Scott hams it up for the camera during a Denali Discovery Camp hike up Savage Rock in 2003
“Be Good for Yourself” -Scott Menke
Scott Menke was a treasured and inspiring young member of our community whose life was too brief. Scott was considerate of others, loved and respected his family, was a talented and enthusiastic athlete, a natural peer leader, and a vibrant young man with a robust love of life. Scott’s unbridled enthusiasm, natural leadership, and love for fun and learning inspired all who knew him. Scott avidly participated in Denali Discovery Camp and encouraged the creation of Denali Backcountry Adventures for high school students.
The Scott Menke Memorial Fund was created to honor Scott’s memory and encourage these qualities in others. Funds raised benefit all of Denali Education Center’s youth programs and are channeled toward direct costs such as gear replacement, food, supplies, and campground fees. In addition, the fund benefits local students and embodies the incomparable spirit Scott shared with us.
Scott Menke Summit Scholarship
The Scott Menke Summit Scholarship is awarded annually to Denali Borough graduating seniors seeking post-secondary education. Scholarships are decided based on character, peer review, and academic standing.
The scholarship application period opens after the first of the year, with applications and letters of reference due in early to mid-April. Check back in January 2024 for the scholarship application and guidelines.
We are thrilled to congratulate the 2023 Scott Menke Summit Scholarship recipients! We had extremely strong applicants this year, requiring extra creativity with our disbursement amounts. Thus, each of the 2023 awardees was granted $1,875 toward their educational needs. Congratulations, Josh Renshaw, Melanie Randall, Kiara Keith, and Ayla Walker!
Camp Scholarships
Each summer, full and partial-tuition scholarships are available for Denali Discovery Camps, Talkeetna Discovery Camp, and Denali Backcountry Adventure expeditions. For more information about eligibility and scholarship requirements, call us at 907-683-2597 or email Youth Program Manager Shannon Conway at youth@denali.org. To apply, fill out a Camp Scholarship Form.
Donate
Besides scholarships, the Scott Menke Memorial Fund also helps defray the hard costs of camp by purchasing food and equipment and covering expenses such as transportation into Denali National Park and Preserve. Here’s how you can be involved:
Healy Tundra Challenge Golf Tournament
The Healy Tundra Challenge raises money for the fund and has become an annual event not to be missed. Hosted by the Black Diamond Golf Course, 18 teams of four golfers dress up in zany costumes, play golf, and compete for prizes such as longest drive, closest to the pin, best and worst score, best team theme, and best costume. Join us on Saturday, July 15, for this unusual and fun golf tournament fundraiser.
Contribute online! Donations to the Scott Menke Memorial Fund benefit all our youth programs by providing scholarships, food, and gear. Remember to indicate that your gift is for the “Scott Menke Memorial Fund.” Thank you for investing in the next generation of park stewards!
