Barden Adventure Scholarship

In previous years, eighth grade students in both central New York and Connecticut were given the opportunity to apply for the Barden Adventure Scholarship. Teens from select school district can apply for the scholarship, with one student from each participating school selected. Chosen students then participated in the Barden Adventure, which was coordinated by the Clark Sports Center in Cooperstown, NY.

Students were asked to answer four essay questions asking why they should be chosen for the adventure. Selected students went on an all-expense paid, 8-day canoe and camping trip through the Adirondacks. They choose a charity that they felt was deserving, which was then funded through proceeds from the Daniel Barden Mudfest.

This was a tremendous opportunity for the children and we are thankful for being able to offer it for so many years. As a leadership program it was a centerpiece on a child’s college resume, and a positive, life-changing experience. Veterans of the Barden Adventure program call it an “adventure of a lifetime.”

The Barden Adventure Scholarship has sunset as of 2019. 100% of our proceeds now go directly to the Sandy Hook Promise. In return, Dan Williams works to bring the program back to our local schools, educating on the signs of violence.