Camp Is for Everyone

At the Camping & Education Foundation, we often describe the wilderness as a “great equalizer.” Indeed, on a canoe trip, a camper’s value to a group is defined only by their effort and attitude—not their socioeconomic background.

Our industry-leading tuition assistance program awards more than $400,000 in need-based scholarships each year, supporting roughly 25% of our campers—young men and women who wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to attend Kooch-i-ching or Ogichi Daa Kwe. This program includes many scholarships, including dedicated funds for Native American campers, military families, Urban Wilderness Program participants and International Falls residents.

  • We continue to be grateful and humbled by all of the generous people who made this experience possible for our daughter.

    SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT | OGICHI DAA KWE

  • My son came back from camp seemingly older, definitely taller, more mature, positive, and stronger both inside and out.

    SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT | KOOCH-I-CHING

  • Ogichi has shown our daughter how strong she can be. It has also given her a sense of community and good role models to look up to.

    SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT | OGICHI DAA KWE

  • Each year, when our son comes back from camp, he's more thoughtful, more helpful, complains less, sees things that need to get done, and works hard.

    SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT | KOOCH-I-CHING

 

John Grate Fund

For Native American Campers

The John Grate Fund is named for John H. Grate Sr., a longtime Kooch-i-ching staff member, volunteer and trustee who has dedicated much of his life to promoting an appreciation for indigenous art and culture, both at Kooch-i-ching and other organizations. The scholarship fund primarily supports young men and women from Ojibwe and Lakota communities near our two camps, but is open to other Native American and First Nation campers.

 
 

Stephen Bryant fund

For Military Families

The Stephen C. Bryant Memorial Scholarship Endowment was created by Teesha Bryant and named for her late husband, a Kooch-i-ching alumnus who had tremendous respect for those serving in the armed forces. The scholarship fund supports the sons of military veterans and first responders who have suffered hardship as a result of their service.

 
 

Urban Wilderness Fund

For Urban Wilderness participants

The Urban Wilderness Scholarship Fund provides tuition assistance to students who have participated in the Urban Wilderness Program through their school or a partner organization. The fund primarily supports young men and women from Cincinnati.

 

Richard Thompson Fund

For International Falls Residents

The Richard Clark Thompson Scholarship Fund was created in memory of Richard Thompson, a respected member of the International Falls community and longtime Kooch-i-ching camper, staff man and trustee. The fund provides tuition assistance to young men and women from International Falls and the surrounding communities.

 

All Scholarship Funds

 
 

Tikam Berry Fund

Stephen C. Bryant Fund

Diversity Fund

Mason Garner Fund

George F. Hattemer Fund

John L. Holden Fund

Kooch-i-ching General Fund

Adelaide & Stub Muhl Fund

Ed Rueve Fund

Marge & Charles J. Schott Fund

Geoffrey M. Smith Fund

Richard Thompson Fund

Strong Spirited Fund

Urban Wilderness Fund

 
 

Inquire About Tuition Assistance