Camp Tawonga

First, I should note, I love camp. I believe in it. And as much as I got that love from another Jewish summer camp, I’m sending my kid to Camp Tawonga.
If you’re reading this, you may already know that Tawonga is kind of the «gold standard» of sleep away camps for Bay Area families. The camp surroundings are gorgeous, the staff is highly trained, mature, and enthusiastic, and people come away from Tawonga feeling good about what they’ve been given and what they have to offer back.
As an adult who never got to go to (kid) summer camp at Tawonga, I love Camp Tawonga. For the last six summers, my partner, daughter and I have attended Keshet, the nation’s best (and only?) Jewish, LGBT family camp. I know I’m gushing, but I’m serious when I say that this one long weekend is one of the highlights of our year.

Camp Tawonga is a residential Jewish summer camp located a few miles west of Yosemite National Park. For more than 80 years, Tawonga has brought children and families together in nature through its wide array of programs. Tawonga’s mission focuses on building positive self-​esteem, creating a cooperative community, a partnership with nature, and fostering positive Jewish identity.
My stepdaughter spent many a happy summer camp here and as a family we participated in many special weekends. I particularly enjoyed the Shabbat Stroll, a hiking excursion at nearby Hetch Hetchy, walks down to the river, excellent kosher style food, hanging out at the hearth inside the Lodge, and Tawonga’s inclusive approach to its community.
But probably my best memory was when we traveled to the parking lot near the Mormon Temple to meet the bus that would take the Campers to Camp Tawonga and pick them up when their adventure was over. The energy and joy in their movements and voices always made this parent proud and grateful on how Camp Tawonga made our family’s world a better place to live and grow.

I am SO bummed i didn’t get the first review on this one.
But enough about me. Regarding Tawonga:
Tawonga has blessed me with the most idyllic memories of my life. I do not doubt that I am a happier, warmer, and all around better person because of it.