PLAY Scholarships: Making Camps Accessible

The PLAY Scholarship Fund was created to help eligible families with children 18 years and younger participate in fee-based programs offered through Columbus Recreation and Parks Department.

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.

How to Apply

1. Log into ACTIVENet.

2. Search for your camps by name or activity number.

3. When you’re filling out the information for each camp, answer Yes to the question “Do you want to apply for a PLAY Scholarship?” Then, add the camp to your shopping cart.

   • Reminder: Each child is eligible for up to $150 in PLAY Scholarships per year, and scholarships are not guaranteed. You can use the PLAY Scholarship for camp after one week of camp is paid for.

4. Repeat for each camp and each child.

5. Once you have added all of your camps, click Checkout.

6. In your Cart, update your contact information and add your payment information.

   • If you would like to sign up for a payment plan, make sure the box is checked (it will default to this option). A credit card must be on file. Your credit card will be charged an initial payment of $20 per camp. Payments will be deducted from your account beginning on the first Friday in April, and charged weekly until your balance is paid in full.

7. Once you’re registered, you will receive an email with information about how to upload required camp documents in ePACT; these documents will include proof of eligibility for the PLAY Scholarship. It can take 24 hours to receive that email.

8. Upload your camp documents in ePACT.

   • Please note: You are encouraged to upload the proof of eligibility document for the PLAY Scholarship as soon as possible so the scholarship can be applied to your account before payments start being deducted from your credit card for your payment plan. We cannot guarantee approved scholarships will be applied by the first Friday in April if you submit your proof of eligibility after March 13; approved scholarships will be credited upon processing.

   • If you don’t upload all other documents such as medical forms at the same time, please remember to do that before camp begins.

9. If you are awarded a scholarship, the scholarship will be added to your account and the balance due will be adjusted. You will be notified that your balance has been adjusted.

Find more information about eligibility and how to apply online. If you have questions or need help with an application, please contact us at 614-645-3337 or ColumbusRecParks@columbus.gov.

*Please note, the PLAY Scholarship can be applied to summer camp after the first week of camp is paid for.