One Happy Camper started in 2006 in Chicago with more than 500 grants for first-time campers and well more than 150 camps have participated in it to date. Since its start, funders nationwide have invested $100 million in OHC.
The program – a collaboration between the Foundation for Jewish Camp, numerous Jewish Federations and Jewish communities in the U.S. and Canada and camp providers, including the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond – offers incentive grants of up to $1,000 to families of first-time campers.
There are a variety of traditional and specialty overnight camps that span different denominations of Judaism, accommodate special needs and interests, and offer unique programming, catering to each family’s needs.
Building Connections
The hope is that once children get a taste of Jewish overnight camp, they’ll come back the following year, and build a connection to the greater Jewish community and Jewish values and practice.
OHC notes, “More families are making camp a priority. They are eager to provide their children with a sense of belonging, independence and the simple joys that Jewish camps offer.”
Started in 2006
Jeremy Fingerman, CEO of the Foundation for Jewish Camp, noted, “We have such enormous pride that a concept piloted back in 2006 has just been consistently growing in interest and demand, and that 80 percent of One Happy Camper recipients return for year two and beyond. “
“Once they’re in Jewish camp, they are hooked.”
Visit the OHC website at ttps://jewishcamp.org/ and use the Find a Camp tool to begin your search for the perfect summer experience and then visit each camp’s website for more detailed information.
For more information about OHC and Richmond’s needs-based Overnight Camp Scholarships contact Sara Rosenbaum at srosenbaum@jewishrichmond.org.
