CONCORD, NH (April 26, 2024) — In just three months, the New Hampshire Department of Education (NHED) has disbursed more than $1 million in scholarships so that Granite State children can attend camp this summer and improve their overall well-being.
“Our ReKINDling Curiosity program has grown each year, providing hundreds of families that may need financial assistance with the opportunity to enroll their children in an engaging camp program,” said Frank Edelblut, education commissioner. “Summer camp provides our youth with the chance to make friends, play games, get outside, enjoy childhood and have something to look forward to during their summer vacation. We are thrilled that so many New Hampshire camps and children are taking advantage of this program, and we can’t wait to hear their summer success stories – knowing that this experience will help rekindle their curiosity and prepare them for another academic year.”
These camp awards now totaling $1,100,983, which will continue to be distributed until COVID-relief funding is exhausted, will allow at least 1,777 students to participate in a memorable and fun summer camp experience at about 170 participating camp locations.
“ReKINDling Curiosity has afforded camps an opportunity to bring in a more diverse camp population. It allows camps that may not have an established scholarship program an opportunity to offer a camp experience for more families from New Hampshire,” said Susan Miller Hild, president of the New Hampshire Camp Directors Association, adding it provides a wonderful opportunity for children in foster care, children with diverse needs and disabilities and children with grandparents as guardians. “The camp experiences children have had through ReKINDling Curiosity has been life-changing for many.”
Knowing that today’s youth may face genuine feelings of sadness and hopelessness, NHED’s partnership with the Community Behavioral Health Association to provide mental health training to camp counselors has been critical. Through this initiative, direct services are also offered to campers needing urgent professional mental health supports – helping to address the child’s emotional and overall well-being.
Using federal COVID response funds, students with a disability are eligible for up to $775 in covered camp fees. Other students are eligible for up to $625 in covered camp fees, depending on the family’s level of income. Since its inception in 2021, the program has now awarded nearly $3 million so that an estimated 5,190 students could attend a participating summer camp. For more details on the program, or to apply, visit ReKINDling Curiosity. An informational video is also available.