Putting Plans in Place to really Improve Campus  Nov 2009  Getting Board in place first

Devin Hollands <devinhollands@gmail.com>Nov 20, 2009, 12:10 PM

to flipglen, bcc: leaders

Phil,

  We are planning pretty nice things for Unirondack and would like you to help with the process.  We have real solid camp directors so it is a good time to be involved.  The board is small and composed of dedicated folks.  We have been trying to shy on the selective side so we can maintain a board that works well together.  No one wants the stress or bother of major issues around the governance of the camp.

  One of our requirements we have tried to implement is to have folks serve on committees so they can see what is up and we can get to know their commitment.

Clearly you have met that hurdle as you have been involved with the B/G committee since....  1995 or so...   Your families dedication to the camp is clear and you potential energy, experience and insight will be welcome on the board.

So far all response from board members is very positive in having you get more involved.

Do you have any thoughts on the camp and things you might like to see or support?

Our major pushes are:

  Expanded programing in off-season using Darren's great skills at running group things...

  Continued strong summer program around Dan G. primarily with Darren handling a few key weeks

  Major improvements around the grounds - swimming area, Stevens performing arts center, Adirondack boathouse reconstruction, renovated staff housing...  minor camper room expansions

  Fund raising campaign to fund endowment and building and set up giving programs in a serious way  - which will be ongoing... out-reach type program...

Let me know what you think.......

Devin Hollands, President

Unirondack, Inc.

phil lewin <flipglen@cogeco.ca>Nov 20, 2009, 6:40 PM

to me

Hi Devin,

As you know, I am not a "yes man". You may not like everything approach or thought I have. I doubt if that threatens you much. Keep in mind that last year Dan was trying hard to get me involved with the board and, as I expected, they didn't want much to do with me. Hey... I have a pretty thick skin. (I have to!)

That being said, I would be willing to be on the board and participate fully if I am needed. Some notes mixed in with your letter.

At 12:10 PM 11/20/2009, you wrote:

Phil,

  We are planning pretty nice things for Unirondack and would like you to help with the process.  We have real solid camp directors so it is a good time to be involved.  The board is small and composed of dedicated folks.  We have been trying to shy on the selective side so we can maintain a board that works well together.  No one wants the stress or bother of major issues around the governance of the camp.

Keep in mind that the board doesn't control who is ultimately on the board. The member churches, through the annual meeting elections, do. It is critical that the board maintain good, open communications with key supporters in all church communities. This has no direct benefit to the camp as it is purely politics, but indirectly it is critical.

Do you have any thoughts on the camp and things you might like to see or support?

We need to keep improving the buildings more than we need new buildings. This doesn't mean we can't do both were feasible and beneficial, but this is my first priority.

Our major pushes are:

  Expanded programing in off-season using Darren's great skills at running group things...

I look forward to experiencing "Darren's great skills". I haven't had the opportunity to see him in action, but Dan tells me how great he is.

  Continued strong summer program around Dan G. primarily with Darren handling a few key weeks

The above is an interesting switch of gears because Darren has not taken to the summer portion of the Director's job as Dan had hoped. It is easy to be flexible when you have good people, but the board needs to be looking even 10 years down the road for camp leadership.

  Major improvements around the grounds - swimming area, Stevens performing arts center, Adirondack boathouse reconstruction, renovated staff housing...  minor camper room expansions

Swimming area... yes. "Stevens performing arts center?"  News to me. We don't really have a boathouse. That would be nice. But having staff living in slums builds character! (:>)  Room expansions, yes.... more summer campers, no. We need to cap the quantity on campus.

  Fund raising campaign to fund endowment and building and set up giving programs in a serious way  - which will be ongoing... out-reach type program...

I am likely to have ideas re fundraising as I am a marketing person, however I don't feel comfortable with any role that involves approaching people in the UU community. (I will get more windows!)

Let me know what you think.......

And that's what I think at this moment.

Take Care,

Phil