as of March 19, 2002
updated May 7, 2003
updated December 24, 2003
updated February 2, 2008
Why is this a separate, non-profit organization?
Significant time was spent contacting other camps and researching &
identifying the key issues surrounding the creation and maintenance
of a successful alumni association. Some of the key issues included
ensuring dedicated resources (staff and budget) which would not be
affected by year-to-year camp staffing or budget crises, and
continuity in its leadership and mission. Based on the results of these
efforts, the Founding Trustees of Friends of Kern, Inc. chose to establish a
separate entity which could be self-sustaining and which could
develop and maintain resources which are necessary to fulfill its goals.
How specifically does Camp Kern benefit from this organization?
Camp Kern benefits in multiple ways. There are cost savings to Camp Kern
in staff and resources as Friends of Kern takes on the responsibility of
building and maintaining the friends/alumni network. With a larger network,
there are opportunities for Camp Kern to reach more people for special
events and projects, resulting in additional available resources at
its disposal. In July of 2003, the Board voted to designate a portion of each
membership gift towards an FOK Campership Fund, from which monies are
distributed to Camp Kern on an annual basis. A 100th Anniversary Discretionary
Fund was established
at the same time. Support of the Bob Barr Golf Outing and other Special
Projects also benefit Camp Kern. The Friends of Kern web site,
email discussion list, and web-based
historical database provide additional resources to Camp Kern at no cost.
Are there other independent camp alumni associations?
Yes. There are at least two other YMCA camps, a Christian camp, and several
Scout camps with independent alumni associations. Several of these were
contacted to assist with the establishment of Friends of Kern, Inc., and
we thank them for sharing their Articles of Incorporation, By-Laws, and
other words of wisdom. Links to a few of them have been included in a
our "THANKS TO:" section sidebar.
What benefits are there to becoming a member?
Our "Members Only" area offers additional opportunities to find and network
with fellow friends and alumni. E-mail directories and birthday lists
are accessible on-line, with the extent of information
displayed being at the discretion of each member.
Paying members will also be able to view organizational
information such as up-to-the-minute membership and financial summaries.
Paying members also have the opportunity to vote on organizational matters
such as Board Members, By-Laws, and Special Projects. The biggest benefit,
however, is knowing that your membership gift will help FOK achieve its
goals of reconnecting with the Kern family, perserving camp's history, and
identifying resources to help support the camp experience for generations
to come.
Do I have to pay to participate?
No. Friends of Kern, Inc. recognizes that many people may have only a
casual interest or may want to "check
us out" before providing any financial support. Affiliate members need
only provide a valid e-mail address to be included in our e-mail
discussion list (if desired), although Affiliate members will not have
access to the "Members Only" area.
It is our hope, however, that Friends of Kern, Inc. can
demonstrate our commitment to our goals so that initial Affiliate members would want to
support our efforts as paying members. We also hope that all members will
be a part of efforts to preserve the history of Camp Ozone/Kern,
even if it means only confirming an association with camp for historical
correctness.
How much does it cost?
The "Friend" level starts at $10 - yes, less than a dollar a month. There
are additional levels (Supporting, Sponsor, Founder) for those who
would like to provide additional support. Unless you prefer to remain
anonymous, your level of support will be recognized on our web site.
What are the membership donations for?
The donations help offset administrative costs which include a part-time
director, communication expenses (web site, phone, snail mailings), and
other miscellaneous office expenses. A portion of each donation is automatically
designated towards the FOK Campership Fund and 100th Anniversary Discretionary
Fund, unless the donor specifically designates that the entire donation be used
at the discretion of FOK. Each year's surplus, if any, will be placed into a
financial reserve, a portion of which can be used for one or more Special
Projects recommended by the FOK Board and approved by the Voting (paying) Members.
Are the membership donations tax-deductible?
Yes. In a letter dated May 1st, 2003 [PDF File], the IRS
approved Friends of Kern, Inc. as exempt from federal taxes as a 501(c)(3)
organization.
According to federal tax form 1023, "generally, if an organization files
its application within 15 months after the end of the month in which it
was formed, and if the IRS approves the application, the effective date
of the organization's section 501(c)(3) status will be the date it was
organized." Therefore, all gifts past and present are tax-deductible.
How do I become a member?
Membership application information, including an on-line form, is available
online. If you have any questions, please feel
free to contact us by letter,
phone, or e-mail. We'd love to hear from you!
Who controls the privacy of my personal information?
You do. Friends of Kern, Inc. takes your privacy very seriously.
Your information will not be shared with any other organization without
your permission. Plans for our web site include some fun initiatives in a
"Members Only" area for
birthdays, staff rosters, local and regional networking, etc.; however, you
will be able to opt-in or opt-out of any of these lists and have
complete control over what type of information is displayed about you. And
at any time you can update your privacy choices.
How is Friends of Kern, Inc. related to The Carl B. Kern Fund?
The Carl B. Kern Fund of The Dayton Foundation is a long-term investment fund
overseen by an Advisory Committee and operating under the auspices of the Governing Board
of The Dayton Foundation. YMCA Camp Kern currently receives a yearly distribution
from this Fund. Additional information is available at:
www.kernfund.org
Friends of Kern, Inc. is more of a self-supporting administrative entity.
It's relationship with The Carl B. Kern Fund is primarily one of maintaining
accurate contact information to share information about the Fund.
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