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About
At the Craftsbury Outdoor Center, we believe that access to the sport of cross country skiing should not be restricted by income. Skiing is an expensive sport, but we are lucky to be part of an amazing community that shares our vision of access and affordability. Scholarships are made possible by the generosity of many families that support the Outdoor Center, and go towards offsetting the costs of ski programs or race/camp travel for Craftsbury junior and BKL skiers in need.
The Kathy Wright Memorial Scholarship Fund is named honor of Kathy Wright, a member of our community who passed away in March 2016. Kathy was a cross-country skier, hiker, biker, and Outdoor Center member. Her two children, Griffin and Aliza, were part of our junior programs for years, and this memorial fund helps her love of the outdoors live on by providing opportunities for young skiers to participate in our programs and attend races and camps.
The numbers
In an average year, well over 20 different BKL and junior athletes receive scholarship support to both participate in regular programs and attend events across the globe. Scholarships have supported CSC athletes at: invitational summer training camps (the National U16 camp and Regional Elite Group camp), Junior Nationals, New England U16 Championships, Eastern High School Championships, Biathlon Junior World Championships, US Senior Nationals, the U18 Scandinavian Cup trip, and the National Elite Group training camp, among other things. Travel scholarships typically total between $12,000 and $18,000 per year.
Scholarships also provide support for a broad range of kids right here at home in the Northeast Kingdom. In a typical year, ~$10,000 of scholarships are granted locally in the form of fee waivers for CSC program fees; equipment rentals; and uniform/jacket rentals. In the warmer months, fee waivers support kids enrolling in our dryland training programs and mountain bike club as well.
We’re proud to be part of an organization and community that rallies so much support for our young athletes. Your support of our scholarship fund helps get kids skiing and pursue their dreams on snow. Your tax deductible donation can really make a difference! As everything keeps getting more expensive, we’re trying our best to keep cross country skiing from becoming a sport only accessible to high-income families. In the spring of 2025, regional events like U16s or Eastern High School Championships cost $450, while Junior Nationals is $3,300 before airfare and uniform costs.
How to apply for a scholarship
We offer scholarships to support families in need of assistance to get their kids out on snow. Scholarship applications can be found here; email coach Anna Schulz with questions.
How to donate to the fund
All gifts, of any amount, go a long way towards supporting Craftsbury’s commitment to make skiing accessible.
To make a donation to the scholarship fund, click the Donate button below or send a check to: the Craftsbury Outdoor Center, 535 Lost Nation Road, Craftsbury Common, VT 05827. All donations are tax-deductible. Thank you for your support.