First-time campers are eligible for grants up to $1K

Summer camp can be a transformative experience, providing children with the opportunity to make memories and friendships that last a lifetime.

The mission of the Jewish Alliance’s One Happy Camper program is to provide more children with the opportunity to attend Jewish overnight camp for the first time by offering grants to qualifying families.

At Jewish camp, children have amazing adventures, try out new skills, and explore who they are – and who they want to become – in a nurturing, fun-filled place. Campers can choose from a variety of activities such as boating, filmmaking, rock climbing, cooking, archery, painting, drama or dance. And they learn lifelong values including kindness, independence and an appreciation for giving back.

Local first-time campers attending any of over 150 Jewish camps throughout the U.S. and Canada, including camps close to home, are eligible to receive the grants. These can be general camps that provide a wide-range of choices and activities throughout the camp season or camps that specialize in arts, athletics, health, math/science, or other areas. Teens may even choose from among some travel and leadership opportunities.

Parents who are unsure as to which camp may best meet their child’s needs should consult the database at http://onehappycamper.org/ or contact Larry Katz, Director of Jewish Life and Learning at the Jewish Alliance.

Campers who have participated in such camps during previous summers for less than 12 days are also eligible for the grants. $700 grants are available for first-time campers who attend for less than 19 days, and $1,000 grants for those who attend at least 19 consecutive days. The number of grants is limited, and are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, regardless of financial need.

Applications for grants are handled online at onehappycamper.org. For questions about camps or the grants, contactLarry Katz, director of Jewish Life and Learning, at  lkatz@jewishallianceri.org or 401-421-4111. Residents of Rhode Island and neighboring parts of Massachusetts are eligible for grants from the Jewish Alliance. Residents of the area served by Boston’s Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP) are eligible for the same type of grants, though funded by CJP.

Since the amount of available funds is limited, the grants are reserved for students who do attend Jewish day schools. However, The Harold Grinspoon Foundation assists day school families through a drawing for $1,000 grants for first-time campers if they or a sibling have been part of PJ Library. This is the only local opportunity for day school students to receive such a grant. More information may be found at pjlibrary.org/beyond-books/pj-goes-to-camp. The deadline to apply for this drawing is Nov. 18.

Submitted by

the Jewish Alliance

of Greater Rhode Island