Every child battling life-threatening illness should be granted a wish."
- Mel Zajac, Founder
Zajac Camper Allowance
Our goal is to ensure that all children with special medical needs in British Columbia and across Canada have the opportunity to participate in a camp experience. Mindful that many families with special needs children are burdened by significant expenses for specialized care, treatment and education for their child, we established the Zajac Camper Allowance to help families in need of support. This Allowance offsets the cost of registration, and is made available to all campers. Currently, the actual cost of providing a week of camp is estimated at $1,560 per child. With the Zajac Camper Allowance and other support initiatives, families pay, at a maximum, $780 out of pocket to register for one session of camp. Our long-term goal is to some day be able to offer a camp experience to any child, regardless of medical condition or financial situation, free of charge.
Since 2004, more than $5.8 million in camper subsidies have been given though the Zajac Camper Allowance, thanks to the generosity of grant making organizations, donors, partners and supporters. Additional funds are also raised through annual fundraising events and fundraising campaigns supported by individuals and companies. Our corporate sponsors and donors contribute hundreds of thousands of dollars annually to support your child’s participation in the program. To be eligible for the Zajac Camper Allowance, applicants must:
- Submit a completed Camper Application
- Endorse the Photo Consent Release which allows campers to be photographed while at camp
- Complete the post-camp survey provided by Zajac Ranch for Children
Zajac Community Partners Subsidy
We understand some families' financial circumstances make them unable to pay the balance remaining after the Zajac Camper Allowance is applied.
In addition to the Zajac Camper Allowance, the Zajac Community Partners Subsidy is available for those who have a demonstrated significant financial need. This program is supported through generous contributions by our Corporate Partners, and through donations made by individuals and companies.
To allow us to accommodate as many requests as necessary, applicants must contribute as much as they are able. Preference is given to first-time visitors; however, all families who meet the criteria are encouraged to apply. In order to qualify for our Zajac Community Partners Subsidy, you will also need to provide a record that you have applied to the Canadian Tire Jumpstart Assistance, as this helps us to assure that we can help to fund as many kids as possible. Your application and financial data are kept strictly confidential.
To be eligible for a Zajac Community Partner Subsidy, applicants must:
- Submit a completed Camper Application
- Submit a completed Zajac Community Partners Subsidy Application, which includes proof of income (T-4, T-5, or CRA Notice)
- Endorse the Photo Consent Release which allows campers to be photographed while at camp
- Complete the post-camp survey provided by Zajac Ranch for Children
- Commit to sending a thank you card or letter after camp. Our donors appreciate hearing how their donation helped send a child to camp.
Canadian Tire Jumpstart Assistance
Canadian Tire offers an amazing program to help assist families looking to encourage an active lifestyle for their child, called Jumpstart! This funding helps families who require financial assistance to send their child to camp! In order to qualify for our Zajac Community Partners Subsidy, you will also need to provide a record that you have applied to the Canadian Tire Jumpstart Assistance, as this helps us to assure that we can help to fund as many kids as possible.
To be eligible for this assistance, you will need to complete a financial application directly through the Canadian Tire Jumpstart website. This needs to be done before the fees are due, as the money goes right to Zajac Ranch for Children. When you visit the website, click apply and select the option for "I'm an individual" to begin the application process.For more information or to register please visit their website: Canadian Tire Jumpstart
Camp-specific Assistance
- Autism Spectrum Disorder Camps
The Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) provides Autism Funding Programs for Children and youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Zajac Ranch accepts AFU Funding for our Autism Camps. Specific guidelines apply to camper families looking to use AFU Funding: please refer to our Autism Funding Guide. - CNIB Camp
Please contact CNIB for information regarding camper fee subsidies. CNIB travel subsidies may be available to BC residents for travel from outside the Lower Mainland. Contact Sarah Pekeles, RSW, Specialist, Children & Youth Services at (604) 431-2121 ext. 6018 or 1 (800) 563-2642 for more information. - Hearts of Gold Camp
Please contact the Children’s Heart Network for information about funding related to this camp. - Southlands Therapeutic Riding Society (STaRS) & Alderwood Family Development Centre Camp
Support for this camp is made possible by our generous donors including Diamond Foundation, Kids Helping Kids Foundation and The Morris and Helen Belkin Foundation.
Condition-specific Assistance
- For those campers living with Cerebral Palsy
The Cerebral Palsy Association of BC has limited Campership Bursaries available. Please refer to The Cerebral Palsy Association of BC’s website for funding applications or contact their office at supportworker@bccerebralpalsy.com for more information. Please note the application deadline of Friday, June 28, 2019. - For those campers who have Autism Spectrum Disorder
Zajac Ranch accepts AFU Funding for our Autism Camps. Specific guidelines apply to camper families looking to use AFU Funding: please refer to our Autism Funding Guide.