The Reverend Robert B. Parker Memorial Fund is intended to promote “in Scouts, …through the ‘Local Council,’ the ability of Scouts to do things for themselves and for others, to train them in Scoutcraft, and to teach them patriotism, courage, self-reliance, and kindred virtues.” The fund was established through a trust in 1939 by Sarah Parker, Reverend Parker’s widow and a woman of wealthy means. It was her desire to honor her late husband for his great commitment and interest in the youth of the St. Michael’s Episcopal parish in Marblehead, as well as with all youth in the community.
Proceeds from the fund were originally intended for local Scout youth with preference to Scouts from the town of Marblehead, but as the “local” council has grown over the years from the North Shore Council and now to the Spirit of Adventure Council, Scouts from many cities and towns are now eligible to apply.
The fund was originally endowed through Mrs. Parker’s contribution of 900 shares of General Electric stock, an approximate value of $30,000 and an amount that has increased in investment value to more than one million dollars today. Funding for the youth in Scouting has, for decades, been provided through the annual income from investments made by the trustees of the fund and disbursements to date have exceeded $1,220,000.
Specific provisions of the trust include:
“Four-fifths of the annual income thereof shall be used as scholarship fund(s) to assist worthy and needy members of Marblehead Troops to obtain a college education, …or if they deem it advisable for any other reason, such recipients may be selected from members of troops in other part of the territory covered by the Local Council.”
“The remaining one-fifth of the income shall be paid and applied in such a manner as the Local Council deems will best promote the interests of Scouts in this territory,” and including a preference “for the improvement and equipment of camps and camp scholarships.”
The members of the Parker Memorial Fund Committee, responsible for the selection process, are proud of all the applicants and are very pleased with the outstanding performance of the recipients. These highly qualified and deserving individuals attend many local colleges and universities, as well as some of the finest and best-known institutions throughout the country. All are good citizens and good Scouts, and continue to be exceptional ambassadors for their local councils!
Past recipients and all others are encouraged to donate to this fund to assist our future Scouts planning to attend college, improve the quality of our camp equipment and train the camp staff, and assist younger Scouts to afford Scout camp. Tax deductible donations can be made payable to:
“Parker Memorial Fund” and mailed to Spirit of Adventure Council, Attn: Rev. Robert B. Parker Memorial Fund, 2 Tower Office Park, Woburn, MA 01801.
Thank you in advance for your consideration in helping Scouts of the Spirit of Adventure Council.
If you are interested in applying for consideration, please use the tabs above to go see what you'll need to successfully complete your application before proceeding. If you are ready to proceed, apply using the buttons below! NOTE: You will not be able to save or submit incomplete applications.
Current 4 Year Scholarship Recipients Returning Grant Recipients First Time ApplicantsThis college assistance application is for all Scouts from the Spirit of Adventure Council. New applicants are considered to be applicants that have NEVER RECEIVED FUNDS from the Parker Memorial Fund. If you have recieved funds from us in the past, these are not the correct requirements for you. Choose another tab from above. The Parker Memorial Fund and its custodians do not discriminate amongst race, color, creed, gender, or national origin, and awards are limited to maximum of 4 years of undergraduate studies only.
The application and all requested information MUST be submitted by end of day May 15th, 2024 or it may not be considered. The application MUST be submitted and accompanied by:
A typed letter stating: Why you desire a college education, influences of Scouting in your life, and why you should be granted funding.
This letter should come from a school representative or official; Principal/Dean, counselor, or teacher/professor.
This letter should come from a Scout leader/Crew Advisor.
This letter should come from a religious leader: Minister, Pastor, Rabbi, Counselor.
Applicant must submit a transcript/grade report for the year’s final semester. If you have not received this transcript please send the most recent transcript with your application. It is expected that applicants hold a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75/4.0.
A complete copy of the federal Student Aid Report (SAR) generated after submitting FAFSA for the coming academic year including SAR page showing dollar amount of Estimated Family Contribution (EFC).
Copy of your college acceptance letter if you are a high school student applying. A college transcript will prove admission if you are already a college student.
Applicant must be registered with the Scouts either with a local unit or “College Reserves.”
Once you have all of the requirements above in digital form and/or completed, please use the button to begin applying. NOTE: You will not be able to save or submit incomplete applications.
This college assistance application is for all Scouts from the Spirit of Adventure Council. Returning Grant Recipients are considered to be applicants who have RECEIVED A “ONE TIME” GRANT. If you have been awarded a 4 year scholarship or have never received funding from the Parker Memorial Fund, this is not the correct list of requirements for you. Please choose another tab from above. The Parker Memorial Fund and its custodians do not discriminate amongst race, color, creed, gender, or national origin, and awards are limited to maximum of 4 years of undergraduate studies only.
The application and all requested information MUST be submitted by end of day May 15th, 2024 or it may not be considered. The application MUST be submitted and accompanied by:
A typed letter explaining: How has the past academic year been? Any struggles? Any achievements? Any situations in which you've overcome adversity? This is the time to tell us how you've developed.
This letter should come from a school representative or official; Principal/Dean, counselor, or teacher/professor.
Applicant must submit a transcript/grade report for the year’s final semester. If you have not received this transcript please send the most recent transcript with your application. It is expected that applicants hold a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75/4.0.
A complete copy of the federal Student Aid Report (SAR) generated after submitting FAFSA for the coming academic year including SAR page showing dollar amount of Estimated Family Contribution (EFC).
Once you have all of the requirements above in digital form and/or completed, please use the button to begin to apply. NOTE: You will not be able to save or submit incomplete applications.
This college assistance application is for all Scouts from the Spirit of Adventure Council. Current 4 Year Scholarship Recipients are considered to be recipients of a "FOUR YEAR" GRANT that has not reached its 4th year. If you have not been awarded a scholarship from the Parker Memorial Fund, this is not the correct list of requirements for you. Please choose the right tab above. If you've already received all 4 years of your scholarship funding, at this time, the Parker Memorial Fund cannot award any more funding for additional years of schooling. The Parker Memorial Fund and its custodians do not discriminate amongst race, color, creed, gender, or national origin, and awards are limited to maximum of 4 years of undergraduate studies only.
The application and all requested information MUST be submitted by end of day May 15th, 2024 or it may not be considered. The application MUST be submitted and accompanied by:
A typed letter explaining: How has the past academic year been? Any struggles? Any achievements? Any situations in which you've overcome adversity? This is the time to tell us how you've developed.
Applicant must submit a transcript/grade report for the year’s final semester. If you have not received this transcript please send the most recent transcript with your application. It is expected that applicants hold a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75/4.0.
Once you have all of the requirements above in digital form and/or completed, please use the button to apply. NOTE: You will not be able to save or submit incomplete applications.
We are available for inquiries and questions at any of the means below.
Spirit Of Adventure Council
Attn: Rev. Robert B. Parker Memorial Fund
2 Tower Office Park
Woburn, MA 01801