PLEASE NOTE: Scholarships are only awarded to those applicants living within Central Ohio.
Funding is limited to applicants attending camps approved by the Foundation for Jewish Camp – Find a Camp
We grow Jewish experiences.
Overnight Jewish summer camp weaves Jewish values, culture and traditions into the fabric of camp, helping campers to connect to their own identity and the larger Jewish community. Spirited and dynamic staff members use experiential learning to reveal what makes Jewish religion and culture so unique in today’s world. At camp, Jewish and Israeli culture is celebrated through song, food, art and dance.
Each camp designs its own program to be accessible and enjoyable for all campers. Whether they’re telling stories in their bunks, learning about the environment or playing tennis, campers explore what Judaism means to them in a safe, nurturing and fun environment.
The impact of overnight Jewish summer camp is immediate—campers return home connected to a community and friends that will last them a lifetime. And it doesn’t stop there. 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, catering to each family’s needs. Use Foundation for Jewish Camp’s Find a Camp tool to begin your search for the perfect summer experience and then visit each camp’s website for more detailed information.
“I have seen a spark around Judaism in Nola since experiencing and returning from GUCI. We live in a Christian majority community and school district. In fact, Nola and her sister are the only students at their elementary school who are Jewish. Until experiencing the summer at GUCI, Nola was a bit shy about her religion. Now, she’s confident and proud of being Jewish.”
Funds for Camp
Camp scholarship opportunities are listed below. Please note, first time campers can apply for both a One Happy Camper Grant and a Needs-Based Scholarship.
Important Dates
- Nov. 14, 2025: One Happy Camper Registration and Needs-Based Scholarship applications open for Summer 2026.
- Applications for our Needs-Based Scholarship are now closed.
- One Happy Camper applications closes August 14, 2026.
Returning Camper
Returning campers are eligible to apply for scholarship money through JewishColumbus’ Overnight Jewish Summer Camp Need-Based Scholarship Program. Applications for Summer 2026 are now closed as of March 10, 2026.
First Time Camper
Considering a Jewish overnight camp for the first time? Your child may be eligible for a need-blind grant of either $700 for 12-18 days at camp or $1,000 for 19+ days at camp through the One Happy Camper program.
Confirm eligibility and apply at: www.onehappycamper.org.
Want to learn about scholarships and grants through JewishColumbus?
Bonnie Cram is the Community Investment Specialist at JewishColumbus. She oversees administration of all funding to Jewish organizations in Columbus, Israel and around the world, as well as individual funding for Jewish Overnight Camp & Israel Experiences. She oversees all administration related to the Community Impact Committee. Bonnie works to ensure the impact that Jewish Columbus is making in our community, Israel and around the world.