By Cole Pirelli | BRN 16125
Camping has always been a bonding experience for my wife, Kristyn, and me. We’d dreamt of owning an Airstream, inspired by Kristyn’s grandfather, who always wanted one. Our dream took a serious turn one scorching August after a particularly hot and humid week-long camping trip in a tent. One morning, as we lay on a deflated air mattress, sweating buckets, Kristyn turned to me and said, “If we ever camp again, it will be in an Airstream.” I nodded fervently, and just like that, our tent days were over.
Not long after, we made the easy decision to purchase our first Airstream. The moment we laid eyes on our 2023 Airstream Caravel, it was love at first sight. Our first trip with it was memorable for more than just the beautiful scenery. We provided free entertainment to the campers on all sides as we attempted to back up our new Airstream. Picture this: 30 attempts, countless adjustments, and a cheering section of neighbors, all lined up in their lawn chairs, taking bets on how many tries it would take. No one was helping because I kept insisting, “I got this.” And that was just the beginning. Pulling out the awning turned into another half-hour comedy show.
Our journey into the Airstream Club started with a simple email that we initially set aside. Eventually, curiosity got the better of us, and we joined. We reached out to Eddie, the Cape Cod Massachusetts Airstream Club (CCMAC) President, to learn more about the community. Little did we know, a casual chat with Eddie about organizing something at Scusset Beach State Reservation would quickly snowball into being appointed a Wagon Master.
When I was asked to be wagon master for the first time, my reaction was shaped by a phrase I’ve heard often, “You’re an Eagle Scout, you can figure this out.” It’s like when someone challenges Marty McFly from the blockbuster movie “Back to the Future” — “Are you chicken?” Of course, I took on the challenge without hesitation.
Eddie C., Gary C., Bob B., Scott H., Karen B. and Paula C. gathered together during Saturday morning continental Breakfast to share stories and laughter.
Planning the rally brought its own set of humorous and challenging moments. There’s always stress when you’re told you have the space but have nothing in writing. The day before registration opened, we finally received confirmation, and a collective sigh of relief was heard. Our dog Winston also had his share of adventures. Initially cautious around the Airstream, he quickly grew to love it, especially the air conditioning. On hot days, he would bark at the door, demanding to be let in, preferring the cool interior to the summer heat.
Kristyn was my rock throughout the planning process. She designed and prepared the club gifts for the welcome bags, painstakingly putting together all the materials. Kristyn and Paula, Eddie’s soon-to-be wife, were invaluable in helping with parking and meal preparations.
The most surprising part of planning the rally was organizing the trailer layout. As an Eagle Scout, planning camping trips is second nature, but arranging 38 trailers of varying sizes in a space the club hadn’t used in more than 50 years was a new challenge. Ensuring they lined up perfectly while keeping emergency vehicle access in mind was a feat of engineering and patience.
When everything finally came together, the sight of the first group meal and the excitement on everyone’s faces as they explored the Cape Cod Canal with its rich history and recreational opportunities made all the effort worthwhile. The only last-minute surprise was realizing I needed more sunscreen — I burnt to a crisp without it.
Feasting in style, Cape Cod club members enjoy a delightful Heavy Happy Hour under the Scusset Beach Pavilion.
PRE-RALLY PLANNING
• Initial Planning Steps: The first step is setting clear goals and determining the scope of your rally. Decide the date and duration early to allow ample planning and coordination time.
• Permits and Regulations: Understanding and adhering to local regulations and obtaining necessary permits is crucial. Ensure you know any restrictions or requirements that could impact your rally.
SECURING THE SITE
The first step in organizing a boondocking rally is securing a suitable site. We chose Scusset Beach State Reservation in Sagamore Beach, Massachusetts, and worked closely with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) at the headquarters and local park levels. Building strong relationships with these entities is crucial. Regular communication and understanding of their requirements can ensure a smooth booking process. Establishing a rapport with park rangers and management can also benefit any on-site needs before and during the rally.
PARTNERING WITH AN
EXPERIENCED MEMBER
Partnering with an experienced club member or mentor can provide invaluable guidance. Eddie, the CCMAC President, was my mentor for our rally. He taught me the “Airstream Club way” of organizing events, ensuring we met the specific needs of club members, such as affordability and transparent fee breakdowns. Having a mentor can help you understand the nuances of rally planning and provide a safety net for first-time organizers.
Cole and Kristyn P. Inspired by family dreams and their camping experiences, proudly pose with their 2023 Airstream Caravel, marking the start of many adventures and their journey in the Airstream community.
MARKETING THE RALLY
Effective marketing is key to attracting participants. We utilized various channels, including flyers, our club website and social media platforms. One important lesson we learned was addressing the fears and misconceptions about boondocking. Many Airstreamers are concerned about parking and water availability. To alleviate these concerns, we highlighted that we had pull-through sites and on-site filtered water. Clear, reassuring communication can significantly boost participation.
REGISTRATION FORM
A comprehensive registration form is essential. It should include camping fees, rally fees, trailer tags, car tags, pets, number of participants, trailer length and vehicle state registrations. Collecting this information upfront can save time and prevent issues later. Additionally, ensuring updated dog vaccination records can avoid last-minute complications with park authorities.
CAMPGROUND MAP
Creating a detailed campground map is crucial for smooth navigation. We modified an existing map to highlight the route from the entrance to the safari field, ensuring clarity for all attendees. A well-designed map helps participants find their way and reduces the chances of getting lost or confused.
Bennett G, Andy B. and Kathy B. gather for an impromptu jam session.
PARKING PLAN
A well-thought-out parking plan is essential for organizing a large group of Airstreams. We started with a blank canvas and laid out 38 Airstreams in an impressive and functional manner that facilitated pull-throughs and community interaction. Having a designated parking window and a registration table with a “stop here” sign minimized confusion and streamlined the check-in process.
MENU PLANNING
Keeping the menu simple yet satisfying is key. We opted for one large dinner on Saturday featuring burgers and hot dogs and a continental breakfast (muffins, yogurt, pastries, fruit) each day. Additionally, we included a “Heavy Happy Hour” for one of the meals to help build community. Rally participants prepared and shared their favorite appetizers, ranging from deviled eggs and pasta salad to smoked baby back ribs and chicken drumsticks. One important lesson we learned was the need for additional coolers for proper food storage. A volunteer sign-up list for meal preparation, cooking and clean-up ensured smooth operations and shared responsibilities.
Eddie C. and Paula C. grill masters in action serving up delicious food with a smile.
ORGANIZING GROUP ACTIVITIES
Group activities are the heart of any rally. We organized a campfire, which was a great success in building community. Another highlight was an outdoor movie night where we screened “RV” (2006). The chosen movie was the result of an online survey we sent to all participants three weeks before the rally. Engaging activities like these foster camaraderie and create memorable experiences for participants.
COMMON AREA GATHERING SPACES
Common areas are important for group meals, organized events, and social interactions. Reserving an adjacent pavilion provided a sheltered space for gatherings, especially in case of rain.
Next year, we plan to add lights and more self-directed activities for new members. Creating a welcoming environment in common areas encourages engagement and helps new members feel comfortable.
WELCOME BAGS
Welcome bags add a personal touch and make attendees feel valued. We prepared bags for each rig, including a custom ACI logo, local resources for cultural and recreational points of interest in Plymouth, Falmouth, and Sandwich, a personalized Cape Cod club magnet, and promotional items from our sponsor, Major’s RV. These thoughtful additions enhance the rally experience and provide useful information.
Welcome bags for the rally.
FINANCES & SPONSORSHIP
Securing sponsorships can significantly offset costs. Major’s RV (Bourne, MA) was our sponsor, and their support was invaluable. Don’t hesitate to approach local businesses for sponsorship; the worst they can do is say no. In our case, it strengthened our relationship with the business and built a new one for the club. Using tools like Google Sheets, keeping detailed financial records helps track registration, menu planning and budgeting efficiently.
EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES
Boondocking requires different equipment and supplies compared to traditional camping with hookups. Here’s a list of essentials to consider:
• Generators and Solar Panels: A reliable power source is crucial since you won’t have access to electrical hookups. Portable generators and solar panels are popular options. We found that having both provided flexibility and ensured we never ran out of power.
• Additional Gear: Portable showers, camp stoves and battery-operated fans can enhance your boondocking experience. We also recommend bringing extra batteries, chargers and backup lighting solutions.
HANDLING CURIOSITY
FROM OTHER CAMPERS
During our rally, many people throughout the campground were curious about our setup. Some tried cutting through our site, while others wanted to learn about Airstreams. Communicating with members to wear their ID badges and placing “Private Event” signs at natural entrances helped manage this curiosity and maintain our group’s privacy.
HEALTH & SAFETY
Health and safety considerations are crucial for any rally. Here are some tips:
• First Aid Kits: Ensure you have well-stocked first aid kits and know the location of the nearest medical facilities.
• Emergency Plans: Develop a clear emergency plan and communicate it to all participants. This plan should include procedures for severe weather, medical emergencies, and other unforeseen events.
• Inclement Weather: Be prepared for inclement weather. Have contingency plans for outdoor activities and ensure common areas are equipped to handle rain or other adverse conditions.
POST-RALLY FOLLOW-UP
• Feedback Collection: Collecting participant feedback is essential to understand what went well and what could be improved for future rallies. Surveys or informal discussions can provide valuable insights.
• Shared Pictures: Provide a Google link to a shared Google Drive where members can upload and share their pictures. This creates a communal memory bank and allows everyone to enjoy and relive the moments captured during the rally.
• Thank-You Notes: Sending thank-you notes to participants, sponsors, and volunteers shows appreciation and builds goodwill for future events.
Scusset Beach State Reservation in Sagamore Beach, Massachusetts was the site for this boondocking rally.
CONCLUSION
Organizing your first boondocking rally may seem daunting, but with careful planning, clear communication, and community support, it can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. From securing the site and partnering with a mentor to marketing the rally and organizing group activities, each step plays a crucial role in ensuring a successful event.
Remember the humorous challenges of your first Airstream trip. Those moments of trial and error are what make the journey memorable. Embrace those challenges with a sense of humor and a spirit of adventure.
Our rally at Scusset Beach State Reservation was not just an event but a testament to the power of community and the joy of shared experiences, which made all the planning worthwhile.
By sharing our journey and the lessons we learned, we hope to inspire and guide other Airstream owners in organizing their own boondocking rallies. So, pack your sunscreen, gather your community, and embark on this adventure. Happy camping!
Editor’s note: This article was originally published in the August 2024 Summer Edition of the Blue Beret.
