Now that summer is here, day and overnight camps are filled with the sounds of laughter, smells of marshmallows roasting at the fire and sights of children playing. For some, going to camp is a summer tradition. For others, it is a chance to be themselves and connect with other like-minded people their age. Still, for some who long to go to camp, cost is a financial barrier for their families.
That’s where the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia steps in by providing funding for in-state camp scholarships to help relieve the financial barriers for families looking to send their children to a Jewish day or overnight camp. Its investment in camps is a part of the Jewish Federation’s mission to create a vibrant and inclusive Jewish future to ensure Jewish continuity for generations to come.
“Jewish camps are a powerful catalyst for shaping strong Jewish identities from a young age,” said Jewish Federation’s Strategy and Impact Chief Dr.Kelly Romirowsky. “The heightened antisemitism in our country and around the world today is yet another reminder of why it is important that all Jewish children have the opportunity to have a safe place where they can proudly express their Judaism and connect with others their age in the community.”
For this summer season, the Jewish Federation has provided approximately $740,000 in funds to 38 camps, both day and overnight, to use for incentive scholarships for first-time campers and need-based aid for campers of low-to-moderate income families.
"At camp, I feel like I am part of a big family, and I learned so many new things. I always have the best summer ever!"
– Saul, age 10, Golden Slipper camp scholarship recipient
“We are so grateful to the Jewish Federation for the financial assistance and enabling us to send their children to Camp SEED. Thank G-d, with a large family, and Jewish day school tuition and all the other expenses that come along with raising a large Jewish family, day camp has become a luxury.”
– Menachem and Chavie Friedman, Camp SEED scholarship recipient
"Thank you so much for making camp possible for me. You make it so inclusive and I plan to go back every summer until I'm a counselor. Camp is my happy place, I never want to leave."
– Sarah, age 12, Camp Havaya scholarship recipient
3 WAYS THE JEWISH FEDERATION SUPPORTS CAMP
Need-Based Scholarships
The Jewish Federation is committed to removing the financial barriers of Jewish camp by offering need-based scholarships for families who earn $200,000 per year or less in household income. Instate Jewish day and overnight camps receive this funding from the Jewish Federation to distribute to their campers in need.
One Happy Camper
One Happy Camper provides grants of up to $1,000 to families with children attending nonprofit Jewish overnight camps for the first time. Not based on financial need, the Jewish Federation directly distributes these grants to families with the goal of creating new experiences to cultivate their identities while participating in the Jewish community.
Ensuring a Safe Summer
As a result of rising antisemitism, the Jewish Federation remains vigilant in protecting camps against threats. The Jewish Federation provides security training and guidance for camps through its partnership with the Secure Community Network and supports vital security upgrades to facilities and systems through its Jewish Federation Real Estate (JFRE) group.
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For more information about Jewish summer camp, visit jewishphilly.org/camp. To support the Jewish Federation’s mission of making Jewish camp possible for all children who want to attend, make a gift at jewishphilly.org/donate.
