NEW YORK STATE ELKS

CAMP BRISTOL UPDATE

Dear Members: MISSION STATEMENT As you know from prior issues of the Empire State Elk as well as presentations at recent Fall and Spring Conventions, an extremely New York State Elks Association Camp Bristol for Kids important step forward by the New York State Elks Association will be (NYS Camp Bristol) seeks to provide a patriotic, non- presented for action during the Spring Convention to be held in denominational camping experience for children and Rochester, New York. This huge and exciting undertaking is young adults. Groups are invited to camp, run their commonly known as the “Elks Kids’ Camp Project”. To date, the own programs, and conduct activities which develop Committee has successfully negotiated a contract to purchase almost 200 acres of property in Oswego County for the establishment of a strong personal and team skills. NYS Camp Bristol will camp for kids here in our great Empire State. This undertaking was also provide a hosted experience for groups of all with the unanimous approval and encouragement of the New York ages, supporting a diverse number of Elks Programs. State Elks Advisory Board. Progress reports have been made at each NYS Camp Bristol’s purpose is to educate youth groups Spring and Fall Convention since the beginning of this venture. New in a spirit of patriotism, benevolence, and charity. York State Vice Presidents and District Deputies were all asked to openly discuss this proposal during their year-long visitations to the lodges across our state. The Committee members have met on many occasions to discuss the PURPOSE project not only with each other but also with the Girl Scouts To Establish a NYS Elks Association home base that serves as a: Association (from whom the land is being purchased) and with state and local officials in the area where the property is located. The Camp for Kids Committee has received encouraging support from both state and Site for state soccer finals local agencies. Site for Drug Quiz Show As you know from prior communications, this kids’ camp project presents a unique and exciting opportunity for our State Associa- Vacation area for Elks and guest who hike or camp tion. A tremendous number of opportunities can be presented by this Meeting site for Lodge, District and State Elks (business/pleasure) project. Of course, the original and continuing thrust was to create a summer camp environment for the youth of New York State. Under- Camping/Hiking area for other organizations (handicapped children, vet- standably, such a project will take several years to organize and get erans, community, etc.) started. The purchase and establishment of this camp will also give Location for storage of Elk files/memorabilia us the opportunity for a permanent home for the State Soccer Competition. Also, it would be a potential location for a Drug Quiz Means to help increase membership competition. It has also been proposed that short term retreats or get- Way to improve our public image togethers could be utilized by veterans groups which we earnestly encourage and support throughout our mission as Elks. Also, there is the potential for use by lodge, district or area committees within Elkdom. The possibilities are really endless. CAMP QUESTIONS Understandably, the Committee is continuing with the planning of this Questions about Camp Bristol are welcomed and encouraged. Members may project with the unanimous approval and support of the Advisory direct questions to the Camp Committee. Camp Committee members and their Board and the strong encouraging voice by many members of the contact information is as Follows: New York State Elks Association. In keeping with this encouraging support, we are exploring a wide variety of programming for youth, Richard C. Wunder, PSP Committee Chair [email protected] veterans, members and others as indicated above. Also, we are PO Box 404 (315) 946-4844 Fax: (315) 946-9463 exploring the numerous possibilities of actually developing the proper- Lyons, New York 14489 ty after the acquisition is completion. This may sound like a “done deal” but it isn’t. The Committee fully understands that the member- Daniel J. Capella, PSP Committee Secretary [email protected] ship will make the decision to go forward with the purchase or not at 710 County Route 25 (315) 598-0654 the Spring Convention. However, because of the strong support and Oswego, New York 13126 encouragement, the Committee is optimistic and we are and have been willing to continue to invest our time and energy in moving Charles I. Noonan, PSP [email protected] forward at this time subject to the approval of the membership at large 211 Suiter Street (315) 866-6667 next May. Herkimer, New York 13350

Since the very beginning, the Committee has taken a position of complete transparency and openness of discussion regarding this Michael J. Bloss, PSP project. If any member has a question or concern, we encourage that [email protected] member to pick up the phone and call us, send us an email, or send a 6 Placid Place (518) 779-5589 letter. We want and encourage full and complete disclosure. We want Clifton Park, New York 12065 the membership to decide the future of this project based on an open presentation of facts and not rumors. Christopher Maddock, State Treasurer [email protected] 23 Ashley Street (315) 946-6581 Fax: (315) 946-1143 I personally received a recent comment by two Elk members who took Lyons, New York 14489 their own time to travel to the property just before Christmas. The weather was in the 60s, no snow and they told me they thoroughly Scott Hirst, State Trustee [email protected] enjoyed the motorcycle ride from their local lodge in Wolcott, New 933 Leray Street, Box 3 (315) 804-3512 York to the property. They were excited to report to me personally Watertown, New York 13601 how easy and open the property was to highway access. They had absolutely no problems and the trip was great from start to Mel Oliveira, PDDGER [email protected] finish. They also expressed to me their wonderment as to how the 512 Tony Drive (518) 370-1006 property appeared and immediately recognized the many potential Schenectady, New York 12306 uses for the property if the membership votes to purchase and then develop the property. They saw the possibility for a wide variety of uses by the Elks to support and accomplish the many goals of Elkdom in New York State.

Again, we welcome any questions, concerns or other comments by the membership and we look forward to another presentation of the To learn more about the NYS project at the Spring Convention in May. We also look forward to the hoped for approval by the membership. Elks Camp Bristol, please visit

Thank you, the camp website at: Richard C. Wunder, PSP Committee Chair http://www.nysea-campbristol.org