Legacy Scholarship Award by Eli’s Project
Providing foster children with an enriching summer camp experience focused on growth, resilience, and adventure. Partnership with YMCA Camp Hayo-Went-Ha and Arbutus Hayo-Went-Ha.
A 501 (C) (3) Youth Mental Health Charity
Scholarship
About the Legacy Scholarship and Camp Experience
Eli’s Project sponsors foster youth to attend YMCA Camp Hayo-Went-Ha, where they can participate in activities like swimming, sailing, hiking, and more.
Camp Features and Safety Information:
- Historical Background: Founded in 1904, over 100 years of wilderness-based camp experiences.
- Gender-Specific Camp Locations: Boys’ camp is located on Torch Lake, girls’ camp on Arbutus Lake, both in Michigan.
- Technology-Free Policy: Emphasis on unplugging, with communication via letters or emails.
- Session Durations: Sessions vary from 2 to 4 weeks, depending on age, with a maximum camp season of 8 weeks (June-August).
- 1:4 Staff-to-Camper Ratio and On-Site Behavioral Support: Social workers and behavioral specialists available, certified staff, medical support, and a stocked medical center.
Legacy Scholarship Award
Nomination Overview
Nomination Process:
- Submit a Nomination Form: Provide details about the child, your relationship to them, and why they’d benefit from camp. Contact information for you and the legal guardian is required.
- Review & Interview: The committee will review the application. If it moves forward, a brief interview will confirm the camper’s readiness.
Important Dates:
- Application Deadline: [Insert Date]
- Scholarship Notification: [Insert Date]
Nominate a Camper Today:
About the Camp
YMCA Camp Hayo-Went-Ha
Two-Tiered Vetting Process
Eli’s Project uses a two-tiered approach to ensure selected campers are a good fit for the camp experience:
- Application Review: The Legacy Scholarship Committee reviews each application to ensure basic eligibility (age, Michigan residency, foster care background, and alignment with camp values).
- Caregiver Meeting: Once eligibility is confirmed, a meeting is scheduled with the child’s caregiver to discuss the camper’s specific needs and assess if the camp is an appropriate and enriching environment for them.
Interview Requirements
During the meeting, the following areas are addressed to ensure inclusive yet safe participation:
- Medical Accommodations: Identifying any necessary medical or psychological support the camper may require.
- Behavioral Stability: Ensuring the camper is medically and psychologically stable to attend a wilderness-based sleepaway camp.
- Special Needs Assessment: Discussing mobility, toileting, dietary restrictions, and other accommodations to create a safe and comfortable camp experience.
Criteria for Camp Participation
Medical and Behavioral Compatibility
Eli’s Project and YMCA Camp Hayo-Went-Ha strive to accommodate a wide range of needs, fostering an inclusive environment for campers. However, participation requires medical and behavioral stability to ensure the safety and well-being of all attendees. While many conditions can be supported, certain situations that pose safety or logistical challenges may not be suitable for this wilderness-based sleepaway camp.
Physical Exam Requirement
To ensure readiness for camp activities, all campers must complete a physical examination and provide necessary medical documentation, including a medication release form if applicable.
You’re Not Alone: Eli’s Project
A boy who seemed to have it all. A loving family and friends. From the outside, Eli looked like a healthy, happy boy. Inside, he struggled. That private pain led to him taking his own life.
Send a Kid to Camp Application
You’re Not Alone: Eli’s Project
A boy who seemed to have it all. A loving family and friends. From the outside, Eli looked like a healthy, happy boy. Inside, he struggled. That private pain led to him taking his own life.
Advocacy
Education
Action
Meaningful Mental Health
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Eli’s Project is a 501(3)(C) non-profit foundation. EIN#88-3201633
Maximum donation amounts.