Camp Tawonga

As a long-​time parent of campers at Tawonga, and a long-​time camper myself at other Jewish camps, I can honestly say that I have never seen any camp (day or overnight) as dedicated to the nurturance and care of campers than Tawonga. My kids love it like no other place on Earth. Not only has Tawonga given them some of the best experiences and friends of their lives, it has actually made them better people — developing their self esteem and confidence, enhancing their care and sensitivity toward others and the world, opening their hearts and minds. I highly recommend this camp.

It is difficult to even know what to highlight about Camp Tawonga-that’s how great it is!
I wish I grew up at a camp like this. As a Tawonga staff member I, like hundreds of people before me, developed a connection to the land, the community, and the camp philosophy that will live in me forever. I still almost 15 years after being on summer staff there use the training manual to think about principles of leadership, management, and engagement in the work world and world in general.
Camp is a tech free oasis in a chaotic world. It is a place where kids are accepted and validated for who they are and allowed to like what they like, dress how they want to dress, dance and sing with joy, play with abandon and love in community without fear. Children are led by fearless and energetically beautiful young adults who act as positive role models and support them to learn, explore, grow and find themselves. Countless campers become staff members as they grow into young adults b/​c of their connection to camp.
Families can also enjoy camp at Spring and Fall family camps which are a fun experience that allow the joy in everyone to come out. What could be better than going out to a beautiful site by Yosemite, singing, dancing, making arts and crafts, playing games, celebrating Judaism (in a hippy, nature, CA way), swimming, learning stuff, and pigging out on food that the amazing kitchen staff makes for you?
The second I got pregnant with my child I started saving money for him to be able to go to camp Tawonga one day and that is no joke. There are many things in the world I am unsure of, but that Camp Tawonga will be a positive place for generations to come is one thing I am certain of. Long live Tawonga! It is one of the most profound informing experiences of life for hundreds of amazing people!
Drink the Kool Aid-you’ll be glad you did!

F#@$ Disney Land. Camp Tawonga is the happiest place on earth. ‘Nuff said.

How could you not like this camp? It’s beautiful, the weather is always nice, the staff is lovely, the food is delicious, the programming is fantastic. It’s a great place to work or to be a camper. I worked here for 3 years and was a camper for one. These were both great decisions.

We sent our kid for summer camps and participated is a handful of family weekend and we had a great time!

As an 11 year veteran (7 as a camper, 4 on staff) I can’t offer you an unbiased review. That said, Tawonga is one of the best places on earth.
Located just 20 minutes outside the west gate of Yosemite, this overnight summer camp is a truly special place. They provide a structured nurturing environment where children can gain self-​esteem, live and play in a community that they’ve helped create, and learn respect and love for nature and the environment around them.
From backpacking Yosemite to climbing the perch in the ropes course, swimming in the river below middle-​falls, or just laying out on Stone Couch learning about the stars, I have so many fond memories of this place, a Unilocal review could never sufficiently encapsulate my love for Tawonga.
I can honestly tell you that I would not be the person I am today without my many wonderful experiences at Tawonga. I learned both who I am as a Jew, as well as who I am as a young man. Just like Sara O., I look forward to sending my kids there when the time comes.

I used to go to Camp Tawonga as a kid. Some of my fondest memories are of my time at camp. I made amazing friends, learned a ton about myself, and learned lessons that made me a better person. It was at Camp Tawonga that I learned about different types of music, about what makes Judaism such a spiritual and special religion, and about the sense of community that we have.
Going to Camp Tawonga really tied me to other Jewish people in a way I had never experienced. Outside of my time in Israel, I’d say that Camp Tawonga is the primary reason that I have such a strong Jewish identity. It’s amazing.
I highly recommend sending your kids to Camp Tawonga. I’ll be sending my kids there some day!