Camden Garden Club awards scholarships to several Camden Hills Regional High School students, who are seeking degrees in all areas of environmental studies. Students applying for this scholarship can be interested in studying anything from botany to ecology to landscape architecture to soil sciences. It is a vitally important pursuit in our present global climate crisis. Supporting students studying in these fields is important to the mission of Camden Garden Club.

In anticipation of receiving more applications, Club members recently spoke to Soren Beckstrom, a CHRHS grad, recipient of a 2023 scholarship, and a first-year student at Middlebury College. Beckstrom offered some perspective to high school seniors considering applying for local scholarships. 

“College is becoming more expensive and the cost is still a lot for most even with financial aid,” said Beckstrom. “After getting a degree, having to pay off enormous debt is not ideal. By applying for the Camden Garden Club Scholarship you have the chance to decrease your educational expenses. I am very grateful for this scholarship because it allows me to focus on my studies and be less worried about finances.” 

Beckstrom is an outdoor enthusiast. He is a committed backpacker as “it is an immersion into nature with an opportunity to observe animal and plant life.”  He loves the tranquility of witnessing nature by walking among the trees.

The Club encourages CRRHS students to apply online and complete the general application for scholarships as soon as possible. The deadline is April 1.

“Special thanks to Soren for sharing his experiences,” said Camden Garden Club, in a news release. “Club members send him continued best wishes for a successful educational journey in and out of the woods.”

For additional information and to remain informed about upcoming events through Camden Garden Club, visit the Club’s website and sign up for their newsletter at camdengardenclub.org.

The first general Club meeting of the season is April 25, at 9:30 a.m., at St. Thomas’ Episcopal, Camden. All are welcome.

The oldest garden club in Maine, the Camden Garden Club develops and preserves Camden’s environment by beautifying the community, enhancing public spaces, offering educational programs, and practicing resource conservation. For more information on the Club and its activities visit camdengardenclub.org.