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
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, 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.
- First round review deadline for summer 2026: Sunday, February 1st, 2026, awards announced during the week
- Second round review deadline for summer 2026: Sunday, March 15th, 2026, awards announced during the week
- 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
- Complete the Financial Assistance Application (Year-Round 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.
- Financial Assistance Application opens, first review period begins: July 11, 2025
- First review deadline for year-round programs through May 2026: August 10, 2025, award decisions announced week of August 11th
- Second review deadline for year-round programs through May 2026: January 4, 2026, award decisions announced 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 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.
