Greater Houston Airstream Club (“GHAC”) welcomes new members. As an Airstream owner, making it official by joining the Club opens opportunities for gaining new friends, benefiting from the collective knowledge of years of Airstream ownership through the many members and enjoying the adventures with the Airstream community!
GHAC is a community of about 90 Member Rigs plus several affiliate Member Rigs across the Houston area and other states. As a Club in Region 9, which includes Oklahoma and all of Texas except the areas in the Mountain Time Zone, GHAC holds 8 Rallies/Events each year in the many campgrounds around the Gulf Coast and Hill Country of the great state of Texas! With almost 50-years of existence, GHAC members have a legacy of ownership for all types of Airstream units from vintage to new and across the models from the traditional Travel Trailers, Class A Coaches and Class C Vans.
Here are a few details to help new members become familiar with GHAC. If you have a question or concern not addressed here, GHAC’s leadership is open to a phone call, text or e-mail and a directory is available here: https://airstreamclub.org/greater-houston/2022-leadership-and-committee-chairs.
· Membership:
o Whether you're just starting out or continuing the Airstream journey, being a member provides access to countless rallies, caravans, courtesy parking opportunities, helpful resources, plus almost 16,000 friends!
o Wally Byam Caravan Club International (WBCCI) / Airstream Club International (ACI) are both common names of the main organization. Membership dues are for one year and include a subscription to the Blue Beret Magazine and access to courtesy parking. Lifetime memberships are also available; contact WBCCI/ACI for costs - https://airstreamclub.org/lifetime
o You may join as a member at large or for a small fee, chose a home (local) club and any number of affiliate clubs. Annual renewal is managed through the WBCCI/ACI website on the primary member’s account at https://airstreamclub.org/members/dashboard
o Greater Houston Airstream Club (GHAC) is the local club #155 and part of Region 9. A nominal additional membership fee assures you’re included in all the local and Region activities.
o Big Red Numbers (BRN) are provided with your membership for mounting on your Rig as an identifier. Many mount these numbers on the head front and rear of their Airstream for visibility. Others mount them on signs on the exterior or in the window of the Airstream. The BRN will be on your name badge and on any event registrations. Every 5-years of membership earns a Red Star to be added to your rig’s BRN. Stars are awarded annually at the January Luncheon; GHAC recently had the privilege of awarding the stars for a member with 50-years!
o You will receive a name badge with your membership packet from Jackson Center. Wearing it at events is encouraged.
o Courtesy Parking is provided by Airstream members to Airstream Members across the country. This service is generally a place to park, sometimes including hook-ups, at no expense to the Rig. Check out the locations at https://airstreamclub.org/members/courtesy-parking-directory
· Mentors
o All GHAC members may request a Mentor to guide them as they become familiar with GHAC and their Airstream.
o Mentors will reach out on upcoming rallies and events, provide introductions to other members, help with questions on their Airstream’s upkeep and maintenance, and provide an information conduit for Airstream Adventures.
· Rallies & Events
o We are an active, friendly club, the rallies and events are a great way to get acquainted easily and make new Airstream friends! GHAC generally has a monthly Rally in the months of February – June and September – December.
o The Rally Schedule is posted for the year and you can register for any or all the events. Rally Registration is two-fold – 1) campsite reservations must be made with the camp ground directly – mention that you’re part of the GHAC Rally to ensure Rally Rates and that you’re assigned a site with the other Rally Attendees; 2) Use the on-line registration (Jotform) on the GHAC Website to sign up and let the Rally Hosts know you’re attending.
o GHAC traditionally hosts an annual luncheon at an area restaurant in January of each year. The incoming Club President addresses the club and shares the year’s event plans. Registration link is included in the Newsletter.
o Happy Hours and Good Food are always a feature at the Rallies. The Rally Schedule will provide details on these.
§ Traditionally happy hour appetizers are provided by the participants based on their BRN (Odd Numbered Rigs one evening and Even Numbered another).
§ Happy Hour beverages are whatever you chose to bring. If you want to bring a drink to share, feel free to do so. Just place it on your table.
§ For Rally meals, always bring a plate, utensils, napkins and a drink. The meal is either provided by the Hosts (catered or prepared), a potluck where each Rig pitches in with a dish to share, or a grill-out where the Host provides the grills, sides and dessert and everyone brings something for themselves to grill.
§ Wearing your WBCCI/ACI name badge is encouraged!
o Rally Host and Co-Hosts are volunteers. Sign up for hosting happens when the Annual Rally Schedule is announced. Having a Co-Host or two is always helpful to share the responsibilities and is a great way to get involved and become familiar with hosting without the responsibility of planning.
o Team Red, White and Blue (“Team RWB”) is an Area Charity that GHAC supports through a Raffle at the Rallies. The Organization supports military veterans as an antidote to the isolation and health challenges which they face. By forging America’s leading health and wellness community for veterans, service members, and their families, they strive to make tomorrow better. Raffle tickets for a variety of prizes are sold at each Rally for $1 each or 6 for $5 and proceeds are provided via a GHAC donation to Team RWB at the annual luncheon. Remember to bring a little cash to purchase tickets; write your BRN on the Rally Tickets.
o Can Tabs are collected at each Rally and provided to WBCCI/ACI at the annual international Rally.
· Newsletter
o GHAC has published the Coyote Tails newsletter for over 47 years! The publication comes to members via e-mail monthly from January – June and September – October.
o Coyote Tails features a letter from the President, a celebration of upcoming members’ birthdays and anniversaries, Upcoming Rally Schedules and registration links plus travel facts, photos, campground reviews, and fun adventures GHAC members share.
o GHAC Members love to celebrate, members’ birthdays and anniversary give us an occasion for mini celebrations and with your permission are included in the Newsletter and mentioned in the Rallies.
· Caravans
o GHAC caravans are scheduled routinely to the annual International Rally site or to attractions outside the Houston area.
o Check GHAC website https://airstreamclub.org/greater-houston/rallies-and-caravans for specifics on scheduled Caravans.