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)
Campership Program Timeline
- Submit Campership Application
- Campership Awards Finalized / Campership Agreements Signed
- Pay Campership Program Fees
- Submit Camp Application
- Finalize Camp Travel Arrangements
- Obtain Camp Equipment
- Make Camp Payment
- Prepare for camp in the virtual Compass Program
- Attend Camp!
- Complete Post Camp Requirements
- Settle Any Camp Accounts
- Re-Enroll For Next Summer
SEPTEMBER
- Campership application is available online from September 1st (hard copy available upon request)
- Applicant and family complete the Campership application and required forms
- Mentor assists applicant and family with application and forms, as needed
OCTOBER
- All Mentor Training
- Capstone Campership application (only for 15 year old renewal campers) deadline – October 15th
NOVEMBER
- Renewal Campership application deadline – November 1st
DECEMBER
- First Summer Campership application deadline – December 1st
- Capstone campers begin service project with Mentor’s support
NOVEMBER-JANUARY
- Campership decision letters sent to the family and copied to the Mentor
- Camper family returns signed Campership Agreement to the A THOUSAND SUMMERS office
- Set up payment plan to ensure family portion of tuition is paid in full to A THOUSAND SUMMERS by due date
JANUARY-FEBRUARY
- Complete camp enrollment on camp website
- Late First Summer and Renewal Campership applications considered for waitlist
MARCH
- Airline transportation for qualifying campers arranged by A THOUSAND SUMMERS
APRIL
- Review camp Packing List and collect items
- Compass Pre-Camp Program begins
MAY
- Camp enrollment forms due to camp by May 1st
- Verify all travel arrangements are in place
JUNE-JULY
Mentor meets with camper and family one week before camp start date to verify:
- Camp requirements in place
- Packing List complete
- Transportation and baggage details
JULY-AUGUST
- Mentor meets with camper and family upon camper return to assist with post camp requirements
- Camper and family complete post camp requirements within 10 days of camper’s return
SEPTEMBER
- Reapply for next summer funding
