In partnership with a cleverly named program “One Happy Camper”(OHC), the Jewish Federation of St. Louis is offering a special gift: up to $1,000 in grants for 100 St. Louis Jewish children in grades 1 through 12 who choose to attend a traditional or specialty Jewish overnight camp for the first time.  Each camper must attend for at least 19 days.

Grants are available only to children who currently are not involved in a Jewish immersion program or enrolled in a Jewish day school. Eligible 1st-time campers may choose from among 150+ Jewish non-profit camps listed on FJC’s website at www.jewishcamp.org. They include: JCC’s Camp Sabra, URJ Camp GUCI, Young Judaea, Ramah, Habonim Dror, Nageela Midwest and hundreds more across the country.

St. Louis joins nearly 35 Jewish Federations across the country to offer the One Happy Camper program. “Camp, we know, is a magical transformative experience for Jewish children, and plays a big role in shaping Jewish identities and creates future Jewish leaders and professionals,” said Barry Rosenberg, Jewish Federation executive vice president.

To offer this benefit, Jewish Federation has entered into a funding partnership with the Foundation for Jewish Camps (FJC), which will provide a four-year matching grant to St. Louis. Michael Staenberg, chair of the Jewish Community Center board, is providing fundraising leadership to meet FJC’s matching grant requirement.

“I’m thrilled that with the help of the Staenberg Family Foundation, Jewish Federation, FJC and the JCC are partnering to make this life-changing experience accessible for more children,” said Staenberg  “This is a great example of several agencies working together toward an important community priority.”

Last year, 400 St. Louis children attended Jewish camp. Forty-nine non-day school students received an OHC incentive through the JCC. This new partnership is designed to get the St. Louis Jewish community more involved. According to One Happy Camper Director Seth Cohen, “The goal is to increase the number of children attending non-profit Jewish camps – which will create stronger Jewish communities in the future.”  

One Happy Camper grant applications are online at www.onehappycamper.org. Be sure to carefully review the eligibility criteria and have your camp and session information available. You will need both to complete the application.