Parents of session one campers:
We started off our 2006 summer fabulously welcoming 220 adorable and enthusiastic campers to session 1. You've probably heard quite a bit already about how much fun your kids had at camp but here are a few highlights of the week.

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.