FAQ

This page will address questions you may have about the Support Our Troops National Summer Camps Program. 
This is a camp fee reimbursement program, entirely funded through donations from Canadian companies and individuals and as such, the funding available varies from year to year. Funds are allocated to eligible serving families on a first come, first serve online application basis, prioritizing first time campers. 
This program is open to applications by serving members. Please check that you meet the eligibility criteria on our website and can provide the required documentation. 

Applications are accepted through the online application portal* and you can access it on our website once it opens. The Camps Program Coordinator will review applications and send approval emails with further instructions to all eligible applicants.

*Are you a member of CANSOFCOM? Please contact the Camps Coordinator at camps@cfmws.com before applying.

The application portal opens in the spring of every year.  Check our website regularly for updates regarding eligibility, applications and opening dates: National Summer Camps Program - Support Our Troops
Due to the nature of the program, we cannot guarantee a family will receive a grant and therefore, if they choose to register a child for camp prior to receiving a grant approval and pay a non-refundable deposit, the parents are responsible for this fee if their grant application is not approved.
Yes, we do need the stated mandatory documents to be uploaded at the time of application, in order to validate your eligibility and fulfil the reimbursement criteria. Please note: It is the responsibility of the member/applicant to access and submit the documents, as the Camps Program Coordinator will not contact third parties in order to collect your information.

a) Yes, you can apply. However, we do need all of the mandatory information regarding the member, as payment will be issued to the member’s bank account or a joint bank account in which case, you will need to provide your CFOne number.

b) Please contact the Camps Program Coordinator if you require further assistance: camps@cfmws.com

A Reserve Force member who is currently on a contract of 180 days or more is eligible to apply for funding as long as their family also fits within the application eligibility criteria.
a) No. The SOT National Summer Camps Program does not run, administrate, nor accredit any camps. We simply reimburse fees paid by pre-approved families once they submit proof their child/children attended the camp included on their application.

b) Parents choose the federally, provincially or municipally accredited camp* they wish to send their child/children to; disclose this preferred choice in the online application and once approved for funding, submit receipts for reimbursement after camp attendance.

*Please note: Skill certifications, courses, or 1-2 visits/week memberships will not be considered as camps.

a) No, the grants are only to be used for camp fees. Parents are responsible for payment of the following items, including but not limited to: transportations costs that are separately billed; items purchased at or for camp; such as T-shirts, Tuck shop items, books, equipment such as for sports, camping, watersports, or any other supplies.

a) Each eligible camper may receive an approval for one grant up to a maximum of $900 towards a residential and/or day camp. In other words, you can submit multiple receipts, but we will ONLY reimburse up to the maximum per camper, per summer.

b) If camp fees exceed the pre-approved funding of $900, parents will be responsible for any amounts above the pre-approved limit.
Your reimbursement should appear in your account 4- 6 weeks after submission of your paid receipts and complete banking information.  If you do not see it after that time, please contact the Camps Program Coordinator: camps@cfmws.com
  1. This program is a reimbursement program; parents pay their camp fees up front and then submit paid receipts after their child/children have attended camp.

a) Yes, you can include the receipt for a separately billed support worker; it may be reimbursed along with the camp fees*.

*Please note: that we will only reimburse up to the maximum pre-approved grant per camper, regardless of number of receipts or total amount.

a) No, our program is wholly funded by donations and any residual grant funds used as a donation to a camp would constitute a misappropriation of funds.

a) No, as grants are allotted one per child per summer and cannot be shared among siblings.

b) Example: My son Johnny is registered for one camp with a total cost of $450 and his sister Jane is registered for two camps with a total cost of $1200. We will only reimburse receipts for Johnny from camps he attended and receipts for Jane from camps she attended.

a) No, when uploading receipts for reimbursement, we will only accept documents in PDF format.

Follow these links if you are unsure how to create or convert to a PDF on your computer or cellphone:
Save or convert to PDF or XPS in Office Desktop apps - Microsoft Support
Save a PDF of your file on your mobile device - Microsoft Support

Personal information is collected by the Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services (CFMWS), under the authority of the National Defense Act, via a web-based application hosted by Jotform, a third-party company registered in Vancouver, British-Columbia. 

Personal information will be used to administer the Support Our Troops (SOT) National Summer Camps Program, to determine and verify eligibility for camp grants, and to provide reimbursement of camp fees. Your application is voluntary, however, if you choose not to provide your personal information, we may be unable to process your application and/or provide reimbursement. Personal information may also be used for marketing, program monitoring, evaluation, or reporting purposes, with the data being anonymized and aggregated whenever possible. 

Personal information is protected, and is only used and disclosed by CFMWS in accordance with the Privacy Act, as described in personal information bank CFMWS PPE 802 - Financial Assistance - Support Our Troops (SOT) Funds. Under the Act, individuals have rights of access to and correction of their personal information, and the right to file a complaint to the Privacy Commissioner of Canada regarding the institution’s handling of personal information. 

If you require clarification about this statement, contact the CFMWS privacy coordinator at ATIP.AIPRP@cfmws.com. For more information on the Privacy Act, consult the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada

For the Jotform’s Privacy Policy, please visit their website at: Jotform Privacy Policy 

For the CFMWS Privacy Policy, please visit the website at: Legal Disclaimer | CFMWS 


If after reading this FAQ you still have any questions or concerns regarding the application or the process, please contact the Camps Program Coordinator: camps@cfmws.com
Top