Q:

I have two children I would like to send to one of the participating TopBunk camps. Are they both eligible?

A:

Yes, as long as they meet the other criteria, there is space for both in the desired camp(s), and grant money is still available, they would both be eligible.

Q:

My child went to Jewish Day Camp for more than two consecutive weeks in the past and is now prepared to go to one of the participating Jewish overnight camps. Is he/she eligible for this grant money?

A:

Yes.

Q:

I am interested in my child attending one of these Jewish camps, but I do not feel he/she is ready for a 3+ week program. If my child only attends a shorter session, is he/she still eligible for this grant?

A:

No. One of the criteria for eligibility is that one must be enrolled in a participating camp for a minimum of three weeks. We do recognize, however, that some younger children may require a shorter introduction to camp. Therefore, if a child doesn’t attend for more than two consecutive weeks this summer, he/she would still be considered a first-time camper next summer and (as long as other criteria are met) would be eligible for this grant.

Q:

Can I register my child for one of these camp’s shorter sessions now, and then decide to extend their stay (based on arrangements with the camp) and thereby avail myself of this funding at that time?

A:

Yes. HOWEVER… because registration for a 3+ week program is a prerequisite and funding is limited, you must still apply for a TopBunk grant by the deadline. Your application (and funding) will be put on hold. If your child decides to extend his/her stay at camp to a 3+ week session, the grant will then be applied against your child’s session tuition at that time.

Q:

If my child received the Year 1 grant in 2011, are they eligible to receive a grant for 2012?

A:

Yes. TopBunk will honour the Year 2 grant of $750 for all Year 1 campers who attended camp in 2011 and continue to meet the eligibility.

Q:

My child is interested in going to overnight camp and meets all of requirements, however the camp that he is interested in attending, the camp that all his friends are going to, is not listed as participating in the TopBunk program. Is he still eligible for the grant at this other camp?

A:

No. While there are many quality Jewish overnight camps, only children enrolling in those camps listed as eligible camps qualify for this program

Q:

I am sending my child for an 8-week program at one of the participating camps. The cost of doing so is substantially greater. Is there additional grant money available?

A:

No. Each first-timer grant is for $1,250 and each second-timer grant is for $750, irrespective of the amount of time spent in camp greater than the three-week minimum.

Q:

I am interested in sending my child to one of the participating camps for first session, and then to another one of the participating camps second session. Am I able to receive two separate grants?

A:

No. There is only one grant per child.

Q:

While I would love to send my child to Jewish overnight camp, I simply cannot afford it, even with the generous grant money being provided. What should I do?

A:

Speak directly to the camp to which you want to send your child. Some camps have additional need-based subsidies available or are able to direct you to additional sources of funding, including synagogues, Jewish Family & Child Services (JFCS), Jewish Immigrant Aid Services of Canada (JIAS), and the Toronto Jewish Free Loan Cassa (www.tjflc.com).