History:
Even way back before a formal scholarship fund was established, founders Chief and Calla reached out to needy young folks with potential, making it possible for them to attend. A camp alum might point out a deserving young person whose family just couldn't afford camp, and Chief and Calla would cover much of the cost. There was a Tuxedo School scholarship, given to a local boy and a girl each year, who were recommended by the teachers and principal of the local school (the school was closed years ago).
Upon Chief's death in 1993, it seemed natural to continue and expand on that tradition in his memory, in the form of the Frank D. Bell, Sr. Scholarship Foundation, Inc., established in 1996. After the death of Calla Bell, Chief’s wife and the director of Green Cove for many years, the foundation board voted to change the name of the foundation to The Frank and Calla Bell Scholarship Foundation. Then in the fall of 2019, it was decided that the name should really be "The Chief and Calla Bell Scholarship Foundation", which it is today.
The first few years of the fund’s existence were dedicated to fundraising and getting set up as a 501(c)3 foundation. The fund began contributing to the tuition of scholarship campers in 2004 when it helped 13 campers to attend Mondamin and Green Cove. In 2005, 18 campers received financial assistance. Contributions were sporadic until fundraising began in earnest in 2005, spurred by Hurricane Katrina that fall. As a result of the generous donations by alumni and friends, we were able to assist more campers than ever before for 2006.
Since then, the fund has grown to over one million dollars, and contributes a significant portion of the camps' average annual financial aid budget. Financial aid has averaged about $100,000 over the last 5 years.
Even way back before a formal scholarship fund was established, founders Chief and Calla reached out to needy young folks with potential, making it possible for them to attend. A camp alum might point out a deserving young person whose family just couldn't afford camp, and Chief and Calla would cover much of the cost. There was a Tuxedo School scholarship, given to a local boy and a girl each year, who were recommended by the teachers and principal of the local school (the school was closed years ago).
Upon Chief's death in 1993, it seemed natural to continue and expand on that tradition in his memory, in the form of the Frank D. Bell, Sr. Scholarship Foundation, Inc., established in 1996. After the death of Calla Bell, Chief’s wife and the director of Green Cove for many years, the foundation board voted to change the name of the foundation to The Frank and Calla Bell Scholarship Foundation. Then in the fall of 2019, it was decided that the name should really be "The Chief and Calla Bell Scholarship Foundation", which it is today.
The first few years of the fund’s existence were dedicated to fundraising and getting set up as a 501(c)3 foundation. The fund began contributing to the tuition of scholarship campers in 2004 when it helped 13 campers to attend Mondamin and Green Cove. In 2005, 18 campers received financial assistance. Contributions were sporadic until fundraising began in earnest in 2005, spurred by Hurricane Katrina that fall. As a result of the generous donations by alumni and friends, we were able to assist more campers than ever before for 2006.
Since then, the fund has grown to over one million dollars, and contributes a significant portion of the camps' average annual financial aid budget. Financial aid has averaged about $100,000 over the last 5 years.