For many of us summer camp and the Israel experience were crucial to our Jewish identity formation. Whether making lifelong friendships, learning about Judaism and Israel, or creating memories for a lifetime, Jewish summer camp and Israel experiences helped us become who we are today. That’s why JFEDKC has a fund to help children who would not otherwise be able to afford Jewish summer camp or an Israel program.

Working together with families and local congregations, the Jewish Federation has assisted over 2,000 individuals in their dream to participate in Jewish enrichment experiences. Students attend a variety of programs, including summer camps as well as Israel academic courses and seminars. Young adults are given the opportunity to experience Judaism in an intensive Jewish environment.

The Rabbi Gershon Hadas Guardian Society for Children is a community fund available to assist families who wish to provide a Jewish summer enrichment experience for their children and young adults interested in an Israel experience. For decades, this scholarship program has enabled thousands of young people to participate in Jewish overnight camps and Israel programs.  

In addition, we provide First Time Camper Fund "incentive grants" on a first-come-first-serve basis.  In order to qualify for a First Time Campers Fund incentive grant of $1,000, the student must live in the Greater Kansas City area and attend an approved (see list below) Jewish camp program of at least three weeks in duration. If the camp program is less than three weeks, students will receive a $500 grant.

Thanks to a generous bequest from the Louis Family Memorial Fund, the Guardian Society will be receiving additional funds each year.  These additional dollars come at an opportune time as during the past few years we have received a number of requests to assist individuals who wish to participate in long term Israel programs after high school or college. Click here for the Long Term Israel Program “Incentive Grants.”

Approved Camps and Israel Programs:

• Alexander Muss High School in Israel
• BBYO
• Camp Moshavah
• Camp Ramah
• Camp Sabra
• Goldman Union Camp Institute
• Habonim Dror North America
• Herzl Camp
• Kutz Camp
• NCSY
• NFTY
• OSRUI (Olin Sang Ruby Union Institute)
• Ramah Israel Program
• Ranch Camp (JCC Denver)
• Round Lake (Developmentally Disabled Summer
• Program)
• Tikvah Program (Ramah Developmentally Disabled
• Program)
• USY
• Young Judea

Applications:

• Rabbi Gershon Hadas Guardian Society for Children
• First Time Campers Fund
• Long Term Israel Program

Donate to help send Jewish children to summer camp and Israel.