The challenge of passing along Jewish connection and commitment to the next generation has become one of the most important concerns of the American Jewish community. Based on Camp Works, a study by the Foundation for Jewish Camp (FJC) examining the long-term impact of Jewish overnight camp, there is compelling evidence that camp is a proven means of building Jewish identity, community, and leadership. It found that adults who attended Jewish overnight camp are 30 percent more likely to donate to a Jewish Federation, 37 percent more likely to light candles regularly for Shabbat, 45 percent more likely to attend synagogue at least once a month, and 55 percent more likely to feel very emotionally attached to Israel.

In order to enable as many children as possible to experience the power of Jewish camp, CAJE and Jewish Federation provide needs-blind grants of up to $1,000 to families with children attending nonprofit Jewish overnight camp for the first time through the One Happy Camper program in partnership with FJC. 

Families with children attending one of over 150 nonprofit Jewish overnight camps including Camp Sabra, Camp Ben Frankel, Herzl Camp, and many more for their first summer may receive a grant regardless of need or background. Families can find camps and apply for grants by visiting OneHappyCamper.org.

“The Jewish summer camp experience affects children in countless ways and opens their hearts to the joy of being Jewish,” says FJC CEO, Jeremy J. Fingerman. “We are passionate about making that experience possible for every Jewish child and deeply grateful to all of our partners who share our commitment to that goal.”