David Knapp Scholarship

Deer Lake Summer Camps provide a place for campers to experience the joy of the outdoors, the magic of hiking in the rain and staring into a campfire, and the bonds of friendship. They are a place of growth, discovery, and confidence building. We envision a place where these opportunities are accessible to all children, regardless of background or financial means.

To help bring this vision to life, we offer two types of financial aid, in the form of Camperships (camp scholarships) to make our summer camps accessible to a diverse range of children and families.

Need-Based Camperships
Our need-based camperships are designed for families who may not have the financial means to afford the full cost of camp. These camperships aim to remove the financial barrier that might otherwise prevent a child from attending camp. Awards are based on demonstrated financial need and may cover up to 50% of tuition costs.
Competitive Camperships: Day Camp | Wilderness Camp
Our competitive camperships recognize youth who show exceptional leadership, creativity, or passion for the outdoors. These camperships are awarded through an application process that includes an essay and recommendation letters. These camperships are open to all, regardless of financial background, and celebrate the unique strengths and potential of each child.

DONATE Help send a child to camp. Support our vision of an inclusive space where all children learn and thrive outdoors.

Deadline for submission is April 20th, 2026.

Award recipients will be notified by May 15th, 2026. For questions, email camperships@deerlakeoutdoors.org

Need Based Application

Happy Camper Campership Application

David Knapp Campership Application

Letters of Recommendation

Competitive Scholarships

David Knapp Scholarship

Thank you for your interest in applying for the Deer Lake Wilderness School David Knapp Campership. At Deer Lake Wilderness School, the outdoors should be a space for everyone. The David Knapp Campership is dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusion, ensuring that students from all backgrounds have the opportunity to experience the transformative power of nature.

This scholarship is awarded to individuals who are passionate about building inclusive communities and embracing diverse perspectives. Applicants are invited to submit an essay on what inclusion means to them, sharing personal experiences, reflections, or ideas on how to create a more welcoming and equitable world.

We encourage students from all walks of life to apply and help us continue David Knapp’s legacy of kindness, respect, and unity in the wilderness and beyond.

To apply, please complete and submit the following items to the campership committee:

David Knapp Background Information Form
David Knapp Campership Essay
Letter(s) of Recommendation describing the applicant’s ability to work with their peers.

This should be from a non-related adult community member (teacher, scout leader, religious leader or coach) who has observed the applicant with peers on multiple occasions. Letters of Recommendation should be submitted directly to the campership committee from the community member. Copy and paste this link to send for recommendations: https://deerlakeoutdoors.org/scholarship/#recommendations

Completed Applications are due by April 20th, 2026. The winner will be notified by the middle of May 2026 and announced on The Deer Lake Outdoor Center website and Social Media Pages.

Letters of Recommendation

2026 Financial Aid Recommendation Letters

The child who requested this reference would like to attend Deer Lake Day Camp or Deer Lake Wilderness School at The Deer Lake Outdoor Center and is requesting scholarship assistance. All applicants are required to submit one reference. Please be assured that your responses will be confidential.

Answer the questions below to the best of your ability. Any questions or concerns can be directed to camperships@deerklakeoutdoors.org.