Sacred Circle Scholarship Supports Students Impacted by Loss
“Thank you so much. I’m able to dedicate more of my time to my studies for my career without having to worry about tuition.”
-Madison O’Leary, a Sacred Circle Scholarship recipient
As a counselor at Camp Francis, a camp for children who are coping with a loss, Madison O’Leary experienced the rewards of helping children learn and grow, a realization that changed her career path.
A student at Montana State University in Bozeman, Madison’s senior year came with a boost from the Sacred Circle Scholarship through Benefis Foundation. The scholarship, established by Peace Hospice volunteers David Milkovich and Janie Ward in 2025, aims to provide scholarships for students who have been a camper or volunteer at Camp Francis or Darcy’s Hope (the bereavement camp for teenagers) or who have taken part in one of the other Children’s Bereavement programs.
Madison was a camper at Camp Francis for two years as she grieved her grandmother, a camper at Darcy’s Hope for a year, and then a cabin leader at Camp Francis.
Read more: The Buzz About Camp Francis: It Works For Grieving Children
“Before I started volunteering at Camp Francis, I wanted to be a lawyer,” she said. “Then I realized how much I love working with kids and how much of a difference I can make.”
With plans to become a teacher, Madison shares what she’s learned at camp about the grieving process, managing emotions, being a good listener, and strengthening relationships.
“It’s made me a better friend and a better teacher,” she said. “It’s so special to see how anxious kids are at the start of camp and then how they just hate to say goodbye on the last day. It’s such a powerful impact we make.”
Madison will be a student teacher in the fall and then begin her career, ideally in Montana. The Sacred Circle Scholarship was the last piece to covering tuition for her senior year.
“Thank you so much,” she says to donors. “This takes off so much stress, and I’m able to dedicate more of my time to my studies for my career without worrying about tuition. That time I can spend makes me more committed and a better teacher and camp volunteer. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.”
Step Into the Sacred Circle: You can help us support students like Madison as they sprinkle camp magic on their next chapters. As with all contributions to Benefis Foundation, 100% of what you give goes directly to the programs and projects improving healthcare in central Montana.
