This could be you!
The Bursary
The recipient of the Maria Dalrymple Bursary will receive financial backing to cover their Camp America programme fees as well as $500 to support after-camp travel. This bursary will be awarded to someone who is active in their community and passionate about making a difference, or who has faced their own challenges and could benefit from camp. To apply for this bursary, you must be nominated by a youth or social worker who knows your personality and skills and can support your application. We particularly encourage those from diverse backgrounds to apply.
This could be you!
About Maria
Maria Dalrymple was a Senior Youth Worker and Director of Youth A.I.D, a youth centre based in Lewisham, South London. She served on Camp America’s Board of Advisors from 1993 to 2014, becoming a Special Independent Advisor. A remarkable person, generous with her time and attention, her work was integral in expanding the reach of Camp America beyond the university campus and into under-served communities.
Following her tragic passing in 2017 following an illness, this bursary was created to honour and remember Maria and continue the work she was devoted to: developing young people to their full potential.
How It Works
Requirements
As well as meeting our standard Camp America requirements, to qualify for the Maria Dalrymple bursary you must be nominated by a social or youth worker and accept the terms and conditions below.
Complete your application
Successful candidates must complete all application and placement formalities, including their interview, within one month of bursary confirmation.
Be nominated
You must be nominated by someone who knows your skills and can back up your application, such as a youth or social worker.
Fully participate
Failure to participate and complete a summer at camp will render the bursary null and void. $500 towards your travel is payable on completion of camp contract in the USA.
Life-changing summer
Fund some costs
Costs to complete your medical form with your GP, to attend the US embassy interview in London, and travel to and from Heathrow airport will be at your expense.
Share your story
The successful candidate must consent to be featured in publicity associated with the bursary, including sharing social media postings.
Become a mentor
The successful candidate will agree to potentially act as a mentor to any future Maria Dalrymple bursary awardees in the future.
Life-changing summer
Real Experiences
Don't take our word for it - this is just a snapshot of the amazing summers our participants have had, and the reasons they keep going back year after year.
Camp is the great place to try new activities and make amazing memories as everyone is supportive and happy to help you grow out of your comfort zone while finding your favourite hobbies and interests.
Camp America gave me an understanding of responsibility that I hadn’t experienced before. By the time I came home, I’d gained valuable leadership skills to take into future careers.
Lifeguard training taught me so much and really pushed me out of my comfort zone. The difference between when I started camp and left camp was unimaginable and I am so grateful for the experience.
The reason I keep going back to camp is because I can impact lives, grow culturally, and make life-long friends from all over the world.
You join this bubble of people who are extremely caring and supportive, they help you grow as a person and unlock new confidence. I would recommend Camp America to anyone!
I made friends for life at camp who I still see today from all across the world and Camp America made that happen!
This could be you!
How to Apply
To apply for the Maria Dalrymple Camp America bursary, you will need to complete this application and your youth or social worker should complete this application. Alternatively, you can submit an application in video format, answering questions 1, 2 and 3 on the Bursary Application Form on camera and emailing a video to [email protected].
The successful candidate will be notified at the end of April 2025 and a member of the Camp America team will guide them through placement & application.
This could be you!
