First-time Camp Awards — Summer 2025

First-time campers may be eligible for awards of up to $1,000

 

Summer camp can be a transformative experience, providing children with the opportunity to make memories and friendships that last a lifetime. PJ Library wants to help subscribers attend Jewish overnight camp for the first time by offering awards to qualifying families- we administer camp awards through the One Happy Camper® (OHC) platform.

When PJ Library subscriber families apply, they are considered for two available awards:

  • The Azrieli/PJ Library Camp Award Program, which is made possible by the Azrieli Foundation.
  • The PJ Goes to Camp Award Program, which is made possible through the support of Melinda Goldrich/Goldrich Family Foundation and the Harold Grinspoon Foundation.

The award amounts and eligibility requirements for these two awards are the same. Before applying, please read carefully to make sure your family is eligible.

Applications will be accepted starting in mid-October for the 2025 camp season, and we have outlined all eligibility and application details below for reference.

ELIGIBILITY


To be eligible to receive an award, a camper must be all of the following:

  1. A current or former PJ Library** subscriber or the sibling of a current or former PJ Library subscriber who was enrolled in PJ Library on or before September 1, 2024.
  2. Attending a nonprofit Jewish overnight camp*** in the United States or Canada that is on the One Happy Camper website.
  3. Attending overnight camp for the first time. First-time campers are children who have never attended a Jewish overnight camp for 12 or more consecutive days. Campers who attended a one-week “taste of camp” program in a previous year are eligible to receive a 2025 award.
  4. Attending camp in 2025 for 12 or more consecutive days.
  5. A resident of the US or Canada.

**Throughout this page, PJ Library refers to both the PJ Library and PJ Our Way programs.
***A full list of participating camps can be found on the One Happy Camper website.

Award Details

 
  • There are a limited number of awards for 2025, and all awards are available on a first-come, first-served basis, regardless of whether camper attends Jewish day school or not. Once all awards are distributed, additional eligible applicants will be placed on a waiting list.
  • Both tracks provide awards in the amount of $700 for campers who attend overnight camp for 12-18 days or $1,000 for campers who attend camp for 19 days or more.

    • Recipients who do not attend camp for 12 or more days for any reason will forfeit their award. Awards originally made for $1,000 will be adjusted for campers who only attend camp for 13-18 days.
    • Awards are distributed through the One Happy Camper platform and are paid directly to the camp in the camper’s name.

      • One Happy Camper rules require camps to verify that each award recipient meets all eligibility requirements (including first-time status and session length) prior to the award being granted.
  • Award funds are distributed to participating camps beginning in May 2025.
  • If the camper receives an award from another One Happy Camper sponsor, they are not eligible for an award through PJ Library.

HOW TO APPLY

 

Please know in advance of applying:

  • PJ Library partners with One Happy Camper to collect all applicants for its awards. That means, you just have to submit your application once with One Happy Camper to be in consideration for all camp awards available through the program. (i.e. The Azrieli/PJ Library Camp Award Program, PJ Goes to Camp, local community awards, etc.)
  • One Happy Camper will begin accepting applications in mid-October 2024.
  • At that time, eligible parents will receive an email from PJ Library with a unique access code to use on the One Happy Camper application.

    • This code is unique to your family and cannot be shared with other families.
    • Follow these steps if you did not receive an email from PJ Library by November 1, 2024.

Where to apply:

  • Go to onehappycamper.org and click the “Apply Now” button.
  • Enter your access code on the bottom of the first page of the application, then complete the rest of the application.
  • In 5-7 business days, you will receive an email from PJ Library to let you know that your application information has been verified and to provide additional information about the next steps in the process.
  • If we are unable to verify your child’s information, we will contact you for additional details.
  • All applications are reviewed first-come, first-served, and we typically receive many applications so make sure you apply early!

    • Once all funds from both tracks are awarded, we will maintain a waiting list to utilize when/if additional funds become available.

TIMING

 

October 2024

Subscriber parents receive an email with an access code to use on the One Happy Camper application.

When all budgeted awards have been distributed, additional applicants will automatically be placed on a waiting list.

January - March, 2025

PJ Library verifies camp registrations directly with camps.

May 2025

PJ Library sends payments directly to camps.

 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS


PJ Library is just one sponsor within the One Happy Camper platform. Program guidelines and restrictions of One Happy Camper will determine award eligibility and payment procedures.

The Harold Grinspoon Foundation (HGF) and the Azrieli Foundation reserve the right to limit the number of first-time camp awards that are distributed and determine applicant eligibility based on available funds for each award category. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete and submitted within the time restrictions specified by One Happy Camper and that they meet all eligibility and camp attendance requirements.

The HGF and the Azrieli Foundation will be the final determiner of an applicant's PJ Library-related eligibility as well as the recipients of awards granted through the application system.

 

FAQS

 

For additional questions, please email pjgtc@hgf.org.