One Happy Camper grants of up to $1,000 are available to 1st through 12th graders. To be eligible, the camper must not have previous camp experience of more than 11 consecutive days. The program is a partnership between the Jewish Federation of St. Louis and the Foundation for Jewish Camp. The grant can be applied toward a minimum 12-day session at one of 150+ nonprofit Jewish summer camps. Limited grants available. There is not a deadline to apply, however, parents should ensure their spot by signing up for camp and the grant as early as possible.
Your child can share in the summer of a lifetime while strengthening Jewish identity, making lasting connections and learning Jewish values.
What is the One Happy Camper Program?
The One Happy Camper Program offers grants of up to $1,000 to children from the St. Louis Jewish community who wish to attend Jewish overnight camp for the first time. The St. Louis program is being funded by the Jewish Federation of St. Louis and the Foundation for Jewish Camp, which developed the program.
What are the eligibility criteria for One Happy Camper grants?
- If your child is registered for 12-18 consecutive days at camp, you are eligible for a $700 One Happy Camper grant.
- If your child is registered for 19+ consecutive days at camp you are eligible for a $1,000 One Happy Camper grant.
Is One Happy Camper a needs-based program?
No. The St. Louis One Happy Camper Program provides grants to encourage children to attend overnight Jewish camp for the first time. It is not a scholarship fund and is not needs-based. Our goal is to engage families who are considering sending their children to camp and, in effect, to give them up to $1,000 off their camp fee to try a Jewish one.
How do families apply for a One Happy Camper grant?
The first step is to register the child at camp. In order to be eligible for a grant, the child must be registered at a Jewish summer camp listed on the Foundation for Jewish Camp’s website. Once campers are registered for camp, parents should apply for the grant using the online application system at OneHappyCamper.org. Once the child’s registration at camp has been confirmed and the grant application has been approved, funds will be paid directly to the camp listed on the application and will be credited to the family in the form of a tuition deduction. If the family cancels the child’s registration at camp, the funds will be returned to FJC and the partnering organization.
Can more than one child per family apply for a grant?
Yes. The grant is for each child, not by family.
Can a family receive financial aid in addition to a One Happy Camper grant?
Yes. One Happy Camper program grants are non-needs based grants. This is not a scholarship. As such, receiving a grant does not preclude the family from receiving scholarship aid from another source. To view an online directory of over 80 scholarships, please visit JewishCamp.org/Scholarships. Camps also maintain their own lists of scholarships and can provide additional assistance.
How long will it take to be notified that a grant application has been approved?
Decision notifications typically go out within a month of submission.