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 overnight campers from California, Oregon, Arizona, Colorado, and Washington state with at least one Israeli-born parent may receive an incentive grant of up to $1,500. 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.
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 – Supporting Jewish Single Parents (SJSP Grant)
Jewish Single Parents can qualify based on financial need. Financial assistance is awarded on a first-come first-serve basis and is subject to available funds. Please email [email protected] or call the Center for Jewish Care Line at 858-637-3018.
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