What is Quarters4Camp? Quarters4Camp is a national fundraising campaign created by The Joseph Toles Foundation which provides schools and students the opportunity for community service/awareness while providing grants to summer camp programs for the neediest families in their individual school districts. The goal of Quarters4Camp is to make sure that at least one student from every school in the United States has an opportunity to participate in a summer camp experience by receiving a grant based on the fundraising efforts of their school community.

How does the program work? Schools register to participate at Quarters4Camp.org. Shortly after registration the school will receive participation materials which include lesson plans, sample participation letters, and the program outline. Schools decide on the participation model that best meets the needs of the school community. Once a model is selected, the donation amount ($500 minimum) is divided by the number of students participating. (Ex: A school with a population of 1000 students would require a five cent donation from each student.) Schools decide how the coins are collected. Once Quarters4Camp receives the donation the school will receive a voucher which they can present to a family in their district for a summer camp grant of their choosing. New York State participants will receive a full scholarship to a Camp Resilience program in New York State.

How can my school participate? Visit Quarters4Camp.org to download program information and register online.

Why should my school participate? Millions of children attend camp each year with at least the same number of children not having the opportunity because of financial restrictions.

When should my school participate? Although there is no restriction about when a school should collect coins, it is better to do it sooner than later. The sooner you collect the more time we have to help the recipient of the voucher negotiate camp enrollment. We suggest that you collect coins with enough time to receive your voucher so that you may include it in a holiday giving program.

Who are the children who go to camp? Traditionally The Joseph Toles Foundation has targeted children living in foster care or children of low income families to attend camp. Although we will continue this practice, school districts may select students who may receive the greatest benefit from a camping experience which reach beyond our criteria. Camp Resilience programs are therapeutic in nature and try to meet the social/emotional needs of our campers.

What are the different models of participation? Schools can participate by way of one or more of the following models:

1. The school community works as one to raise the $500 minimum donation which will result in a grant to one of their students.

2. Each grade raises the $500 minimum donation to grant at least one student from their school community and other needy children across the nation.

3. To help raise awareness about social involvement, schools can help create lesson plans and activities to be shared with schools across the United States. Lesson plans and school submitter information will be found on our web site at Quaters4Camp.org.

4. School districts and The Joseph Toles Foundation can work together to help camp owners extend their camp season to provide a one week program which will meet the needs of deserving children in their community based on the Camp Resilience model.

5. School districts can help in the creation of local camping programs based on the Camp Resilience model in the hopes to reach students who would benefit the most.