Federation offers overnight-camp scholarships

Applications are being accepted for the Greater MetroWest Jewish Overnight Camp Scholarship Program, which seeks to enable children from lower-income families to take part in a camp experience. The Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ program, now in its second year, is supported by the Rocker family and other donors.

Eligible first-time campers can attend a session of 12 days or more at one of the following: Camp JRF, Camp Moshava, Camp Ramah in the Berkshires, Camp Young Judaea Sprout Lake, Camp Zeke, Eden Village Camp, NJY Camps, URJ Camp Harlam, and URJ 6 Points Sci-Tech Academy. 

Applicants must either live or belong to a synagogue in the GMW region, which encompasses Essex, Union, and Morris counties and parts of Sussex County. 

“This program matches two of our passions: a commitment to offering children opportunities that their families might not otherwise be able to afford, along with our commitment to building a strong Jewish future,” said David and Marian Rocker of Short Hills, who, together with their sons, Daniel and Joshua, lead the Rocker Family Foundation of the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater MetroWest NJ.

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David Rocker, saying the foundation also seeks to promote “shared responsibility,” added that the program requires all recipient families to volunteer in the Jewish community. 

Other donors supporting the program, in addition to the Greater MetroWest UJA Campaign, are Evan and Susan Ratner, Diane and Richard Ross and the Francis Davis Foundation, Richard and Robin Pzena, Jonathan Mann, Wendy and Scott Newman, Peter and Dana Langerman, the Bruce J. Heim Foundation, and George and Trudy Mazin.

The federation also offers grants of up to $1,000 through the One Happy Camper program, as well as free guidance on choosing the right camp for any child. “We are committed to making sure that any family that wants to send its children to camp can do so by removing any barriers, financial or otherwise, and we are grateful to the generous donors who are enabling us to make so many kids’ dreams come true,” said federation executive vice president and CEO Dov Ben-Shimon. 

For information, contact Gerri Russo at grusso@jfedgmw.org or 973-929-2972; or Tracy Levine at tlevine@jfedgmw.org or 973-929-2970.