Camp Tawonga

Business Details

50+ Years

experience

Jewish Summer Camp & Family Programs in Yosemite

Camp Tawonga has been a leader in Jewish camping for a century, fostering connections to nature, community, and Judaism for children, families, and adults. Established in 1925, we operate a residential camp near Yosemite National Park and programs in the San Francisco Bay Area. Our immersive experiences help participants build self-esteem, lifelong friendships, and a deeper understanding of Jewish values. Summer programs include one-to-three-week sessions, teen leadership initiatives, and wilderness adventures led by dedicated staff. Family Camp weekends offer multigenerational bonding in the Sierra Mountains, while year-round Bay Area programs include B*Mitzvah preparation, holiday celebrations, and community-building activities.

Adult retreats provide rejuvenating escapes with Shabbat celebrations, workshops, and outdoor recreation. Our facilities feature an Olympic pool, challenge course, organic garden, and modern health center. We prioritize environmental stewardship and accessibility through financial assistance and inclusive programming. With a legacy of transforming lives through nature and community, Tawonga continues shaping future generations of Jewish leaders.

Services

Summer Camp Programs Family Retreats B*Mitzvah Preparation Adult Getaways Holiday Celebrations Outdoor Education Leadership Development Community Building Jewish Education Nature Immersion

Details

Year established: 1925

Highlights and features

We offer 100 years of experience in Jewish camping and youth development
Our programs combine nature immersion with Jewish values education
We provide year-round programming from toddler to adult stages
Our staff maintains rigorous safety standards in wilderness environments
We operate a 160-acre sustainable facility near Yosemite National Park

Website

Update Listing

Services

Summer Camp Programs

Our residential summer camps near Yosemite offer one-to-three-week sessions for children and teens. Programs focus on wilderness exploration, Jewish values, and personal growth through activities like backpacking, team-building challenges, and leadership training. The immersive experience helps campers develop self-confidence while connecting with nature and Jewish heritage.

Family Retreats

Seasonal weekend retreats provide multigenerational bonding opportunities in the Sierra Mountains. Families enjoy rustic accommodations, Jewish holiday celebrations, outdoor adventures, and age-specific programming. Activities include boating, arts and crafts, challenge courses, and Shabbat services that create lasting family memories while strengthening Jewish identity.

B*Mitzvah Preparation

Two-year programs in the Bay Area combine traditional Jewish education with immersive camp experiences. Students participate in monthly classes, nature-based retreats, and ritual workshops that emphasize critical thinking and community service. The curriculum helps teens develop personal connections to Jewish traditions while preparing for their B*Mitzvah ceremonies.

Adult Getaways

Three-to-four-day retreats for adults 21+ offer spiritual renewal and community connection. Programs feature Shabbat celebrations, wellness workshops, outdoor recreation, and social activities in a screen-free wilderness environment. Specialized weekends cater to specific demographics while maintaining Tawonga's signature blend of Jewish tradition and natural beauty.

Holiday Celebrations

Year-round holiday programs in the Bay Area extend Tawonga's community spirit beyond summer. Events include Tot Shabbats, High Holiday services, and seasonal gatherings that emphasize Jewish cultural traditions. These programs provide opportunities for families to maintain connections to Tawonga's values throughout the year.

Questions

What age groups do your programs serve?

We offer programs for children as young as 2 years old through adult retreats for participants 21+. Specialized programs exist for different life stages from toddler to senior.

Are your programs religiously specific?

As a Jewish organization, our programs incorporate Jewish values and traditions while welcoming families across the spectrum of Jewish identity and practice.

What safety measures are in place?

We maintain rigorous safety standards with trained staff, modern facilities including a fully staffed health center, and established emergency protocols for both camp and wilderness environments.

Do you offer financial assistance?

Yes, we provide need-based financial aid to ensure accessibility for all families interested in our programs.

What makes Tawonga unique?

Our combination of wilderness immersion near Yosemite, Jewish cultural education, and multigenerational community building creates a distinctive experience that transforms lives over decades.

Videos

Reviews (7)

Write a Review

Ava Hoang

Dec 30, 2019 Report

I made the best friends at camp. I learned a lot about myself there. I can't wait to go back this summer!

Michael C.

Sep 18, 2019 Report

Our daughter attended Tawonga for two and a half weeks. It was her first time at sleep away camp, though not her first time staying away from home without her family. She arrived home exhausted. She said that the schedule had the kids in her bunk out until 10pm, then waking up at 6:45am. My daughter said she repeatedly asked the counselors if she could go back to the bunk early, but was never allowed to do that. She mentioned that on a couple of occasions she fell asleep during the activity when it was a campfire. She also learned on the first day that she was originally supposed to be in a different

Leah A.

Jun 25, 2019 Report

Don't hesitate to send your child. Mine was reluctant to go, dreading it even, but she just returned from the one week "taste of camp" program and couldn't be happier about her experience. The staff is warm and helpful; the camp director is communicative and lovely. The daily blog posts showed what an amazing and special
Place Tawonga is.

The Veis Fam Tm

Oct 01, 2018 Report

The worlds best camp it doesnt get better than this.
Delicious meals everyday
Amazing people
Great counselors
So many activities
Great scenery
Co Ed
Beautiful cabins
Everything there is great I love it take me home country roads

Donna F.

Aug 10, 2018 Report

Camp Tawonga really is a magical place... they really do live the values they espouse on their website. It's about community, it's about joyful Judaism, it's about being your best self...and it's about a wonderful group of kids and counselors and leaders coming together to have a ton of fun in beautiful setting! I was so incredibly moved witnessing how beautifully they handled the sad fire situation this summer when they had to cancel the last session of camp. Everyone came together in an amazing way... they were true "mensches" all around! Tawonga is a very special

Adrienne R.

Sep 24, 2017 Report

There is no place like Tawonga. I grew up here as a camper and now have worked on and off for the past 11 years. If you are looking for loving and welcoming Jewish community with which to celebrate life, in a spectacular place next to the Tuolumne river. This is it. Send your kids here.

Gary B.

Jul 11, 2016 Report

Absolutely one of the best done camps there is. Went there as a kid 30 years ago and send my kids now. Still great!