Gucker Campership Fund

The Gucker Campership Fund is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to helping families afford attendance at the North Country Camps (Camp Lincoln for boys and Camp Whippoorwill for girls).

Background

• Named after Chief Gucker (1893-1976), a physical education teacher at the Lincoln School (experimental school of Teachers College, Columbia University)
• In summer 2023, 42 camp families received over $200,000 in support

Geographic Scope

• North Country Camps (primary focus)
• New York and New England region

Focus Areas

• Providing financial assistance for children to attend private summer camps
• Supporting families across a range of financial circumstances
• Making camp experiences available to children who would otherwise be unable to afford private summer camp

Eligibility

• Families seeking financial assistance to send children to North Country Camps (Lincoln or Whippoorwill)
• No specific financial criteria required — Board reviews a range of factors and circumstances
• Applicants encouraged to provide background on their financial situation when appropriate
• All inquiries kept strictly confidential

Funding Available

• Available for a range of family circumstances and various levels of assistance
• Funding is not guaranteed, but inquiries are encouraged
• Virtually all funds raised go directly toward camperships

Funding Sources

• Tax-free contributions from past and present camp families, campers, and counselors
• No government funding

Contact Information

• General inquiries: info@guckerfund.org or submit online form
• To apply for campership: Meg Johnson at apply@guckerfund.org
• To donate: Ruth B. Needleman (Assistant Treasurer), 19 Watchtower Road, Hopkinton, NH 03229, donate@guckerfund.org

How to Apply

1. Application Deadline: Primary deadline is February 1 each year
   • Applications received after February 1 will be reviewed on a rolling basis
2. Decision Timeline: Funding decisions for February 1 deadline shared in early March; rolling applications reviewed on ongoing basis
3. Application Method: Online application required
   • Main applicant completes "Online Application"
   • Additional children can be added via "Additional Child Online Application"
4. Required Information:
   • Background on financial situation (as appropriate)
   • Camp preferences (Lincoln or Whippoorwill)
   • Child information
   • Family circumstances and financial details
5. Confidentiality: All inquiries and applications are strictly confidential
6. Contact: For questions during application process, contact Meg Johnson at apply@guckerfund.org