about all of the things the different departments of camp have to offer is by participating in “rotations” the first day of each session. Counselors and campers take a tour of camp during which they see presentations by various departments: Jewish and Israeli programmers, the lifeguards, Arts and Crafts, and musicians. Later in the day they attend cabin floats when they are given time to try these various activities and play games.

So, Mr. Slueth, by the end of the day today your child will be a master of the different exciting activities offered here at Camp Tawonga.

Yours,

The Shabblogger

Song leader Gal teaches the campers of Galil the hand motions to a chant during the music station of rotations.

Carmel campers learn what the pool has to offer during the waterfront rotation.

// posted by The Camp Tawonga Staff @ 10:06 AM 0 comments

Dear Shablogger,

It is impossible to get my kids to do chores at home. They hate to take out the garbage, walk the dog, but more than anything, I can never get them to clear the table. How do you get the kids to clear so many tables, so fast?

Yours,

Dirty Dining Room

Dear Dirty Dining Room,

We do a little thing here at camp called stacking and scraping. Every table piles all of their food waste onto one plate (once a day we weigh this plate, to see as a camp how much we are wasting and work to improve it). Then the “hoppers” carry all of the dishes to the front of the room, where they are separated and given to the kitchen staff. Just ask any Camp T camper, and they will be able to tell you, “Leftovers on the left, metal in the middle and everything else… right over here!”

So in conclusion, by making it fun and encouraging kids to work as a group, cleaning can get done with no hassle at all.

Yours,

The Shablogger

After just one day the girls of G-Gimmil are already old pros at the stack and scrape method.

// posted by The Camp Tawonga Staff @ 9:58 AM 0 comments

As you can see what Makom Shalom (where we usually do our Torah service) was transformed into an amazing set! There was singing...


And dancing...


The performers did an amazing job! Take a bow!

// posted by The Camp Tawonga Staff @ 2:05 PM 0 comments

The campers of Hafia learn about different settlers of the Negev: the Bedouin, and the Kibbutzniks.

Carmel campers visit a café in Tel Aviv where they hear a radio broadcast from a Macabia Tel Aviv championship game and watch a video clip of a protest in the city.

// posted by The Camp Tawonga Staff @ 12:51 PM 0 comments

Campers clean up and get dressed in their favorite finery. My, everyone looks so nice!

// posted by The Camp Tawonga Staff @ 11:53 AM 0 comments

An important part of every campers experience is our Tikkun Tawonga program. Campers participate in a number of different work projects that teach how all types of work are important in creating a community and that we all can play an active role in making our community and world a better place.

Today B-10A had a chance to participate in our Forestry Tikkun. The bunk began by learning about the impact humans have had on the forest in this area, and then discussed the responsibility we have in maintaining balance in the ecosystem. Campers then broke into 4 work groups and with the guidance of our Forest Stewards began to cut trees, thinning the forest as a natural fire would.

Through their hard work the campers helped to create a safer forest.

// posted by The Camp Tawonga Staff @ 1:32 PM 0 comments

Session 3 is already in full swing!

The campers were greeted and serenaded by the 2008 Tawonga Staff as they got off the busses. Once all of the campers had divided by gender, they were split into bunks.

Counselors played a name game, put away their things, and immediately started work on a bunk cheer for the opening campfire.

Old friends were excited to be at camp with each other again.

At the opening campfire, each child has a chance to introduce themselves during a bunk cheer.

The staff is already up to the task of entertaining the campers. A rubber chicken is always funny. Always.

Each bunk’s schedule was created for the first week. Campers can look forward to all of their old favorites: Arts and Crafts, Ga-ga, Pool Activities,

Getting Gnarly, Archery, Drama, Basketball, River Trips, Tawonga Ball,

Stage Combat, Israeli Dancing and and more.

Song Sessions filled with singing and dancing.

// posted by The Camp Tawonga Staff @ 10:11 AM 0 comments

“Cheerio, it’s tea time!” cry these Carmel ladies. Pinkies up!

Nothing like a sporting game of Croquet to liven up a morning.

Campers design and create British flags and crafts next to the river.

// posted by The Camp Tawonga Staff @ 4:51 PM 0 comments

Session 2 has begun, and we couldn’t be more excited. Here are a few highlights from the first 24 hours!!!

Counselors line the road outside the dining hall and welcome the campers off the bus with songs and cheers.

Campers head off the buses and into main camp where they meet their counselors and cabin mates.

G-8 plays a name game during their opening tour of camp!!!

“Almost heaven, Camp Tawonga…” The first song session of every session starts with these four simple words, as campers link arms and sing along to Camp T’s own version of “County Roads.”

During the opening camp fire each bunk gets on stage to perform a short cheer. Here B-2 introduces themselves and shows off their agility.

// posted by The Camp Tawonga Staff @ 4:33 PM 0 comments

She is the music master, and comes from far away. Watch her play on her orchestra (instruments provided by the campers themselves)

G-5 presents a dance groove they choreographed themselves earlier in the session.



"Whether in fair or in dark stormy weather, it's Camp Tawonga to keep us together."

// posted by The Camp Tawonga Staff @ 1:06 PM 0 comments

Campers and staff celebrate completing the IDF obstacle course challenge.

Mmmm... pita-licious!!!

A visit to a kibbutz wouldn't be complete without trying your hand at milking a cow.

// posted by The Camp Tawonga Staff @ 3:42 PM 0 comments

The first full day of camp means picture day here at Camp Tawonga. Here the unit of Eilat says, “cheeeese!!!!”

// posted by The Camp Tawonga Staff @ 2:31 PM 0 comments

“We welcome you to Camp Tawonga! We’re mighty glad you’re here…” And with those words, our summer season began. Welcome to this summer’s installment of Sha-blog. Stay tuned to read about all of the exciting moments and memories being made at camp all summer long!

// posted by The Camp Tawonga Staff @ 2:24 PM 1 comments

Their Tawonga bunk mates welcome them into our unique Jewish community, introduce them to the wonders of Yosemite and discover their shared interests. The Israelis enrich the camp experience for our American campers by sharing their diverse experiences of Israeli life. We call this program Noar L'Noar, which means "youth to youth." Both American and Israeli campers are learning from each other and enjoying each others' company. Welcome Israeli campers.... We're mighty glad you're here!

// posted by The Camp Tawonga Staff @ 2:32 PM 0 comments

Shalom from Kibbutz Lotan in the southern negev! We are all doing really well and thrilled to be here at Lotan, which is an amazing place. Each day is very full and rich, and it actually feels like many weeks since we've been here because we have done and seen so much.

The mifgash (encounter) with the Israeli teens was fun. The home stay shabbat was a highlight for everyone, not just because they got to sleep in real beds, do their laundry, and get to know Israeli families, but mainly because it gave them a taste of what "real life" is like for their Israeli friends with whom they developed a real closeness. The teens organized a party for Friday night which the staff attended (sat in the corner trying to be unobtrusive), and they seemed to have had a blast together dancing, laughing, and showing each other the ropes of how each group spends fun time together. When we reconvened at the end of shabbat, the teens reported that shabbat itself (Saturday) had been spent doing things like blueberry picking, swimming, touring the kibbutzim or villages where the Israelis live, eating a lot (!!), and catching up on sleep and relaxation. When we said goodbye to our Israeli friends there were many hugs, a few tears, and many a commitment to remain in touch and gather again, perhaps at Tawonga!

On Sunday morning we headed south and spent a good part of the day on the bus making our way from the northern tip of the country to practically the southern tip. Along the way we made a stop in Jerusalem where we had a picnic lunch at the park outside of the knesset (the Israeli government) where a group of Bedouin we were meeting with had set up a small tent city where they were demonstrating against the policies of the government which has refused to recognize and provide services to many of their villages. Their signs said things like "demolition is not democracy." The Bedouin are by nature nomadic, and they prefer to live on the land in villages, and yet the state of Israel has refused to recognize some of their villages as legitimate, which means they are given no electricity on the national grid, no access to water through pipes, no representation in the government, and none of the amenities that other groups, even most other Arab groups, enjoy. In some cases their villages are simply demolished. We heard from Mustafa (his words translated by our Israeli staff member Reut) about the plight of his people and learned about the nature of the protest. The teens had many great questions, and it exposed us to sides of Israel that brought up more of the complexities of life here.

We then were able to contrast what we learned from the Bedouin from the unrecognized villages to another picture of Bedouin life when we stayed overnight in a huge Bedouin tent village designed for groups and tourists. There we rode camels (the teens LOVED that, especially the hilarious grunting noises the camels made for the rest of the night), and the host Bedouins made us tea, showed us how they grind and make coffee, cooked flat bread on the fire, played some Bedouin wedding songs on the oud, and introduced us to the positive and very interesting aspects of Bedouin culture. It was a great source of learning to have had two completely different experiences with the Bedouin, and the teens are thinking crtitically and able to ask provocative and thoughtful questions to help us all learn more.

We woke up in the tent at 4:00 a.m., and bleary-eyed but enthusiastic nonetheless, climbed Masada to see the sun rise. At Masada we got a tour led by Reut and Aaron, who led a great discussion on the controversy around the issues of suicide (or, in the case of the zealots, what was more like "noble death") in Judaism. The teens grappled with what they might do in a situation like the one the zealots had to face....would they choose to live but be captured like slaves and be forced to surrender their culture and values, or choose to die, even if by their own hands - forbidden within Jewish tradition. Another tough issue and a great discussion.

After Masada everyone enjoyed some free fun time at the Dead Sea, swimming both in the sea and in the pool at the hotel where we had lunch, putting mud all over them for a mineral bath, and just plain old play time. After that everyone fell fast asleep on the bus, and we had to wake them up when we arrived here at Lotan.

Lotan is an incredible place. The whole kibbutz is based on a permaculture, eco-village model. All the buildings and play areas are made from mud bricks, which our teens spent their morning making! We learned all about how they compost everything they use, how they re-use "grey" water for irrigation, capture solar energy (abundant down here!) and sell it to the national grid in return for electricity at night, recycle and reuse as much as they possibly can, and turn even their trash (like bottles, tires, etc) into play structures, buildings, and functional areas by covering everything in the mud bricks and straw bales they construct here - all from organic materials. It's just amazing. We will have many pictures to send and share very soon.

We will be here at Lotan for the next few days and are having a great time. Service, learning, socializing, discussing, getting in touch with ourselves, with each other, and with the people, the culture and the land here. It's been amazing so far and we know will continue to unfold and exceed our wildest expectations in its wonderousness.

Lots of love, or as they say here "B'ahava",

the TSL group

// posted by The Camp Tawonga Staff @ 10:01 AM 1 comments

Friends Reunited

The flights were easy, no hassles. We arrived on Monday afternoon and began our journey up north, stopping along the way to do a brief welcome ceremony led by our Israeli tour guide Reut (she’s awesome). We were at a place overlooking the Kineret (the Sea of Galilee) below, a perfect spot to say a shechechiyanu and a Kiddush and motzi over grape juice and challah.

We are staying at a camp called Kimama at Kibbutz Amir. It’s not too much like Tawonga physically (okay, nothing like it), except it turns out they sing a lot of the same songs, which we heard as we entered the camp. After our first night of “sleep” we went in the morning to our work project site, working with a project in Kiryat Shmona called Ayalim.

Ariell carrying buckets (there was a lot of bucket carrying)

Ayalim is an initiative to get Israeli 20-somethings, post-army and post-travel, to return to Israel and get involved in community service as they begin their university studies. In exchange for subsidies for their schooling, they work in poorer neighborhoods and development towns to create or rehab affordable housing (in which they then live) and volunteer on projects to beautify and revitalize the areas. The project is designed to make the neighborhoods attractive places to live, and safe, accessible areas for the neighbors to enjoy. Our work project has involved beautifying a garden and playground area. We have been mixing cement to build a decorative stone wall, hauling little stones (called “toof”…we dubbed the project “toof love” – get it?) with buckets and filling in the areas around the playground, and beautifying and cleaning up a garden.

Moving rocks to make a pathway a little more functional

Yesterday evening after a very interesting talk from an expert on the topic of water in the region (very provocative and elicited a number of great questions from the group), we were joined by 14 Israeli teens from the northern region, most of whom are Tawonga teens. The reunion was gleeful, full of hugs, laughs, and lots of singing. We had a boisterous song session after dinner last night, and played a few games to deepen the connections.

So, that brings us to right now. Our lunch just arrived. Everyone is hungry and enjoying being inside in the mazgan (air conditioning) after a long morning of work (with many water breaks, don’t worry!). We will be in touch soon. We send our love.

B’ahava,

The TSL Israel group

// posted by The Camp Tawonga Staff @ 12:00 PM 0 comments

B-Aleph campers prepare to perform

G-Aleph Campers boogie down

All of the "In Training" teen leaders on stage together


Campers make a human orchestra in a rousing rendition of camp favorite "Music Master"

// posted by The Camp Tawonga Staff @ 5:09 PM 0 comments

• Pictures must be in focus with good lighting- not too dark and not overexposed
• Send shots of individuals and small groups, no big groups
  
• Pictures should be in .gif or .jpg format. Unfortuantely, we cannot post videos
  
• We love smiles and campers being goofy!
• Please send a maximum of 5 pictures- choose your favorites!

// posted by The Camp Tawonga Staff @ 3:55 PM 0 comments

On Friday morning, everybody was doing something different around camp. The unit of Eilat headed over to the ropes course to challenge themselves on both low and high elements. Haifa had a unit swim and Galil campers were either at the Climbing Wall or playing drama games with Drama Steve. Our oldest campers in Chalutzim were still out on the last day of their backpacking trips. So many people were doing so many fun things! We caught up with the girls of G-1 and G-2 who were braiding Challah for Shabbat dinner. This is a very sepcial weekend because the Camp Tawonga Board of Directors celebrated Shabbat with us at camp. The girls braided a lot of Challah!

// posted by The Camp Tawonga Staff @ 2:47 PM 0 comments

We left on a beautiful sunny day which fit perfectly with our smiling campers’ eager attitudes. Many of them were first time campers ready to embark on a fantastic new adventure.

During the session, campers had the opportunity to make lanyards, tie die clothing, and beaded jewelry at arts and crafts, and participate in lots of sports including basketball, swimming, and archery.

Wednesday we celebrated Israel with Israel-Day Floats*. Our campers got into the theme by dressing in blue and white for breakfast. We turned Camp Tawonga’s lake into the Kinneret (Sea of Galilee) and learned about Israel’s water issues. Our archery area became an IDF (Israeli Defense) base, campers in arts and crafts made hamshas (hands which protect us from the “evil-eye”), the garden transformed into a kibbutz, and other campers made pita bread in the Freedom Forest (a fun place at camp for campfires and other events). Dinner was backwards day style where campers were served dessert first!
All and all it was a very successful Israeli day and our campers had a wonderful time.

* Floats are free time at camp where campers can visit any of the many staffed areas and stay as long as they choose.

Speaking of Israel Day, on June 4th Camp Tawonga staff in the Bay Area celebrated Israel Day at Yerba Buena Gardens. Staff members set up a booth where we distributed almost 2000 Camp Tawonga t-shirts!! Our executive director and board members gathered to meet camp families and those interested in signing up for camp.

Before kids arrive at our beautiful facilities, staff undergoes a one week intensive training to learn how to be super counselors.

This year we were fortunate enough to have eight Israeli teens with us taking part in the teen leadership program, seven of which were campers in the past 3 years.

We look forward to welcoming 18 Israeli teens who will join our campers in session four for an inside look into Israeli culture.

// posted by The Camp Tawonga Staff @ 3:57 PM 0 comments

“You guys are all champs” said Noah Marsh counselor of B7 as his boys walked away dusty and happy from the gaga court. Noah attended Tawonga for 8 years as a camper and is a veteran second year counselor. His sentiments echo the message we try to impart to all of our campers, “you guys and gals are all champs!”

Our 2006 summer season got off to a great start with a wonderful first full day of camp on Monday. All the children sat still long enough for our photographer to capture their still clean faces in unit photos right after breakfast. Each camper will receive a copy of this unit photo in the fall. Then the fun began as campers went to their morning activities.

At Arts & Crafts they beaded, made head bands, created fimo sculptures and wove lanyards. Groups also went boating on the lake, played basketball, played games with the drama teacher and learned from Tama our Jewish educator. Happy voices filled the air as they sang with Gal and Marsha our song leaders! After lunch our pre-scheduled fire drill brought the entire community together on the ball field where we reviewed safety procedures.

Parents, post cards written by your children on Monday, should arrive around the time your boys and girls return from camp on Friday. In the meanwhile, we’re pleased to report that this is a fun loving, active and happy group of campers.

As I write this, I hear the cheers and shouts from the CITs (counselors in training) playing frizbee on the ball field. It has been a picture perfect day here at Camp Tawonga.

Deborah Newbrun
Executive Director

A camper getting onto the Session 1 in Oakland.

B-9 boys beading at arts and crafts.

G-4 girls playing basketball.

// posted by The Camp Tawonga Staff @ 5:30 PM 0 comments

Yesterday morning, not a cloud in the sky appeared during the first gathering of Tawongans for 2006. Our small, hearty alumni group met the children and parents at the Presidio and helped answer questions, load luggage and direct people to the right place. The buses even
left 10 minutes early!

By now, the kids have had their first night up at camp. I'm always amazed at both how much the land up there changes, and yet always seems familiar. This year, we lost a few prominent trees to age and disease, but some new ones have been planted. The new deck on the arts and crafts building looks beautiful, and the river is dramatically full this year. I imagine it'll stay high until the fall.

-Steve Gershik (Alumni Association & Board Member)

// posted by The Camp Tawonga Staff @ 5:29 PM 0 comments

Our spring family camp was a huge success welcoming over 66 families (more than 250 people!) including parents, grandparents, babies, toddlers, children, and teens.

Children spent each morning with their counselors participating in various activities, leaving the adults with their own time to do what they wished. Afternoons were spent all together as families going to floats. (Floats are free time at camp where families may visit any of the staffed areas and stay as long as they choose.) The evenings were packed with fun activities including a talent show and campfire.

// posted by The Camp Tawonga Staff @ 10:59 AM 0 comments

Birthdays are a big deal at Camp Tawonga; with the two wishes, the cake, and of course with a ride in the chair. Well at the Camp Tawonga San Francisco Office birthdays are just as important!

We would like to wish Dan Harris a very special Happy Birthday.

If you would like to make your camp friend's birthday just as special as it would be at camp, you can send them a Tawonga Blog Happy Birthday message. Email us with the information and a picture and we will post your bithday wishes.

// posted by The Camp Tawonga Staff @ 10:32 AM 2 comments

Some of last year's Session IV Israeli campers stormed the Tawonga office last week taking pictures and giving lots of hugs. The teens were in town through the Diller Teen Fellowship and just HAD to come say hello. The teens gushed about how much they missed Tawonga and can’t wait to come back as ITs or staff members in the future. It was great to see you guys!

// posted by The Camp Tawonga Staff @ 10:12 AM 1 comments

Tawonga welcomes Michael Harris, Leslie Kleitman, Lori Polachek, and Andrew Pollack to the Camp Tawonga Board of Directors. Each one should be a great asset and helping hand to camp. Welcome to the Tawonga family!

// posted by The Camp Tawonga Staff @ 9:50 AM 0 comments

The packet includes a guidebook, quest itineraries, a medical form for your doctor (time for that yearly physical!), info for the administrative staff (where you can request a bunk mate), and information to your counselor. You can also download the forms from the Tawonga website by choosing the ‘Registration’ link and then selecting ‘Camper Forms.’ The forms are due back into the Tawonga office by April 21st, but we always appreciate when they get arrive early (thanks to the 15 families who have already sent their completed forms back).

// posted by The Camp Tawonga Staff @ 9:32 AM 0 comments

Kendra Donielle Sorensen
Bookkeeper
1st summer

Kendra Sorensen is our new bookkeeper in charge of billing and accounts payable. If you have any questions about your bill or payment plan, Kendra Sorensen is just the person you need.

After receiving a degree from New College, Kendra owned and operated a partnership for just under ten years. She has also worked as a part time bookkeeper for a small organization for a few years. Please help us in welcoming Kendra Sorensen to the Tawonga Family.

// posted by The Camp Tawonga Staff @ 4:27 PM 0 comments

Saturday March 11th, a group of Tawonga alumni visited the kids at the
Edgewood Center for Children and Families. The beautiful facility,
located on Vicente Street in San Francisco, is the oldest children's
charity in the Western United States. Founded in 1851 as a shelter
for orphans of the Gold Rush, it has been in continuous use since
then, evolving into a place of refuge for emotionally disturbed,
abused, and neglected children.

Ryley Share, head of the Community Service Committee of the Alumni
Association, put the event together and somehow even managed to get
the weather to cooperate as days of rain (and hail!) were interrupted
during our time at Edgewood with springlike weather.

Andy Grossman and Katie Somers kicked off the singalong portion of
the day, coaxing the apprehensive kids into song with a rousing
rendition of Here Comes the Sun. Mimi Gordon put a special
abbreviated edition of the Tawonga Songbook together for the group to
enjoy.

After both alumni and kids warmed up with singing, we adjourned to
the outside playground, where Elizabeth Rosser, Monica Pallie and
Larissa Siegel (who took time out from celebrating her birthday!) all
helped organize games that in the words of the facilities
coordinator: "Pulled some kids of their shells in ways that I have
just never seen before." Benjamin Packard and Debbie Pollack radiated
such energy that the kids naturally gravitated to their Tawonga
charisma.

Kudos to Ryley and the rest of the team, who came out on a cold
Shabbat morning to warm up the world a little bit with some truly
special children.

-Steve Gershik
Alumni Association President and Tawonga Board Member

To learn more go to the Tawonga Alumni Association website at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/tawonga/

// posted by The Camp Tawonga Staff @ 11:22 AM 0 comments

Have you ever wondered what Camp Tawonga is like in the winter? Here is your exclusive non-summer look at Tawonga:

Can you imagine SNOW at Camp Tawonga?! Well, it’s true! Even in the snow Camp Tawonga is going strong and the Buildings and Ground staff don’t let the cold slow them down. Ray, Walter, and Herb continue working hard to improve camp.

// posted by The Camp Tawonga Staff @ 11:20 AM 0 comments

The Camp Tawonga DVD has arrived! If you have already requested the DVD, it was mailed to you this week. If you would like us to send you a DVD, and you haven’t requested one yet, please give us a call or email us and we will send one right out! info@tawonga.org or (415) 543-2267

// posted by The Camp Tawonga Staff @ 1:21 PM 1 comments

With over 11 Slide Shows in 7 locations and presenting at over 10 Camper Fairs throughout the state Tawonga Staff are keeping busy and campers are signing up fast. Check out the upcoming Slide Shows at www.tawonga.org/presentation.html and call for upcoming Camper Fair Presentations in your area.

// posted by The Camp Tawonga Staff @ 1:19 PM 0 comments

Tawonga welcomes Shannon Dubach-Reinhold, Nicole Goldstein, and Josh Leslie to the Camp Tawonga Board of Directors. The three new Board Members enjoyed an orientation and their first Board Meeting last night with the 17 other Board Members including the a executive committee: Richard Grabstein (President), Michael Katten (Vice President), Barbara Niss (Treasurer), and Michael Bien (Secretary). Welcome to the Tawonga family!

// posted by The Camp Tawonga Staff @ 1:09 PM 1 comments

The dates for Tawonga's 2006 season are finalized and will be posted on the website soon, but here is a sneak peek just for you bloggers out there. Plus, as an added bonus, here is a little blurb about our new 2006 programs. Enjoy! We can't wait to see you next season.

Session I (entering 2^nd – 7^th grade): June 18 – June 23

Session II (entering 3^rd – 10^th grade): June 25 – July 7

Session III (entering 4^th – 10^th grade): July 9 – July 28

Session IV Carmel (entering 3^rd – 6^th grade): July 30 – August 11

Session IV (entering 6^th – 10^th grade): July 30 – August 18

Yosemite Quest (entering 7^th – 8^th grade): June 18 – June 23

High Sierra Quest (entering 9^th – 11^th grade): June 25 – July 7

Magical Mystery Tour (entering 9^th – 11^th grade): June 25 – July 7

Northwest Quest (entering 8^th – 9^th grade): July 9 – July 28

Surf ‘n Turf (entering 9^th – 11^th grade): July 9 – July 28

Canada Quest (entering 9^th – 11^th grade): July 30 – August 17

SIT/WIT/CIT (entering 11^th – 12^th grade): June 18 – July 7

Teen Service Learning Trip to Israel (entering 11^th – 12^th grade): July 18 – August 14

Grief and Growing Bereavement Weekend: May 19 – 21

Spring Family Camp: May 26 – 29

Summertime Family Camp: August 24 – 27

Peacemakers Camp: September 1 – 4

Special Needs Family Camp: September 8 – 10

Keshet LGBT Family Camp: September 14 – 17

Interfaith Weekend: October 6 – 8

Alumni Reunion Weekend: October 13 -15

// posted by The Camp Tawonga Staff @ 2:30 PM 0 comments