How to Find Scholarships to Kids' Camps
- 1). Decide on the activity or activities you wish your child to participate in. Focus on researching and pursuing these types of camps or lessons using the phone or Internet, but be open and flexible regarding other ideas and choices. Educate yourself on the possibilities. Begin the process weeks in advance of the activity start date, if possible, so that you meet possible scholarship application deadlines.
- 2). Consider whether the camp or activity is local, state or national. Sometimes, for example, a karate studio that is part of a state or national chain may be able to offer more scholarships than a local studio. Other times you may be surprised by the rewarding policies of a local independent studio.
- 3). Contact the organization that sponsors the activity by phone, in person or by email and ask if they offer any kind of scholarship; if so, ask for details about their guidelines. Many times scholarships go unused because people are not aware that they exist or that they qualify. Explain your situation in a polite and enthusiastic manner. Find out if you can get a clear formula or chart that outlines the salary requirement per family size in order to qualify for a scholarship.
- 4). Ask if partial scholarships are available. These may have more lenient income requirements and can make the individual lessons or the entire camp more affordable.
- 5). Fill out all necessary paperwork, which usually inquire about your family's financial status. Family size will be taken into account. Some organizations may require documentation such as tax forms. Don't be intimidated by the paperwork; all organizations need to document their finances.
- 6). Be persistent. If you don't qualify for one camp, don't be embarrassed and, by all means, don't give up. Often directors and education personnel are pleased to see someone take advantage of financial aid that otherwise goes unclaimed. They encourage economic and racial diversity in applicants and understand the importance of enrichment activities for all kids.
- 7). Check if you can volunteer time at the activity as partial payment. Some organizations have this option built in to their camp fees.
- 8). Use your local Parks and Recreation Department or community college as a resource. These government organizations are designed to provide community outreach and basic economic affordability. They can work with you to make sure you can afford a camp.
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