FAQs

Form management is a manual process and therefore we require up to 48 hours is required for submitted items to be processed and marked as complete within your CampMinder account.

A Campership application is required for each year that funding is requested.

A THOUSAND SUMMERS will fund for the full ‘life-span’ of the camp years (including leadership program). If a camper has previously cancelled, withdrawn or been dismissed from camp, A THOUSAND SUMMERS may continue to support them on a case by case basis. All applicants must be in good standing with camp and A THOUSAND SUMMERS.

Yes, always reapply.

Camp is about being engaged. Camp programming is based on giving kids time to adjust to their environment so they can begin to thrive. The brain needs time to create and connect new pathways (without technology) so growth and development can take place.

Camp Tuition: The Camper family is required to contribute a portion of camp tuition as outlined in the Income Eligibility-Family Contribution Table. A THOUSAND SUMMERS will fund the balance of tuition. Camp tuition to be paid by the family must be paid directly to A THOUSAND SUMMERS. Any unpaid balance after the due date could result in forfeiture of the Campership.

Camp Bank/Store Expenses: For Full Campership campers, A THOUSAND SUMMERS will credit their camp bank/store account in the amount listed on the Campership Agreement. Any charges to the account in excess of the amount deposited by A THOUSAND SUMMERS is the responsibility of the family and collectible by camp.

For Partial Campership campers, funding the camp bank/store account is the full responsibility of the family.

A THOUSAND SUMMERS is not responsible for any unresolved camp bank/store account balance or any other accrued expenses due to be paid to the camp. The family must settle all balances prior to reapplication for future A THOUSAND SUMMERS funding.

Transportation: Transportation assistance is offered to Full Campership campers upon request. A THOUSAND SUMMERS will arrange and fund travel to include airfare, baggage fees, unaccompanied minor fees (if required), and shuttle fees between the destination airport and camp for the camper only. If the family lives within reasonable driving distance to camp or a camp bus pick-up location, they will be asked to drive. Transportation fees for family members and/or Mentors will not be paid by A THOUSAND SUMMERS.

For Partial Campership campers, all travel and travel related expenses (including, but not limited to flights, shuttle, unaccompanied minor and baggage fees) are the responsibility of the family.

Equipment: Equipment Assistance with pre-approval by the A THOUSAND SUMMERS office is offered to Full Campership campers. All other equipment not listed on the Equipment Assistance Form is the responsibility of the family.

All equipment as listed on camp’s packing list is the responsibility of the Partial Campership family.

Camp Clothing: The family is responsible for providing all clothing as listed on camp packing list.

Health and/or Medical Insurance Coverage: Health and/or medical insurance is the responsibility of the family.

Medical Expenses: Medical expenses charged by the camp will be the responsibility of the family.

Health and/or Medical Insurance Coverage or Medical Expenses: A THOUSAND SUMMERS will not fund or reimburse for health and/or medical insurance, medical expenses or medications.

Transportation: A THOUSAND SUMMERS will not fund or reimburse for transportation to and from the camper’s home to their local airport or car travel to and from camp. A THOUSAND SUMMERS will not fund or reimburse for family member or Mentor transportation fees. If a camper is sent home or chooses to come home before the end of the camp term, A THOUSAND SUMMERS will not fund or reimburse the cost for any transportation from camp to home, including ticket change fees.

Clothing and Personal Items: A THOUSAND SUMMERS will not fund or reimburse for camper clothing or personal items as listed on the camp’s packing list.

Camp Bank/Store is a fund at camp from which a camper may draw to cover items like daily snacks, shampoo, stamps, or a camp logo sweatshirt. Camp Bank/Store eliminates the need for the camper to keep track of or carry money while they are at camp. Any charges that exceed the agreed upon contribution by A THOUSAND SUMMERS are the responsibility of the family. Outstanding camp bank/store balances need to be paid in full in order to be considered for future A THOUSAND SUMMERS funding.

A THOUSAND SUMMERS will assist with travel arrangements if the camper previously qualified for transportation assistance. The family may be asked to reimburse A THOUSAND SUMMERS for equipment and other expenses on a case by case basis. The camper may be eligible for A THOUSAND SUMMERS future funding at the discretion of both the camp and A THOUSAND SUMMERS provided they are in good standing with A THOUSAND SUMMERS and the camp.

The family is responsible for travel expenses incurred. The camper may be eligible for A THOUSAND SUMMERS future funding at the discretion of both the camp and A THOUSAND SUMMERS provided they are in good standing with A THOUSAND SUMMERS and the camp.

A THOUSAND SUMMERS arranges travel as a courtesy and is not responsible for campers during transportation to and from the camp. The responsibility of travel day support lies with the family and the camp. Any travel day questions or emergencies should be directed to the family or to the camp directly.

The applicant, family and Mentor should review the camps that are available for selection by viewing the Camp Directory. Discuss which would be a good fit for the applicant. If the Mentor attended one of the camps, it is important that they NOT show preference or bias for a particular camp. Talk about the attributes of attending a summer residential camp in general terms and consider the best fit for the applicant.

A THOUSAND SUMMERS makes every effort to place Campership recipients at their preferred camp of choice. However, placement depends upon space availability and best use of Campership funding. With this in mind, applicants are not guaranteed a Campership and they may not receive their preferred camp selection.

Occasionally an application is submitted that is not a good fit or the family income exceeds the Financial Eligibility Guidelines threshold. When this occurs, the family and Mentor are notified that their application was unsuccessful.

If an applicant is approved but no funding is available, they have the option to be placed on a waitlist. As funding becomes available, the family and Mentor will be notified. Applicants on the waitlist who are not placed may reapply for funding in future years.

The Mentor is NOT responsible for purchasing items. Review the packing list provided by camp. Note items needed and collect items by:

• Checking with the camp for availability of loaner or rental equipment
• Asking friends or colleagues for any equipment that the camper may be able to borrow
• Visiting local thrift shops, flea markets and second hand stores (i.e., Goodwill, Play It Again Sports)
• Visiting online camp equipment stores for discounted items

If a camper is in need of required equipment (riding boots, hiking boots, sleeping bag, backpack, etc.), the family may apply for Equipment Assistance. With demonstrated need and pre-approval from the A THOUSAND SUMMERS office, select items may be funded.

Contact the camp directly to determine their specifications and recommendations for items in question. The following is generally required:

• Sleeping Bag: Sleeping bags with a temperature rating of 20°F and below are good for residential camping. A cotton bag is NOT appropriate for cold overnights
• Hiking Boots: Quality hiking boots with good ankle support should be acquired several months ahead of time so they can be ‘broken in’ before having to be worn at camp to prevent blisters
• Riding Boots: English or Western riding boots are required for participation in horseback riding
• Backpack: Campers will need a quality day pack or large outcamping pack

There are no financial responsibilities expected of the Mentor.

1. Volunteer Application & Forms – First time Mentors should complete a Volunteer Application. This application includes a background check and the submission of references. The application is to be completed and approved before the Mentor can begin working with a Campership applicant as a representative of A THOUSAND SUMMERS.

2. Mentor Statement – This statement written by the Mentor assesses the Campership applicant’s readiness for camp and provides an overall recommendation about the Campership applicant’s suitability for the Campership Program. The Mentor Statement is to be completed within 10 days of receipt.

The Mentor plays an essential role in the ‘check and balance’ system A THOUSAND SUMMERS has developed to ensure we are serving those for which the Campership was designed. The Mentor provides local support for the camper and family and plays an important role in preparing them for a successful experience at camp.

In an effort to maintain a high standard of confidentiality, only the Campership applicant and family have access to their online application. The Campership applicant and family can grant the Mentor access to their account at the family’s discretion. For insight into the structure and expectations of a Campership Application, contact the A THOUSAND SUMMERS office to obtain a paper copy of the Campership Application form.