Today the unit of Carmel gathered by the banks of the Tuolumne River to welcome our brothers and sister from across the pond. Beginning with a brief lesson on English accent basics, followed by high tea and scones, and ending with a Beatles song session, the campers shed their Yankee ways and romped with their mates.

“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.

When you think of arts and crafts projects at camp, friendship bracelets and lanyards might come to mind. However, our second session campers are definitely kicking it up a notch with the help of our great A & C staff. Check out these shots of B-4 and G-5, as they put the pedal to the metal, and make our wheels spin!!!

Today Camp Tawonga was taken over by a sea of spandex and neon colors as G-7, G-9, and the ITs Jazzercised their way through the day. First they learned some basic moves from their fearless Jazzercise leaders, learned a group Jazzercise routine, and then had the opportunity to break into groups and choreograph their own. The results were priceless.

Here is G-7 doing a Soul Train, looking on as two of their bunkmates dance down the line.


Even the counselors got in on the action!


G-9 and the ITs don't mess around when it comes to appropriate Jazzercise
attire- they really brought it this time!


All in all, a great aerobic time was had by all!

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.

A Camp Tawonga tradition, the closing campfire is the staff and camper’s chance to say goodbye and thank each other for the great times we had. Campers were entertained with some of our favorite skits and songs.

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

Last night’s dinner was jungle theme. Campers were encouraged to deck themselves out in their favorite jungle attire, and the dining hall was lined with trees and vines. Check out these inhabitants of the Camp T Jungle.

On Wednesday our very own Shlichim (Israeli staff members) turned the Moadone and its surrounding areas into a little slice of the Holy Land. There were a number of activities to choose from, each teaching campers about the food, culture, and people of Israel. Whether it was visiting a kibbutz, training with the I.D.F., cooking pita bread on a fire or learning Israeli geography through the slip and slide, all of the campers enjoyed their visit to Eretz Yisrael.

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.

Opening campfire means everyone gets on stage to present their bunk cheer. The ninjas of B-9 were quick to use their ninja power to enthusiastically encourage the performers.

Session 1 campers get down and boogie, train style, during song session in the Dining Hall.

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

It didn’t take long for the girls of G-7 to get gnarly. During this block they learned to express their messy side through face paint, wet clay and mud!!!!

“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!