Summer Champs - Frequently Asked Questions

1. What do I look for in choosing the right camp for my child?
   
   
2. What must my child do to qualify for the United Way Summer Champs Scholarship Program?
   
   
3. Where can I get an application for the United Way Summer Champs Scholarship Program?
   
   
4. How much is the scholarship?
   
   
5. How do I know if they are accepted into the United Way Summer Champs Scholarship Program?
   
   
6. When should I register my child into summer camp?
   
   
7. What if a camp requires a deposit?
   
   
8. How can I find out about camps in Maine?
   
   
9. What if a camp is not listed in the book, Camp Selection Form or on your website?
   
   
10. Who can I contact if I have questions about Summer Champs?

1. What do I look for in choosing the right camp for my child?
   Selecting the right program is often a matter of knowing your options and asking the right questions. For comprehensive information on how to ensure a positive summer experience for you and your child, we strongly urge you to visit the American Camping Association website at www.acacamps.org/newengland/. You may also want to ask the camp if it is required to be licensed by the State of Maine and what level of insurance coverage it carries. Ultimately, selecting the right camp for your child is an opportunity to learn more about how a camp will both enrich and protect your child’s interests.
   
   
2. What must my child do to qualify for the United Way Summer Champs Scholarship Program?
   First, they must currently be in the 4th, 5th, or 6th grade and be enrolled in at least one academic class through the Portland Public School System. Second, each school has some guidelines on community service and academic effort. Check with your school principal for details regarding what those guidelines are for your school.
   
   
3. Where can I get an application for the United Way Summer Champs Scholarship Program?
   You can only get an application for the United Way Summer Champs Scholarship Program from your Portland Public School principal.
   
   
4. How much is the scholarship?
   Scholarship are $500 per child depending on their current grade level. Any costs over the $500 are the responsibility of the child's family. Also, if the full scholarship amount is not used, you may not roll it over for another year or for another child. Scholarships are offered on a per child per year basis, as long as they meet the above requirements.
   
   
5. How do I know if they are accepted into the United Way Summer Champs Scholarship Program?
   Summer Champs by April 16, 2010 then he/she is in the program. Summer Champs does not make exceptions for late applications. After United Way Summer Champs receives the application, you will receive a mailing at your home asking you to return the Camp Selection Form to United Way Summer Champs. Camp Selection Forms need to be returned by May 14, 2010 in order for Summer Champs to pay for the camp. If forms are not returned to Summer Champs by their due dates, Summer Champs will understand that to mean parents are forfeiting scholarships for their children this year.
   
   
6. When should I register my child into summer camp?
   Most residential camps require registration in fall or early winter. Day programs start registration in early spring. Regardless, it is best to sign up for camp as soon as possible to make sure you get a place in the program of your choice, as all programs fill up quickly.
   
   
7. What if a camp requires a deposit?
   I In some cases, a camp will require a deposit. Some camps have either waived the deposit or they have reduced the deposit for United Way Summer Champs participants. Either way, the camp will reimburse your deposit once your child has finished camp and United Way Summer Champs has paid their bill. It is the parent’s responsibility to follow up with the camp regarding their deposit. If, for some reason, the camp does not reimburse the camper’s deposit, please contact United Way of Greater Portland for assistance at 207-874-1000.
   
   
8. How can I find out about camps in Maine?
   In addition to using our camp guide, you can also consult the Maine Youth Camping Association (MYCA) catalog and website. They can be reached at 1-800-536-7712 or www.mainecamps.org. You can also check the American Camping Association of New England at www.acacamps.org/newengland/. United Way provides these suggested camp lists as a way to help you start your search for the right camp experience for your child. However, please remember that United Way does not own, operate, manage, certify, endorse, license, evaluate, monitor, or select the camp that you and your child choose to attend. It is your responsibility to select and apply to the camp that is most appropriate for your child.
   
   
9. What if a camp is not listed in the online camp guide, Camp Selection Form or on the Summer Champs web page?
   United Way Summer Champs has developed an extensive listing of the many programs that exist in Maine. The camp must be enrolled with Summer Champs in order to participate.  Programs not listed with Summer Champs are not eligible as we are not looking to expand the listing.
   
   
10. Who can I contact if I have more questions about Summer Champs?
    Specific questions can be directed to United Way of Greater Portland at 874-1000.