The Nature Camp Scholarship was created with the recognition of the positive value that an experience at a nature camp can have on a young person’s development, especially for individuals in lower-income or underrepresented communities.  This scholarship also honors the memory of Eliot L. Balazs who lived his entire life in the Rockbridge area and was an ardent supporter of nature conservation, archeology, historic preservation, and outdoor activities.  Eliot donated countless hours to community organizations, including in particular the Rockbridge Area Conservation Council (RACC).  Since 1976, the RACC has been a community leader in promoting the wise stewardship and the sustainable use of the natural and cultural resources in Rockbridge County and has supported, on an ad hoc basis, the attendance of a younger person to attend the Nature Camp in Rockbridge County.  The Nature Camp is a private, non-profit, residential, co-ed summer camp specializing in natural history and environmental science education.

The initiation of this scholarship was through the efforts of Eliot’s brother, Bryan Balazs, and Eliot’s friend, Michael Van Ness, both of whom grew up in the Lexington area.  Additional donations are welcome in that they will help us to expand this scholarship program.