Bob Andrews (center front) as a counselor​Established by his family in 2023, this scholarship honors Bob Andrews' long history with Pok-O-MacCready as a camper, counselor, headmaster, parent, grandparent, and friend.

Bob Andrews competing in the Patch Sprint

Doug FischerCreated in 2014 by the Fischer family, this perpetual scholarship honors the memory of longtime Pok-O-MacCready camper and first-year counselor Doug Fischer.

Douglas was nine when he first arrived at Pok-O. Growing up, he had heard Pok-O stories and songs from his older sister, Pamela, and cousin, Merrie. Doug’s first Pok-O summer was magical, and he was able to add his own stories to further the family’s traditions at the camp, which started in 1995.

Doug with younger brother Travis at campDouglas loved everything about Pok-O - archery, baseball, blacksmithing and swimming. Douglas made friendships that were deep and enduring.

Most important to Douglas was the discovery of the glorious Adirondack Mountains. He often spoke of the mountain views and, almost immediately, became determined to climb all 46 high peaks. It took him four summers and he climbed his last high peak on August 9, 2008, becoming a 46er (#6066) on Wright Peak. It was one of the best days of his life and it was shared with his grandmother, mom, brother and sister.

Three generations celebrating Doug’s 46er finishDoug was also there on Phelps Mountain to celebrate and cheer as his brother Travis became a 46er in 2010.

Pok-O was Doug's home away from home for seven summers. Camp provided Douglas with happiness, laughs, love, confidence and the special Pok-O spirit that fills the camp but cannot be adequately explained.

The best way to honor Douglas' memory is to ensure that another young boy can have the Pok-O experience. A scholarship created in memory of Douglas provides peace and happiness for his family while, most importantly, honoring his incredible special legacy.

Matt Potel on his 46er finish

Created in 2012 by the Potel family, this scholarship memorializes former Pok-O-MacCready camper and counselor Matt Potel who passed away while climbing in the Adirondacks in 2011, at the age of 22.

Without question, Matt’s devotion to the outdoors in general, and the Adirondacks in particular, was sparked and nurtured at Camp Pok-O-MacCready. When Matt was 13, he asked his parents to find him an ‘old-fashioned camp.’ He got that at Pok-O, and much more.

Matt often spoke of the warm and welcoming atmosphere at camp, where he made some of his very best friends.

He was inspired by the counselors and staff to challenge himself, and learn the skills of an outdoorsman. It was on the advice of one of his counselors that Matt went on to sharpen and expand his leadership skills at the National Outdoor Leadership School.

His family started the scholarship to honor Matt’s memory in order to give other children who exemplify Matt’s passion for the outdoors and his warm and enthusiastic personality a chance to experience what Matt did at Camp Pok-O-MacCready.

Matt Potel at camp

The Matthew Potel Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a first-time scholarship recipient who best fits the following criteria:

• Is of financial need
• Displays an interest and potential passion for wilderness activities (such as hiking, backpacking, canoeing, caving, rock climbing), while not having had a lot of past experience in outdoor pursuits
• Has demonstrated good academic credentials and intellectual curiosity
• Is interested in environmental preservation
• Demonstrates leadership potential through personality traits such as: responsible, empathic, resourceful, hard-working, enthusiastic, caring
• Excellent interpersonal skills; a genuine heartfelt interest in other people

Neal Andrews

Established in 2019, the estate of Neal Andrews bequeathed a record donation to the Adirondack Scholarship Fund to help a broader range of children experience the power of summer camp.

Born and raised in New York, Neal Andrews climbed the 46 Adirondack high peaks (#1338W) at an early age and was a longtime member of the Adirondack Mountain Club. He traveled all over the world to hike with friends he had made who shared his enthusiasm. Neal later climbed the highest point in each of the 50 states.

Neal is remembered  as a passionate outdoorsman whose travels and interests touched countless people and who was the center of a wide circle of friends across the globe.

Among other activities, Neal Andrews was involved with creating a program for refugee families, assisting them with housing, schooling and, most relevant, sending children to summer camps in the Adirondacks.

This annual scholarship will be awarded to children for whom English is not their native language.

Remi Weiman

Created in 2021 by the Weiman family, this scholarship remembers former Pok-O-MacCready camper Remi Weiman.

Remi came to camp as a tiny but spirited little girl. There was never an activity that she wasn’t game to try, be it singing solo with her ukulele during a Moonshiner to playing all sports. In particular, she loved camp’s two biggest programs: hiking (she became an Adirondack 46er in 2017) and riding (she continued riding and competing away from camp).

Remi was always making everyone smile and laugh. Her energy was infectious and she had everything that Pok-O spirit is made of.

Remi on her 46er finishMostly, Remi will be remembered for her smile, joy, and love for camp and the Pok-O family. This scholarship in her honor gives other children a chance to experience the joy and importance of summer camp.

Created in 2023 by former Pok-O-MacCready camper Patrick Dunn and his parents, Brian and Kathleen, this scholarship honors his grandparents, Terry and Anne McGrath.