Jewish Overnight Camp Grants and Scholarships
Camp is a transformative experience in the life of a child. From traditional sleepaway camps to specialty camps, there is one right for your family.
The impact of Jewish camp is immediate—campers return home connected to a community and friends that will last them a lifetime. And it doesn’t stop there. Children with pivotal Jewish camp experiences are more likely to become adults who value their Jewish heritage, support Jewish causes, and take on leadership roles in their communities.
There are a variety of traditional and specialty overnight camps that span different denominations of Judaism, accommodate special needs and interests, and offer unique programming, catering to each family’s needs.
Paying For Camp
We know that paying for camp can be a challenging and often confusing task. We have prepared this guide to acquaint you with the financial resources available.
Grants and Financial Assistance are available only for Greensboro residents who are contributing members of the Greensboro Jewish Federation. Contact Noam Soker, Outreach and Engagement Coordinator of Greensboro Jewish Federation, or Betsy Gamburg, Director of Jewish Family Services, about any aspect of this information.
First Year Campers
The Greensboro Jewish Federation, in partnership with Beth David Synagogue, Temple Emanuel, and the Foundation for Jewish Camp, offers funding to children in grades 3-12, living in the greater Greensboro area, who wish to attend Jewish overnight camp for the first-time.
The Greensboro Jewish Community One Happy Camper Program provides grants to encourage children to attend overnight non-profit Jewish camp for the first-time. It is not a scholarship fund and is not needs-based. Our goal is to engage families who are considering sending their children to camp by giving them $1,000 ( for programs 19 days or longer) or $700 (12-18 days) off their camp fee to try a Jewish one.
FAMILIES SHOULD APPLY TO CAMPS SEPARATELY AS SPOTS FILL UP QUICKLY. PLEASE DO NOT WAIT TO BE INFORMED ABOUT YOUR GRANT BEFORE YOU APPLY TO CAMP.
Learn about approved camps on the One Happy Camper website and apply online here. Questions or concerns? Contact Noam Soker, Outreach and Engagement Coordinator, at 336-852-5433 ext 221
The Greensboro Jewish Federation Stanley Shavitz Camp Judaea Camper Incentive Grant
The Greensboro Jewish Federation Stanley Shavitz Camp Judaea Camper Incentive Grant Fund provides an additional first year grant of $1000 to campers attending Camp Judaea for 19 days or longer. If you are applying for the One Happy Camper Incentive Grant, you will automatically be considered for the Stanley Shavitz Grant if your child is attending Camp Judaea. Noam Soker administers this grant.
Jewish Family Services Scholarships and Other Funding
Jewish Family Services
JFS provides assistance to middle income families to help with the cost of sending a child to camp. The application is always due by the last day of February. For JFS funds, you must have applied to the camp for financial aid. For any questions, contact Betsy Gamburg or call (336) 852-4829 x225.
Camp Financial Aid
Most camps offer financial aid. Talk with the camp about this and apply online at the camp's website. Most financial aid applications are on the website as well. Apply as early as you can.
Assistance From Congregations
If you are a member of a congregation, contact your Rabbi for any possible additional assistance. The Bradley J. Starr Campership Fund at Temple Emanuel provides a limited number of scholarships on a first come, first served basis if the child is not receiving assistance from the One Happy Camper Fund Incentive Grant. Temple membership is not required. Contact Brenda Henley at the Temple at 292-7899 or bhenley@tegreensboro.org.