Karen McAndrew COCAcon Scholarship Application

Each year, COCA's partner, Care Camps Foundation, honors their retired Executive Director, Karen McAndrew, with a $10,000.00 COCAcon scholarship in her name. For 2026, the Karen McAndrew COCAcon Scholarship will allow 13 individuals from 13 unique COCA member camps to attend COCA's annual conference. This Scholarship will award each recipient $750.00.

Only Camps or individuals who did not receive a prior year Scholarship will be considered for 2026. The intention of this Scholarship is to ensure every COCA member camp has an opportunity to attend COCAcon. Scholarship Program Goals:

Increase the number of camps in attendance at the annual conference
Focus on camps that have not attended before so they can increase professional development, and provide an opportunity to network with other camps and learn about best practices and innovative programs
Focus on camps with small operation budgets.

Please click here for more Scholarship application details, selection criteria, parameters, recipient requirements and evaluation. If you are submitting an application for the Karen McAndrew COCAcon Scholarship, please do not submit a COCAcon Member Registration until you hear if you receive a Scholarship. All applicants will be notified at the end of September.

Camp Name

Year Camp Founded

Estimate Number of Campers Served Annually

What is the Camp's Annual Budget?

Part of Scholarship criteria is based on financial need.

Where is Your Camp in the COCA Gold Ribbon Program Process?

Visit Accreditation Schedule, https://cocacamps.org/gold-ribbon/

Has Someone from Your Camp Attended a COCA Conference in the Past 3 Years?

If No, Why?

If your Camp has Never attended a COCA Conference, Why?

Does your Camp Attend Other Professional Conferences? (eg. ACA, OCA)

Please List Other Professional Development Programs/Conferences your Camp is Involved In.

If Your Camp is Chosen to Receive a Scholarship, Who Should COCA Notify? Please List Their Name

Please Give Email of Person Listed Above to Notify

Would Your Camp Send a First-time COCAcon Attendee?

Would this be the First Time the Camp has Received a Scholarship to Attend?

Have Members of your Camp ever Attended a COCA Regional Conference?

Please Describe 3 Major Goals/Takeaways of Attending a COCA Conference.

Name of Person Submitting Form

Email of Person Submitting Form

Camp Role of Person Submitting Form