What is a Campership?
A Thousand Summers is committed to eliminating barriers so that all kids have the opportunity to experience camp.
The Campership Program is ATS’ core and foundational initiative, in which youth aged 10-17 are matched with transformative summer camp experiences they otherwise wouldn’t be able to attend. Campers are supported throughout the entire year through education, personal development, and relationship building, preparing them for a summer of growth, challenge, and confidence.
What does a Partial Campership cover?
A Partial Campership covers camp tuition after the family contribution. The family contribution is determined based on family income on the Income Eligibility Chart.
What does a Full Campership cover?
A Full Campership covers camp tuition after the family contribution. The family contribution is determined based on family income on the Income Eligibility Chart.
A Full Campership also offers assistance with:
- Camp Store deposits
- Transportation
- Equipment
- Camp trip and activity fees
What Campership Programs are available?
The First Summer Campership Program is for an applicant seeking A THOUSAND SUMMERS funding for the first time. Applications are due December 1st. Late applications will be considered for the waitlist.
The Renewal Campership Program is for a returning applicant seeking A THOUSAND SUMMERS funding for the summer of camp during which they will be any age other than 15 years of age. Applications are due November 1st.
The Capstone Campership Program is for a returning applicant seeking A THOUSAND SUMMERS funding for the summer of camp during which they will be 15 years of age. The Capstone Program has a service project requirement. Applications are due October 15th.
All program applications are available beginning September 1st.
Do I qualify?
Qualified applicants will be:
- 10 years old or older by the first day of camp
- From a family with income represented on the Income Eligibility Table
- A resident of the contiguous United States of America
Successful applicants will be:
- Comfortable being away from home for up to 4 weeks
- Open to growth in the areas of Friendship Skills, Independence, Teamwork, Interest in Exploration, Responsibility, Affinity for Nature and Problem-Solving
How do I apply?
Step 1: Designate a Mentor
Review the Volunteer page and invite a qualified individual to serve as your Campership Mentor. Contact A THOUSAND SUMMERS if you do not have a Campership Mentor in mind, and we will assist you.
Step 2: Collect Mentor Contact Information
Collect the following information to enter into the Campership application:
- Mentor first and last name
- Mentor mailing address
- Mentor email address
- Mentor phone number
Step 3: Collect Reference Contact Information
FOR FIRST SUMMER APPLICANTS ONLY
The A THOUSAND SUMMERS First Summer Campership Applicant is required to have two A THOUSAND SUMMERS Reference Forms submitted on their behalf. Reference forms will be sent through the online portal that houses the Campership application. The first reference must be a current or former teacher. The second reference can be a teacher or non-familial youth development professional (coach, scout leader, clergy, etc.).
Collect the following information for EACH reference to enter into the Campership application:
- Reference first and last name
- Reference email address
- Reference phone number
Step 4: Complete the Online Application
Step 5: Complete Online Forms and Documents
These include:
- Demographic and contact information
- Reference Form completed by a Camp Coach or Mentor
- 2 Reference Forms completed by teachers
- Camper Statement
- Parent Statement
- Applicant Video
- Financial Information (A tax return from the previous year is preferred)