Whether traditional camp, space camp or special effects make-up camp (yes, it is a thing) there’s a camp out there for just about every kid.Â
That said, camp can do a number on the ol’ wallet for mom and dad, so it’s not always easy for every parent to just send their kid to camp.
Some camps in metro Detroit and Ann Arbor are looking to ease the financial burden on parents so that all kids have the chance at the camp experience of their dreams.
Take a look and find a camp scholarship that might apply to your child’s most-wanted camp in 2020.
Note: Many camps will work with parents on payment. If your kid’s choice of camp is not listed here, contact the camp directly and see if they are willing to work with you.
Autism Spectrum Disorder Foundation
Parents of kids with autism can submit requests for camp scholarships May 1-21 each year. Include the type of camp you’re apply for and the costs. If funds are available, they’ll consider your request.
Camp-At-Home Scholarships
The Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, Leslie Science and Nature Center and Yankee Air Museum have teamed up to offer local kids Unity In Learning: Camp-at-Home. General camp admission is $40 per camper, per session with optional add-ons that cost $35-$40. Scholarships available for this camp can knock off up to 75% of the price. Apply here.
Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program
The metro Detroit non-profit thrives on providing local kids with educational opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math. There’s a variety of residential and commuter camp options available each year. Scholarships are based on your family’s size and annual income.
Detroit Goodfellows
In addition to many other service programs, the Detroit Goodfellows offer what they call “camperships” to kids that want to attend day and overnight camps in southeast Michigan. Last year, the committed $39,000 in grants for summer camps.
Family Center for Children and Youth with Special Care Needs
Families of kids with special needs can apply for up to $250 to be applied to the summer camp of their child’s choice. Applicants are eligible for scholarship once every two years and only one scholarship is allowed per family. Campers must be between the ages of 5 and 21 to qualify.
United Way of Washtenaw County
The United Way has a goal to make every fourth and fifth grader at Ypsilanti Community Schools make it to overnight camp with their scholarship programs. Contact the United Way to learn more.
YMCA Camps Ohiyesa and Nissokone
These camps offer kids the traditional camp experience including canoeing, swimming and more camp activities. Overnight and day camp options are available. Scholarships will not exceed 50% of the camp’s overall price.
Do you know of any other camp scholarships in our area? Share them with us in the comments so that we can add them to our list.
Camp Tall Tree! I am one of the directors there. We offer camp scholarships to our programs: overnight camps for kids and adults on the autism spectrum, their siblings, and their neurotypical peers interested in becoming allies to neurodiverse communities.