Summer Camp & Israel Experience Scholarships Available!

Do you have a Child or Grandchild that is interested in attending a Jewish Summer camp or going to Israel on a sponsored trip?  Did you know that Congregation Beth Shalom has a Scholarship fund?  Thanks to the generosity of those that came before us, we are lucky to be able to provide financial assistance.  The Assistance is need based.  In order to be considered for a Scholarship, please fill out the Scholarship application that is available on the Congregation Web site HERE.   The community also has funds available via the Guardian Society, but in order to be considered for their funds, you must also apply for a Congregation Beth Shalom Scholarship, and we will coordinate with the Guardian Society.  Applications are due March 10^th, 2025.  If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Richard Simon, Scholarship Chairman, at kcrufus@gmail.com.

Additional Camp Scholarship Opportunities 

The Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City is, once again, pleased to offer financial assistance to those students participating in Jewish enrichment programs, particularly Jewish overnight summer camps and Israel experiences.  Young people who participate in Jewish camping and Israel experiences are more likely to be engaged in Jewish life when they become adults. Anyone who has been part of these programs knows how they change lives.

 

Working together with families and local congregations, the Jewish Federation has assisted over 2,000 individuals in their dream to participate in Jewish enrichment experiences. Students attend a variety of programs, including summer camps as well as Israel academic courses and seminars. Young adults are given the opportunity to experience Judaism in an intensive Jewish environment.

 

Financial Assistance Grants. The Guardian Society is a last source for financial assistance. Applications will not be considered until the applicant has submitted a scholarship request to the sponsoring organization and to their local congregation and the individual/family makes a meaningful contribution to the cost of the program.

 

First Time Campers Fund “Incentive Grants.” In addition, we provide First Time Camper “incentive grants” on a first-come-first-serve basis.  In order to qualify for a First Time Campers Fund incentive grant of $1,000, the student must live in the Greater Kansas City area and attend an approved (see list below) Jewish camp program of at least three weeks in duration.

 

Long Term Israel Program “Incentive Grants.”  Thanks to a generous bequest from the Lewis Family Memorial Fund, the Guardian Society will be receiving additional funds each year.  These additional dollars come at an opportune time as during the past few years we have been receiving a number of requests to assist individuals who wish to participate in long term Israel programs after high school or college.  If you know of individuals seeking assistance for long term Israel programs, please feel free to provide them with an application and instruct them to be in touch with Alan at the Federation office.