Camp, Israel and Travel

One Happy Camper

The One Happy Camper Program was created to inspire new campers to try Jewish overnight camp. The original philanthropists behind this program understood that it's difficult to reach Jews who find themselves on the margins or even outside of Jewish life. Thus, One Happy Camper incentives apply to all public school, homeschool, and some private school Jewish families whose children do not attend yeshiva. The program offers incentive grants to first-year Jewish overnight campers.

Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago is pleased to announce that it is the newest partner with Foundation for Jewish Camp in supporting the One Happy Camper program. As part of the JUF Camping Initiative, the long-standing Camp Coupons program will be merged with One Happy Camper to reach hundreds more children each year from across Chicagoland.

Campers who are not eligible for a One Happy Camper grant may qualify for up to $500 through the Camp Coupons program. 

What does it mean for families?

• Nearly every child will be eligible to receive a grant toward their first summer of Jewish overnight camp (12 days or longer).
• Children will only be eligible to receive one type of grant: either One Happy Camper or Camp Coupons. For example, if a child is eligible for a One Happy Camper grant, they will not be able to redeem Camp Coupons as well.
• Children eligible for a One Happy Camper grant will receive that funding, but will not be able to redeem Camp Coupons in addition to their One Happy Camper grant.
• Every child attending their first session of at least 12 days can receive $700 toward camp. Every child attending their first session of at least 19 days can receive $1,000 toward camp. Please note: campers are only eligible to receive one grant for the entirety of their camp experiences. If a camper receives a $700 grant, they are not eligible for additional grants in future.
• Children who are ineligible for One Happy Camper, but have Camp Coupons, will be able to use their Camp Coupons funding toward their first summer of camp.

The following requirements will apply to both types of grants:

• First summer of Jewish overnight camp 12 days or longer
• Live in the 6-county JUF service area (Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, Will)
• Entering 3rd - 10th grade following camp
• Eligible Jewish overnight camp (see list on jewishcamp.org)

One Happy Camper recipients must attend public or non-orthodox day school. Camp Coupons recipients can attend Orthodox day school. 

Apply for a One Happy Camper grant here. For more information about One Happy Camper or Camp Coupons, please email jewishcamp@juf.org.