Happy Camper 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

Happy Camper Campership Application – Day Camp Only

Thank you for your interest in applying for the Deer Lake Day Camp Happy Camper Campership. Deer Lake Day Camp prides itself on providing a traditional summer camp experience where campers are encouraged to explore and learn in nature as they make new friends and build their skills in a variety of areas. Our programming emphasizes the values of team building and environmental stewardship throughout the day, encouraging campers to push themselves to try new skills and overcome obstacles as they develop a deeper appreciation for the people and world around them.

Thanks to generous donations from our supporters, this year we are able to provide one full campership to a camper that best demonstrates the values of Deer Lake Day Camp. The winner will be selected by the members of the Pathfinders Campership Committee based on information provided in their completed application packet. Prior attendance at Deer Lake Day Camp is not a requirement for application.

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

Happy Camper Background Information Form
Happy Camper Essay
Letter(s) of Recommendation describing applicant’s ability to work with their peers. Copy and paste this link to send for recommendations: https://deerlakeoutdoors.org/scholarship/#recommendations 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.

Completed Applications are due by April 20th, 2026. The winner will be notified by the middle of May 2026 and announced on 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.