Scholarship to Camp
The Juanita Roushdy Hog Island Scholarship for Indigenous People
In honor of Juanita Roushdy, the founder and and former president of the Friends of Hog Island, we have established a scholarship fund. We invite people who are on the tribal census of a federally recognized North American tribe to apply to attend the Joy of Birding camp or similar camp program at the Hog Island Audubon Camp in Bremen, Maine, USA. Camp tuition is covered 100%, travel arrangements may be provided.
To be able to continue to offer this scholarship in perpetuity, we still need to raise approximately $15,000 to establish an endowment. Please consider making a donation to the Juanita Roushdy scholarship so that indigenous people have the opportunity to connect deeply with the land and animals of their ancestors through Audubon’s Hog Island Camp.
Testimonial
The impact a week on Hog Island has on a person is profound, as you can see from our first scholarship recipient’s testimonial:
“Imagine a place so beautiful, peaceful, and free from the noise of regular life that it completely resets you. That is what Hog Island‘s Joy of Birding camp did for me. The calming ocean waves, melodic birds, and friendly, enthusiastic counselors transported me to a safe, therapeutic, and tranquil environment. I was so grateful for this opportunity to attend through the Indigenous scholarship that I took everything in. I was welcomed and respected right away to this joyful community. The camp had the perfect balance of activities and fun. I experienced early morning birding walks, island hikes, boat rides, and educational talks. I also enjoyed lots of free time to explore the island, catch the stunning sunrise, delighted in family-like meal gatherings alongside my fellow campers with phenomenal food, and utilized the many educational birding resources available to campers. I left this camp feeling more capable than ever to learn about birds, and the environment. I also left with routines that I will incorporate in my everyday life. Most importantly I have new friends that I will forever hold dear to my heart.”
-Lisa Carney Nanibush from Wasauksing First Nation, Ontario, Canada who attended Joy of Birding in June, 2025.