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Taylor Statten
Camping Bursary Fund

Family guide

Summer camp financial aid for families in Canada

For families exploring help with summer camp costs, this page explains how TSCBF bursaries work, who may be eligible, what support can cover, and when it makes sense to apply.

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Need-based

For families facing a real gap between camp fees and what they can afford.

Canada-wide camps

Available for accredited camps that participate in the shared funding model.

Clear timeline

Applications are due February 28, with decisions communicated by the end of April.

Camp counsellor and campers sitting together outdoors

Funding overview

A simple overview

This section is meant to answer the first questions quickly, so families can tell whether the full application process is relevant.

1

How summer camp funding works

TSCBF provides need-based bursaries that help cover summer camp fees through a three-way cost-sharing model. The camp reduces its fee, the family contributes what it can, and the fund helps cover much of the remaining amount.

2

What this means for families

The goal is simple: to make an accredited summer camp experience more affordable for families facing a real financial barrier. If that sounds like your situation, it is worth reviewing eligibility.

3

Where to start

Families usually begin by choosing a camp, requesting the application form, and gathering their supporting documents before the February deadline.

Eligibility

Who this may be for

If your family broadly fits these criteria, it is worth moving on to the detailed application page rather than ruling yourself out too early.

Age

New applicants must be at least 11 and no older than 16 at the time of their first application.

Financial need

Awards are need-based and require income documentation for parents or guardians.

Camp accreditation

The camp must be accredited through the OCA or CCA and willing to participate in the fee-sharing model.

Readiness to apply

Families should be prepared to complete the application fully and provide references and financial documents.

Coverage

What the bursary may cover

The bursary is intended to help with basic camp fees for a standard month-long session. It is there to reduce the overall cost of camp, not to cover every related expense.

  • The fund helps bridge the gap after the camp reduces its fee and the family contributes what it can.
  • Families generally remain responsible for transportation, tuck, taxes, special equipment, and non-standard extras.
  • The structure is intended to be practical and sustainable, so support can continue across multiple summers for campers who remain eligible.

Good to know

  • Timing matters. Families should start early enough to choose a camp, request the application form, and gather documents before February 28.
  • Camp fit still matters. TSCBF supports accredited camps across Canada, so families can still look for a camp that feels like the right fit.
  • Applications are reviewed confidentially. Financial information is handled by the volunteer Selection Committee.
  • Returning campers reapply. Support can continue year to year, but eligibility is reviewed annually.

Application process

How to apply

Step 1

Choose an accredited camp

Pick an OCA- or CCA-accredited camp willing to participate in the cost-sharing arrangement.

Step 2

Request the application form

Families usually request the form through the camp, or they can contact TSCBF directly for guidance.

Step 3

Submit documents in full

Include the completed form, references, and household income documentation by February 28.

Step 4

Receive a decision

Applications are acknowledged in early March, and decisions are generally shared by the end of April.

Questions

Common questions from families

Is this only for one specific camp?
No. TSCBF supports accredited camps across Canada that are willing to take part in the bursary's shared funding structure.
Are summer camp grants and bursaries the same thing here?
Families use different terms, including summer camp grants, financial aid, and bursaries. At TSCBF, the support is a need-based bursary for eligible campers attending accredited camps.
Does the bursary pay the full cost of camp?
Usually no. It helps with basic camp fees, while families are typically still responsible for other costs such as transportation, taxes, tuck, or equipment.
What if I am not sure my child is eligible?
Review the fit check above, then use the main application page or FAQ for full details. If you are close to the criteria and have questions, contact TSCBF before ruling yourself out.
When should families start the process?
Early. Families need time to choose a camp, obtain the application form, and collect all supporting documentation before the February 28 deadline.

Need fuller answers? Visit the main FAQ or the application page.

Next step

If camp feels within reach, you can start the application process now

The full application page walks through the documents you need, key dates, and how to begin through your preferred accredited camp.

Apply now Email TSCBF