The State YMCA of Michigan, Hayo-Went-Ha Camps services and programs are designed for the entire community. No one should be excluded from the Hayo-Went-Ha Camps experience because they lack access to wealth. On an annual basis, we distribute, on average, more than $250,000 in campership assistance to ensure that everyone can have access to a session at camp.
Families interested in a campership should register for a program like normal and have the option to select “Pay Deposit Only” at the final payment step. You will need to pay the deposit for your program, but a reduced deposit for overnight programs is available to campership applicants upon request.
Award Amounts
Camperships are awarded based on assessed financial need, taking into account household income, the number of individuals in the household, and reported expenses. The amounts granted are determined according to our Financial Assistance Income Guidelines, which are consistently applied across all applications. Each family is encouraged to contribute their fair share of the total fee based on their financial situation.
Camperships are limited to one two-week overnight session, one four-week overnight session, or up to four weeks of day camp per camper each summer. If you have already registered for camp and we have exhausted our campership funds, your paid deposit will be eligible for a refund. Awarded amounts can range from 5% to 90% of camper fees, depending on individual needs.
Applying Online
The campership application window is open from October 20th until available funds have been distributed. As part of your application, you will need to submit proof of income, such as the first two pages of a 1040 Tax Return (current to the year of your program).
Only complete applications can be considered. Complete applications are considered and awarded in the order in which they are received.
Award Notifications
After your complete application has been received, you will receive an award decision via email within three weeks of submission.
If a campership is granted and you have not already registered with a minimum deposit online, you must register your camper and pay the $250 deposit for your program. If this step is not completed within two weeks of your award email, your campership may be forfeited.
