In 1995 we were fortunate that Billy and Mary Sturman invited our fledging congregation to purchase the Temple from the Orthodox Montefiore Congregation for one dollar. Billy and Mary wanted to see a Jewish Community survive and thrive in Everett.
Billy and Mary Sturman, of blessed memory, are still playing a role in the development of Temple Beth Or. They are still making sure that we thrive. Billy and Mary Sturman’s children gave $20,000 to the Temple to establish a fund called the “Billy and Mary Sturman Campership Fund” with the stipulation that the money be used to help children of Temple Beth Or attend an accredited Jewish sleep-over camp.
Attending a Jewish camp has been found to be one of the most important experiences we can provide for our children. It is where our children may feel their Judaism most intensely. Jewish summer camp is more than a place or a program. It is a full Jewish community of children and adults who join together to create spirit and energy. It is where our children have the opportunity to discover what Judaism means to them on a personal level, and then to go home with the desire to continue exploring their Jewish identity.
Qualifying Eligible Camps - The camp must offer a minimum of a one-week overnight program. Preference will be given to children who would like to attend Camp Kalsman, a Union for Reform Judaism camp. Other eligible camps in the Pacific Northwest, are B’nai B’rith Camp in Oregon, Camp Miriam on Gabriola Island, British Columbia, and Camp Solomon Schecter in Olympia, Washington.
Qualifying Eligible Recipients - Parent(s) must be a member of Temple Beth Or and be in good standing. Preference will be given to students who are either currently enrolled or have been enrolled in Temple Beth Or’s Religious School.
Scholarships - Many families may need some additional support to help send their child(ren) to camp. Therefore, scholarships are based upon financial need. We are not asking for any documentation for this need – we expect each family to honestly assess their situation and make this decision accordingly.
Up to $2,000 each year is used for all scholarships. In addition, the Rabbi can request an additional $500 be used for scholarship money. If the total sum available is not used, the money will revert back to the fund. These monies are not added to the following year's scholarship money.
No more than 50% of the total camp cost can be covered. The typical campership will be between $200 and $400 per child. More than one child from a family may receive a campership. The scholarship is made payable to, and sent directly to the camp.Awards will be based on the criteria cited above, combined with the number of qualified applicants and the amount of dollars available. All applications are confidential.
Notification of policy - Each January, information on the Billy and Mary Sturman Camperships will be published in the ORacle and ORbits newsletters, and a letter will be sent to the parents of all children who are enrolled in Religious School and/or who have children in BOTY to inform them of the campership program and explain the parameters of the award. February 28, 2010 is the deadline for returning the application. Applications will be read and parents notified no in April. A check will be payable to the camp, dependent upon acceptance. It is the parent's responsibility to notify the committee when their child(ren) are accepted to camp. If the final award does not meet the needs of the family, the President has access to some additional funding. Should a child receiving a campership choose not to go to camp, the committee should be notified so the money can be used to help another child.
Committee - A committee will be formed to read all applications for camperships. The committee must have a representative from the Finance and Youth Education committees. The Billy and Mary Sturman Campership Committee will be responsible for monitoring the functioning of this policy and will make recommendations to the Board for changes as necessary.
Other resources - Parents and campers are strongly urged to apply for other camperships. Jewish Overnight Camp Scholarship Applications are now available through the Jewish Education Council of the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle. To request your application, please email Kim Greenhall - the deadline is February 19, 2010. We also suggest requesting scholarships from the camp your child is attending. A portion of our Rabbi's Discretionary Fund may be available as well.
