The Chief Beckman Society is a growing group of donors that serves our camps in a very special way. Donors who plan to make a gift from their will or estate to Camp Dudley or Camp Kiniya and those who have established endowed funds for our Camps are included in the Chief Beckman Society. These donors make it possible for the “best ever” camping experiences we provide on both shores of Lake Champlain to continue in perpetuity.

Making a planned gift has sometimes been considered complicated and mysterious. It doesn’t have to be. Chris Perry, CFP, #12764, told us recently that he made his first planned gift when he was offered a life insurance policy through his company. “When I filled out the company’s life insurance form, I just listed camp as a beneficiary for them to receive a percentage of the death benefit that would be paid.”

Planned gifts can take many different forms. Each offers donors a unique benefit and is usually developed as part of a larger financial plan.

Here is a quick summary of some of the common planned gifts that we have received:

• Gifts through your will or trust (bequests) – Your will or trust specifies that a percentage or exact dollar amount, be given to Camp Dudley, Inc. These gifts often can reduce estate taxes.
• Gifts outside your will – Camp Dudley, Inc. can be named as a beneficiary of life insurance policies, donor-advised funds, appreciated securities, real estate, or retirement plans.
• Gifts that pay you – With the help of your attorney, accountant and/or financial planner, a trust can be created that provides you with a charitable deduction and income during your lifetime. At the time the trust is settled, Camp Dudley, Inc., receives all or part of what remains in the trust.

Dave Langston, Director of Development or Dawn Gay, Database & Operations Manager, would be happy to discuss giving options with you. Please contact them at 518.962.4720 or email dave@campdudley.org. However, we also recommend that you discuss your plans with your personal attorney, accountant and/or financial planner to assure that your long-range goals are fulfilled.