The Nawakwa Outdoor Association of New York, Inc.

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The Nawakwa Outdoor Association of New York, Inc.

A Communication to the Membership and Friends of the Nawakwa Outdoor Association of New York, Inc.

April 1, 2022

 

A Communication to the Nawakwa Outdoor Association of New York, Inc. Membership and Friends

 

The Nawakwa Outdoor Association of New York, Inc. (NOA) Board of Directors is sharing this update in regard to the settlement of the lawsuit against the ADK. What follows is a series of questions and answers that discusses our plans and next steps.

 

  • What’s most important
    • As part of the settlement agreement, Camp Nawakwa remains and will continue under the stewardship of our newly renamed organization
    • You no longer need to pay the ADK to maintain your NOA membership or Keyholder status at Camp Nawakwa

 

A series of questions and answers on our newly renewed future as the Nawakwa Outdoor Association of New York, Inc. (“The NOA”)

 

  • What’s the latest news?
    • Following the recent votes from members on the name change and changes to the bylaws (both motions passed), the Board voted unanimously to accept and enter into a settlement agreement with the ADK
  • What does the settlement entail?
    • The settlement documents are available as a matter of public record, with the link available on our website noany.org.  In brief:
      • The New York Chapter will disassociate with the Adirondack Mountain Club and remove all references to the ADK from our charter, website, Trail Marker, Instagram, and Twitter.
      • The New York Chapter (now to be known as the Nawakwa Outdoor Association of New York, Inc.) will create a new website noany.org for future business and cease to update adkny.org after October 1, 2022.
      • All current members in good standing of ADK and the New York Chapter may remain in either group or both groups, for the duration of the remaining unexpired term of their membership and upon renewal
      • The New York Chapter (The Nawakwa Outdoor Association of New York, Inc.) has sole rights and obligations for the lease for Camp Nawakwa (Harriman Group Camp #SB-3) (“Camp Nawakwa”), and any amendments thereto, extensions thereof, and any future leases
      • The New York Chapter will contribute $50,000 from our accounts to the ADK
  • What happens to the New York Chapter?
    • Thanks to our separate Articles of Incorporation from 1931, we remain the same 501(c)7 not for profit organization with a new name — The Nawakwa Outdoor Association of New York, Inc.
    • As we mention in the press release for our new name  …

About the Nawakwa Outdoor Association of New York, Inc.

Originally founded in 1923 as the second oldest chapter of the ADK, the Nawakwa Outdoor Association of New York (NOA), a 501(c)7 non-profit, is a membership-run organization dedicated to the enjoyment of the outdoors through hiking, walking, camping, swimming, canoeing, and kayaking in the New York City metropolitan area.  We continue to dedicate ourselves to the conservation and preservation of our wilderness, particularly the mountains, lakes, trails, and camping areas of Harriman and Bear Mountain State Parks.

Camp Nawakwa – Our Rustic Retreat and Home-Base

Camp Nawakwa was built for us in 1926 by Harriman State Park and the Palisades Interstate Park Commission. Nestled on the shores of Lake Sebago, the largest lake in Harriman State Park, Camp Nawakwa has been continuously run by the volunteer members of NOA for the enjoyment of Nawakwans, their families, and guests. All are welcome to visit camp and consider NOA membership and Keyholder status for themselves.

 

Our main cabin can accommodate 50 people for meals and social activities. There are six separate sleeping cabins with comfortable beds, along with numerous tent sites. A large swim dock, swimming area, and floating platform make for great swimming in Lake Sebago. There is also access to a boating fleet which includes kayaks, canoes, rowboats, and a sailboat. Visit us online at noany.org

 

  • I was a member of the ADKNY before, how do I become a member of the Nawakwa Outdoor Association?
    • Everyone in good standing automatically became a member of the NOA when the settlement was published
    • New members are welcome, and everyone can apply for Keyholder status https://noany.org/membership-qualifications/
  • Will we have money to continue as an organization?
    • Our main source of funding, according to 501(c)7 regulations, comes from membership support. There have been many generous gifts from Keyholders who have remembered Camp Nawakwa in their wills, as well as individual donations throughout the year from our members
    • About 10% of our annual income came from a membership fee sharing program from the ADK whereby the main club sent us a portion of new and renewing member fees.
    • In preparation for disassociation, the board had appointed a committee to review finances. The study group determined we will have sufficient sources of financing from our reserves and membership fees to continue operating.
  • How will we generate income?
    • As we have for the past 99 years, we rely on our membership fees, camp day and overnight fees, and very generous gifts to keep Camp Nawakwa strong
  • Can I make a donation to the new Nawakwa Outdoor Association?
    • We would be more than honored by any and all donations to Camp Nawakwa
    • As you know, we rely on the generosity of our members to continue our long standing traditions at Camp Nawakwa
    • Questions and donations may be directed to treasurer Suzanne Rocheleau treasurer@noany.org and Ray Kozma our Chair Ray@noany.org  
  • What about membership fees – how much of an increase will there be?
    • The Board and many members of the group understand the current economic situation
    • The Board’s aim is to keep membership fees at similar levels as in past years with the ADK
    • The Board has announced that no new annual membership fees will be collected in 2022 in celebration of our ‘new’ century-old organization
    • Starting in 2023, a nominal annual fee will be established per person to fund ongoing camp costs including rent, utilities, maintenance, insurance, etc.
    • It is no longer necessary to be part of the ADK or pay ADK membership dues
    • Many members – including those members named in the lawsuit – have resigned formally from the ADK in protest, and will use their money for Camp Nawakwa membership
  • What else has been happening at camp?
    • During the past off-season, we replaced the roof in the Main Cabin and conducted asbestos remediation
    • We’ve continued to maintain the Camp thanks to the leadership of Don Gabel, our Camp Committee Chair
    • Many members, under the auspices of the New York–New Jersey Trail Conference, continue to perform service to the hiking community by maintaining trails nearby Camp Nawakwa and in Harriman and Bear Mountain park
  • When will camp open?
    • We are on target for our normal May 1 Opening & April work weekends
    • The Board and the Hosting Committee are busily preparing the 2022 Camp Calendar. Keep an eye on the website, your emails, and the Trail Marker for more news.
  • Will we have hosted weekends?
    • Absolutely! The announcement to sign-up for weekend hosting will be sent by early April
    • If you want to be a Host, please email Mintari Preston
  • How many other changes can we expect?
    • The Board is considering changes now, but our goal is to keep Camp running as similar as possible as it has been previously. We’ve all had a lot of work in the past year but will be planning for revisions to our charter, refreshing the Applicant process, and other items during the year
    • What do you want to change? 
  • How do we get new members?
    • We will continue our publicity now that the agreement is signed, and thankfully post covid as we can welcome more new people to camp – not to mention all the current Nawakans and Applicants
    • Also, the Board will be considering many ways to attract new members, ranging from the possibility of offering a first weekend guest fee credit against the first year membership or offering a free weekend stay for anyone becoming a member
    • Most importantly, it’s up to every Nawakwan to spread the word about our amazing camp!
  • Are we affiliated with anyone else?
    • Not yet, but we will maintain our current contacts with other hiking groups and trail maintenance teams in the New York Metro area, including the NY/NJ Trail Conference

 

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Founded in 1923, the Nawakwa Outdoor Association of New York, Inc. is a membership organization dedicated to the enjoyment of the outdoors through hiking, walking, camping, swimming, skiing, sailing, canoeing, and kayaking, and to the conservation and preservation of our wilderness, particularly the mountains, lakes, trails, and camping areas of the metropolitan New York region.