Camp Secures $18k Access Grant for Scholarships
YMCA Camp Greenville has secured $18,500 in grant funds via the YMCA of the USA Overnight Camp Access Grant Project, a nationwide camp scholarship program. The project is an opportunity by Y-USA’s Strategic Initiatives Fund which assists local Y camps in providing scholarships to campers, with an emphasis on new campers and marginalized youth who would not otherwise have the opportunity to attend camp. This may include youth from households with lower incomes, as well as those who have traditionally felt excluded from camp such as youth of color, youth with disabilities including mental health conditions, military families, and youth who identify as LGBTQ+.
YMCA Camp Greenville implements a scholarship application process each year. The Summer 2023 application portal opened on February 1, for registered families to request financial assistance for their camper’s summer experience. Camper families complete a simple application form, which is reviewed (with identifying information removed) by an internal scholarship committee and funds are applied based on availability and need.
The Board of Directors of YMCA Camp Greenville lead an Annual Campaign each year to secure necessary funds, which support scholarships and special projects at camp. This year’s goal is to raise $240,000 in total.
Camper families who would like to apply for financial assistance, must register for their preferred week of camp and pay the $100 deposit to secure their spot. After registering, the financial assistance request form is available within their Parent Portal of our website. After completing the form, our scholarship review committee follows up within 10 days.
All camper families are eligible to apply for financial assistance, and funds are distributed based on financial need and family stories that are shared. Previous participants of our Stargazers (Down Syndrome) and Spectrum (Autism) Family Camps are encouraged to apply for scholarship for their summer camp experience.
More Info about Diversity and Inclusion at the YMCA of Greenville:
By prioritizing diversity and inclusion, we seek to ensure that all segments of society have access to the YMCA and feel welcome and fully engaged as participants, members, staff and volunteers.
The Y is made up of people of all ages and from every walk of life working side by side to strengthen communities. Together we work to ensure everyone, regardless of race, gender, income, faith, sexual orientation or cultural background has the opportunity to live life to its fullest.
At the Y, ensuring that Y staff, volunteers, members, and community stakeholders know and represent the community is vital to organizational success and advancing the Y’s cause of strengthening community. When we practice inclusion, we address our society’s trends and remain relevant to them while we remain true to the YMCA mission, goals, and values.
Even more about the Y’s commitment to diversity can be found here.
