The Constitution

The Constitution Of Morton's Point Camp

Last Changed January 22, 2022.

Membership

To become a member requires the individual to be 18 years of age and of good moral character. In addition, they must:

1. not have an outstanding balance owing to Morton's Point Camp.
2. be nominated by a member and seconded by another member for membership.
3. have fulfilled obligations as stated in "Rules & Regulations of Morton's Point Camp" concerning previous attendance in Camp.
4. have passed a "Membership Vote" at the Annual General Meeting by a majority vote (50% + 1) of the total membership.
5. pay appropriate initiation fee and dues as determined by members at the Annual General Meeting.
6. agree to abide by "The Constitution of Morton's Point Camp", "Rules & Regulations of Morton's Point Camp", and "The Spirit & Intention of Morton's Point Camp" as well as, while in camp, the current laws of Canada, Ontario and the local municipality.
7. provide written acknowledgment that the “Constitution”, “Rules and Regulations” and Spirit and Intentions” have been read and understood.
8. A member who submits a letter of resignation may re-apply for membership in the future if they are in compliance with “The Constitution of Morton's Point Camp”, “Rules and Regulations” and the “Spirit of Intentions”.
9. If a member resigns without a letter of resignation, they will not be allowed into any camp for a period of 2 years

Membership Complement Requirements

1. The membership complement must consist of males only and have a minimum 51% of the membership having Canadian citizenship to conform with our "Non-Profit" designation.
2. The camp's membership complement may not exceed limits as stated in the “Rules & Regulations of Morton's Point Camp”.

Family Membership

1. Family members (father, brother, son, father in-law, brother in-law and son in-law) meeting all other requirements are exempt from a membership vote at the Annual General Meeting.

General

1. No female guests are permitted in camp overnight during a declared summer season camp unless special circumstances are approved by the Board of Directors (example – COVID in 2020). In certain instances, the Board of Directors may make exceptions to fill empty camp time.
2. Delinquent dues, camp fees, initiation fees, assessments or monies owing to Morton's Point Camp are subject to late payment charges as stated in the "Rules & Regulations of Morton's Point Camp".
3. A Camp Manager is held responsible for his invited guest's actions while in camp and will be required to reimburse Morton's Point Camp for any damages incurred by such actions.

Termination Of Membership

Membership in Morton's Point Camp will cease upon:

1. Death
2. Resignation
3. Termination due to non-payment of dues, camp fees, or other monies owing to Morton’s Point Camp.
4. Termination due to serious infractions of "The Constitution of Morton's Point Camp" or "Rules & Regulations of Morton's Point Camp" and conduct contrary to "The Spirit and Intention of Morton's Point Camp". Termination requires a majority vote of the membership present and proxy votes at the Annual General Meeting.

Executive Board Of Directors

1. The Board of Directors will be made up of five voting members. The majority (3 of 5) must have Canadian citizenship and the position of Treasurer must be filled by a Canadian citizen, residing in Canada. The remaining two positions can be filled by a member of any citizenship.
2. The Executive will consist of President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and one (1) other Director. Note: The Secretary and Treasurer positions can be combined leaving 2 Directors.
3. The Directors will be decided on by the members at the Annual General Meeting by a majority vote (50% + 1) of those present and by proxy votes. The Directors will decide on executive positions collectively.
4. Terms will be for three (3) years. They will be staggered so a maximum of two (2) directors' terms will expire in any given year. Any director's position left vacant due to resignation, death or termination of membership, shall be replaced by the remaining Board of Directors, for only the duration of time prior to the next Annual General Meeting, at which time, the members will vote for someone to fill the position for the balance of the existing term vacated by the departing board member.
5. It is the obligation of the Board of Directors to act in the best interest of Morton's Point Camp and the Membership, and to follow the direction as decided upon at the Annual General Meeting by the membership.
6. The Board shall make necessary decisions for the ongoing operation of Morton's Point Camp. They are not to exceed the dollar limit set by members at the Annual General Meeting for items not approved by the membership as stated in the "Rules & Regulations of Morton's Point Camp". The Board has no authority to change previous decisions and directions as set by the membership at the Annual General Meeting.
7. The Board shall be responsible, by majority vote, to interpret and make decisions on any "Rules & Regulations of Morton's Point Camp" or extraordinary requests when necessary. These interpretations must be brought forth to the members at the next Annual General Meeting where it will be decided, by vote if deemed necessary by members present and proxies at the meeting, whether the decision made by the Board of Directors should become policy or never executed again. If required, a new rule & regulation can be voted on to clarify the "actions to be taken" for future interpretations.

Camp Scheduling

1. Scheduling of camp time shall be done at the Annual General Meeting. Camps (Camp Groups) which held time from the previous year shall be guaranteed the same time on the new calendar providing they have met and will meet all the requirements. Also, provided there has been no pre-arrangement between camps for adjustments in "time" for one specific year. Adjustments can be worked out between camp managers if they please.
2. The official Spring, Summer & Fall camp season dates will be set by the membership at the Annual General Meeting. Summer camp season usually begins the Saturday before the 1st of July (historically, the opening of bass season) and ends the first Sunday after Labour Day. Summer camp weeks shall run from Saturday till Saturday and form the basis of scheduling. Adjustments in time slots can be worked out between Camp Managers on a yearly basis.
3. A minimum number of man-days per week are required during the summer season to guarantee the same time slot on a yearly basis as stated in the Rules & Regulations of Morton's Point Camp.
4. Cancellation of any assigned time slot for a camp is the responsibility of the camp manager by:
   1. canceling the scheduled time at the Annual General Meeting
   2. sending written notice of cancellation of the scheduled time to the Secretary before the date as stated in the "Rules & Regulations of Morton's Point Camp"
5. Failure by the camp manager to cancel his assigned camp time slot by the set date, or not fulfill the man-day requirements, obligates the camp manager to pay the "man-day" fee as stated in the "Rules & Regulations of Morton's Point Camp" as set by the membership at the Annual General Meeting.
6. When cancellation of a camp time is received from a camp manager either at the Annual General Meeting, or in writing to the Secretary before the set date, the time slot will be declared "open" and all members will be advised. Any member may request an open time slot by providing written notice to the Secretary. If multiple requests are made for the same time slot, membership seniority will be used to decide who will get the time slot. The secretary will set a time limit for requests made by members, dependent on the time available before the open camp date (e.g. – 2 weeks).

Meetings

1. An Annual General Meeting is to be held for the members to discuss "Camp Business". This must take place no later than the last Sunday in October if being held in person or by the last Sunday in November if the meeting is held virtually.
2. Directors' meetings will take place as decided by the Board of Directors.
3. A simple majority of the total membership (50% + 1) must be represented, either in person or by proxy, at the Annual General Meeting to provide a quorum.
4. An 80% majority of the total membership, either in person or by proxy, must be represented to change "The Constitution of Morton's Point Camp".
5. A simple majority of the total membership, either in person or by proxy, must be represented to change "The Rules & Regulations of Morton's Point Camp".

Current Version

Replaces Previous Constitution voted in January 24, 2021.

Rules & Regulations Of Morton's Point Camp

Last Changed November 19, 2023.

Note: The following Rules & Regulations can be changed, deleted or added to by the Members, by vote, at the Annual General Meeting providing the following has been achieved. "The Constitution of Morton's Point Camp, Meetings, item 3a) and item 3c)".

Guests

1. The minimum age for guests or relatives to attend summer season camps is 10 years of age to their nearest birthday.
2. Member's relatives are entitled to "Relative Rate" price as set by the Membership at the Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Camp Scheduling

1. Definitions:
   1. Summer season – the weeks starting with the last Saturday in June through the Friday following Labour Day.
   2. Off season – the days/weeks from Camp opening till the start of Summer season and the days/weeks following the Summer season till Camp closing.
   3. Man Day – a night spent in Camp. Example: arriving to Camp on a Saturday afternoon and leaving on the following Monday morning would constitute two man-days.
   4. Top-Up – A camp manager may “top-up” their man days to meet the minimum requirement for the time period they had reserved. The top up dollar amount is equal to the number of days that you are short multiplied by the member rate per day for that particular season. By topping up the Camp Manager is assured of keeping his time slot for the next year. If the camp manager does not top-up, the time slot next year would be available for other members to claim. The Board of Directors may waive the top-up fee in extenuating circumstances by a vote of 3 of 5 (i.e. – having to leave Camp in case of an emergency).
2. During the summer season, a minimum of 28 man-days per week are required to guarantee the same time slot the following year.
3. During the off-season, a minimum of 3 man-days per day are required to guarantee the same time slot the following year.
4. If the minimum man days are not met, the Camp Manager has the following options:
   1. "Top up" to meet the minimum.
   2. Choose to not top-up and risk forfeiting the time slot in future years.

Camp Managers

1. Camp Managers have the absolute right to decline entrance into their camp to anyone they choose so long as their camp has met with man-day rules and regulations.
2. Camp Manager's responsibilities for Morton's Point Camp charge accounts:
   1. Camp Manager has the authority, in the event of an emergency, to spend up to $500.00 while in Camp, on the Camp's behalf for such things as emergency maintenance on boats & motors, power plant and water pump or system, or to procure supplies and equipment required to insure the safe and satisfactory operation of the Camp. Any costs incurred for such purchases must be reported to the Treasurer as soon as possible.
   2. The charging of non-staples (by anyone) to the Camp accounts is prohibited unless specifically requested or authorized to do so by the Treasurer or President.
   3. Apart from 2a) above, only purchases or work orders approved at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and/or by the Board of Directors may be made in the name of Morton's Point Camp.
3. Camp Managers are responsible for the proper care, use and maintenance of Camp assets while in Camp. No Camp motorized boats or motorized vehicles shall be operated by anyone other than a member without the Camp Manager's permission. In the case of such permission being granted by the Camp Manager, he assumes the liability & responsibility for the non-member's actions and any subsequent losses suffered by Morton's Point Camp.
4. Camp Managers must immediately report damages or potential problems to Camp assets and infrastructure to a board member. If possible, they should initiate action to remedy the situation.
5. Camp Managers should immediately communicate with the Camp Manager following them (and the board if appropriate) the need for replacement supplies or repair parts. Please be specific in regards to sizes, quantities, brand name, part number etc..
6. Camp Managers must advise the Camp Manager following them of any “camp staples" that were depleted during their stay in Camp to allow timely replenishment.
7. Camp Managers (or a member delegate) are responsible for the complete and accurate payment of fees owed by their camp and are to submit payment, with the applicable report forms, to the Treasurer. Camp supplies can be purchased by the Camp Manager as required (See "Rules & Regulations of Morton's Point Camp, Camp Managers # 2" above) but he must send proper receipts to Treasurer for reimbursement of funds for said purchases unless requested to do otherwise directly by the Treasurer.
8. Camp Manager (or a member delegate) must be present (in attendance) whenever Camp is in use, to assume the current responsibilities, and unless otherwise arranged, the Camp Manager will be the person booking the time. If no members can remain in Camp for any reason, all guests must leave.
9. Camp Managers must complete the Camp's on-site attendance ledger, the on-site Camp Managers' binder and necessary report forms.
10. Camp Managers are required to submit (at a minimum) a copy of their Camp Manager’s Checklist/Notes to the secretary within 4 days of leaving Camp. Report can be sent by email or text. Additional Camp information including photos is encouraged (but not required) to facilitate periodic camp updates and historical purposes.
11. The Camp Manager is responsible for ensuring that no more than twenty-one (21) people are in Camp overnight at any one time. All people staying in Camp must provide their own linens.
12. Camp Managers are to insure the responsible use of the power plant and inverter system. The system should be disabled using the main breaker in the kitchen when Camp is to be empty for more than a day.
13. Camp Managers are not to allow members or guests to bring any animals into Camp and to ensure that pesky, destructive wild animals such as mice, raccoons and ground hogs are not fed to prevent possible damages caused by them.
14. Only Camp Managers, members of the Board of Directors, and members of the Boat Committee (when we have the latter group instituted) may discuss or implement Camp work with any outside contractor, and even then, only within the realm of their mandate.
15. Camp Managers are asked to let the Treasurer & Secretary know of any material donations or gifts that were received from members or guests so they can be inventoried for insurance purposes and so a letter of appreciation can be sent to the contributor(s).
16. Camp Manager of each camp shall be responsible to keep available a supply of propane in Camp from our supplier, and dry firewood on the covered entry porch (@ toilet) for the next camp. He must also ensure fridge/freezers are defrosted as needed.
17. Camp Manager is to be notified by the Treasurer concerning any members or guests from their camp who is in arrears with payments to Morton's Point Camp. The Camp Manager will then inform the offending members or guests who are in arrears that they cannot enter the Camp until they have any outstanding balance (and late fees) owing to Morton's Point Camp paid in full.
18. Camp Managers should use the current work list when involved with any maintenance or improvements. Any other maintenance or improvements must be intended for the comfort and enjoyment of all those who attend Camp. These additions or improvements should be approved at the Annual General Meeting or by the Board of Directors first, to protect the Camp from unexpected major costs. (See Camp Managers 2 a, b, c).
19. Camp Managers must supply their own boat safety kits for use by members and guests in their Camps.
20. Camp Managers must provide gas for their camp and at the end of their stay must leave gas in the generator and main transportation boat as described in General – Section #10.

Executive / Board Of Directors

1. The Board of Directors may not exceed $3,500.00 for items not authorized at the Annual General Meeting.
2. A written notice about meetings which includes the date, time, place, and tentative agenda of the meeting, must be sent to all members by the Secretary in advance of the meeting to allow members time to make traveling and time arrangements or to send their proxy to a fellow member who will be attending the meeting.

Work Camps / Committees

1. The Board of Directors are to initiate "Work Camps" or "Special Committees" as required.
2. Work camps must have designated tasks relating to items listed in the minutes of the Annual General Meeting or the minutes of the Board of Directors Meeting.
3. The Board of Directors will set the maximum number of days for work camps.
4. Providing the work agreed to is completed, there will be no camp fees charged to those individuals completing the work. A $12.00 per day food credit can be applied for by those in the work camp.
5. Committees are to be headed by an active Board Member who will in turn be the correspondent between his assistants (if any) and the other board members.
6. Committees must work within the parameters of the Rules and Regulations of Morton's Point Camp and a budget set by at the Annual General Meeting or by the Board of Directors.

General

1. The list of "Camp staples" is to be determined by the Members present at the Annual General Meeting and published in the minutes of the Annual General Meeting. A copy of the "Camp staples" is to be placed in Camp for reference.
2. A guest must have attended any camp for one (1) or more days, in any operating season, in any two (2) years, prior to being nominated for membership.
3. The maximum number of memberships presently granted is 56.
4. Camp Managers are responsible to assure that anyone that uses a Camp boat has the proper operator’s card as required by current provincial law. Only a Camp Manager can allow a guest to operate any of the Camp boats. In doing so the Camp Manager assumes all responsibility.
5. No boats with motors larger than 9.9HP are to be taken above Lovesick Rapids.
6. All damage to camp equipment is the responsibility of the camp managers.
7. All prop damage is the responsibility of the Camp Manager. A $100 charge will be accessed.
8. Porcupine lake and the ponds above the rapids at Farm Creek are to be considered catch and release areas to preserve the enjoyment for all camp members.
9. Smoking is prohibited in all sleeping cabins.
10. All camps will be responsible to supply their own premium gas for use while they are in camp. At the beginning of the year the generator and primary transportation boat will be left with half full tanks. It is the Camp Manager’s responsibility to ensure that at the end of their time in camp both are left at least half full.
    1. The camp will provide oil for camp motors.
    2. Opening, closing and work camps will be given a gas allotment based on their planned activities.
    3. An identifying mark on the generator dipstick will be added to show the minimum level. The gas gauge on the main transportation boat (Donny/Jean unless unavailable) will be used.
    4. Communication between camps regarding the availability of gas at remote locations is important and is to be documented in the Camp Manager’s book.

Rates, Dues and Fees

1. All monies relating to camp business are in Canadian funds (CAD). It is the member’s responsibility to assure that any monies paid in other currencies are correct in Canadian funds including any exchange fees.
2. All rates, dues, initiation fees and late payment fees, will be determined at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and passed by majority vote.
3. Annual dues and initiation fees must be received in full by March 31st. Members paying dues late will pay a late fee (determined at the AGM) per month for up to two months. Members not paying dues by May 31st will have their membership terminated.
4. The Board of Directors can be approached in cases of financial hardships relating to dues. The Board of Directors can refuse financial assistance when abuse is noted.
5. Members must submit a letter of resignation. Without a letter of resignation, the member will not be allowed to attend Camp for two (2) years.
6. Camp fees (including top-up fees) are payable within thirty (30) days of leaving Camp after which a late fee (determined at the AGM) will be applied.
7. Son, brother, son-in-law, brother in-law, father in-law and father who are not current members, shall be charged the relative rate. NOTE: Adoption and legal marital or marital equivalent status is included.
8. Children brought to Camp by members or guests who are age 16 and under are charged 50% of the daily applicable rates.
9. Members receive seven (7) free man-days which can be used in any season during the current year only. These free days are included in their dues payment.
10. A Member not attending Camp during the season can donate his free unused man-days to his normal camp towards the minimum man day / income amount. They cannot be granted to a camp he does not frequently attend.

Current Rates and Fees – as of November 19, 2023

1. Initiation Fee = $100 CAD for members nominated at the 2023 & 2024 AGM. This amount will return to match the yearly dues in subsequent years unless extended at the AGM.
2. Yearly Dues = $500 CAD – Includes (7) days at Camp for the current year.
3. Work allowance = $75 CAD. This can be refunded upon completion of project and submitting the corresponding rebate paperwork.
4. Off Season Camp Rates:
   1. Member: $37.00 CAD / day
   2. Relative: $53.00 CAD / day
   3. Guest: $56.00 CAD / day
5. Summer Season Camp Rates:
   1. Member: $42.00 CAD / day
   2. Relative: $75.00 CAD / day
   3. Guest: $79.00 CAD / day
6. Late Fees:
   1. For Dues and camp fees = $50 per month for up to two months. After two months membership is terminated.
   2. For other monies owed to Camp (returned cheques, non-sufficient funds, etc…). The member will be charged the amount that the Camp’s bank charges the camp. Monies are due upon notification. Lates fees apply after 30 days per #6a.

Current Version

Changes effective 11/19/2023 by vote at the 2023 AGM. The document was updated for changes made
at the 2023 Annual General Meeting.

Camp Managers #20 - Rule regarding camps providing their own premium gas added.
General #10 – Rule regarding camps providing their own premium gas added.
Current Rates and Fees #2 – Yearly dues changed to $500 from $450
Current Rates and Fees #4a – Member off season rate changed to $37 from $35
Current Rates and Fees #4b – Relative off season rate changed to $53 from $50
Current Rates and Fees #4c – Guest off season rate changed to $56 from $53
Current Rates and Fees #5a – Member summer season rate changed to $45 from $35
Current Rates and Fees #5b – Relative summer season rate changed to $75 from $70
Current Rates and Fees #5c – Guest summer season rate changed to $79 from $74