Berkeley Youth Recreation’s Financial Assistance Program was created to give as many kids as possible the opportunity to experience the benefits of camp. Since its inception in 2004, the program has provided financial assistance for more than 500 deserving East Bay families.
About Berkeley Youth Recreation’s Financial Assistance Program
Berkeley Youth Recreation offers a variety of programs where youth can gain new skills, build friendships, and have fun in a supportive and engaging environment. Financial Assistance is awarded to youth participants with financial needs, as determined by a set criteria on a first-come, first-served basis until the fund is used up for the respective (summer or year-round) season. Awards are provided per family, per season, and not guaranteed to every applicant.
Applications are required for each child (multi-child families may submit one set of financial data with all applications). Those who qualify to receive a Financial Assistance award can attend one of our summer camps or year-round offerings. Berkeley Youth Recreation will be offering two review periods. Families will be directly notified via the email provided three weeks after the cycle deadline. Awards do not apply to swim lessons, add-ons/merchandise, or extended care programs. If your family qualifies, your child will be invited to attend one of the programs you have selected in your application.
Availability of youth programs are subject to change based on enrollment at the time each application is reviewed. As Financial Assistance decisions are often announced after registration opens we recommend registering in advance and we will credit back the awarded amount.
How To Apply
In order to be considered for Financial Assistance, please follow the following steps:
Summer Camp Aid
- Complete the Financial Assistance Application (Summer Camp Aid). You will be asked to share some information about your family, your relationship to UC Berkeley, some information about your financial situation, and to share your own story about why you are asking for assistance.
- Your Financial Assistance application will be reviewed by Berkeley Youth Recreation’s Financial Assistance committee.
- You will be notified via email (email provided on application) of the status of the Financial Assistance Application.
- First review deadline for summer 2025: February 17, 2025
- Second review deadline for summer 2025: week of March 17, 2025
Year-Round Aid
- Complete the Financial Assistance Application (Year-Round Aid). You will be asked to share some information about your family, your relationship to UC Berkeley, some information about your financial situation, and to share your own story about why you are asking for assistance.
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Your Financial Assistance application will be reviewed by a Berkeley Youth Recreation’s Financial Assistance committee.
- You will be notified via email (email provided on application) of the status of the Financial Assistance Application.
- First review deadline for year-round programs through May 2025: August 4, 2024
- Second review period begins the week of December 15, 2024, with award decisions announced at the start of the spring semester in January.
Support the Financial Assistance Program
Your gift will allow families from around the Bay Area to access high-quality programming at a reduced price. The average cost of our programs ranges from $350-$500. Your gift will directly contribute to helping children attend our summer camps and year-round programs.
All donations are non-refundable and go towards supporting our year-round and summer youth programs. Donations are not interchangeable with session fees.
