Our goal at MUUSA is to make camp affordable for those who wish to attend. We strive to accomplish this goal by providing lower-cost housing options, inviting campers to apply for staff positions that offer a credit toward camp expenses, and by offering scholarship funds to offset costs.
This document lays out the scholarship application process, details the sources of scholarship funds that are available, and explains the scholarship award process.
How to Apply For a Scholarship
Begin an application form, available here.
If you are unable to use the online form, you may request a hard copy application form by contacting the MUUSA Scholarship Coordinator. If you mail in a hard copy form, your form must be RECEIVED (not postmarked) by May 10 in order to be considered.
Scholarships are limited and cannot be guaranteed. Campers should not make any travel or financial plans on the assumption that they will receive a scholarship or any specific scholarship amount until they have received written (via email or letter) confirmation of their scholarship award.
Timing
The Scholarship process will open on February 20. Campers seeking financial assistance must submit scholarship applications no later than May 10. The timeline for the process is as follows:
| February 20 | Scholarship process opens; applications can be submitted |
| May 10 | Applications due, including receipt of all financial information and supplemental form. |
| May 20 | Scholarship determinations made and campers contacted. |
Applicants who submit their applications by the May 10 deadline will be notified of their award by May 20, barring unforeseen delays. Balances of camper invoices on the MUUSA website will be updated as soon as feasible after scholarships are awarded.
Details
Review and Award of Scholarships
The scholarship process will be administered by the MUUSA Scholarship Committee, which includes: Nate Warner, John Sandman, Duncan Metcalfe, Cheryl Heinz, and Karen Seymour-Ells for MUUSA 2024. Nate Warner will serve as the Scholarship Committee Coordinator and the primary contact for the Scholarship Committee.
The Committee will review all applications and independently determine how available scholarship funds will be allocated.
Scholarships will be awarded based upon the following criteria:
- Financial need
- Welcoming new campers who have not previously had an opportunity to attend MUUSA
- Interest in attending MUUSA and being part of the MUUSA community
- Availability of scholarship funds
To make the process as fair as possible, members of the Scholarship Committee will recuse themselves from any decision involving a scholarship application by a family member or close friend.
The Scholarship Committee has sole discretion to determine whether to award a scholarship and in what amount. The Committee's decisions are final.
Scholarship Amounts
For 2024, the total scholarship amounts awarded will be capped on a per-camper (not per-family) basis. The maximum scholarship awards will be as follows:
Adults (including YAs): $400 per person
Children and Youth age 6 and up: $250 per
person
Children under age 6: $0
Please note that these are maximum awards. In many cases a lower scholarship amount may be awarded so as to share available funds among a broader group of applicants.
Additionally, scholarships awarded will not exceed total fees after all additions and reductions (including staff honoraria) less $100 for each adult camper (including YAs) and $50 for each child in . In other words, all adults receiving MUUSA scholarship funds will pay at least $100 or $50 (depending on age) for their week at camp, regardless of honoraria.
Scholarship amounts do not apply toward additional MUUSA workshop fees or excursions.
Why Would I Take on a Staff Role at MUUSA if I am Applying for a Scholarship?
Choosing to serve in a MUUSA staff role allows you to give back to the MUUSA community in a way that best reflects your skills and talents. Whether you choose to lead a workshop, assist in the Children's Program, or fill another crucial role, you are providing a valuable contribution to the MUUSA community. Furthermore, funding for staff honoraria is included in the MUUSA budget whereas scholarships (and their amounts) are subject to availability.
Thank you for your interest in applying for a scholarship for MUUSA 2024. We hope this document has helped clarify the scholarship process. If you have further questions or concerns please contact the Scholarship Committee Coordinator, Nate Warner using the Contact Us (select "Scholarship Coordinator") link above.
Appendix
Where Do Scholarship Funds Come From?
MUUSA scholarships provide a discount off of the fees that MUUSA would otherwise charge a camper for their stay. Because MUUSA has to cover its financial obligations, the money that we are not collecting from campers who receive scholarships must be made up from some other source. Scholarship funds may come from one primary source: MUUSA's own scholarship fund.
Campers pay MUUSA for their week at camp. The revenue we receive from campers covers our fees to Indiana University and UUCB (for food, lodging, staff, etc.) and MUUSA expenses (for program staff, supplies, insurance, etc.).
MUUSA's scholarship funds come mainly from voluntary donations from MUUSA campers and through fundraising. MUUSA's main scholarship fundraising sources have historically included donations paid as part of the registration process, a portion of MUUSA bookstore profits (if any), and art show sales.
Each year, the Treasurer and Registrar will review the balance in the Scholarship Fund as well as MUUSA's projected enrollment and revenue. They will then recommend an amount to be included in the budget for scholarship awards. The amount available for distribution will be included in the budget approved by the Planning Council, and will be finalized before scholarship awards are communicated to campers.