In recent years, parents and children have discovered the widespread benefits of summer camps. These camps can provide invaluable or life-changing experiences for kids and teens. Among their wide range of activities, they help develop independence and resilience in the young fraternity. However, summer camps can be expensive and may not be affordable for deserving and willing candidates. They can accommodate these summer camps with the help of summer camp scholarships. Read on as we highlight all the necessary points you should know related to summer camp scholarships.
Summer camp scholarships
Also known as “camperships” as the name suggests it is a financial assistance program designated to help families who cannot afford the costs of summer camps. Usually, these scholarships are offered by various camp organizations, non-profit organizations, government agencies, and even some private donors. Each of them works towards a common goal, i.e. making these summer camp experiences accessible for everyone, regardless of their financial background. It also helps those who possess the necessary merit to participate in these camps.
Variants of summer camp scholarships
There are various types of summer camp scholarships that you can avail. Let us read about them in detail:
- Need-based scholarships: As the name suggests, these scholarships are for families who are on a limited budget. The head of the family will need to provide the relevant documentation of income and other financial information to qualify for these scholarships.
- Merit-based scholarships: Some camps also offer scholarships based on the merit of the aspiring candidate. The points they keep in contention are academic performance, leadership skills, athletic achievements, or any other special talents. The idea is to award scholarships to those who truly deserve to be in the summer camps owing to their exceptional skills.
- Program-specific scholarships: Some camps can also offer scholarships for children who desire to participate in specific programs held in the summer camps. For example, STEM, music, arts, or sports. These scholarships can be ideal for children who have a specific area of interest or talent that they want to take to the next level.
- Full and partial scholarships: Then there are summer camp scholarships that cover the full cost of camp or a portion of it. Accordingly, the name varies i.e. full and partial. Quite naturally, full scholarships are very competitive while partial scholarships are readily available.
- Corporate or sponsored scholarships: As mentioned at the start, some corporations, organizations, charities, or communities may come forward and partner with camps to provide scholarships to children in specific regions, communities, or backgrounds. These types of scholarships are often visible where the camp aligns with the sponsor’s interest.
Eligibility requirements for summer camp scholarships
As you can see, the variants of scholarships are many, accordingly, the eligibility criteria can also differ based on the type of scholarship and the camp offering it. Here are some of the common criteria you should know:
- Income level: Need-based scholarships would require proof of income, such as tax returns, pay slips, or other financial documentation.
- Academic or extracurricular records: For applying to merit-based scholarships, camps may want to look at the academic records, involvement in extracurricular activities, and leadership roles of the child.
- Age and grade level: Many summer camps have age or grade-specific requirements. Therefore, a camp that is more applicable for high school students may have a wider range of eligibility requirements than the ones for elementary school goers.
- Geographical location: Some scholarships can only be availed by residents belonging to specific regions, cities, or states. It is usually common in the sectors where the local organizations fund these scholarships.
- Personal statements or essays: Some camps may also require the aspiring candidates to submit an essay or personal statement explaining in detail the reasons for which they want to participate in the camp, and what they aim to gain from these places.
- Letters of recommendation: Lastly, for availing of some scholarships, the candidate may require a letter of recommendation from a teacher, coach, or community leader who can guarantee the child’s character and overall skills.
Places to find summer camp scholarships
It can take time to find summer camp scholarships. Often, parents or student will need to do some research, but they can be optimistic as there are several resources available at present. Here are some options which you can consider while searching for scholarships:
- Summer camp websites: Generally, summer camps list scholarship-related information on their website, it also includes the necessary eligibility, deadlines, and application requirements.
- Local community centers: Community centers and clubs are some other places that partner with summer camps and you can check these places out.
- School counselors or advisors: School counselors are the best people for suggesting summer camp scholarships. They usually have information about community programs, camp partnerships, and financial aid options for students.
- Non-profit organizations: Specific non-profit organizations also have databases or resources related to such scholarships.
- Corporate or community organizations: As mentioned earlier, some companies and community organizations sponsor scholarships for their employees’ children or for other students in their region. So, feel free to ask your employer or local community organizations, if they are offering support for such scholarships to attend summer camps.
Key points to bag the scholarship
Understandably, scholarships are limited and the applications for it would be many. Thus, not everyone can get scholarships, but here are a few points that if you keep in mind can increase your chances of bagging the scholarship:
- Being genuine: You should remain genuine and honest when you apply. Whether it is due to a financial need or merit-based, state it clearly on the application.
- Highlight unique qualities: For parents whose children possess a unique talent, you must highlight it in the application. It can be one of the key factors in setting the application apart from others.
- Try to make it a family effort: We mentioned this before, if you are applying for a scholarship for a young child, do involve them in the application by having them write an essay or the things they want to do when they visit the summer camp. It helps in making the application more personal and compelling.
- Follow-up: If you do not hear back within the expected time, you can follow up with an inquiry. Make sure, the inquiry is polite which shows your commitment and interest in getting the scholarship.
Last words
Now that you know about summer camp scholarships and how to apply for them, do try it out. Do not feel bad if, for some reason, your application gets rejected. You can try the alternatives to scholarships in that situation. Lastly, do not forget to apply early, as the number of applications for such scholarships can fill up thick and fast.
