The board of governors of the Big Island Veterans Camp - Lake Minnetonka establishes policies for the proper management of the camp. The board may contract for services needed to operate the camp including the services of a manager, may hire employees, and may make other expenditures for the procurement of materials, services, or equipment necessary for the operation of the camp. Expenditures are made upon the approval of the chair. The board must prepare an annual report detailing a complete report of financial transactions, usage levels, and other activities regarding the management and operation of the camp. Copies of the annual reports must be submitted to each appointing organization and to the commissioner of veterans affairs. The board may accept donations, contributions, gifts, and bequests of real or personal property that may be made for the maintenance or operation of the camp. The board shall make the camp available to veterans using the following priorities:

1. (1) qualified disabled veterans and their dependents;
2. (2) qualified veterans, their dependents, and surviving spouses of qualified veterans who were campers prior to the deed transfer; and
3. (3) qualified veterans, their dependents, and surviving spouses of qualified veterans. The camp must be operated as a family camp for the rest and relaxation of veterans and their dependents rather than as a program-oriented camp. The board must publicize the camp to the greatest extent possible to make the camp's facilities known to Minnesota veterans. The board is not a state agency. The board shall purchase liability and related insurance sufficient to indemnify the state against all claims arising from the conduct or management of the activities conducted by the board, its agents, or contractors.