Foundation for Jewish Camp (FJC) has partnered with the Samueli Foundation on a new four-year incentive program from 2025–2028, exclusive for families residing in Orange County, California. This program offers all families need-blind grants of up to $1,500 per summer for up to three summers toward Jewish overnight camp with the goal of making it easier than ever to give your child an amazing camp experience.

After campers’ third summer, families can apply for Middle Income Access Grants for campers attending their 4^th summer or beyond. In addition, there are Initiative-provided need-based scholarships being given through various camps, helping to ensure cost isn’t a barrier to continuing your child’s camp journey.

Each eligible camper can potentially be awarded up to $6,000 in OHC grants over four summers, in addition to need-based scholarships!

Thanks to a new multi-year $5 million investment from the Samueli Foundation, Orange County families can receive One Happy Camper grants for up to three summers, while most communities only offer one summer. That means more years of laughter, growth, lifelong friendships, and meaningful Jewish experiences. This partnership also enables middle income families to continue accessing grants for the rest of their camper’s journey.

For campers attending camp for 12+ consecutive days for their first, second, or third year:

• $1,500 grants for campers enrolled for 19+ consecutive days
• $1,000 grants for campers enrolled for 12–18 consecutive days

For campers attending camp for 12+ consecutive days for their fourth year or beyond:

• Households with gross annual income of $350,000 or less are eligible
• $1,500 grants for campers enrolled for 19+ consecutive days
• $1,000 grants for campers enrolled for 12–18 consecutive days

For all applicants:

• Applicants must be residents of Orange County
• Campers must be rising 3^rd–12^th graders
• Applicants must be enrolled at an FJC network camp prior to filling out their OHC application
• Orange County residents can enroll at any Jewish overnight camp in the FJC network. Use Find a Camp to locate camps with ease.

Maximize your funding opportunities by applying for scholarships with your camp and through local funding resources.

California-Based Camp Scholarships

In partnership with The Samueli Foundation, FJC is funding 15 California-based camps with additional scholarship funds to make Jewish overnight camp even more accessible to Orange County families!

List of California Camps:

• Camp Akiba
• Camp Alonim
• Camp Bechol Lashon
• Eden Village West
• Camp Gesher
• Camp Gilboa
• Camp Hess Kramer & Gindling Hilltop Camp
• JCA Shalom
• Maccabi Sports Camp
• Camp Moshava Alevy
• Camp Mountain Chai
• URJ Camp Newman
• Camp Ramah in California
• Camp Ramah in Northern California
• Camp Tawonga

Jewish Federation of Orange County (JFedOC)

The Jewish Federation of Orange County’s Passport to Jewish Life grants provide financial assistance to Orange County students attending Jewish summer programs led by nonprofit organizations, including but not limited to Day and Overnight Jewish camps. These grants can be combined with scholarships and funding from other sources.

• Phone: 949.435.3484
• Website: https://www.jewishorangecounty.org/passport-to-jewish-life
• Email: Passport@JFedOC.org

Jewish summer camp is a powerful, proven experience that helps kids grow as individuals, build lifelong community, and deepen their connection to Judaism, the Jewish people, and Israel. Simply stated, Jewish camp works!

Learn More