Summer Scholarships

As you are considering a summer opportunity for your child, we are well aware of the financial barriers that are present for many families when considering an opportunity such as this. ARCC is committed to providing meaningful experiences for all of our students, regardless of their financial means to attend, and do everything that we can to make these opportunities accessible for all students. We strive to uphold these values of our organization through a variety of means, including scholarships, fundraising ideas, flexibility with payments, and support with gear expenses.

ARCC Summer Scholarship Application Steps

To be considered for an ARCC Scholarship, families must complete the scholarship steps outlined below. ARCC scholarships are awarded on a rolling basis, with earlier applications receiving priority consideration and the greatest availability of funds. Typical award amounts range from $500 to $2,000.

ARCC will continue reviewing applications throughout the season as funding allows, though availability may become more limited later in the year (April or later). Please note that families are not required to submit a program deposit until a scholarship offer has been awarded, allowing you to determine whether the support offered is sufficient for your family.

To apply for ARCC’s Summer Scholarship, please submit the following as early as possible:

  • Complete ARCC's Scholarship Application

    The first step of the ARCC Scholarship process is to complete the application HERE. This application must be completed in full by a parent or guardian. As part of the review process, ARCC may request a student interview and a copy of the family’s most recent tax return.

  • Submit Your Student Statement

    The student statement should be completed confidentially by the student and submitted HERE. It should describe why you would like to participate in an ARCC program, what you are most excited about, and how you will contribute to a positive group experience.

  • Fill Out Our Brief Online Application

    Click Enroll Now and complete the brief application through CampInTouch. When you reach the deposit page, select “Pay by check.” The $800 deposit is waived while you begin the scholarship process.

  • Receive Your Scholarship Offer

    Upon receipt of your completed scholarship application, our team will review it and respond within 3–4 weeks with details about the scholarship support available to you. This will include the amount of the award and the specific program(s) to which it applies. In some cases, families may receive more than one scholarship offer, with awards designated for specific programs.

  • Accept Your Offer

    Once you receive a scholarship offer, you will have time to determine whether it is the right fit for your family. If you choose to accept the offer, a $400 deposit is required to secure your student’s place in the program. The remaining tuition balance is due by March 1, or within a specified timeframe after accepting the scholarship, depending on when the application was submitted. Please contact us if you need a more flexible payment plan.

If you have any questions about the ARCC Scholarship process, please call (415) 332-5075 or email us and we’ll be happy to support you!

Apply for ARCC’s Summer Scholarship

Additional Information

Confidentiality:

All financial aid applications will be kept in strictest confidence. Only senior staff will evaluate them. They will be destroyed at the end of the season. No participants on the program will know of the financial aid awarded to your family.

ARCC may request a student interview as well as a copy of your family’s tax return as part of the scholarship process.

Payment Plans:

We offer students and families the option to pay for their program tuition in small increments over a period of time to lessen the burden of having to pay for the tuition in full upfront. Please ask us for more information regarding this option.

Gear Lending Program:

Gear for a summer program can end up amounting to a large financial commitment for some families. ARCC has a gear lending program where students can borrow certain items that we have in-house for the duration of their program, which are then returned at the end of the program for use by another student. Gear available includes backpacking packs, tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and mess kits. Please send gear requests to your Summer Director by May 1st. Please note that gear lending is only applicable for financial aid recipients.

Furthermore our packing list includes a list of online discount gear options to help ease that financial burden as well.