Jewish Federation and Foundation of Greater Toledo's Experience a Memorable Overnight Jewish Initiative (EMOJI) offers children between the ages of 7 and 16 the opportunity to experience a life changing Jewish overnight camping experience. Funding is possible through the long-term community needs fund and the Jewish experience fund; first-time participants can attend camp for just $250 and children returning to a Jewish camp can attend at a very reduced cost.
EMOJI seeks to help as many Jewish youth as possible connect to their own Jewish identity and the larger community. The benefits of Jewish camp are beyond measure; over $70,000 was invested in sending 45 campers to camp in summer 2024.
The process is simple. Parents register their child(ren) for camp and apply for any applicable subsidies through the camp and through their temple (if affiliated). Then, each applicant completes a community application for support from Federation and Foundation. Click here to download the application for Federation support or click here to fill out the application online.
Turn in your child's application to Hallie at hallie@jewishtoledo.org. She can also be contacted at 419-724-0362 if you have any questions.
First time camp families will pay $250 per child**. Second time EMOJI applicants will pay 25% of the balance remaining (plus any additional fees) per child. Third time EMOJI applicants will pay 50% of the balance remaining (plus any additional fees) per child. Fourth and beyond EMOJI applicants will pay 75% of the balance remaining (plus any additional fees) per child. **EMOJI Scholarships are limited to one session per camper with a maximum contribution of $3,000 per child through EMOJI. Scholarships will be paid directly to the camp in the name of the child(ren).
Eligibility requirements:
1. Camper(s) must be under the age of 17 as of June 1, 2025.
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(s) must register for the early registration discount.
6. Family must register camper(s) and apply for scholarship through participating camp (if applicable) prior to applying for the EMOJI scholarship.
7. Family must apply for scholarship through their local congregation (if a current member).
8. Families of first-time campers must apply for “PJ Goes to Camp” (www.pjlibrary.org/beyond-books/pj-goes-to-camp)
9. 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. Please contact Wendy Goldstein at wendy@jewishtoledo.org or 419-724-0360 to discuss and make your gift.
If applicants do not apply for above mentioned outside funding sources, they will be responsible for:
· 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 $1,000 for first time campers “PJ Goes to Camp” scholarship.
If applicants apply are ineligible for aid from camp, are not Congregational members, or denied external funding, additional fees will not apply.
