History:
Even way back before a formal scholarship fund was established, 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. In 2019, it was decided that since Frank Bell, Sr. was universally known as "Chief" to any and all at camp, the name should be "The Chief and Calla Bell Scholarship Foundation" as 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.
The Chief and Calla Bell Scholarship Foundation’s fund continues to grow, and in the fall of 2019 it reached almost one million dollars. In partnership with Camps Mondamin and Green Cove an average of $125,000 in scholarships have been awarded each summer over the past five years. Our next goal? Five million dollars! We can reach that goal with your help.
Even way back before a formal scholarship fund was established, 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. In 2019, it was decided that since Frank Bell, Sr. was universally known as "Chief" to any and all at camp, the name should be "The Chief and Calla Bell Scholarship Foundation" as 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.
The Chief and Calla Bell Scholarship Foundation’s fund continues to grow, and in the fall of 2019 it reached almost one million dollars. In partnership with Camps Mondamin and Green Cove an average of $125,000 in scholarships have been awarded each summer over the past five years. Our next goal? Five million dollars! We can reach that goal with your help.