Financial Assistance
Each Child Deserves the Camp Experience
Each year there are scholarships, incentive grants, and discounts available to all of our camp families. Some programs are strictly need-based (Scholarships), but other community programs/Grants (i.e. OHC, PJ Library, etc.) are available with minimal restrictions.
All personal and financial information is always kept strictly confidential, and our staff is always available to answer any questions you may have. We have provided information and options below to assist you.
Foundation for Jewish Camp Grant Programs
One Happy Camper
One Happy Camper is a need-blind incentive grant program of Foundation for Jewish Camp (FJC). In partnership with local Jewish organizations across North America. Jewish federations, foundations, individual camps, Small Community Incentives and PJ Library— sponsor the One Happy Camper grant for their communities and provide help, support, and local perspective so families like yours can find the right camp for their child.
Israeli American Camper Grants
First-time and Second-time campers may receive between $700 and $1,000 off. This incentive is in lieu of traditional One Happy Camper grants, and families may still be eligible for additional financial assistance from their camps.
Orange County families
Orange County Camp Families are eligible for three new grant programs for campers in Orange County, thanks to funding from the Samueli Foundation. This initiative includes extensions to One Happy Camper grants, Middle Income Access grants, and need-based scholarships.
- One Happy Camper® Grants: First-time campers from Orange County can receive $1,000 (12–18 days) or $1,500 (19+ days) grants for their first three years at camp.
- Middle Income Access Grants: Families earning $250,000 or less can apply for grants (same value as One Happy Camper) after their third summer—no documentation required.
- Need-Based Scholarships: Additional funding will be available to ensure all Orange County families can afford Jewish camp. Scholarships will be distributed directly to camps based on applications.
Applications are open for summer 2025. To be considered, families must first register with CMC, then complete the One Happy Camper Online Application. Please note, the general One Happy Camper Application will be used for all three grant programs. Families can find all grant eligibility criteria at jewishcamp.org/oc.
For those impacted by the Southern California Wildfires
The HUG (Helping Uplift Generations) Fund was created to support families impacted by the wildfires in the Palisades. The Fund offers 50% tuition reduction for families who have lost their homes, businesses, or jobs from the fires. To receive information and enrollment forms for this grant, please contact our registrar, Emily Merrill at [email protected].
To find our if you are eligible, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].
Outside Funding
Your local Synagogue
Most synagogues have camp scholarship programs for their members. Contact your local synagogue and inquire about how to apply for assistance. Deadlines vary. Please contact your congregation to learn more.
Your local Jewish Federation
Most local Jewish Federations offer summer camp scholarships. The Jewish Federation of San Diego County generously provides funding directly to Camp Mountain Chai for scholarship for CMC families, meaning you do not need to apply to Federation for funding. Families outside of San Diego county should contact your local Federation to find out about deadlines, applications, and qualifications.
Payment Plans
CMC is happy to work with our families to make paying for camp as seamless as possible. Please contact the CMC office at 858-499-1330 to discuss payment options. Full balance must be paid prior to your camper’s arrival at Camp.
Interest-Free Loans
If you have had unexpected expenses, you can also inquire about emergency loan assistance from Jewish Free Loans of LA or Hebrew Free Loans of SD.
Jewish Family Service of San Diego- Supporting Jewish Single Parents (SJSP Grant)
Jewish Single Parents living in San Diego can qualify based on financial need. Financial assistance is awarded on a first-come first-serve basis and is subject to available funds. Please apply using their 2025 Camp Scholarship Application, or email [email protected].
Military Scholarship
CMC Financial Aid
We are committed to helping every camper experience the magic of Jewish sleep-away camp!
Scholarships are based on need and subject to available funds. Scholarship applications will be available in Fall 2025, and families are encouraged to enroll in camp as soon as possible. Applications submitted by 03/01/2025 will be announced in April 2025. Applications submitted after 03/01/2025 will be awarded on a limited, rolling basis.
If at any time the CMC Financial Aid amount awarded exceeds the family balance (based on the family’s acquisition of additional outside awards post CMC’s distribution) the amount awarded from our Financial Aid will be adjusted accordingly.
It is our expectation that families submit aid requests from other local funding sources, such as synagogues, federations, and Jewish Family Service before requesting assistance from CMC.
The San Diego Jewish Federation and Leichtag Foundation generously provide funding to Camp Mountain Chai to allocate on their behalf, therefore an application to Camp Mountain Chai may, based on their qualifications, make you eligible for those resources as well.
For more information regarding Financial Aid please call our office at 858-499-1330.
Summer Camp Financial Assistance Application