Summer overnight camp is about so much more than campfires and color war. At camp, kids get the chance to explore who they are—and who they want to become—in an active, inspiring, fun-filled environment. All while developing deep friendships and learning new skills. (Marshmallows included.)

Jewish camp is more than just camp with Jewish kids. At Jewish camp, ruach (spirit) is part of every activity— from dancing to hitting a home run— allowing campers to explore their connection to Judaism in a meaningful way while having the summer of their lives. For example:

• Songs and activities are often tied to intrinsic Jewish values like community, kindness, and an appreciation for giving back.
• Color war is more than just “red versus blue.” Teams may be based on Jewish historical leaders or places in Israel.

For your child, Jewish camp is just plain fun. But it’s also much more than that—it’s camp with a soul.

Camp is exciting! Your kids will have the summer of their lives while celebrating the values of independence, friendship, community, fairness, diversity, giving back, inclusion, and heritage. Jewish camp is packed with action: boating, basketball, filmmaking, rock climbing, cooking, archery, painting, drama, dance—you name it!

Camp promotes your child’s individual growth in an enriching Jewish environment. For example:

• Jewish education at camp is fun, meaningful, and engaging.

• Camp learning is effective because campers don’t feel like they’re being taught.

The impact of overnight Jewish camp is immediate and lasting.

• At camp, kids hang out with cool, Jewish role models. Staff members inspire confidence and
  independence, guiding your child to hone their skills, build self esteem, and discover interests and talents they never knew they had.

• Studies show that children who go to Jewish camp are more likely to become adults who value
  their heritage, are engaged in their communities, support more causes, and take on leadership
  roles throughout their lives.

There’s a Jewish camp for everyone—no matter what your background, there’s a Jewish camp where your
child will have fun, be comfortable, learn more about themselves, and explore their Jewish identity.

• With 150+ overnight camps for kids of all ages, you’ll have no trouble finding a great fit for
  your family

Types of camps available include:

• Sports (softball, tennis, horseback riding, basketball, etc.)
• Arts (drama, filmmaking, painting, music, etc.)
• Environment, science, and technology
• Outdoor adventure
  
  

One Happy Camper® is an incentive program that provides grants to families with children attending nonprofit, Jewish overnight camp for the first time.

One Happy Camper® is a program of Foundation for Jewish Camp (FJC), in partnership with local Jewish organizations across North America. FJC provides partners with funding and marketing support to help them promote Jewish camp and recruit families like yours.

Partners—such as Jewish federations, foundations, individual camps, and PJ Library—co-fund and manage the One Happy Camper® program in their communities and provide you with help, support, and local perspective so you can find the right camp for your child.

Finding a camp—and applying for a grant—is quick and easy.

1. There are many tools available
   • FJC’s Find a Camp tool makes it easy to find a camp that you and your kids will love, based on information such as where you live, your child’s grade, and the type of activities your child is looking for.
   • Many One Happy Camper® partners also employ professionals to guide families through the process of finding the perfect camp.
   • Visit OneHappyCamper.org to get started.

1. Register your child
   • Once you’ve found a great camp on Foundation for Jewish Camp's website, register your child at your chosen camp
   • Visit your chosen camp’s website for details on how to register.

1. Apply for a One Happy Camper grant using our online application
   • Once your child’s registration at camp has been confirmed, visit OneHappyCamper.org and complete our simple online application form.

1. Check back in two to four weeks
   • You’ll receive an email once your application has been approved. You can also check your status online.
   • If you have questions regarding your application, please follow up with your local program administrator. (Visit OneHappyCamper.org for listings by state.)
   • Once the grant application has been approved, funds will be paid directly to the camp listed on your application and will be credited towards your balance. Funds are paid to the camp each spring.

To be eligible for a One Happy Camper® grant, typically your child must be:

• Registered for an overnight camp listed on Foundation for Jewish Camp’s website.
• Attending an approved overnight camp for the first time for at least 19 consecutive days; or 12 consecutive days if attending a camp in one of the 13 western states.
• Not currently participating in a daily immersive Jewish experience, such as a Jewish day school or immersion program. (A number of partners offer outside scholarships, incentives, and other resources for campers who attend day school.)
• Additional requirements may be in place in some areas. Contact your program administrator to check local eligibility requirements.

If you aren’t sure whether your child is eligible for a grant, or for any additional information, please contact your local program administrator. Visit OneHappyCamper.org for listings by state.