FROM OUR DISTRICT MASTER - ARNE DUNHEM

Dear Members of VASA Pennsylvania District No. 9 - Drott Lodge, Nobel-Monitor Lodge and Svea Lodge.

Our District is a cornerstone of Swedish and Scandinavian heritage, and also a vibrant community of individuals who come together to celebrate tradition, foster camaraderie, and support one another. Together, we’ve built something truly special, and I’m confident that this year will bring even greater opportunities for growth and connection.  One of those important connections is through our Scholarship Program for Youth and Adults.  Marit Knollmueller is the Scholarship Chair and is sharing some important information regarding the 2026 program.  

In Generosity, Truth and Unity,

Arne Dunhem
District Master
VASA Pennsylvania District No. 9

FROM OUR SCHOLARSHIP CHAIR, MARIT KNOLLMUELLER:

District #9 is again offering a scholarship for ADULT members of its lodges or direct district members in good standing for at least 2 years. This award reimburses up to $3000 toward a research or enrichment program which may be at the Sjölunden Concordia Language Village, Vasa Archives or an individually designed proposal. It is the expectation of the scholarship committee that the successful applicant will demonstrate in their essay ways in which the experience will not only benefit the member but also their lodge or district.

Note that the application deadline is February 15, 2026 and all materials should be emailed to the scholarship chair, Marit Knollmueller at mrk20901@gmail.com. The successful applicant will be notified within 2 weeks and upon submission of receipts will receive reimbursement from the district treasurer.

AND ALSO:

District Lodge Pennsylvania No. 9 is offering its annual YOUTH Language Camp Scholarship to Concordia's Swedish Language Village for summer 2026. It is open to all youth members and children or grandchildren of adult members of your Lodge (or Direct District #9 members) between the ages of 8 and 18.  The sponsoring Vasa member must have been a member for 2 years prior to the application deadline.

Concordia Language Villages is offering two-week immersion camp sessions with full room and board. This year both age groups run 7/20/26-8/1//26 so specify on your application if you are applying for ages 8-14 or 13-18. This change from previous years reflects an accommodation for families with multiple children in varying age categories. District #9 is offering to pay this entire tuition for one 2-week camp session, OR a portion of the 4-week option High School Credit option for Ages 13-18 (7/20-8/15/2025) for up to $3,265. This tuition will be paid directly to Concordia Language Villages. In addition, with receipts, we will reimburse the successful candidate up to $500 toward travel expenses.

Interested applicants are advised to visit www.concordialanguagevillages.org for updates and additional information including any additional experiences on offer. Note that ALL campers and staff must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before arrival.

A copy of the application form with the list of additional information required from each applicant can be found on this website under the Scholarship tab above or click the link below. The application should be printed and scanned (PDF or JPEG) and sent via email to the Scholarship Committee Chair, Marit Knollmueller at mrk20901@gmail.com along with all supporting materials by February 15, 2026. Note this is the same deadline as the Vasa Grand Lodge scholarship application. You will be notified of the committee’s decision within 2 weeks.

District #9 Scholarships