The BBC is pleased to announce that we will again offer two Bill Drummond Young Birder’s Scholarships to nurture interest in bird study and conservation among young birders. The 2022 scholarships will cover the full cost ($1690) of the Coastal Maine Bird Studies for Teens program at National Audubon’s Hog Island camp on either June 12-17, 2022 [first session] or June 19-24, 2022 [second session]. The cost includes housing, boat travel, and all meals. Scholarship recipients will be responsible for transportation costs to and from the camp. The BBC usually reserves two slots for scholarship recipients in the second session, but this year we were only able to reserve one slot in the first session and one slot in the second session. If you apply, you will be asked to indicate whether you would be able to attend either session or only one of them, and if you could attend either one, which session you would prefer.

Applicants must be New England residents, ages 14-17 as of June 1, 2022, and must submit a written application and two letters of reference. Preference will be given to applicants with individual or family BBC memberships. To be considered a member, an applicant may join the club at the time of application. All our previous scholarship recipients have had tremendous adventures at Hog Island. “I truly had an unforgettable experience at the Hog Island camp,” wrote 2018 recipient Sam Mroz in a thank-you note to the BBC, “and I would not have been able to attend without your sponsorship.”

References may be sent separately to the BBC or included with the young birder’s application, but all completed applications and references must be received by the BBC by Monday, March 21, 2022. Selection and notification of recipients will be completed by April 4, 2022. You can click on these links to read the application instructions and download an application form:

Scholarships are supported through the generous donations of BBC members. To donate, you can designate an amount on the “BBC Young Birder’s Scholarship” line on the back page of the club bulletin when you renew your membership or, especially for life members, at any other time you might wish to donate. You can donate online by clicking the Join link on the BBC home page and entering an amount in the box for “Additional Donation to the Bill Drummond Young Birder’s Scholarship.” The BBC thanks members in advance for their donations.