Many Jewish communities throughout North America participate in the Foundation for Jewish Camps One Happy Camper program that provides up to a $5000 grant for first-time campers.
Eligibility criteria varies from community to community. Typically, campers must reside within the local program provider area, already be enrolled in their first overnight nonprofit Jewish summer camp (a 12-18 or 19+ consecutive day session), and identify as Jewish.
In Connecticut, One Happy Camper grants, and in some cases other camp scholarships, are available through the following partner organizations:
JEWISH FOUNDATION OF GREATER NEW HAVEN jewishnewhaven.org/scholarships. Financial aid is also available to over 195 different Jewish overnight camps for campers residing in the Greater New Haven area. JEWISH FEDERATION OF GREATER HARTFORD jewishhartford.org
UJF OF GREATER STAMFORD, NEW CANAAN AND DARIEN ujf.org