Berkeley Youth Recreation’s Financial Assistance Program was created to provide more families with the opportunity to experience the benefits of camp. Since its inception in 2004, the program has provided financial assistance for thousands of deserving 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 available to families with demonstrated financial need and is awarded based on established criteria until funds for each season (summer or year-round) are exhausted. Awards are issued per family, per season, and are not guaranteed to every applicant. Applications are reviewed during two designated review periods, and families will be notified of decisions via email address following each deadline.
Awards do not apply to swim lessons, add-ons/merchandise, or extended care.
How To Apply
All available funds for summer 2026 have been awarded. Please visit this page in the future for updates for summer 2027.
Summer Camp Aid
- Complete the 2026 Financial Assistance Application (Summer Camp Aid). You will be asked to share some information about your family, any relationship to UC Berkeley, information about your financial situation, and your own story about why you are asking for assistance.
- Your Financial Assistance application will be reviewed by the Berkeley Youth Recreation Financial Assistance Committee.
- You will be notified via email (email provided on application) of the status of the Financial Assistance Application.
- If your application is approved, you will receive an email invitation to select one camp week or session to which your Financial Assistance award will be applied. You are responsible for paying the remaining amount after assistance has been awarded.
- Second-round Financial Assistance awards may be applied to an existing camp registration. Registration fees for camps secured in anticipation of Financial Assistance are non-refundable if an application is not approved.
Year-Round Aid
Financial assistance for 2026–2027 year-round programs is currently pending. Please visit this page again for updates.
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 a week of summer camp is $680. 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.
