Tuition and Scholarships
Tuition
Tuition & Payment
To reserve your camper’s spot, a non-refundable $50 deposit per camper, per week is due at the time of registration.
The remaining balance will be automatically drafted on May 1 using your original method of payment.
Payment plans and financial aid are available.
If camp tuition feels out of reach, please apply — that’s exactly why these funds exist.
Refund Policy
Through April 30:
Cancellations made by April 30 will receive a full refund minus the $50 deposit per camper, per session.
May 1 through the summer:
Cancellations made more than seven business days (1.5 weeks) before the start of a camp week are eligible for a 50% refund.
Cancellations made within seven business days of the start of a camp week are not refundable.
All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to camp@jewishforgood.org.
Cancellations cannot be made through the online user portal.
Refunds are not issued for missed days due to illness.
Inclusion Program exception:
If your camper enrolls in Extended School Year (ESY) services for weeks already registered for camp, we will issue a refund for those weeks with no fee.
Financial Aid
Camp Shelanu is committed to serving the entire community. Need-based financial aid is available and awarded based on demonstrated financial need.
As a general guideline, households earning below the Durham County median household income ($82,916) are likely to qualify for assistance.
If you’re unsure, we encourage you to apply — many families who assume they won’t qualify actually do.
All instructions and documentation requirements are included within the financial aid application form.
Please do not email financial documents — all materials must be submitted through the application.
Summer 2026 FINANCIAL Applications
Application deadline: January 10
After January 10, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, as long as funds remain available.
Families may register for camp at any time.
If the $50 weekly deposit is a financial barrier, please contact us — we can register your camper with a reduced $20 per week deposit.
If your 2024 tax return does not reflect your current financial situation (such as job loss, reduced hours, medical expenses, or other changes), please explain this in the “special circumstances” section of the application and upload any relevant documentation.
Questions?
We’re happy to help.
camp@jewishforgood.org
919-354-4948
Sam Stern Memorial Sabra Scholarship
This scholarship program is in memory of Samantha Stern, who had an indelible impact on the creation and culture of Camp Shelanu. A counselor at JCC Without Walls camp in 2008-2010, Sam was one of the founding staff members of Camp Shelanu in 2011. Many of camp’s favorite songs, traditions, and values stem from Sam’s love of camp and her campers. She was a counselor in the first several years of Camp Sabra middle school program, helping to create the affirming, positive, fun atmosphere campers continue to love. After her death in 2022, this scholarship was created in her memory in coordination with her family.
One camper in rising 6th, 7th, or 8th grade will be awarded 2 weeks of Camp Sabra at no cost. A recipient will be selected based on the following criteria: 1) The scholarship will enable the camper to benefit from camp where they otherwise would be unlikely to attend, 2) Priority will be given to under-represented groups, including racial minorities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and those with disabilities. Being part of the Jewish community is not required for eligibility. Campers will only be eligible for the scholarship for one year
Apply using our scholarship application above. Applicants who do not receive the award will be eligible for need-based partial scholarships from the general scholarship fund with no additional application.
To donate to the Sam Stern Scholarship Fund, click here. Under “Campaign,” select Tributes. We will contact you to confirm the details of your tribute.
Background: This scholarship program is in memory of Samantha Stern, who had an indelible impact on the creation and culture of Camp Shelanu. A counselor at JCC Without Walls camp in 2008-2010, Sam was one of the founding staff of Camp Shelanu in 2011. Many of camp’s favorite songs, traditions, and values stem from Sam’s love of camp and her campers. She was a counselor in the first several years of Camp Sabra middle school program, helping to create the affirming, positive, fun atmosphere campers continue to love. After her death in 2022, this scholarship was created in her memory in coordination with her family.
The Scholarship: One camper will be awarded 2 free weeks in Camp Sabra, the middle school program of Camp Shelanu day camp. Activities include nature, arts, sports, STEM, daily swim, and weekly field trips. Families must provide transportation and lunch. Camp Shelanu is part of Jewish for Good and includes Jewish values and traditions; however campers of all backgrounds are welcome.
Eligibility: Campers entering 6th, 7th, or 8th grade who would not otherwise be able to attend camp. Priority given to under-represented groups, including racial minorities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and those with disabilities. Being part of the Jewish community is not required for eligibility.
Application Process:
When submitting the standard scholarship application, please note that you are interested in the “Sam Stern Memorial Sabra Scholarship” and send in answers to the following two questions:
1) This scholarship is intended for a camper to benefit from camp where they otherwise would be unlikely to attend. Please write one paragraph about what you would hope your camper would get out of two weeks at Camp Shelanu.
2) Priority is given to under-represented groups, including racial minorities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and those with disabilities. Being part of the Jewish community is not required for eligibility. Please share anything you would like us to consider about your camper’s identity related to these groups.