Rally Q & A

How do I register for a rally ?

Registration for ALL rallies will be done electronically. You can pay online either using your regular credit card or PayPal. 

For those that are uncomfortable with online payments, you can reserve online and send a check directly to the OAC Treasurer. You will be able to pay for multiple rallies with one check. Just enclose a note indicating your rally information. The mailing address will be included in your email confirmation when registering for each rally.

Please make check payable to: Oregon Airstream Club.

If you are unable to use a computer to register for these rallies, please contact the rally host directly by phone or email.

We don’t have the money/don’t want to spend the money on all the rallies we would like to attend next year all at once. Is there anything we can do about that?

An attendee can register online then mail check to OAC Treasurer for 50% of the amount within 10 days, and the other 50% by mail within 60 days of the start of the rally. This isn’t the preferred option but may be helpful for those who want to attend several rallies but don’t have the immediate financial resources to register for all of them at the same time.

Please make check payable to: Oregon Airstream Club.

Sometimes we need to cancel a rally we have reserved. It’s a little confusing about the cancellation policies for the individual rallies. Can you help?

We know that things come up. For greatest clarity, here are the rally cancellation policies for our club.

Basically, if a cancellation incurs a cost, you will absorb that cost.

Each host will know the specific cancellation policies for their rally, and they can help you. If you need to cancel, please do so as soon as you know about a conflict so someone on the waiting list can take your spot. If you need to cancel, please don’t give your spot to someone else, on your own, as there may be people who have been on the waiting list for a site.

We love the all potluck rallies but it surely would be nice to have someone around to act kind of as a host.

Yup, we heard that loud and clear in the survey. Each all potluck rally this year (with the possible exception of one) has a board member or kind person who has agreed to serve in the role of host. We recognize the need to have someone around to be the go-to person. But please be nice to them so they’ll do it again some time!

I’m retired now and would like to camp during the week – do you have any mid-week rallies this year?

Yes, as a matter of fact we do! Several rallies include a Thursday night stay. For rallies farther away, they are scheduled for longer time periods but with special arrangements, MAY be able to be shortened if the need arises.

I still work and it annoys me that so many rallies start on Thursday now. Can I just come on Friday and Saturday?

In some cases, yes, that can be arranged. And one or two rallies are scheduled specifically to accommodate that request. Please check with your host to see if they can help you if this is not specifically stated in the rally summary. The reason a lot of rallies start on Thursday is because so many members asked if they could arrive early. Hosts decided to make that part of the schedule.

How are rally sites assigned?

Most of the time, the hosts know nothing about the specific sites. If you get a site that you don’t love, don’t assume there is some intention there – it’s just chance! Sometimes, a campground will charge more for more desirable sites – better views mostly – and there may be a greater charge for those sites. But in general, the hosts just assign spots based on length of the trailers and if there are special requests like being near a bathroom or being next to a friend, they try to honor those requests.

Why do some rallies assign potluck contributions?

Our experience this year was that at some of the potlucks, everything that came was a salad, for example. That happened twice. In the survey, people asked that assignments be made but that people who live a long ways from the campground, not have to bring a main dish the first night. That request makes sense and hosts will try to sort that one out. In general, for small rallies, assignments will be made to try get a variety of salads, mains, sides, desserts.

How is it decided how much a rally will cost?

Costs are determined separately for each Rally. It’s actually very simple. Rally costs are comprised of the charges paid for the campsites plus a small additional charge to enable OAC website registration options. Also, each year, while planning Rallies, there is a conscious effort to include low-cost Rallies as part of the options offered. Often these lower cost options are at group sites with limited or no hookups.

I have food preferences. Can my Host accommodate these preferences?

Meals are optional at Rallies. If your Host plans to offer meals, they will notify you well prior to the Rally. If you have food preferences, please ask your Host if there will be options to accommodate your preferences. If you have food allergies, use your best judgement in communication with those who have prepared the meals/potlucks. If in doubt, bring your own food. The last thing we need at a rally is someone requiring an Epi pen injection!

I’ve never attended a rally. I don’t have a clue what I’m supposed to do and feel a little anxious about stepping into a situation where everyone knows each other and I’m the outsider.

Members of the OAC will go out of their way to make their fellow campers feel welcome and part of the group. This is especially true if you identify yourself as a newcomer to the club. You will be warmly welcomed, and, in short order, you will feel part of our group.

However, there are a few “Insider Tips” that may be helpful as you “learn the ropes.” Here are a few:

1. Always wear your name tag. This will assure others know your name and will also assist you as you meet new people.
2. Make yourself known to the Rally Host. They will introduce you to others and answer any questions you may have.
3. All Rallies include a BYOB Happy Hour. Bring your chair and your beverage of choice. If you choose, you can bring an appetizer contribution.
4. If your Host is preparing a meal or overseeing a potluck, bring yourself something to drink and a reusable bag containing your plates, napkins, glasses, and silverware. TIP: A large zip-lock bag is a great way to manage your dirty dishes until back in your trailer.
5. When you arrive at the site where the meal is happening, save yourself a spot at the table next to someone who’s dishes are already in place – that way you are sure to meet the people at your table.
6. Between Rally activities, walk around the campsites and talk with your fellow campers about shared interests…Airstreams, travel, and enjoyment of the outdoors.