Foundation for Jewish Camp and the Samueli Foundation are investing in the next generation of Jewish campers in OC.
At a pivotal moment for Jewish life, Jewish camp is thriving. Last summer, a record nearly 200,000 young people experienced Jewish camp across North America—up nine percent over the pre-pandemic high—including thousands right here in California. They built lasting friendships, celebrated Shabbat, and grew exponentially as individuals, all while being part of a vibrant Jewish community.
With most camps planning to increase enrollment this summer and registration now in full swing, there has never been a better time for Orange County families to explore what Jewish camp can offer their children. And a landmark partnership between Foundation for Jewish Camp and the Samueli Foundation is helping make that possible, with $5 million in new funding dedicated to Orange County families.
Why Jewish Camp?
Jewish camps reflect the full diversity of our community. They span denominations, sizes, session lengths, and specialties: from intimate one- or two-week programs to month-long experiences serving hundreds of campers. For every kind of kid, there is a camp that fits.
What ties Jewish camps together are a few core elements. First, safety and belonging: 98 percent of parents report that camp created an inclusive space free from antisemitism, and 97 percent said camp fostered an environment where their child feels safe and proud to be Jewish. Second, individual growth: campers develop resilience, independence, and leadership skills. And third, being in joyful Jewish community with other young people.
About Foundation for Jewish Camp
Foundation for Jewish Camp (FJC) serves as a hub and support system for over 300 nonprofit day and overnight camps across the U.S. and Canada, including 15 overnight camps in California. We partner with camps on professional development, program funding, facility improvements, and more. Our signature program, One Happy Camper®, provides need-blind incentive grants. We have awarded more than 130,000 of these grants since the program began.
Funding for Orange County Families
In a first-of-its-kind investment to make Jewish camp more accessible for OC families, FJC’s Orange County Camp Initiative, through support from the Samueli Foundation, offers first-time campers residing in Orange County grants of up to $1,500 per camper per summer for their first three summers of Jewish camp. The program also includes Middle Income Access Grants for families earning under $350,000 per year. Significant need-based scholarship funds are available specifically for Orange County campers through their chosen California camp. Additionally, FJC’s Orange County Program Manager, Amanda Silverman, is on the ground to guide families in their camp decision-making.
The Orange County Camp Initiative is part of FJC’s regional model, which has embedded local expertise in communities including Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, and New England—with dedicated, on-the-ground support for families new to camp.
Get Started
Applications for the Orange County Camp Initiative are open now. Visit jewishcamp.org/oc to learn more about the grants and explore camps and explore camps. For every camper, there is a Jewish camp waiting for them. Our team is here to help you find the right fit. Reach out to Amanda Silverman, Orange County Program Manager, with any questions: orangecountyohc@jewishcamp.org. Our team is here to help you find the right fit. Reach out to Amanda Silverman, Orange County Program Manager, with any questions: orangecountyohc@jewishcamp.org.
Families residing outside of Orange County may be eligible for One Happy Camper grants through OHC partners at The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles, PJ Library, or their camp. Visit onehappycamper.org for details.
Margalit Rosenthal, Foundation for Jewish Camp West Coast Regional Director is a contributing writer to Jlife magazine.