Let's be honest: Jewish overnight camp is expensive. Thanks to a generous grant from the Robert & Marcia Ascher Endowment / IAUJC, as well as generous local donors to IAUJC, funds are available to help Ithaca area children and teens have the best summer experiences.
Don't automatically assume your income doesn't qualify your family. We want to ensure every Jewish child has the opportunity to experience the magic of Jewish camp. We understand these conversations may be difficult to start. Let us reassure you that the benefits of Jewish camp for your child and family will far outweigh any initial discomfort.
There are no set income requirements; we’ll work with you and your camp to make this affordable. Scholarships are confidential and based on the camp assessment of need – no one local will see your financial information! Many camps have their own scholarship programs, and you may also be eligible for One Happy Camper or other financial incentives.
Here's how to get financial help for camp or teen programs:
1) Register for camp.
2) Apply for financial assistance from the camp/program. You must apply for camp assistance in order to be considered for an award from IAUJC. Need-based eligibility will be evaluated by the participating camp and their recommendation will be presented to the IAUJC for its consideration.
3) "First time” campers at a Jewish camp (regardless of need) can get assistance through the Foundation for Jewish Camp, One Happy Camper program. Families affiliated with the IAUJC’s PJ Library program are eligible to request funds through PJ Goes to Camp. One Happy Camper grants may also be available through camps directly. Use these links for details on how to qualify for a $1,000 award. Only one One Happy Camper grant can be awarded to each camper, but you can check each program (Foundation for Jewish Camp, PJ Library, individual camps) to see which best fits. These are granted on a first-come, first served basis, so apply early!
4) Apply for a need-based Camp Award from IAUJC. Fill out this on-line confidential form. Or download this form and send to CampAwards@IAUJC.org or to Jewish Camp and Teen Summer Experience Award Committee
Ithaca Area United Jewish Community, PO Box 4214, Ithaca, New York 14852
Decisions are made on a rolling basis, with deadlines at the end of each month from December - March. IAUJC Camp Award funds are limited; early application is encouraged. Awards will be in the form of a payment made directly to the camp.
Campers who identify as Jewish, are between the ages of 6 to 18, and reside in Tompkins County and demonstrate need may be eligible for Awards. Prospective campers with financial need living in Cortland, Tioga, or Southern Cayuga Counties are welcome to inquire.
With gratitude to the Robert and Marcia Ascher Endowment and to IAUJC donors who designate their gifts to help make these wonderful Camp Awards possible.
Other Sources of Assistance
· Most non-profit Jewish camps have their own need-based financial assistance as well as assistance sources.
· Inquire about Temple Beth-El’s Camperships and Israel Study Funds. Contact 607-273-5775
· Note: Binghamton, Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse Jewish Federations (or JCCs) all offer camperships.
For teen travel in Israel, RootOne, powered by The Jewish Education Project, partnered with five youth organizations (YSOs)—BBYO, USY, Ramah, Union for Reform Judaism (URJ), and NCSY—to elevate and increase participation in their Israel travel programs.
For more information about Jewish summer camps and experiences, contact: CampInitiative@iaujc.org
For more information about Camp Awards / Campership Funds, contact: CampAwards@IAUJC.org
OR Write: Jewish Camp and Teen Summer Experience Award Committee
Ithaca Area United Jewish Community, PO Box 4214, Ithaca, New York 14852
