Summer camp fosters Jewish identity and creates a life-long bond with the Jewish community. While whispering after lights out, creating bunk traditions, or gathering to welcome Shabbat, Jewish children experienced Jewish community that was vibrant, celebratory, and fun!

To make these summers a reality, the Mid-Kansas Jewish Federation provides NON-NEED BASED SCHOLARSHIPS for first-time campers (or for ANY camper who has not yet received an MKJF scholarship.) Need-based assistance is also available for campers to attend camp after the first year.

For Jewish teens that have "aged out" of summer camp, but still want a Jewish summer experience, the MKJF also offers scholarships for Jewish "Teen Experiences." The MKJF also offers an "Israel Experience" scholarship to encourage Jewish high school students to visit Israel. This non-need-based scholarship is available to teens in grades 10-12.

The MKJF is one resource for summer youth programs. Contact the office for more information. Online you can visit jewishcamp.org/camps or info.com for info about camps and teen programs.

You can download the 2012 Camp Scholarship form (pdf) or 2012 Israel or Teen Experience Scholarship application (pdf). All applications for any of the scholarships are due by February 29.

The MKJF funds camp and Israel scholarships to promote attendance at Jewish camps and teen programs in Israel.  These opportunities enhance the Jewish identity of our community's youth. Since the program's inception in 2001, 48 area children have attended Jewish summer camps or Jewish teen summer programs.

Non-need based scholarships for first-time campers and need-based financial assistance for returning campers are available. In 2009, about 15 local children attended Jewish camps across the country, with scholarships being awarded to five campers. In addition, the MKJF provides non-need based scholarship funds and additional need-based funding to teens for summer programs, both in the US and in Israel.

The MKJF also supports birthright Israel programs in 2005.  There is no charge to attend the birthright Israel program, which is open to Jewish youth ages 18-26 who have not participated in an Israel group experience before. Fifteen Wichita students have participated in birthright Israel since 1999.