JWest Campership Program
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the JWest Campership Program?
The JWest Campership Program seeks to increase the number of Jewish youth in the Western United States enrolled in nonprofit Jewish overnight summer camps. Now in its third year, the JWest Campership Program awards financial incentives of up to $2,500 over multiple years to middle schoolers who attend one of 20 Jewish camps for the first time. Campers must reside in one of the thirteen Western states. Funded by the generous support of the Jim Joseph Foundation, JWest is an initiative of the Foundation for Jewish Camp.
What is the difference between the JWest Campership Program and the Campership Incentive Program? How do I determine which program my camper may qualify for?
In addition to the JWest Campership Program, in the 13 Western states there is a complimentary incentive program in the following specific communities—B’nai B’rith (BB) Camp, JCC Ranch Camp, Los Angeles and Orange County Federations. Total grant dollars will vary depending on which program your camper qualifies for. Don’t worry—the registration system will determine your camper’s eligibility so that they will receive the maximum grant amount possible. To learn more about the JWest program requirement, continue reading below.
How does the program work?
The parent/guardian(s) of a potential camper living in one of the 13 Western states can enroll him/her in one of 20 nonprofit Jewish overnight camps in Western North America, which are listed above. If these camps do not meet the needs or preferences of the applicant, the parent/guardian(s) may speak directly with staff at the Foundation for Jewish Camp (FJC) to select from a list of over 150 Jewish nonprofit camps listed at www.jewishcamp.org. After registering for camp, the parent/guardian(s) visit www.onehappycamper.org and fill out the JWest Campership Program application. Once the camper’s registration at camp has been confirmed and the JWest application has been approved by FJC staff, the incentive monies will be paid directly to the camp in the camper’s name. If the camper remains on a waitlist or cancels before camp begins, no incentive monies will be awarded.
What are the eligibility requirements for applicants?
Potential campers eligible to receive up to $2,500 during the grant period are those who in the first year:
- Have never attended Jewish overnight summer camp (family camp and/or winter camp participation do not disqualify potential grant recipients)
- Will enter sixth, seventh, or eighth grade in the fall after camp
- Are not involved in immersive Jewish experiences (day school or yeshiva)
- Enroll in a two week (12 day minimum) session or longer
- Reside in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, or Wyoming
What camps can I choose from?
Eligible camps include: B'nai B’rith Camp, Camp Akiba, Camp Alonim, Camp Be'chol Lashon, Camp Charles Pearlstein, Camp Gan Israel Running Springs, Habonim Dror Camp Gilboa, Camp Hess Kramer, Camp JCA Shalom, Camp Mountain Chai, Camp Ramah in California, Camp Solomon Schechter, Camp Tawonga, Camp Yofi, Gan Israel Ranch Camp, Gindling Hilltop Camp, JCC Ranch Camp, Ramah Outdoor Adventure Camp, Sephardic Adventure Camp, Shwayder Camp, URJ Camp Kalsman, URJ Camps Newman Swig and Camp Miriam.
Is any camp session eligible for JWest funding?
Campers need to attend a minimum 2 week (12 day) session to qualify for the JWest Campership Program. This is because FJC feels strongly that camps have the greatest Jewish impact on campers when campers spend at least this amount of time at camp. While it is normal for first-time campers to feel hesitant about being away from home for this long, camp staff will ensure a smooth adjustment for them. Camp counselors are trained to make campers feel as comfortable as possible and are equipped to deal with cases of homesickness as they occur.
Can I apply for the incentive before I enroll my camper in camp, or must I decide on a camp session before applying?
You must register your child at an approved Jewish summer camp and for a minimum two-week session in order to complete your online application. If you have questions about your camper’s eligibility that are not explained in the application, or need help selecting an appropriate camp, feel free to contact FJC at 888-888-4819.
Can I receive financial aid in addition to the JWest Campership monies?
The JWest Campership Program awards incentive, not scholarship dollars. You will need to check in with your other funding sources to make sure you will still qualify for a needs-based scholarship. During the 2008 and 2009 camp seasons, FJC did not hear of any camper who was denied additional financial aid due to their receipt of a JWest Campership incentive. To view an online directory of over 80 scholarships, please visit www.jewishcamp.org/scholarship.
Will I qualify for additional funds after the 2010 camp season?
The JWest Campership is a multi-year grant. Campers who received grant money in the first year and return for a second summer will be eligible for a second year grant and in some cases, the camper will be eligible for a third year of funding. The total grant amount of the JWest Campership Program is $2500, which will be distributed over a 2-3 year period.
Can more than one child per family apply for the grant?
Absolutely! If you have multiple children that meet the eligibility criteria, we are happy to fund them.
Is there a deadline to apply?
There is no deadline to apply, but the longer you wait, the greater the chance that the camp of your choice will fill. It is possible that camps will fill before the JWest Campership Program will run out of funds.
How long will it take to be notified that my child has been approved?
Please allow 2-4 weeks for the camp to receive confirmation of JWest Campership approval. Once your child’s camp registration has been confirmed at camp, FJC can release the funds to the camp in your child’s name.
I have a child who has special needs. Are there Jewish camps that accommodate my child?
There are a number of Jewish camps with programs for children with special needs. For a full list, visit www.jewishcamp.org/camps.
My child loved camp. Is there a way to for them to stay involved with their friends from camp during the school year?
Absolutely! The JWest Campership Program encourages all JWest campers to keep their camp friends and memories close by participating in year-round programming. Please visit our Fun All Year section to learn more about exciting opportunities for your camper.
I have a friend/cousin/acquaintance that lives in the West. How do I get them more information about the JWest Campership program?
Have them visit www.onehappycamper.org or call 888-888-4819.
What are the Foundation for Jewish Camp and the Jim Joseph Foundation?
The Foundation for Jewish Camp unifies and galvanizes the field of Jewish overnight camp and significantly increases the number of children participating in transformative summers at Jewish camp, assuring a vibrant North American Jewish community.
The mission of the Jim Joseph Foundation is to foster compelling, effective Jewish learning experiences for young Jews.
To learn more about why we support the field of Jewish summer camp, please visit the About Us page.