Each year the Key Foundation Inc. provides grants for Boy & Cub Scout Summer Camps for the enhancement of programs offered during the season. These grants are available to all Scouting camps accredited by The National Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Individual Grants range from $200-$1,000 and can be used for a variety of items that will add to a youth’s summer camping experience. The grant must be spent before the opening of the camp’s 2009 season.

Often grants are given for program materials and equipment that add to a summer theme or a program area. Proposals are awarded by the Foundations Board of Directors and are based upon annual funds available, and the merit of the proposal. The Camp Director and Camping Chairman must approve Grant application before submission. Grant applications must be submited by May 1st, 2009

2009 APPLICATION

About Alex

Alexander A. Vervaert was a Scout in the Greater Lowell Council in the 1930’s. In 1937, he was a camper at the first season of Wah-Tut-Ca Scout Reservation. Later he served on the Reservation Staff. After service in the US Army Air Corps during World War II he returned to Scouting and the Reservation. As an adult Scouter he served as District Chairman, Council Commissioner, served as a member of the Council’s Executive Board for almost 40 years.

He was the “Grand Sachem” of the Wah-Tut-Ca Braves a forerunner of the Order of the Arrow in the Greater Lowell Council. In 1951 he chartered a new OA Lodge, number 451, which he would name, Wannalancit”, after the last Bashaba of the Pennacooks who lived in Greater Lowell.

Alex’s first love in Scouting was Wah-Tut-Ca. He served the Reservation in many capacities. From the end of World War II, until his death in 1991, virtually every building at the reservation, was a product of his handy work.

Alex had a powerful theatrical voice, which he used to effect in the promotion of Scouting and the Reservation. Early camp promotional films presented by the Wah-Tut-Ca Braves and Wannalancit Lodge were narrated with the passionate voice. His Vigil Honor name is translated as, “Scholar with the Big Voice”. As he grew older his long white hair, carefully groomed, gave way to the name “The Silver Fox” as his friends and brothers knew him.

In 1987, the 50th Anniversary of Wah-Tut-Ca Scout Reservation, Alex served as “co-chair” of the yearlong celebration. He developed two historical documents, “The History of Greater Lowell Scouting” and “The Wah-Tut-Ca Scrap book”, he also collaborated and provided significant insight and support to the summer camp history, “Glow The Brighter” written by Brian J. Lobao.

In 1991, 40 years after he founded Wannalancit Lodge, Alexander A. Vervaert died at Wah-Tut-Ca Scout Reservation, paintbrush in hand. A fitting end to a humble son and father.

The Key Foundation named it’s camping grant after a man who provided opportunity and program to thousands of young people. It is in recognition of his contributions and to perpetuate his spirit that this grant is made available.