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They see an awesome time.  We see a Jewish future.  

Camp is a transformative experience in the life of a child. The impact of Jewish camp is immediate—campers return home connected to a community and friends that will last them a lifetime. Children with pivotal Jewish camp experiences are more likely to become adults who value their Jewish heritage, support Jewish causes, and take on leadership roles in their communities. 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.

FIND A SUMMER CAMP

One Happy Camper First Year Incentive Grant

The UJCVP is pleased to offer a One Happy Camper First Year Incentive Grant of:

- $1,000 to an approved non-profit Jewish overnight camp greater than 18 days long.
- $700 to an approved non-profit Jewish overnight camp 12-18 days in length.

The approved camp list and application is at the One Happy Camper website. Grants are only available for Virginia Peninsula residents who are contributing members of the UJCVP Annual Campaign. Camp applications should be submitted prior to applying for financial assistance from the One Happy Camper First Year Incentive Grant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the requirements for my child to receive the One Happy Camper stipend?
A: The One Happy Camper program is open to Jewish families from all walks of life on the Virginia Peninsula. Each camper must:
· Registered for an overnight camp listed on the Foundation for Jewish Camp's website
· Attending an approved overnight camp for at least 12 consecutive days
· Consider themselves Jewish
· Live on the Virginia Peninsula for a majority of the year
· Entering grades 2-12 (after camp)

Q: Can I receive financial aid from the camp in addition to a One Happy Camper stipend?
A: Yes. Camps maintain their own lists of scholarships and can provide additional assistance. Some synagogues may also provide grants or financial aid.

Q: My child has previously been to a Jewish summer camp for less than 12 days. Are they still eligible to receive the One Happy Camper grant?
A: Yes!

Q: Can I apply for a One Happy Camper Grant for more than one of my children?
A: Yes. The number of One Happy Camper stipends per family is not limited.

Q: When is the application deadline?
A: There is no deadline for One Happy Camper grants but they are provided on a first-come first-serve basis.

Q: How long will it take to be notified that my grant application has been approved?
A: Please allow 4-8 weeks. Once your child’s camp registration has been confirmed, funding will be sent directly to the camp starting in late spring and continuing through the summer.

Q: Where do I go if I need more funding?
A: See Below for Other Funding Opportunities

Other Funding Opportunities

Camp Financial Aid
Most camps offer financial aid. Talk with the camp about this and apply online at the camp's website. Most financial aid applications are on the website as well. Apply as early as you can.

UJCVP Funding
Additional Funds for need-based scholarships may be available through the UJCVP's Endowment . To inquire about these funds, please contact: Jessi Malkin Jmalkin@ujcvp.org or 757-930-1422.

Jewish Family Services
Jewish Family Services offers needs-based camp scholarships for lower income families on the Virginia Peninsula for an approved non-profit overnight camp. The application is available on line HERE and is due by the last day of March. For JFS funds, it is also required to apply for assistance through the camp.

Assistance From Congregations
If you are a member of a congregation, contact your Rabbi for any possible additional assistance.