We at Lambec Music Camp believe that a simple lack of funds should never deny anyone the chance to experience growth in faith through outdoor ministry at summer camp. Camp scholarships, sometimes called “camperships,” are grants that make it financially possible for those in financial need to attend Music Camp so that they may grow in their Christian faith and service.
Many congregations include camp scholarships in their annual budget. Others conduct fundraisers for camp or have individuals who contribute to camp scholarship funds. And, of course, there are congregations that do all of the above and more.
Some congregations make camp scholarships available to any individual or family in need for any camp, event or retreat, regardless of age. Other congregations may limit camp scholarships to summer youth camps, or to members or member-prospects who will attend a PC(USA) program. Check with your local congregation’s leadership to see what options are available to you.
The Camping Association of the Presbyteries of Northwestern Pennsylvania (CAPNWP) has limited funds available to assist those with financial need after their congregation has awarded the individual a camp scholarship. CAPNWP awarded $10,263 in direct camp scholarships during 2008. In addition, local presbyteries and individual donations help subsidize the cost of attendance so that each participant is only charged 75% of the actual cost of the program.
CAPNWP awards its camp scholarships to children, teens, adults and families
after confirmation from the individual’s home church pastor that there is true financial need. Most camp scholarships are for summer programs, although they are not limited to the summer only.
Early registration discounts are also available to help make participation in a summer youth camps more affordable. These discounts require full payment before the applicable deadlines, including any camp scholarships a congregation awards to its members.
Because there are many different camp scholarship processes that churches can use, it’s important to keep CAPNWP informed of where your funds are coming from. The simplest way to notify CAPNWP of your congregation’s camp scholarship process is to contact Lisa Miller, CAPNWP Registrar, at lisa.miller@capnwp.org.
