Ensuring our camp is open and welcoming to everyone is a core value for Camp Ramah. We are proud that over one-third of Ramah campers receive support through our financial aid process each year, while nearly half take advantage of Ramah and/or external funding resources. Below is a list of Ramah and non-Ramah resources that make camp more affordable and accessible.
To learn more about these resources, please reach out to Ben Strom.
We consider it a profound privilege to be your partner in facilitating your child’s Journey for a Lifetime. We can’t wait to welcome you into our kehillah (community).
Ramah Support
Camp Ramah families in need of financial assistance for camp are invited to apply for a Camp Ramah Scholarship, regardless of household income. Scholarship applications will be available in the fall, but families are encouraged to enroll as soon as possible. Applications submitted by December will be announced by March. Applications submitted afterwards will be awarded on a rolling basis.
In order to better serve the growing number of families seeking financial support, we have partnered with FACTS, a third-party organization that provides such services to over 12,700 families, students, and institutions, to collect the applications and required documentation. FACTS will handle the collection of your application, supporting documentation, and validation of the information provided. Our volunteer Financial Aid Committee will personally review each application and make all final award decisions.
www.ramah.org/facts
Please be sure to review and print the instructions page after clicking on the link provided above. There is important information to use as a reference as you continue through the application. FACTS has a team of support to help you if you have questions along the way. Please note that no incomplete applications will be forwarded to us. Be sure to complete all required information and provide all required documentation. The fee for this service is $40 and is charged by FACTS; you will be required to pay this amount upon completion of your application. This fee is charged by FACTS and NOT Camp Ramah in California. If this fee causes your family hardship at this time, please contact Randy Michaels to discuss options. If you need any assistance or clarification, please contact Ben Strom.
The Masah Incentive is a subsidy sponsored by the Winkler Lowy Foundation for returning Ramah campers to complete their camper journey for Tzophim, Kochavim, and Machon (as well as 14, 15, and 16-year-old Amitzim campers). This incentive is independent from our financial aid process and is not needs-based (though there is an application process, see below).
Campers who apply will receive the following awards to offset the cost of tuition:
- $360 – Tzophim campers & 14-year-old Amitzim campers
- $500 – Kochavim campers & 15-year-old Amitzim campers
- $720 – Machon campers & 16-year-old Amitzim campers
Rishon is an incentive program for first-time campers who would not otherwise qualify for One Happy Camper (see below). For more details and eligibility information, please contact Ben Strom.
Camp Ramah offers a variety of discounts: for first-time families, for siblings, for those who enroll early, and for active-duty military and first responders (police/fire/EMT). For more information please click here or email Ben Strom.
Community Support
As Camp Ramah in California does not manage the following resources, please note that this information is provided as a courtesy. Please get in touch with the sponsoring agency for updated information and to verify eligibility and availability.
One Happy Camper is a grant designed for children who are first-time campers to attend a Jewish residential camp for any length of time and who are enrolled in a public or non-Jewish private school. Most campers will qualify for One Happy Camper through their local Federation or Jewish Foundation. If you do not qualify, you can apply for Ramah’s Rishon program (see above) and the PJ Library Goes to Camp Fund Incentive. This incentive is available to PJ-associated applicants on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Samueli Foundation is generously underwriting an expanded One Happy Camper program, providing support for campers from Orange County. For more information, please email Ben Strom.
- Synagogue Funds: Inquire directly through your synagogue’s main office, Sisterhood, or Men’s Club.
- Rabbi’s Discretionary Funds: Inquire directly through your Rabbi’s office.
Many Jewish Federations, Jewish Foundations, JCCs, and Bureaus of Jewish Education offer financial resources to help pay for camp. Please inquire directly with them. For questions, please email Ben Strom.
- Jewish/Hebrew Free Loan Societies: Some cities have agencies offering interest-free loans for Jewish summer camps. Please contact your local Jewish Federation to inquire about this service. Some are listed below.
- Southern California Jewish Free Loan Association (serving Los Angeles, Orange, and Ventura counties).
- Northern California Hebrew Free Loan Association of San Francisco.
- San Diego Hebrew Free Loan of San Diego.
- Phoenix, AZ Jewish Free Loan of Greater Phoenix.
- Tucson, AZ Hebrew Free Loan Association of Tucson.
- Portland, OR Jewish Free Loan of Greater Portland.
- International Association of Jewish Free Loans.
- USY: Contact your local USY director or go to http://www.usy.org.