Jewish summer camp is where children build lifelong friendships, grow their independence, develop leadership skills, and strengthen their connection to Jewish life. For many, camp becomes one of the most formative Jewish experiences of their childhood—shaping identity, confidence, and belonging long after summer ends.

Today, families are navigating rising antisemitism, economic uncertainty, and the need for safe, affirming spaces where their children can feel secure, proud, and connected to their Jewish identity. For many, camp can feel out of reach without support.

That’s why Federation invests in two key pathways that make Jewish camp possible for families across Greater Washington: One Happy Camper grants for first-time campers and need-based financial aid for families facing financial barriers.

This summer, those grants will help hundreds of children attend more than 40 Jewish overnight camps across the country, opening the door to a first camp experience that many families might not otherwise be able to afford. And through our need-based financial aid program, campers will attend more than 20 camps nationwide with the support they need to participate fully in Jewish camp life.

As one parent shared, “Camp has always been a high expense, but without the scholarship, it would have been the first thing we would have been forced to remove to save money. Camp is where our children develop leadership skills, a sense of confidence, form lasting connections and relationships, and it helps ground them in their identity.”

Another wrote, “I have lost my job twice this year. I’m also a single parent, but Jewish camp is my top priority. I am grateful beyond words for the financial assistance.”

These stories remind us that financial aid is about much more than covering tuition. It is about ensuring access to safe, joyful, and deeply formative Jewish spaces. It is about helping children build community, develop pride in their Jewish identity, and feel connected to something larger than themselves.

As we look ahead to another summer of campfires, song sessions, Shabbat celebrations, and lifelong memories, we are grateful to the donors who make these opportunities possible.

Together, we are lowering barriers, opening doors, and investing in the next generation of Jewish life.

Want to help more children experience the magic of Jewish camp? Your gift helps ensure that financial circumstances never stand in the way of a transformative Jewish summer.