Church Camp Scholarship Policy

Purpose

First Presbyterian Church of High Springs believes that Christian camping is an important opportunity for the spiritual growth and formation of our children and youth. The church desires to help make camp accessible to our young people while also being good stewards of the limited funds entrusted to us.

Because camp costs are increasing (as of 2026, approaching $900 per camper), the following guidelines are established for church camp scholarships.

Scholarship Guidelines

1. Participation in the Life of the Church
Scholarships are intended primarily for children and youth who are active participants in the life of First Presbyterian Church.

As a general guideline, eligibility will be based on consistent participation, normally demonstrated by:

• Worship attendance averaging at least twice a month; and/or
• Regular participation in Sunday School, youth activities, VBS, service projects, or other church activities.

Children of non-members may receive scholarships when they are genuinely participating in the life of the congregation. Families who are new to the church will generally be expected to have 3–6 months of consistent participation before applying.

2. Family Contribution
Families receiving a scholarship will normally be asked to contribute 10–20% of the camp cost, according to their circumstances. The Session may reduce or waive this contribution when financial circumstances warrant.

3. Application and Financial Need
All scholarships must be requested in writing. When scholarship requests exceed available funds, preference may be given to families demonstrating financial need. The Session may request appropriate documentation. All financial information will be kept confidential.

4. Participation in Fund Raising Events
Scholarship recipients and/or their families are expected to participate in any fundraisers, workdays, or other congregational activities created to help fund the scholarships.

The purpose is not to make children "earn" their scholarships, but to help them understand that being part of a church family means both receiving and giving.

5. Following Camp
Scholarship recipients will be asked to express their appreciation to the congregation through a thank-you note and a brief reflection about their camp experience, or by sharing their experience with the congregation.

Stewardship and Exceptions

Scholarships are dependent upon the funds available each year and are not guaranteed solely on the basis of eligibility. 

The Session retains discretion to make exceptions when unusual circumstances warrant them.

Our Commitment

Our goal is to be generous without being careless, fair without being rigid, and supportive without removing the family's own responsibility.

We want our scholarship program to communicate to our children:

"You are an important part of this church family. We are willing to invest in you, and we hope you will learn to invest yourself in the life of your church as well."

The scholaship application is downloadable below. Please not that the deadline for church scholarships is May 1 of each year! Thank you!