The Alexander A. Vervaert Camping Grant

Each year, the Key Foundation Inc. provides grants for youth-serving summer camps run by 501c3 non-profit organizations. The grants are limited to $1,000 and should be used to expand existing program areas or introduce new program aspects to the camp.

To ensure that proposed projects fit within the strategic plan of both your camp and council, The Key Foundation asks that the following people are aware of and have approved the project: Scout Executive or designee, Camping Committee Chairman, and the Camp Director.

Application Requirements

Applications must be submitted by May 3, 2025. Applicants will be notified of decisions by May 24, 2025. A final project report, including pictures of use, is due September 13, 2025. Payments will be made directly to the camping organization.

Projects that have multiple funding sources are also considered. Grants are limited to $1,000 per camp. Councils with multiple camps or camp programs can apply for each camp. However, each application will be considered on its own merits.

Application Link for 2025 HERE

About Alex

Alexander A. Vervaert was a Scout in the Greater Lowell Council in the 1930s. In 1937, he was a camper at the first season of Wah-Tut-Ca Scout Reservation. Later, he served on the Reservation Staff. After serving in the US Army Air Corps during World War II, he returned to Scouting and the Reservation. As an adult scout, he served as District Chairman and council Commissioner and 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 on the reservation was the result 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 Scrapbook." He also collaborated with and provided significant insight and support to summer camp history, "Glow The

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

The Key Foundation named its 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.