Financial Aid
Free Week of Day Camp for Local Schools & Non-Profits
The Outdoor Recreation Department offers a 2-year partnership to qualifying Alameda and Contra Costa County schools and non-profits, where 50 elementary-school aged children can enjoy a free week of Day Camp in the Regional Parks. More information about these free opportunities.
Regional Parks Foundation: Financial Aid “Camperships”
The Regional Parks Foundation provides financial aid ("Camperships") to qualifying youth for select summer programs. Families must reside in Alameda or Contra Costa County and must be able to provide one of the following documents along with the completed application:
- Referral Letter from: Acta non Verba, Lincoln Child Center, Monument Crisis Center, YES to Nature-to-Neighborhoods, or Brothers-on-the-Rise.
- CalWorks Notice of Approval Letter
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) Award Letter
- SSI (Supplemental Security Income) Benefit Verification Letter
- SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) Benefit Verification Letter
- Foster Care Certification (Letter of Determination/Guardianship)
- 2023 Tax Transcript (from https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript) showing that you meet the HUD Very Low- income limits for Alameda and Contra Costa County shown below. (Self-prepared tax returns will NOT be accepted)
| Household Size | Maximum Income |
|---|---|
| 2 | $59,200 |
| 3 | $66,600 |
| 4 | $73,950 |
| 5 | $79,900 |
| 6 | $85,800 |
Complete application packets should be submitted at least 14 days prior to the start date of the program, but earlier submission is encouraged. Programs will sell out quickly and a campership does not guarantee a space. An approved “campership” must be on-file before registering.
Applications, and supporting documents, can be submitted by:
Campership applications for 2025 will be available in December.
Please review the additional information below.
- Financial Aid “Campership” Instructions
2024 Financial Aid Instructions (PDF)
2024 "Campership" Ayuda de Financial Instrucciones (PDF)
- Financial Aid “Campership” Application
Campership application form for 2025 will be available in December.
Each approved child can enroll in ONE of the programs listed below, OR TWO swim lessons. Additional registrations will be charged the standard program registration fee.
Check here for program dates, locations, and availability: Activity search | East Bay Regional Parks Online Registration (activecommunities.com). (Note: Campership registration must be done over the phone.)
Programs | Co-pay | Locations |
|---|---|---|
Park’n It Summer Day Camp (Ages: at least 5 but less than 13) | $20.00 | Ardenwood, Coyote Hills, Diablo Foothills, Don Castro, Miller Knox, Roberts, Temescal |
Leaders in Training* (Ages: at least 13 but less than 18) | $20.00 | Various Locations |
Little Farm Camp (Ages: at least 8 but less than 12) | $20.00 | Tilden Regional Park (Berkeley) |
Swim Lessons (2 sessions max) (Ages: at least 6 months but less than 18; parent participation may be required) | $15.00 | Roberts Regional (Oakland) |
Bay Adventure Camp (Ages: at least 8 but less than 12) | $45.00 | Crown Beach (Alameda) |
Junior Lifeguard (Ages: at least 8 but less than 13) | $45.00 | Crown Beach (Alameda), Cull Canyon (Castro Valley) |
Junior Lifeguard Aide* (Ages: at least 12.5 but less than 16) | $80.00 | Crown Beach (Alameda), Cull Canyon (Castro Valley) |
Junior Lifeguard Cadet* (Ages: at least 14 but less than 17) | $100.00 | Crown Beach, Cull Canyon |
Programs, locations, and copays subject to change. Junior Lifeguard program requires passing a swim test to participate. Additional application and interview process required for programs marked with an *.
Questions? Call 1-888-327-2757, option 2 or email reservations@ebparks.org.