question

[Skylar]

Wagonmaster!

Welcome and thanks for that bit of information. I think we are seeing a new organization with Sam working and updating the site. Information like what you posted is good stuff and I for one appreciate your time in posting.

[Sam]

Originally Posted by Skylar

Wagonmaster!

Welcome and thanks for that bit of information. I think we are seeing a new organization with Sam working and updating the site. Information like what you posted is good stuff and I for one appreciate your time in posting.

I agree!

[chomper]

Pos- i -tive vi- bra -tions oh yeah....



Welcome wagonmaster

[Sam]

Okay, now I get the whole Bob Marley thing...

[Steve]

Marley???
I thought it was Medusa...

[doorman]

This may be the wrong place to voice my concern but here goes.

We were down on the beach this weekend feeding the skates and sharks (and one undersized rock). Caught wind of a rather disturbing rumor. Heard that there was the possibility of an increase to FIFTY DOLLARS for a site at camporee. We've been to all but one camporee in twenty one years and seen a lot of changes. Maybe I missed the justification for the first $20 charge and was unhappy about the increase to $30. It's starting to not look like a non-profit organization.

I hope the rumor isn't true...

[hideaway214]

Guys I tried to post a reply to this question this morning and being the computer savy person that I am I have surely done something wrong. I would first like to say that to the person who is asking, thank you for supporting AMSA for 21 years I have only been a member for 11 but have been very active. The second thing is yes the entry fee for Camporee is going to increase to $50 but not without justification. In the last newsletter that went out there was a message from Tom B. who is our treasurer and he put in there what do I get for my membership money. In that article it was also laid out that it costs AMSA $49.80 per site to put on Camporee. ( I am not sure how to attach it to this post, I will gladly send it over to someone if they can help) The board and I believe that right now we need to be spending our dollars to make sure that we have a beach to go to, not to subsidize the cost of Camporee. The third thing is that for the $50.00 that you spend you get quite a bit. I started camping at campgrounds last year and found out what a terrific deal that the beach actually was. I am glad that someone is willing to post this question, my intent was not to throw the number out there and say tough luck. Rather to make everyone aware and gather support by answering the questions. Please e-mail me @ skturner214@comcast.net with any further questions that you may have. I would like to insure that we have the beach for many years to have a Camporee at and watch my son raise his family down there like I am mine.

Sincerely,

Scott Turner
AMSA Camporee Chairman
AMSA #66

[Sam]

Thanks for the information and explanation, Scott.

[hideaway214]

Sam is there a way that we can put that letter from Tom Beauchamp on here for further explanation? I want everyone to understand that AMSA is here to support our beach and its users....

[Sam]

Assateague Mobile Sportfishermen’s Association Inc.

P.O. Box 106

Berlin, Maryland 21811

www.KeepersoftheBeach.com

Q - Do we have to pre-register for Camporee?
A - Yes, registration forms must be postmarked by July 16th, 2007 the fee is $50.00 and you must be an AMSA member in good standing.

Q - Is the Camporee going to be in the Bull Pen?
A – Yes, the NATIONAL PARK SERVICE - NPS has designated the Bull Pen area which includes from the ocean back into the Bull Pen area.

Q - Can I have a second vehicle in the Camporee area?
A – No, The only vehicles permitted in the Camporee area must be pre-register for camping. If you have a site for tent camping you can have one vehicle.

Q - If I have two AMSA memberships can I purchase two sites?
A – Yes, each membership is entitled to purchase a site, either a self contained rig or a tent site.

Q - Can my friends that are NOT AMSA MEMBERS come to Camporee?
A – No. This is a member’s only function anyone not pre-register will be turned away at the gate.

Q - Can AMSA members that do not camp come to the Camporee?
A - Yes, they must pre-register; cost of $50.00 they will be issued a daytime pass which is good for all weekend. There will be a designated area for daytime parking.

Q - If I pre-register for Camporee and can not attend will I get a refund?
A - Yes, to obtain a refund you must notify the Membership Secretary Ethel Beauchamp in writing or email to MrsB@dmv.com by July 26, 2007. Please include your phone number so we can verify your request.

Q - What is the purpose of knowing Members ages?
A – There are several reasons we need to know members ages. It helps when planning games and events, we know how many prizes to purchase for what age groups. Also we need to know which wrist bands to issue so the safety patrol and police officers can monitor under age drinking.

Q - What is this I hear about Fire Extinguishers?
A – This is a safety issue “every camp site” must have a Fire Extinguisher; rather you’re in a tent or a self contained unit it’s a must. This is for your own safety and everyone else's.

Q – Can we have campfires?
A – We are waiting for final instructions from the NPS if they allow please remember do not put anything in your fire other than wood. That means no cans, bottles or items that will not completely burn. You must extinguish your campfire or have it attended at all times. Covering your fire with sand is not acceptable since the possibly of someone walking on hot colds exist and the NPS does not want the burnt wood left on the beach.

Q- Do I have to complete the registration form?
A- Yes all questions must be answered; if not your application will be held until your information is received.

[Sam]

What you get for your dues.

2005 Membership fee $25.00

1.Camporee (above $30 fee) $3.90
2.Fishing tournaments: $2.00
3.Handbook $10.71
4.Legislation & beach access $5.00
5.Newsletters $5.62
6.Website $1.06
7.Membership tags $3.31
8.Membership Secretary $1.81

Total value $33.41

2006 Membership fee $25.00

1.Camporee (above $30 fee) $3.12
2.Fishing tournaments: $2.05
3.Handbook $10.96
4.Legislation & beach access $5.00
5.Newsletters $5.62
6.Website $1.67
7.Membership tags (new) $15.05
8.Membership Secretary $1.81

Total value $45.28

These are things you receive for you membership dues; I have based these numbers on 1,327 active paying members as you can see your membership fee does not cover the benefits available to you. So the next time you say to yourself what am I getting for my dues take another look at this reminder.



We started charging for Camporee several years ago and a lot of members did not understand, we are only trying to offset the cost of Camporee. The cost I have shown is based on 1,327 members. The actual cost for the 330 members who attended & paid ($30) was $49.80 per paying member. So don’t be upset with the Camporee Committee when they try to cover their cost for this event it is only fair for the members who attend cover the cost of this event.


In the immediate future AMSA will have to spend much more money on Legislation and Beach access working with the new management plan being created by the Park Service. In the last year we have spent over $15,000 in legal fees for direction and information on how to work and deal with these issues. There are issues with Wilderness Areas which have been on the books since the 60’s which we need to address and watch very closely during the development of the new Management Plan.


The board is asking for your help in anyway you can to help in this fight, with your dollars and your time. If we want to maintain our access to Assateague Island we need to spend our time and monies dealing with these issues.

Sincerely,

Thomas C. Beauchamp, Treasurer
AMSA