The latest issue of the Trail Marker is now online

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? 
    • Visit https://noany.org/contact-us/
    • email Ray@noany.org (or any of the board members- emails are listed in The Trail Marker)
    • You can also contact us via info@noany.org
• 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

 

Leave A Legacy

 

Camp Nawakwa is a special place that we would like to preserve and see flourish. Many past members, who were deeply a part of camp and chapter life over the years, have thoughtfully included us in their estate planning. Their generosity has allowed Camp Nawakwa and its members to exist and grow so that today we can enjoy what they enjoyed.

 

Although our club has a new name, the spirit of sharing and teamwork that makes camp and our members special has not changed but endures still. If you agree, please consider including the Nawakwa Outdoor Association and Camp Nawakwa in your own estate planning. Such support ensures the camp’s continued operation and enjoyment by us and by future generations of Nawakwans.

 

Nawakwa Outdoor Association of New York, Inc. is the correct designation for any special bequests.  Please note that our club is a 501(c)7 non-profit membership club. As such, we are not able to arrange for tax-deductible gifts at this time.

 

• Questions and donations may be directed to treasurer Suzanne Rocheleau treasurer@noany.org and Ray Kozma our Chair Ray@noany.org 

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New York Chapter, Inc of the Adirondack Mountain Club, Inc.

 

The New York Chapter, Inc. of the Adirondack Mountain Club, Inc. Announces its Name Change to the Nawakwa Outdoor Association of New York, Inc.

 

The one-hundred-year-old organization changes its name following 

disassociation from the Adirondack Mountain Club.

 

New York, March 30, 2022

 

The New York Chapter, Inc. of the Adirondack Mountain Club, Inc., founded in 1923 as the second-oldest chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club, announced today that it has changed its name to the Nawakwa Outdoor Association of New York, Inc. The name change is made following disassociation from the Adirondack Mountain Club.

 

The Nawakwa Outdoor Association (NOA) is dedicated to bringing together outdoor enthusiasts concerned with conservation, preservation, and enjoyment of our wilderness, particularly the mountains, lakes, trails, and camping areas of Harriman State Park and the New York metropolitan area. Our early members helped to construct the trails of Harriman and Bear Mountain State Parks. Current members continue the legacy with trail maintenance under the auspices of the NY-NJ Trail Conference. Members participate in hikes, conservation projects, litter cleanup drives, ecological and educational activities in the local area and in upstate New York. Members who obtain Keyholder status by completing simple activities including an orientation on camp procedures and other qualifying events enjoy use of Camp Nawakwa in Harriman State Park.

 

“We are very excited to announce our name change and are confident that we will continue our membership-driven goals following disassociation from the Adirondack Mountain Club” said Raymond Kozma, Chair of the Nawakwa Outdoor Association of New York. “The new name is a perfect fit for our renewed focus on conservation, preservation, education, and enjoyment of the outdoors. It allows us to continue our stewardship of Camp Nawakwa in Harriman State Park, plus our hundred-year history gives us a great foundation upon which to build for the next hundred years.”

 

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

 

Media Contact:

 

Martin McDonald

Member of the Board of Directors

The Nawakwa Outdoor Association of New York, Inc.

info@noany.org

646-232-7203

Mark your calendars for Saturday May 7th: The Nawakwa Outdoor Association will hold a special four in one event!

 

We’ll have an open house on Saturday afternoon to serve as a welcome back to camp for our long time members, to new members/applicants, a special welcome to NY Chapter Members, and a general invitation to everyone interested in finding out more about Camp Nawakwa and all it’s offerings.

 

Best of all, the event will be free of charge.

 

Details will be posted soon along with information on tours of the Camp and a happy hour too.