Photos and quotes about Encounters.
Scholarship Opportunities
There are many options and opportunities for helping make your summer at BIMA and Genesis affordable to you, as well as non-needs based incentives for campers who have never before attended a Jewish overnight camp. Please contact us with questions about any of the sources listed below. We work closely with families to help find sources of aid to make our programs accessible to anyone. In summer 2012, over 60% of our participants received incentives, scholarships and financial aid.
Financial Aid
Through the generosity of various donors, BIMA and Genesis are able to offer substantial financial aid to applicants. Financial aid decisions are need-based and are made independently from admissions decisions. Financial Aid decisions are made on a first-come, first-served basis, so we strongly encourage you to apply for financial aid as soon as possible. The financial aid forms are available in our online application system.
Campership Incentives for First-Time Campers
Students who have never previously attended a Jewish summer camp may qualify for a $1000 incentive grant from the
Foundation for Jewish Camp. This is a non-needs based incentive program, intended to encourage students to participate in a first-time, daily immersive summer Jewish experience. Unfortunately, students who attend a day school are not eligible for this program. To apply for this grant, please visit www.onehappycamper.org and complete the online form. Click here for more information about the One Happy Camper program.Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Boston -
Jim Joseph Foundation Emergency Education Grant Program
You may be eligible for a need-based tuition subsidies to students if you are a resident of the Boston area. Please contact us for more information.
The Jim Joseph Foundation, established in 2006, is committed to a sustained program of grant making in pursuit of a vision that leads to ever-increasing numbers of young Jews engaged in ongoing Jewish learning and choosing to live vibrant Jewish lives. The Foundation manages approximately eight hundred million dollars in assets, using all of its resources to foster compelling, effective Jewish learning for young Jews in the United States.
Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP) Boston’s Jewish Federation, is committed to meeting the most pressing needs and aspirations of Jews here, in Israel and around the world. CJP’s top priority is to connect the next generation and their families to a vibrant, meaningful Jewish community, to create new connections that strengthen Israel and to deepen networks of caring and social justice.
Opportunities for Students from Russian-speaking Families
BIMA and Genesis offer scholarships for students from Russian-speaking families living in the United States and Canada through the generous support of the Genesis Philanthropy Group and the Brandeis-Genesis Institute. Please click here for more information about the scholarships and application process.
Other Sources of Scholarship Money
Each year, the total amount of aid requested by families is greater than the total amount of scholarships BIMA and Genesis can award. We are committed to making it possible for applicants who we accept to attend our programs. However, we strongly encourage you to also explore scholarship possibilities in your own community such as: synagogues, JCCs, and local Jewish Federations, and Hebrew Free Loan Society. We are happy to speak on the phone to suggest possibilities and will do our best to help you find the aid that you need to attend one of our programs.
Residents of Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, or Texas could be eligible for a camp scholarship through the Jewish Regional Children's Service.