For the third summer, the Federation, in partnership with the Foundation for Jewish Camping, is again be offering One Happy Camper Grants to first-time campers attending Jewish overnight camps.
These grants between $700-$1000 are offered to all no matter the family’s income level.
Federation will also continue to offer needs-based grants to any camper and their families who may need extra support. Federation strives to encourage camp participation because studies show that one of the best markers for an active Jewish adult is Jewish overnight camp participation.
For information, reach out to Sara Rosenbaum at srosenbaum@jewishrichmond.org.
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.
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.”
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.
