Frequently Asked Questions

The grant is open to all Jewish families sending a child to one of the six official CKids Gan Israel overnight camps. Both new and returning campers are eligible. There are no income requirements; every family is welcome to apply.

The US grant is $1,000 per camper. The Europe grant is €250 per camper for European camps (Denmark, Hungary). The grant is applied directly toward tuition.

US grant ($1,000 per camper): applications open November 20, 2026. Europe grant (€250 per camper): application dates to be announced.

500 grants are available this season, awarded while funds last, so apply early.

The US window is Nov 20 to Dec 20, 2026. Europe: Dates to be announced.

Yes, fully stackable with One Happy Camper, PJ Library, Federation scholarships, camp scholarships, and any other assistance. Many families combine multiple sources and pay significantly less.

Pricing varies by camp and session length (2–6 weeks). Full-season tuition typically ranges from $3,500–$6,500. Some camps offer tiered pricing so every family pays what they can truly afford. Contact the camp directly; they work individually with families to make camp possible.

Yes. Every CKids Gan Israel camp is committed to never turning a child away for financial reasons. They offer generous scholarships, payment plans, and tiered pricing. Reach out to the director; they will do the most they can to make camp a reality for your child.

Register for camp and speak directly with the camp director. Between camp scholarships, One Happy Camper, and other aid, many families pay far less than list price.

Grants are approved on a rolling basis. You'll receive confirmation by email within a few weeks.

Email grant@ckids.org or contact the camp director directly; they're happy to help.

Every CKids camp maintains rigorous safety standards including comprehensive background checks for all staff, 24/7 supervision, secure facilities, and trained medical personnel on-site. Staff-to-camper ratios exceed industry standards, and all camps follow strict safety protocols developed over decades of experience.

Homesickness is completely normal, especially for first-time campers. Our counselors are trained to help children work through these feelings with warmth and patience. Most children adjust within the first few days as they make friends and engage in activities. Parents receive regular updates, and our staff will reach out if we have any concerns.

Absolutely. CKids camps welcome families across the entire spectrum of Jewish observance. The goal isn't to judge where you are; it's to give your child a positive, joyful Jewish experience. Many families tell us camp is where their children first develop their own connection to Jewish life.

Campers experience Shabbat celebrations, daily prayers, Jewish learning, and holiday observances woven naturally into camp life. Everything is designed to be engaging and age-appropriate, never forced or preachy. The emphasis is always on joy, community, and meaningful experiences.

Many of our campers are first-timers, and our staff is experienced in helping children adjust. We recommend starting with a shorter session if you're unsure. Most parents are amazed at how quickly their children adapt and thrive, often asking to stay longer by the end of their first summer.

Most CKids camps accept children starting around ages 7-8 (entering 2nd or 3rd grade), though this varies by camp. If you're unsure whether your child is ready, we encourage you to speak directly with the camp director; they can help you assess readiness and find the right fit.

Start by talking positively about the experience and involving them in packing. Practice small separations beforehand if possible. Most camps provide preparation guides and some offer pre-camp meetups. Remember: some nervousness is normal for both parents and children; it usually transforms into excitement once camp begins.