7.31.2006
Welcome Session Four!
We are so excited to welcome all of our Session IV campers! The session started off yesterday with a Havurah Hike around camp to get everyone acquainted with their bunkmates, counselors and with camp. Then after dinner was an all camp campfire in which each bunk introduced themselves in a short skit. Here are some highlights from the campfire:
Campers watch a bunk perform their skit
Clever costumes for their skit!
Counselors and campers enjoy the campfire together
Andy the Unit Head is always very excited about... everything, including this skit
Schlichim (Israeli staff) introduce themselves with a song
Campers watch a bunk perform their skit
Clever costumes for their skit!
Counselors and campers enjoy the campfire together
Andy the Unit Head is always very excited about... everything, including this skit
Schlichim (Israeli staff) introduce themselves with a song
7.27.2006
Call for Photos!
Did your camper come home with lots of great digital photographs? If so, we want to see them! You can send us your camper's best photos by e-mailing them to alli@tawonga.org. You're also welcome to send us a short comment of approx. 75 words or less about your camper's favorite camp memory or your impressions of his or her experience.
A few hints on what makes a good photo:
We can't wait to see your pictures!
A few hints on what makes a good photo:
- 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!
We can't wait to see your pictures!
7.26.2006
One Bagel to Rule Them All
Tuesday was the Bagel Run, an elective hike for campers who love a good, challenging hike. The boys from the units of Haifa and Chalutzim who signed up woke up at 5am and began hiking at 7:45 at Tenaya Lake. The seven boys, along with their two wilderness leaders then hiked 22 miles around Cloud's Rest, up to the top of Half Dome, and down the Mist Trail into the Yosemite Valley. The boys were super strong hikers and made the trek in record time! They themed the trip "Lord of the Rings-esque," with one Bagel to rule them all. True to its name, the hikers enjoyed lox and bagels in the valley before returning to camp for showers and a good night's sleep.
It was such a great day! Here are some picture highlights.
11.7 Miles from the Valley
Amazing views!
The 7 hikers of Bagel Run Session III, 2006
On the Mist Trail
It was such a great day! Here are some picture highlights.
11.7 Miles from the Valley
Amazing views!
The 7 hikers of Bagel Run Session III, 2006
On the Mist TrailIt's a bird! It's a plane! It's a . . . helicopter?
On Tuesday morning, a helicopter made an emergency landing on our girls' side field because of difficulty with its hydraulic system. While a repairman made his way to Tawonga (from Red Bluff - near Mt. Shasta!), the pilot and other officials were welcomed and given plenty of ice water to cool off on the almost 100 degree day. At rest hour, the campers were thrilled to be able to check out the helicopter, sit in the pilot's seat, and hear about all the various buttons and controls! It was exciting for the kids, and Tawonga was glad to help out.But the excitement of the helicopter certainly didn't slow down any normal camp acivities. The Olympics came to Camp Tawonga! Different bunks represented different countries as they participated in events like swimming, indoor hockey, and of course, sack races!
We also took a moment to sit down and talk with our eldest campers about the events happening in Israel. Although camp's beautiful location can sometimes make it feel cut-off from the events of the outside world, the situation in Israel is very important to our community. We have so many well informed staff members and Israelis at camp that it is an excellent venue in which to learn about and discuss such events. Ken Kramarz, Camp Tawonga's immediate past Executive Director led the discussion with unit heads and Schlichim. He commented afterwards that it was extremely gratifying to see just how many campers actively participated in a conversation about such a serious topic.
7.25.2006
Mustaches and Mountains, oh my!
Sometimes at Camp Tawonga, we can get pretty silly. Yesterday the kitchen staff sponsored "Mustache Monday" and both campers and staff got really into it! And who knew there were so many different kinds of mustaches. There's the imperial mustache, the Dalí mustache, the handlebar mustache, and you can't forget the walrus mustache!
Later in the evening, G-3 and B-4 headed up to Inspiration Point, an amazing place to bond with the bunk and watch the sun set.
Also today was the famous "Bagel Run," an intense and long but exciting elective hike in Yosemite National Park offered for those 3-week campers who want to challenge themselves in the outdoors.
7.21.2006
Say Anything!
This time of year camp gets very hot, but yesterday we were lucky enough to have a mid-summer rain storm! For the past two days it rained on and off, but the kids loved playing in the warm summer rain. Today it's back to sun and drinking lots and lots of water to stay hydrated, but the rain storms were a nice break from the heat.
Yesterday was an excellent day, particularly for Chalutzim campers. After eating "choco tacos" they were chauffeured by our wonderful drivers up to the wilderness building for open mic night. They watched and participated in skits and songs while munching on tea and muffins.
Counselors Dylan and Josh lead the group in a closing song
Yesterday was an excellent day, particularly for Chalutzim campers. After eating "choco tacos" they were chauffeured by our wonderful drivers up to the wilderness building for open mic night. They watched and participated in skits and songs while munching on tea and muffins.
Counselors Dylan and Josh lead the group in a closing songToday was as equally busy and exciting for the rest of camp as well. B-5, B-8, G-7, and G-8A went to Paradise (a favorite river spot), B-6 went to the climbing tower, B-1 played Ga-Ga, B-2 and B-7 went down to Pipeline (another great river spot) for a BBQ, B-3 did Yoga, Chalutzim Boys went to the Ropes Course, G-9 and B-10A did some gardening, and G-10 did silk screening at A&C.
Whew! Such a busy day! Luckily today is Shabbat so everyone gets a big, delicious dinner and an evening to relax with Kabbalat Shabbat.
Whew! Such a busy day! Luckily today is Shabbat so everyone gets a big, delicious dinner and an evening to relax with Kabbalat Shabbat.
7.20.2006
Another busy day at camp!
It was a busy but fun filled day for all of our campers! Carmel girls along with all of Galil headed out on their backpacking trip while other bunks made t-shirts, swam in the river, enjoyed copper enameling at arts and crafts, and baked cookies at camp.
Speaking of cooking, some campers are making s'mores in the freedom forrest tonight. mmm...sounds good!
What else is on the menu for today?
Campers hang out by the pool
Boating on the lake
Campers love to goof off!
Camper or international woman of mystery?
Speaking of cooking, some campers are making s'mores in the freedom forrest tonight. mmm...sounds good!
What else is on the menu for today?
Campers hang out by the pool
Boating on the lake
Campers love to goof off!
Camper or international woman of mystery?And what can we look forward to tonight?
B8 is having a sleep in, B-5 is putting on a fashion show, and Chalutzim is going to the ridge.
7.19.2006
Sunrise, Sunset
This morning the boys of B-10B woke up bright and early at 5am to watch the sunrise from Rainbow Pools. Rainbow Pools, about 15 minutes outside of camp, is a favorite swimming spot with stunning views. Though the wake-up time may have been early, the boys would surely agree that it was worth it to watch the sunrise and swim in such a beautiful spot.
The unit of Eilat will also see some fantastic views today. Later this evening they will be driving to Inspiration Point, a favorite spot to watch the sun go down over a valley. Our song leader, Gal, will accompany the group so that they may sing songs and share stories as they watch the sun slip behind mountains.
Sunrise in Yosemite
The unit of Eilat will also see some fantastic views today. Later this evening they will be driving to Inspiration Point, a favorite spot to watch the sun go down over a valley. Our song leader, Gal, will accompany the group so that they may sing songs and share stories as they watch the sun slip behind mountains.
Sunrise in Yosemite 7.18.2006
Rage on the Stage
Last night was Hard Rock Cafe night! Staff spent lots of time decorating the dining hall with their personal "memorabilia" like yankees hats, paint splattered pants, and even demo tapes! When the campers arrived for their pizza and punch dinner, rock music was playing in the background.
And speaking of rocking, later that night we had a "Rage on the Stage". Aaron, Rafie, and Nama were our fabulous MC trio. One bunk sang "Girls just want to have fun" to kick off the celebration. Some bunks performed lip syncs of their favorite songs, others wrote their own songs. B-10B did a lip sync of "Can You Feel the Love Tonight," which earned them a standing ovation.
Sing on happy campers!
And speaking of rocking, later that night we had a "Rage on the Stage". Aaron, Rafie, and Nama were our fabulous MC trio. One bunk sang "Girls just want to have fun" to kick off the celebration. Some bunks performed lip syncs of their favorite songs, others wrote their own songs. B-10B did a lip sync of "Can You Feel the Love Tonight," which earned them a standing ovation.
Our MCs!
Sing on happy campers!7.16.2006
It's Israel Day!
Camp Tawonga's Schlichim present Israel Day! Despite the turbulance currently going on in Israel, camp still found a lot to celebrate. Today was a fantastic day, full of programming designed by our Israeli staff to teach campers about all different aspects of Israel. The campers split into many different groups, each of which worked on different parts of the production for the campfire. Campers learned Israeli dances, cooking, and art which all came together in "The Muppets go to Israel," a production full of singing, dancing, guitar playing, great scenary, and even snacks before the show! Here's a behind the scenes look at all the fun that went into making the play happen.
Campers rehearse a spin-off of the Hora
Painting rocks to guide patrons down the aisles!
G-8 and G-9 campers
Campers made a ticket like this for every person in camp!
Working on the set
After lots of rehearsal and preparation, the show was on!
Campers stand together during the last song of the campire
Campers rehearse a spin-off of the Hora
Painting rocks to guide patrons down the aisles!
G-8 and G-9 campers
Campers made a ticket like this for every person in camp!
Working on the setAfter lots of rehearsal and preparation, the show was on!
Campers stand together during the last song of the campire7.15.2006
Shabbat Shalom from Camp Tawonga!
Shabbat at Camp Tawonga is always a truly amazing experience. Friday nights are filled with a scrumptious Shabbat dinner, tons of singing and dancing in the dining hall, and a moment to relax and reflect on the week during Kabbalat Shabbat. Saturday morning everyone gets an extra hour to sleep in, and then the buffet style breakfast is followed by a Torah service at Camp Tawonga's own Makom Shalom. "Makom Shalom" means "Place of Peace" and our outside temple, surrounded by tall trees and sunshine truly is a beautiful, restful place.
This weekend Shabbat has been made especially special because the Camp Tawonga Board of Directors has come to celebrate with us. Here are some highlights from this morning's Torah service.
A camper stands and joins in singing Adon Olam
Guy leads the camp in an Aliya as Tama, our Jewish Programmer, guides him
A scene from the Parashat Players skit. The Parashat Players, who have become a lively and wonderful part of our weekly Torah service, act out different parts of the Torah. Not only are they entertaining, but they make the stories and teachings of the Torah more understandable and accessible.
Another scene from the Parashat Players
Johnathan and Gal are our amazing song leaders. Johnathan has been coming to Tawonga for the last 14 summers. Gal is one of our fantastic Schlichim, or staff memebers who come all the way from Israel to spend the summer with Tawonga.
A group of campers stand for the singing of "Tall Tall Trees." This is a beloved song that celebrates the natural beauty and glory of the trees and of nature.
Our Hagbah, Gregg, presents the Torah to the community
This weekend Shabbat has been made especially special because the Camp Tawonga Board of Directors has come to celebrate with us. Here are some highlights from this morning's Torah service.
A camper stands and joins in singing Adon Olam
Guy leads the camp in an Aliya as Tama, our Jewish Programmer, guides him
A scene from the Parashat Players skit. The Parashat Players, who have become a lively and wonderful part of our weekly Torah service, act out different parts of the Torah. Not only are they entertaining, but they make the stories and teachings of the Torah more understandable and accessible.
Another scene from the Parashat Players
Johnathan and Gal are our amazing song leaders. Johnathan has been coming to Tawonga for the last 14 summers. Gal is one of our fantastic Schlichim, or staff memebers who come all the way from Israel to spend the summer with Tawonga.
A group of campers stand for the singing of "Tall Tall Trees." This is a beloved song that celebrates the natural beauty and glory of the trees and of nature.
Our Hagbah, Gregg, presents the Torah to the community
7.14.2006
A fun day for Carmel
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!
(The best part of Challah braiding is definitely the flour!)
After the success of Challah braiding, the girls headed over to Arts and Crafts to do some tie-dying.
Rose teaches the fine art of tie-dye
Such a beautiful shirt!
7.12.2006
We're famous!
Thanks to Steve and Sam, a father/son duo with a website who podcast shows, Camp Tawonga's name has been heard from here to Australia! Wanna check it out and get a kid's perspective on things? http://sgshow.blogspot.com
7.11.2006
Magical Mystery Tour
Our magical mystery tour questers have returned! Where have they been and what have they been doing? Well it wouldn't be a mystery anymore if we told you!
On this quest, brave campers sign up with no idea what they're going to be doing! Along the way they pick up clues that tell them where their next activity will be. This group found out they'd be rafting the South Fork of the American River. Our campers got drenched in rapids with names like Satan's Cespool, Troublemaker, and Hospital Bar. And these are just the tame rapids!
Now that everyone has returned home safely, we know you're tempted to find out all about the trip. But don't let them tell you too much! After all, this is the magical mystery tour!
On this quest, brave campers sign up with no idea what they're going to be doing! Along the way they pick up clues that tell them where their next activity will be. This group found out they'd be rafting the South Fork of the American River. Our campers got drenched in rapids with names like Satan's Cespool, Troublemaker, and Hospital Bar. And these are just the tame rapids!
Now that everyone has returned home safely, we know you're tempted to find out all about the trip. But don't let them tell you too much! After all, this is the magical mystery tour!
7.10.2006
Backpacking
One of the things we love about Tawonga is the natural environment. And what better way to enjoy nature than to live in it?! We think our campers should get a chance to see more of the beautiful Yosemite National Park and bond with their bunkmates. That's why we tell them to take a hike, literally!
Each bunk in sessions 2, 3 and 4, gets a chance to go on a 1-2 night backpacking trip as part of the Tawonga experience. The day before the trip, the bunk will meet with the wilderness leader who will accompany them, to tell them where they are going. They also get fitted for packs, and gather any other equipment they will need. Then they return to their bunks to pack clothing and personal items.
In the morning the bunk gathers with their two counselors and wilderness leader to pack group gear such as pots, pans, and food.
When everyone is ready to go they are driven out to the trailhead, usually an hour or two away. Bunks hike 1-6 miles, depending on their age, and then set up camp. Campers help staff cook dinner and clean up before the campfire where they spend time really getting to know each other. The trip would not be complete without a swim in one of the many lakes, rivers, or waterfalls. The bunk returns back to camp as a close knit unit to enjoy hot water and Tawonga kitchen prepared meals. Those bunk beds have never looked so good!
Each bunk in sessions 2, 3 and 4, gets a chance to go on a 1-2 night backpacking trip as part of the Tawonga experience. The day before the trip, the bunk will meet with the wilderness leader who will accompany them, to tell them where they are going. They also get fitted for packs, and gather any other equipment they will need. Then they return to their bunks to pack clothing and personal items.
In the morning the bunk gathers with their two counselors and wilderness leader to pack group gear such as pots, pans, and food.
When everyone is ready to go they are driven out to the trailhead, usually an hour or two away. Bunks hike 1-6 miles, depending on their age, and then set up camp. Campers help staff cook dinner and clean up before the campfire where they spend time really getting to know each other. The trip would not be complete without a swim in one of the many lakes, rivers, or waterfalls. The bunk returns back to camp as a close knit unit to enjoy hot water and Tawonga kitchen prepared meals. Those bunk beds have never looked so good!
7.06.2006
Happy Birthday!
At Camp Tawonga we love to celebrate birthdays! If your child has a birthday while at camp, do not fear, the Tawonga staff is here! So what is a birthday like at Camp Tawonga?
First, Deborah calls our lucky birthdays up to the front of the dining hall where she asks a very important question:
"Have you ever had a birthday at Tawonga before?"
No?!?
Everyone in the dining hall will shout: "She's never had a birthday at Tawonga before!"
Each birthday camper is given a dessert to share with their tablemates and 2 wishes. One for themselves, and one for the WHOLE world.
When they are done wishing it's up into the flying chair they go! How old are you? Just count how many times you're thrown into the air!
After that it's time to dig in!
First, Deborah calls our lucky birthdays up to the front of the dining hall where she asks a very important question:
"Have you ever had a birthday at Tawonga before?"
No?!?
Everyone in the dining hall will shout: "She's never had a birthday at Tawonga before!"
Each birthday camper is given a dessert to share with their tablemates and 2 wishes. One for themselves, and one for the WHOLE world.
When they are done wishing it's up into the flying chair they go! How old are you? Just count how many times you're thrown into the air!
After that it's time to dig in!
Happy birthday lucky campers and friends! 
And what's a birthday without presents? If you're going to send your child a care package at camp (don't forget, no food allowed!), UPS is the only way to go. Fed ex will not come to camp so packages tend to get stuck in Groveland and may not arrive in time.
7.05.2006
Happy 4th of July!
Fireworks, barbeque, and a parade o my!
Ok so there were no fireworks, but our campers certainly got their fill of good old fashioned American fun! Campers celebrated their independence by making their own choice at breakfast of red, white, or blue pancakes! From there, bunks spent the morning competing against each other in a series of fun, 4th of July themed challenges.
A traditional picnic lunch of fried chicken, potato salad, and watermelon was served outside in the beautiful weather! The festivities continued in the afternoon with a parade around camp featuring signs the campers had made earlier, and Fourth of July themed float activity choices.
And what would a holiday be without a party?! Campers got down and groovy on Monday night with a Hard Rock Cafe themed dinner. Afterwards, our oldest hardrockers showed off their head banging dance moves, and we were transported back to the 70's and 80's by their wacky costumes.
As you can see, a rockin' good time was had by all.7.03.2006
Quest update
We finally caught up with our quest-ers in the Eastern Sierras and they are having an amazing time! Yesterday the group visited Black Point, a beautiful spot near Mono Lake known for its deep and narrow fissures (fissures are deep cracks in the earth caused by volcanic activity). The teens hiked down into one where they could barely see a crack of the sky at the top.
Today our group enjoyed a little rest and relaxation in the hot springs near Hot Creek. After hiking all over the mountains I'm sure they were excited to hang out in one place and kick back without their boots and backpacks!
Tomorrow our adventurers head to Tahoe where they will stay overnight to do laundry, send and receive mail, and prepare for the next leg of their journey: a two day river rafting excursion down the American river.
Our bold quest-ers are sure to come back with great memories from the trip and we can't wait to see where they'll go next!
Today our group enjoyed a little rest and relaxation in the hot springs near Hot Creek. After hiking all over the mountains I'm sure they were excited to hang out in one place and kick back without their boots and backpacks!
Tomorrow our adventurers head to Tahoe where they will stay overnight to do laundry, send and receive mail, and prepare for the next leg of their journey: a two day river rafting excursion down the American river.
Our bold quest-ers are sure to come back with great memories from the trip and we can't wait to see where they'll go next!
A day in the life of a camper
Ever wonder what your kids do all day at camp? Well you're about to get an inside peek into...
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A CAMPER
Campers start off each day with breakfast and song session.
Campers spend each morning as a group with their bunkmates doing all sorts of activities. On the first night, each bunk listens to presentations from the staff and then decides as a group which activities they would like to sign up for. Some groups choose drama and arts and crafts, while others choose to play frisbee and work in the garden.
After lunch campers have rest hour. It's a great time to try to catch a few zzz's (trust us, those campers are going to need it!), but for campers not in the mood, they're free to hang out with bunkmates, go to the canteen, or write home to tell you about their wonderful camp experience!
Afternoons are hot at Tawonga and we think that makes it the perfect weather for water play!
Bunks can swim, relax, and splash around in our olympic size pool, enjoy the slip n' slide on the grass, boat on our lake, get gnarly (an activity where campers learn it can be fun to be covered in paint), or go down to the river. But if you're not a water lover, there's plenty more to do! Campers can bake cookies, play basketball, frisbee, or gaga, learn Israeli dance, make pottery or enjoy other arts and crafts.
And if your bunk didn't make it to the pool during cabin time, there's free swim! No matter what your mood there's an activity for you. Feeling sporty? There's a water polo game going on. Just want to relax? Hang out in an inner tube.
After we give campers a chance to wash up it's dinner time! Song session is lively and includes lots of dancing. Bunks can choose to spend some of their time learning Israeli dances and we make sure to include the "dance of the day" in our song session for campers to show off their newly acquired moves!
If you didn't get a chance to do your favorite activity during the day don't worry! Campers have float time where they can choose individually which activity they'd like to go to and then stay as long as they'd like. Some of the choices are archery, yoga, boating on the lake, softball, arts and crafts, basketball, and many others!
Even when the sun goes down the fun doesn't stop! Night time activities include campfires, talent shows, star gazing and other camper suggested activities. 80's themed jazzercise? Sure! Hockey in the dining hall? Why not?!
After a full day, campers head to their bunks for bed time to rest up. Tomorrow is another day!
Campers spend each morning as a group with their bunkmates doing all sorts of activities. On the first night, each bunk listens to presentations from the staff and then decides as a group which activities they would like to sign up for. Some groups choose drama and arts and crafts, while others choose to play frisbee and work in the garden.
After lunch campers have rest hour. It's a great time to try to catch a few zzz's (trust us, those campers are going to need it!), but for campers not in the mood, they're free to hang out with bunkmates, go to the canteen, or write home to tell you about their wonderful camp experience!
Afternoons are hot at Tawonga and we think that makes it the perfect weather for water play!
Bunks can swim, relax, and splash around in our olympic size pool, enjoy the slip n' slide on the grass, boat on our lake, get gnarly (an activity where campers learn it can be fun to be covered in paint), or go down to the river. But if you're not a water lover, there's plenty more to do! Campers can bake cookies, play basketball, frisbee, or gaga, learn Israeli dance, make pottery or enjoy other arts and crafts.
And if your bunk didn't make it to the pool during cabin time, there's free swim! No matter what your mood there's an activity for you. Feeling sporty? There's a water polo game going on. Just want to relax? Hang out in an inner tube.
After we give campers a chance to wash up it's dinner time! Song session is lively and includes lots of dancing. Bunks can choose to spend some of their time learning Israeli dances and we make sure to include the "dance of the day" in our song session for campers to show off their newly acquired moves!
If you didn't get a chance to do your favorite activity during the day don't worry! Campers have float time where they can choose individually which activity they'd like to go to and then stay as long as they'd like. Some of the choices are archery, yoga, boating on the lake, softball, arts and crafts, basketball, and many others!
Even when the sun goes down the fun doesn't stop! Night time activities include campfires, talent shows, star gazing and other camper suggested activities. 80's themed jazzercise? Sure! Hockey in the dining hall? Why not?!
After a full day, campers head to their bunks for bed time to rest up. Tomorrow is another day!
