Summer Camps
Congregation B’nai Jehudah
B’nai Jehudah offers scholarships for camp and Israel experiences.
Apply by March 1.
Jewish Community Foundation
The Jewish Community Foundation has three scholarships for those planning to attend Jewish summer programming.
The Karen and Ed Porter Jewish Experience Award Fund provides one-time aid for programs or Jewish travel experiences which foster leadership development, spiritual development, community development or personal Jewish enrichment. Priority is given to high school or college students marginally connected to the Jewish community or questioning their Jewish identity. Awards are based upon merit. Financial need may be taken into consideration.
The E. David Soltz Israel Scholarship Fund is a need-based scholarship intended to assist high school or college students seeking to attain a deeper understanding of Judaism while studying in Israel.
The Allen and Janet Agron Camp Ramah Scholarship Fund is intended to help students attending Camp Ramah in Wisconsin. Agron fondly remembered his years as a camper there and wanted to share that joy with others. Scholarships of up to $1,000 for four-week camp sessions and scholarships of up to $2,000 for eight-week camp sessions are available. Decisions will be based on merit and financial need relative to the total expense of the camp session attended.
Application forms and deadlines may be found at Jewish Community Foundation’s website at jcfkc.org/scholarships.
Israel Programs
Yallah! Israel (powered by NFTY in Israel) – The Union for Reform Judaism’s network of Israel travel programs for teens. Hike, climb, discover and explore with new friends from across the continent. Return home with endless personal accomplishments, meaningful memories and stories you will never forget.
URJ Heller High and Alexander Muss High School in Israel – URJ Heller High: Isaac and Helaine Heller EIE High school in Israel, in partnership with JNF-Alexander Muss High School in Israel, is a semester long (four month) program for high school students in grades 10-12.
Financial Planning and Scholarships for Israel
Passport to Israel – Passport to Israel is a savings incentive program designed to help families plan for their child’s high school or college trip. Beginning in the third grade and continuing through the eighth grade, those families who contribute a total of $200 yearly to their child’s PTI fund will receive a $100 match from the Flo Harris Supporting Foundation.* This gives you the opportunity to save a considerable amount toward the cost of an Israel experience. Enrollment and contributions are collected by B’nai Jehudah, August through December each year.
Kansas City Jewish Federation Financial Assistance For Long-Term Israel Programs – The Rabbi Gershon Hadas Guardian Society for Jewish Children also provides financial assistance to individuals who wish to participate in long term (three months or longer) Israel programs after high school or college. Click here to apply.
A Gift That Will Shape Generations
We are thrilled to announce an incredible opportunity for Jewish families across Greater Kansas City: The Bushman Gift of Camp!
For generations, Jewish overnight camp has helped children build lifelong friendships, discover their independence, strengthen their Jewish identity and create memories that stay with them for years to come. Thanks to an incredible gift to our community, we are making that experience accessible to more Kansas City children and families than ever before.
The Bushman Gift of Camp covers 75% of overnight camp tuition, up to $4,000 per child, for first-time and returning campers at eligible Jewish overnight camps.
This remarkable gift represents an investment in the future of our Jewish community, giving children the opportunity to grow, connect and discover what it means to be part of something special.
National studies by the Foundation for Jewish Camp and Brandeis University found that nearly two-thirds of young adults who attended Jewish overnight camp credit it with their continued involvement in Jewish life.
We know camp builds four things that last:
belonging · leadership · joy · identity
And through the Bushman Gift of Camp, we are excited to bring these experiences within reach for families throughout Greater Kansas City.
Who can apply
Jewish children who identify as Jewish and permanently reside in the Greater Kansas City area, including Topeka and Lawrence, Kansas and St. Joseph, Missouri.
First-time and returning overnight campers of any camp-eligible age. Every eligible child in a family may receive the gift.
Campers attending a Foundation for Jewish Camp-affiliated overnight summer camp.
Learn more about the program, eligibility, and how to apply at bushmangiftofcamp.org.
Questions? Please contact Jessica Kroll, Manager, Bushman Camp and Community Experiences, via email or at (913) 327-8163.
