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Have a different question not listed here? Contact us to get an answer from a Tawonga director!
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I'm worried my child will be homesick. Are you ready for this? |
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YES. Homesickness is a natural feeling. We carefully train our cabin counselors to have one-on-one conversations with homesick kids to help them get into the groove of camp and make new friends. And, it's been our experience that this individual attention works: by the 2nd day of camp, the vast majority of homesick kids are feeling happy. In more serious cases, our management team of directors, therapist, nurse and Unit Heads are brought in to make a plan for success. In rare cases, we'll call parents for additional help. |
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My child has never been to camp and doesn't know anyone. Do your counselors know what to do? |
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YES. Tawonga has built its reputation as a warm, welcoming place for every child by paying careful attention to the emotional experience of each and every camper. We create a non-competitive environment in which there is no hierarchy between kids. Our group-centered philosophy brings kids of diverse experience and backgrounds together and facilitates deep and lasting friendships. Remember, everyone has a first summer at camp. |
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My child has never backpacked and doesn't have a pack. Is this pretty typical? |
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YES. Our Wilderness Leaders are experienced back-country experts chosen for their sensitivity and their ability to help kids feel comfortable in nature. They select destinations that match the ability and interests of each cabin group and are dedicated to making the overnight experience fun, positive, and group-building. We have a full inventory of backpacks, stoves and all the gear necessary for safe, exciting overnights in Yosemite and the surrounding National Forest. Your child just needs to bring a sleeping bag and comfortable hiking shoes. |
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Our family has a decent income but camp still feels out of reach. Can we qualify for financial assistance? |
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YES. The amount of assistance varies from 10% to 80% of the fees. Assistance is provided in a confidential way that reflects not just your income but also special circumstances including illness, B'nai Mitzvah, college tuition, temporary joblessness and other family situations. You should definitely apply. Also, if you are a member of your local JCC, be sure to ask if they participate in the first time Tawonga camper discount program. If you are new to Tawonga and have a middle school aged child, visit www.onehappycamper.org to see if you qualify for a need-blind incentive grant. For more detailed information about Tawonga's many financial assistance programs, click here. |
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We've heard so much about Camp Tawonga and would love to see it. Can parents visit camp? |
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Yes. And no. Yes, you should bring your whole family up for a weekend program at Tawonga to meet our wonderful staff, see our beautiful property and get a taste of the Tawonga experience. Or, you can call us and arrange to join us for lunch and a tour during one of these weekends. But no, you cannot visit your child while they are attending a session at camp. This would interfere with you and your child making a healthy separation, which is a big part of the way kids gain confidence and maturity at camp. |
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What is Tawonga Sports Camp? |
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Tawonga Sports Camp provides an opportunity for children who enjoy sports to experience all the best that Camp Tawonga has to offer with a positive, fun sports focus. Like any other session at Camp Tawonga, the Tawonga Sports program includes a backpacking trip, celebrating Shabbat, a day at the Challenge Course, unit activities, floats, free swim, and Israel Day. Yet unlike other programs at camp, Tawonga Sports campers spend most mornings playing sports - primarily soccer, basketball, and softball. Tawonga Sports is for 4th-6th graders and is offered during Session IV as a two-week program. For more detailed information about the program, click here.
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How Jewish is Camp Tawonga? |
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The Jewish feeling at Tawonga is a happy blend of cultural pride and a warm welcome to kids of all backgrounds. Tawonga campers include kids who are very connected (through synagogue, JCC or day school), some kids for whom Tawonga is their primary Jewish experience, plus a few who are not Jewish. They all share great Jewish experiences because we offer - and never force - a positive, fun, inspirational and uplifting "buffet" of Jewish learning. Joyous Friday Night Shabbat dinners, engaging Saturday morning services and daily spirited blessings at meals are natural parts of the Tawonga way. Have a different question? Email info@tawonga.org, to get an answer from a Tawonga expert.
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