Est. 1925 · Jewish Summer Camp · Near Yosemite
Tawonga. Every season. Always home.
A century of Immersing children in nature, joyful Judaism, and loving community building at our residential camp in the California Sierra.
Why Tawonga
For over 100 years, families have trusted Tawonga to give their children an experience that shapes who they become, rooted in Jewish values, adventure, and community
Shabbat under the stars, meaningful traditions, and a community where Jewish identity is celebrated and explored.
Kids find their people. The friendships built at Tawonga last decades – ask any alum.
Located near Yosemite on the Tuolumne River. Hiking, swimming, climbing help kids unplug and discover the outdoors.
Our Programs
From babies to grandparents, there’s a Tawonga experience for every life stage
Ages 7–17
1- 2- and 3- week overnight sessions filled with adventure, creativity, and community – supported by our renowned staff. Plus transformative teen leadership programs. The classic Tawonga experience.
Families and Adults
Tawonga offers a variety of weekend programs for families and adults to unplug in Tawonga’s beautiful wilderness…together.
All Ages
High Holidays gatherings, shabbat celebrations, B*Mitzvah journeys and more! Bringing Tawonga’s brand of meaningful, joyful Judaism to the Bay Area, year-round
Every day is an adventure, — from morning river dips to a ropes course in the trees to campfire songs under the stars. Kids try things they’ve never done, make friends they’ll keep forever, and come home a little more themselves.
No screens. No pressure. Just the freedom and fun of childhood
A Typical Day
From Our Families
Don’t take our word for it. Hear from families who’ve experienced the magic.
What’s Happening at Tawonga
In the early 1970s, a group of Tawongans made a small but history-altering shift. “The Shenandoah” became “The Tuolumne.” “Blue Ridge Mountains” became “Sierra Mountains.” With just a few words, a 1971 Billboard Top 100 song was transformed into something deeply personal – a tradition that would echo through the Dining Hall for generations to come.
Paying tribute to a century of Camp Tawonga is “Almost Heaven: A Visual History of Tawonga at 100”. This immersive and dynamic digital book traces the story of Camp from its early origins in the 1920s to its modern history on the banks of the Tuolumne River. Explore Chapter 3 and travel back to the era of peace, love, and flower power to see how Tawonga defined itself in the 60s.
You don’t want to miss out on our Women’s Weekend (Oct 15 – 18) and Men’s Weekend (Oct 22 – 25). Adult Retreats at Tawonga are the perfect mix of nature exploration, Jewish Community building, yoga and restorative wellness activities, music, and more!
We have space in our Fall family camp weekend programs! Join us at one of our weekends, including special affinity spaces for families with LGBTQ+ adults and Jewish Families of Color. Refer a new family or opt-in to share a cabin with another family for program discounts.
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