Skip to content

For Families

Apply for a bursary

Need-based bursaries help eligible families cover camp fees through a shared contribution between the family, the camp, and the fund. If your child is between 11 and 16, attends an accredited camp, and your household has demonstrated financial need, we encourage you to apply.

A waterfall in the Canadian wilderness

Who can apply

Children aged 11–16 from families with demonstrated financial need, attending an accredited OCA or CCA camp.

What you’ll need

A completed application form, two reference letters, and income documentation for both parents or guardians.

Key dates

Deadline: February 28. Acknowledgement: first week of March. Decision: by end of April.

Eligibility

  • New applicants must be at least 11 years old and 16 or under
  • Demonstrated financial need (income documentation required; household income is generally below $100,000, though individual circumstances are considered)
  • Evidence of leadership qualities
  • Camp must be OCA- or CCA-accredited and willing to participate in the cost-sharing arrangement

Returning campers must continue to meet eligibility requirements. The fund reviews camper reports from the camp each year to confirm the camper is benefitting from the experience.

What the bursary covers

Our aim is to cover basic camp fees for one month. All for-profit partner camps offer a reduced fee for bursary recipients of approximately 30%.

Families remain responsible for taxes, transportation, tuck, special equipment, and any fees beyond the standard one-month session. The bursary covers the majority of the fee gap — not all costs.

How to apply

Application deadline: February 28th

  1. 1 Choose a partner camp
    Select an OCA- or CCA-accredited camp willing to participate in the bursary’s cost-sharing arrangement. Not sure if your camp qualifies? Ask them to contact us.
  2. 2 Request an application form
    Contact the camp directly and ask for a Bursary Fund Grant Application Form.
  3. 3 Submit your application and supporting documents
    Complete the form in full and email it with all required documentation to the Bursary Fund by February 28th. Incomplete applications cannot be considered.
  4. 4 Receive your decision
    The Selection Committee meets in March. All families are contacted with a decision by the end of April — with enough time to plan for summer.

Please do not send applications by registered mail.

After you apply

Feb

Deadline — February 28th

Submit your completed application and all documentation by this date. Late or incomplete applications cannot be considered.

Mar

Acknowledgement — first week of March

We confirm receipt of your application. The Selection Committee then reviews all submissions.

Apr

Decision — by end of April

All families receive a decision by the end of April — with enough time to plan for summer.