Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible to increase their chances of receiving an award. Deadlines and corresponding notification dates are as follows: 

Early Awards:

• Application Deadline: January 31, 2027 

•  Notification Date: February 28, 2027 

Rolling Basis Consideration:

• Applications received between February 1 and March 15, 2027 

• Notification Date: April 15, 2027 

• Applications received between March 16 and April 15, 2027 

• Notification Date: April 30, 2027 

Final Deadline:

The final deadline to apply is April 15, 2027. Applications received after this date will not be considered.  Please note that funding varies from year to year and is dependent on the number of applicants. Funding may be limited after February 1, 2027.

We want the application to help us understand your family, your camper, and what Camp Bil-O-Wood means to you. Please complete it thoughtfully and in full. Missing information can delay review or may prevent an application from being considered.

Before You Begin.

• Please register with camp Bil-O-Wood at bil-o-wood.com prior to filling out a scholarship form.

• Complete a separate application for each camper applying for an Allen Bass Fund scholarship.

• Complete all required fields, including camp session, grade, prior scholarship history, and whether a family member will be working at Camp during the scholarship season.

• If you are unsure how to answer something, please contact the Allen Bass Fund Board rather than leaving a required section blank.

The Camper’s Part

We are not looking for perfect grammar or polished writing. We want to hear the camper’s own thoughts, personality, and voice.

• Campers may submit written answers of up to 250 words OR a link to a Youtube video of up to one minute addressing the two camper questions.

• Parents of younger campers may collaborate and help their child express their thoughts, but the responses should still reflect the camper’s ideas and feelings.

• The camper will be asked what they can offer Camp Bil-O-Wood and what they hope Camp Bil-O-Wood can offer them.

• Video responses may be submitted through the application link.

Family & Financial Information

Financial need is the greatest single factor considered by the Board. Financial information is confidential and is used only by the Allen Bass Fund Board when reviewing scholarship requests.

• Provide the total number of adults and children in your household.

• Report total gross income from your most recent federal tax return, W-2 and/or 1099 forms, plus other income such as child support, self-employment income, investments, trust proceeds, public assistance, or family support.

• International families may report income using their country’s accepted tax form and local currency.

• Include estimated travel costs to and from Camp, including airfare, bus fare, fuel, lodging, or other reasonable transportation expenses.

• Let us know if you are also applying for an Allen Bass Fund scholarship for another camper in your household.

Tell Us About Your Need

The Statement of Financial Need is your opportunity to help the Board understand your circumstances beyond the numbers. Tell us what is affecting your ability to meet the cost of Camp this year — for example, a single-parent household, the number of income earners, health issues, a loss or reduction in employment, unexpected expenses, or other significant changes.

• Please also tell us about your family’s connection to Camp Bil-O-Wood, including past experiences, family connections, or what Camp has meant to your family.

• Before submitting, review the application carefully and complete the parent/guardian electronic certification and signature.

Each application is reviewed individually and with care. Every family’s circumstances are different, so the Board looks at the application as a whole, with the strongest emphasis placed on demonstrated financial need.

What the Board Considers

• Financial need, including household income, other income sources, household size, travel expenses, sibling scholarship requests, and circumstances affecting the family financially.

• The Statement of Financial Need and any explanation that helps the Board understand the family’s current situation.

• The camper’s own responses, including the thoughtfulness and effort shown and the positive contribution the camper hopes to make to the Camp Bil-O-Wood community.

• The family’s connection to Camp Bil-O-Wood and the role Camp has played, or may play, in the camper’s experience.

• Whether the application is complete and provides enough information for the Board to make a fair decision.

Scholarship Awards

Allen Bass Fund scholarships are intended for families for whom the cost of attending Camp Bil-O-Wood creates a genuine financial barrier. Awards may be made for up to 75% of the total camp fee and do not include camper spending money. The amount awarded depends on demonstrated need and the funds available for that scholarship cycle.

A Note to Families

We know that asking for financial assistance can feel personal. Please share what you believe will help us understand your family’s situation. The Board treats financial information as confidential and reviews each request respectfully.

Questions?

If you have questions about the application or a circumstance that does not fit neatly into the form, please contact the Allen Bass Fund Board using the Contact Us information provided with the application materials.