Community Trip 2027Report an IncidentStaff Directory
Youth & Teen

One Happy Camper Grants

Grants that help send first-time campers to Jewish overnight camp, where friendships, adventures, and Jewish identity grow together.

More than a summer

Camp is so much more than just an incredible summer. Studies show that children who attend Jewish overnight camp have higher rates of synagogue affiliation and a stronger connection to Jewish life and Israel. Plus, kids discover all the magic of sleepaway camp, from building friendships to learning new skills to going on new adventures, and make memories that will last a lifetime.

Jewish Federation of San Diego provides One Happy Camper grants for first-time campers to help build a vibrant Jewish future and strengthen children's pride in their Jewish identities.

Grant amounts

One Happy Camper grants are available for first-time campers, based on the length of the camp session.

$1,000

for 19 or more consecutive days

$700

for 12 to 18 days

$500

for siblings attending 12 or more days

Who is eligible?

To qualify for a One Happy Camper grant, a child must:

  • Attend Jewish overnight camp as a first-time camper
  • Sign up for a minimum 12-day session
  • Identify as Jewish and live in San Diego County

Campers attending a Jewish day school or yeshiva are not eligible for this grant.

Participating California camps

  • Camp Alonim
  • Camp Gesher (West Coast)
  • Camp JCA Shalom
  • Camp Mountain Chai (San Diego)
  • Camp Newman (URJ)
  • Camp Ramah
  • Camp Tawonga
  • Habonim Dror Camp Gilboa
  • Wilshire Blvd. Temple Camps (Grindling Hilltop and Hess Kramer)

Not sure where to start? Find the right camp for your child →

Apply for a grant

One Happy Camper grants are administered through the national One Happy Camper program. Start your application to claim a grant for your first-time camper.

Give your child a summer to remember

A One Happy Camper grant helps make a first summer at Jewish overnight camp possible.

Julie Gordon

Senior Manager of Community Planning, Jewish Federation of San Diego