Camp Affordability Guide

At CGI in the Poconos, our goal is to offer your child a unique camping experience. We strive to make our program affordable and available for every child who wishes to participate.

Our Financial Aid program provides assistance to families that are unable to pay the full tuition. The amount awarded is determined on the basis of need and the availability of funds.

Please note that CGI in the Poconos’ Financial Aid Applications will not be considered without the deposit ($150 per camper week), which is fully refundable if CGI in the Poconos is unable to provide sufficient aid to facilitate attendance. If the deposit itself creates an obstacle, please call us at 845.425.0903 to discuss.

To apply for aid, please follow these easy steps:

  • Register for camp by completing the Enrollment Application;
  • Check the box requesting the Financial Aid Application on the Enrollment Application; and
  • Pay the $150 (per camper week) deposit via credit card or check (preferred).

Once CGI in the Poconos receives your Enrollment Application, the Financial Aid Application will be sent to you.

  • Complete the Financial Aid Application and mail it to us with a copy of your most recent filed tax return; and
  • Please also inform us of any other scholarships that you are applying for.

Things to know about financial aid:

  • The deadline for the Financial Aid Application is March 31, 2019. Any Financial Aid Application received after March 31 will only be considered if scholarship funds are still available.
  • The Financial Aid Application is not an application to enroll at CGI in the Poconos.  You must first submit the CGI in the Poconos Enrollment Application, and you will then receive the Financial Aid Application.
  • Your Financial Aid Application is not complete and will not be considered until we receive your $150 (per camper week) deposit and most recent filed Federal tax return for all parents/guardians.  Please mail the required materials to: Camp Gan Israel, Attn: Financial Aid Committee, 10 Hidden Glen Lane, Airmont, NY 10952
  • All financial information is kept strictly confidential.
  • Our goal is to notify all applicants of the final status of their scholarship requests no later than April 30, 2019.
  • If you do not receive enough financial aid, you can cancel your enrollment at CGI in the Poconos prior to June 1, 2019 and receive a total refund of all fees paid, including your deposit.

Additional Affordability Options

 Sibling Discounts

After the first child pays full tuition, each sibling who enrolls gets 10% off their tuition.  (note: This discount not applicable if receiving a scholarship from CGI.)

Interest-Free Payment Plans

CGI in the Poconos offers an interest-free payment plan payable by credit card. Simply check the “Payment Plan” box on the Enrollment Application, and we’ll contact you to arrange your payment plan.

One Happy Campers Grant (DETAILS):

Camp Gan Israel is excited to participate in the One Happy Camper grant program, which, depending upon where you live or if you are a PJ Library participant, can offer $700 for 2 a week session and $1,000 for 3 or 4 week session to each camper who:

  • Is a first time overnight camper, i.e., has not attended a Jewish overnight camp for 12 or 19 or more days respectively,
  • Does not currently attend a Jewish day school,
  • and is enrolled at Camp Gan Israel for at least a 2, 3, or 4 week session.

After you register for CGI in the Poconos, sign on to OneHappyCamper.org and apply for this grant.  (Note:  Please call our office, 845.425.0903, if you have any questions or problems completing the One Happy Camper application.)

Scholarships from Other Organizations

We encourage you to check with your synagogue, Jewish Family and Children’s Services, Jewish Federation, or other local agencies that might provide assistance to help make camp more affordable. Most scholarships and grants require you to first register for a session at CGI in the Poconos. Your deposit is refundable until March 31, 2019, for any reason, and is refundable after that date if camp is not possible for financial reasons.

Members of the PJ Library and residents of Washington, DC, Philadelphia, PA, and the state of Massachusetts, may be eligible for further incentive grants; please see the section above describing the One Happy Camper grants, and call us at 845.425.0903 for more information.

Jewish Federations – Many local Jewish federations offer scholarship programs for Jewish camps. To find a Jewish Federation near you, click here.

Regional Resources – Browse the Foundation for Jewish Camp’s online directory of needs-based scholarship at www.JewishCamp.org/Scholarships.