Jewish Federation and Foundation of Greater Toledo’s Experience a Memorable Overnight Jewish Initiative (EMOJI) makes Jewish overnight camp accessible for children ages 7–16. EMOJI provides scholarships that allow first-time campers to attend for as little as $250**, and returning campers to attend at a significantly reduced rate.
EMOJI seeks to help as many Jewish youth as possible connect to their own Jewish identity and the larger Jewish community. The benefits of Jewish camp are beyond measure; almost $70,000 was invested in sending 37 campers to camp in summer 2025.
Scholarship Rates
- First-time campers: $250 per child**
- Second-time EMOJI applicants: 25% of remaining balance**
- Third-time EMOJI applicants: 50% of remaining balance**
- Fourth-time and beyond: 75% of remaining balance**
**EMOJI Scholarships are limited to one session per camper with a maximum contribution of $3,000 per child, per summer. Scholarships will be paid directly to the camp in the campers name. If your child does not attend camp after EMOJI funds have been distributed, your family will be responsible for reimbursing all funds paid by Federation on your child's behalf.
Eligibility
1. Camper(s) must be under the age of 17 as of June 1, 2026.
2. Camp session must be 10 days or longer.
3. Camper(s) must reside in Lucas, Wood, Ottawa, Hancock, Defiance, or Fulton County (OH), or the southern half of Monroe or Lenawee County (MI).
4. Camper(s) must be enrolled in a non-profit Jewish overnight camp.
- Pre-approved camps include Goldman Union Camp Institute, Camp Tamarack, Camp Wise, Camp Gan Israel Detroit, and Camp Tavor.
- For profit Jewish overnight camps must have a non-profit affiliate that can accept charitable contributions on behalf of the camp and without cost to Jewish Federation and Foundation of Greater Toledo.
- Camps not listed above must be approved for the EMOJI program prior to application.
5. Camper must register in time to receive early registration discounts (if offered).
6. Families must apply for any camp- or congregation-based scholarships before applying to EMOJI.
7. Families of first-time campers must apply for “PJ Goes to Camp” (www.pjlibrary.org/beyond-books/pj-goes-to-camp).
8. All households are required to make a meaningful gift to the Jewish Federation’s Annual Campaign and have no unpaid past pledges to be considered for the EMOJI scholarship. For more information or to discuss your family's gift to the Annual Campaign, please contact: Wendy Goldstein, wendy@jewishtoledo.org or 419-724-0360.
Additional Funding Requirements
If families do not apply for other available funding sources, they may be responsible for covering up to:
· Up to $500 for early registration discounts.
· Up to $1,000 for congregational funding scholarships.
· Up to $1,500 for aid from individual camps.
· Up to $1,500 for first-time campers “PJ Goes to Camp” OR "One Happy Camper Small Community Initiative" scholarship.
If families are ineligible, not members of a congregation, or denied external funding, these additional fees will not apply.
We understand that the cost of camp can be challenging. If your family would benefit from additional financial assistance, please fill out the additional financial aid form located here, and email it directly to Ben Malczewski at ben@jewishtoledo.og
We are committed to working with you to make camp accessible.
