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CKids Gan Israel
CKids Gan Israel

Shluchim Resource Portal

Send Your Community's Children to CKids Gan Israel Camp

The Rebbe spoke about this frequently: sending children to overnight camp remains one of the most effective ways to strengthen a family's connection to Yiddishkeit.

This historic initiative, the first major new grant for Jewish overnight camp in decades, removes financial barriers and brings the Rebbe's vision closer than ever.

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One for 75

New CampaignRefer a child from your community; camps follow up, and you stay in the loopRefer a Camper

Our Partner Camps

Share these camp director contacts with families in your community. Each camp offers unique programming and location.

CKids Gan Israel camps are independently run and funded

Resources for Shluchim

Everything you need to promote CKids Gan Israel camps to families in your community. US grant ($1,000 per camper): applications open November 20, 2026. Europe grant (€250 per camper): application dates to be announced.

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Refer a Camper: One for 75

75 Shluchim. 75 New Campers. One Life-Changing Summer.

As we approach the 75th year since the Rebbe's leadership began, CKids is launching a special initiative: One for 75. We're inviting 75 Shluchim to each refer one new camper from their community to experience the magic of CKids Gan Israel overnight camp.

Referral Campaign: January 29, 2026 - February 5, 2026 (11-18 Shvat)

How it works:

  1. 1.Refer one child
  2. 2.Camp follows up with the family
  3. 3.You're kept in the loop

One for 75 Camper Referral

Submit a camper lead from your community. We'll handle the follow-up with the family.

Your Information (Shliach)

Camper Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should I refer?

Any Jewish child in your community ages 6-17 who might benefit from a CKids overnight camp experience, especially first-time campers or families new to Jewish programming.

Does the family need to be ready to register?

No! You can refer families who are just exploring options. The camp will reach out to provide information and answer questions.

What if they need financial help?

US grant ($1,000 per camper): applications open November 20, 2026. Camp scholarships and flexible pricing are also available.

Can grants and scholarships be combined?

Yes! The CKids grant can be combined with camp-specific scholarships and other funding sources to maximize affordability.

What if they're not a first-time camper?

Returning campers are welcome too! While grants prioritize first-timers, camps often have scholarships for returning families.

Who can I contact with questions?

Email us at grants@ckids.org. You can also reach out directly to any camp director listed above.

Camp Affordability (Practical Guide)

Most families do not pay full tuition. Camp affordability usually works through layering camp scholarships, national and local grants, community support, and a family contribution spread over time. This guide helps you confidently walk families through what's possible.

Apply for the GrantAffordability FAQ

3 Common Myths (and the Reality)

Myth 1: "If we can't pay full tuition, camp isn't realistic."

Reality: Tuition is a starting point. Camps offer payment plans, tiered pricing, sibling discounts, and scholarships.

Myth 2: "There's only one small grant."

Reality: Families typically layer multiple sources of support.

Myth 3: "If it didn't work once, it won't work again."

Reality: Circumstances and eligibility change year to year; new options open early in the season.

How Camp Pricing & Scholarships Usually Work

  • Tiered pricing / early registration pricing (when offered)
  • Monthly payment plans (spread over time)
  • Sibling discounts (when offered)
  • Camp-based scholarships (confidential, needs-based, reviewed annually)

Camp-based scholarships are often the largest single source of assistance.

Common Grants & Programs (Overview)

Availability and eligibility vary by location. When in doubt, apply or ask the camp office.

One Happy Camper

Learn more

Via Foundation for Jewish Camp + local federations. Typically first-time campers in many communities.

One Happy Camper SCI

Learn more

Small Communities Initiative for families in areas with smaller Jewish populations.

PJ Goes to Camp

Learn more

For PJ Library families. Typically smaller grants, easy application.

RSJ Grant

Learn more

Russian-speaking Jewish communities. Dedicated support streams in some areas.

Federation Scholarships

Learn more

Contact your local Jewish Federation for availability.

Synagogue/Community Scholarships

Varies

Many local communities offer additional support.

CKids Gan Israel Overnight Camp Grant

Apply for the Grant

Designed to complement scholarships and reduce barriers. May apply beyond first-year campers.

Typical: First-Year vs Returning Campers

First-Year Camper (Typical)

  • Often eligible for first-time incentive grants (e.g., One Happy Camper in many communities)
  • May qualify for PJ Goes to Camp (if PJ Library family)
  • Camp scholarship still applies
  • CKids grant may apply

Returning Camper (Typical)

  • First-time incentives may no longer apply
  • Camp scholarship often continues (and may increase based on need)
  • CKids grant remains relevant
  • Community aid may still apply

Tip: Planning earlier in the year usually increases options.

Action Steps for Shluchim (Checklist)

1.

Start the conversation early (before families self-disqualify)

2.

Encourage families to speak directly with the camp office (confidential)

3.

Apply broadly; do not rely on one grant

4.

Layer support sources (scholarship + grant + community + payment plan)

5.

Follow up after the first conversation

6.

If helpful, connect the family with another parent who's done it successfully

Copy/Paste Scripts for Parent Conversations

Script 1: "Most families don't pay full tuition..."

"Most families don't pay full tuition. Camp has scholarships, payment plans, and there are grants that can be layered together. Let's look at what might work for your family."

Script 2: "Let's explore scholarships + grants..."

"Let's explore what scholarships and grants are available. There's the CKids grant, One Happy Camper for first-timers, and the camp itself often has confidential scholarship funds."

Script 3: "First year is often the easiest..."

"First year is often the easiest to fund because there are first-time camper incentives. But even for returning campers, there are options: scholarships, grants, and payment plans."

Script 4: "If it didn't work last year..."

"If it didn't work last year, this year might be different. Eligibility changes, new grants come out, and the earlier you apply, the more options there are."

Script 5: "The camp office is discreet..."

"The camp office is discreet and can help you figure out what's possible. They work with families on this all the time; it's completely normal to ask."

FAQ (Quick Answers)

Do families need to pay everything upfront?

No, payment plans are common.

Is there help beyond first year?

Often yes: camp scholarships and other supports continue.

Is it embarrassing to ask?

No. It's standard and confidential.

If I'm not sure what they qualify for?

Apply broadly and ask the camp office; they can help navigate options.

Can multiple grants be combined?

Often yes; depends on program rules. Stacking is encouraged.

What should I tell families first?

Don't self-disqualify; start early.

Who should families contact?

Camp office + local community resources.

Where do we apply?

Tuition & Scholarship Calculator

Step 1: Enter Tuition

$

Check with your camp for the exact tuition amount. Some camps offer tiered pricing based on session length or early registration discounts.

Step 2: CKids Overnight Camp Grant

Most families qualify for more than one form of support.

CKids Overnight Camp GrantLimited Time
(up to $1,000)

CKids grant: US grant applications open November 20, 2026 and close December 20, 2026. Europe grant (€250 per camper): application dates to be announced.

The CKids Camp Grant is subject to availability and approval. Grants are awarded on a rolling basis while funds last.

Other Common Scholarships (Optional)

Many families stack multiple scholarships. Add any that may apply to you.

  • One Happy Camper (Foundation for Jewish Camp)
    I may be eligible
  • PJ Library First-time Camp Award (Summer 2026)
    PJ Library first-time camp award
  • Small Communities Incentive (Foundation for Jewish Camp)
    Small Communities incentive (if applicable)
  • RSJ (Russian-speaking Jewish) Support (Foundation for Jewish Camp)
    RSJ support (if applicable)
  • Local Federation / Community Scholarship (Local Jewish Federations)
    Local scholarship amount (if known)

Important: Programs vary by location and may change. Confirm eligibility, amounts, and deadlines with your camp office.

Grant Locator ToolFind grants by location.Open

Grant Funding Partners

Funded by Head Shluchim across the country in partnership with

Mr. George & Mrs. Pamela Rohr

  • Rabbi Yossi Posner
    Alabama
  • Rabbi Yosef Greenberg
    Alaska
  • Rabbi Shimon Margolin
    California
  • Rabbi Yisrael Deren
    Connecticut
  • Rabbi Chuni Vogel
    Delaware
  • Rabbi Benji Korf
    Florida
  • Rabbi Zalman Lipskar
    Bal Harbor, Florida
  • Rabbi Yossi New
    Georgia
  • Rabbi Meir Shimon Moscowitz
    Illinois
  • Rabbi Sholom Ber Weinberg
    Kansas
  • Rabbi Chaim Bruk
    Montana
  • Rabbi Mendy Herson
    New Jersey
  • Rabbi Tuvia Teldon
    Long Island
  • Rabbi Heshy Epstein
    South Carolina
  • Rabbi Shimon Lazaroff
    Texas
  • Rabbi Benny Zippel
    Utah
  • Rabbi Yisroel Shmotkin
    Wisconsin
  • Rabbi Yitzchok Wineberg
    Vancouver
  • Rabbi Yehuda Pink
    UK
  • Rabbi Chaim Prus
    Massachusetts

Yitzchak Abehsera in memory of Miriam Bat Fibi

Communities Sending Campers to CKids

Over 200 Shluchim have referred families to CKids Gan Israel camps

These communities have embraced CKids Gan Israel overnight camps, helping local families discover the transformative power of Jewish summer camp. Join them in referring families from your community.

Questions? We're Here to Help

Reach out anytime for support with the grant program

grants@ckids.org