February 18, 2025
From Columbus Recreation & Parks
We are excited to offer $150,000 in PLAY Scholarship funding for 2026. This enables no less than 1,000 children to be eligible.
In 2026, each child will be eligible for up to $150 in scholarship support for the year, with awards provided based on eligibility. Scholarships can be used for summer camp as well as sports, aquatics and community center programs offered by the department throughout the year. Please note: the PLAY Scholarship can be applied to summer camp after the first week of camp is paid for.
You can find more information online at ColumbusRecParks.com/PLAY. If you have questions or need help with an application, please email ColumbusRecParks@columbus.gov.
We hope to see your child at camp or a community center soon!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for a PLAY Scholarship? The PLAY Scholarship is a needs-based scholarship for children up to age 18 whose family is at 80 percent or below the HUD income limit.
If I have more than one child enrolled, can each child receive assistance? Yes. Families with multiple children are eligible to apply for each child.
Is the $150 limit per session or for the entire year? Each child can receive up to $150 for the year.
Will my scholarship be less than $150? Not all applications will be approved. Not every scholarship will be for the maximum amount of $150.
What can I use the PLAY Scholarship for? Scholarships can be applied to any Columbus Recreation and Parks Department summer camp, as well as sports, aquatics and community center programs offered by the department throughout the year.
How do I apply for the PLAY Scholarship, and when do I need to apply? For summer camp, register for summer camp, then visit any community center to apply; be sure to bring proof of eligibility. To apply for a PLAY Scholarship for sports, aquatics and community center programs, apply in person at your local community center prior to registration; be sure to bring proof of eligibility.
What documentation do I need to apply? You will need to provide a copy of your most recent federal income tax return (or the previous year if the current year isn’t available). If you are not required to file a federal income tax return, you may submit any of the following:
- Copy of current Medicaid eligibility
- SNAP Benefit statement or Free or Reduced Lunch approval statement
- Proof of receiving Franklin County Social Services
How will I know I was awarded a scholarship? A scholarship credit will be added to your child’s ACTIVENet account.
Who can I talk to if I need help with the application or documentation? Please email ColumbusRecParks@columbus.gov. You can also talk with the staff at your local community center.
Can I combine the PLAY Scholarship with other assistance? Yes. PLAY Scholarships can be combined with external financial assistance programs such as scholarships. Families will need to apply for this support on their own and will receive the awarded funds – the department will not collect those funds. Once you receive the funds, you can make a payment on your account in ACTIVENet.
Should I wait to register for camp until I find out if I received a scholarship? You should register at the beginning of the registration window to secure your spot in camp.
Will I lose my spot in camp if I don’t get a scholarship? You will not lose your spot in camp if you’re not awarded a scholarship, and you can set up a payment plan if needed. You are guaranteed camp enrollments for sessions that have been paid in full.
Are there payment options if I can’t pay for camp all at once? Payment plans can be set up in ACTIVENet during registration. Payment plans require a credit card to be on file; automatic payments will be charged to your credit card beginning on the first Friday in April and are charged weekly every Friday until the balance is paid in full. Cash payments can be made at your local community center or Columbus Recreation and Parks Department’s administrative offices at 1111 E. Broad St.
