Finding an affordable summer camp in Maryland or DC doesn’t have to feel impossible. If you’re planning ahead for Summer Camp Scholarships in Maryland 2026, this guide breaks down verified camp scholarships, grants, and financial assistance programs available to families across Maryland and Washington, DC. From county recreation programs and STEM camps to nature centers, museums, faith-based organizations, and youth sports grants, this list is designed to help parents secure low-cost or free summer camp opportunities for their kids before spots and funding run out.
Tips for Applying for Summer Camp Scholarships (2026)
- Apply early
- Most scholarships are first-come, first-served and close once funding runs out
- Do not wait for camp registration
- Some programs require scholarship approval before you can enroll
- Have documents ready
- Many applications ask for proof of residency, income, or benefits like EBT or WIC
- Apply to more than one program
- Families often qualify for multiple scholarships at the same time
- Check eligibility carefully
- Age limits, location requirements, and camp type matter
- Email the camp if details are missing
- Not all programs list deadlines or award amounts publicly
- Some scholarships cover full tuition. Others cover one week or partial fees
- Set reminders
- Applications often open between late January – early March
Maryland Summer Camp Scholarships
Hyattsville Camp Scholarships (Spring & Summer 2026)
Applications: Now Open
Who it’s for: Hyattsville residents enrolling children in city-run spring or summer camps
Good to know: Scholarships are need-based and limited. Early applications are encouraged.
Prince George’s County Camp Scholarship
Applications: Opening soon (typically early 2026)
Who it’s for: Prince George’s County families seeking assistance for PG Parks & Recreation camps
Good to know: Covers select county camps. Approval is often required before registration.
🔗 PG County Fee Assistance & Scholarships
Henry Hall Summer Scholars (National Aquarium)
Applications: Now Open
Who it’s for: Students between 5-12 grades interested in marine science, STEM, and environmental education
Good to know: Competitive program with an educational focus. Space is limited.
Marye Wells-Harley Dream Camp Scholarship (Montgomery Parks)
Applications: Fill out the application below and submitted right away for consideration
Who it’s for: Montgomery County families with financial need
Good to know: Can cover partial or full camp fees for Montgomery Parks programs.
Boolean Girl Scholarship (Maryland)
Applications: Now Open
Who it’s for: Families seeking STEM-focused summer camps for girls and gender-expansive youth
Good to know: Scholarships are awarded on a rolling basis. Apply early.
Margaret M. Ernst Campership Fund (Camp Fairlee)
Applications: Rolling; early submission recommended
Who it’s for: Children with and without disabilities
Good to know: Supports inclusive overnight and day camp experiences.
Related Post: Free Summer Camp in Northern Virginia: National Air & Space Museum
Baltimore Woods Nature Center Camp Scholarship
Applications: Typically, open early February 2026
Who it’s for: Families enrolling children in nature-based summer camps
Good to know: Limited scholarships available; priority may be given to local families.
Jewish Camp – One Happy Camper Grant
Applications: Varies by region and camp (many are now open for 2026)
Who it’s for: Jewish families sending children to Jewish overnight camps
Good to know: Grant amounts vary and may be combined with camp aid.
🔗 Additional Jewish camp scholarships
Temple Emanuel Scholarship Foundation (Maryland)
Applications: Dates vary by program
Who it’s for: Families affiliated with Temple Emanuel
Good to know: Supports youth programs and summer enrichment opportunities.
Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum – Education Programs
Applications: Program-specific timelines
Who it’s for: Students interested in maritime history and Chesapeake Bay ecology
Good to know: Some programs offer financial assistance upon request.
YMCA of Maryland – Camp Financial Assistance
Applications: Typically, open early 2026
Who it’s for: Maryland families with demonstrated financial need
Good to know: Applies to YMCA day and overnight camps statewide.
Port Discovery Summer Camp Scholarship (PlayMakers Program)
Applications: Rolling; limited availability
Who it’s for: Maryland families qualifying for EBT or WIC
Good to know: Eligibility is tied to the PlayMakers program.
📧 Email: camps@portdiscovery.org
Beachmont Christian Ministries Camp Scholarship
Applications: Typically, open early 2026
Who it’s for: Families seeking faith-based day camp options
Good to know: Scholarships are need-based and limited.
St. Mary’s County Recreation & Parks Scholarship Program
Applications: Ongoing; apply early
Who it’s for: St. Mary’s County residents
Good to know: Covers County recreation programs, including summer camps.
West River Center Summer Camp Scholarship
Applications: Rolling; limited funds
Who it’s for: Families enrolling in West River Center camps
Good to know: Awards are based on financial need.
Community Foundation of Frederick County – Scholarships
Applications: Deadlines vary by fund
Who it’s for: Frederick County residents
Good to know: Multiple youth-focused and education-related scholarships available.
Takoma Park Summer Camp Scholarship
Applications: Typically, open early 2026
Who it’s for: Takoma Park residents
Good to know: Applies to city-run recreation and summer programs.
Summer Kids Guide – Camp Scholarship Directory
Applications: Varies by listing
Who it’s for: Families nationwide, including Maryland
Good to know: Great starting point to discover additional camp scholarships.
Sports & Activity Grants (Maryland & Nationwide)
- FCA Power Camp Scholarships – Learn more
- Southern Maryland Athletic Alliance – Youth scholarships
- All Kids Play Grants – Apply
- Every Kid Sports Pass – Learn more
- Sports Matter (Dick’s Sporting Goods Foundation) – Apply for funding
Know of another summer camp scholarship in Maryland?
If you’re aware of any additional scholarship programs offered in the state of Maryland, we’d love to hear about them. Please email us at Yatzuri@kidsquarantineandme.com so we can include them on this list and help other families find affordable summer camp options.
