What is an ORCA Chapter?
Frequently Asked Questions
The following are some questions we often receive regarding the ORCA. We hope these help you in your journeys. What Is a ORCA chapter? All ORCA members are encouraged to join a local Chapter for wholesome, increased outdoor fun, fellowship, travel, touring places of interest, pot luck dinners, and other interesting camping activities. This creates new and long lasting friendships and memories. Chapter members usually meet once a month for a campout get-together or other Chapter activities such as service projects or support of local charities. Many of the Oregon Chapters are strong supporters of the Dogs for the Deaf, as well as other local charities. During the year, Chapters meet for a campout designated by the wagonmaster or by common agreement of the Chapter members. Once a year, in June, all Chapters attend a State Rally at the Polk County Fairgrounds in Rickreall, Oregon. During the winter months some Chapters elect to have their meeting at a local restaurant for breakfast or lunch. A Chapter is made up with a varying number of rigs, each Chapter determining its own membership size. They camp together, play together and give support in times of need. The Chapter members have vests in their own Chapter colors, with patches from the states, parks and points of interest, they have visited. The more you become involved in a Chapter the more satisfying the experience. If you are interested in joining in on the fun by joining a local Chapter, visit the Chapters page for names and communities served by our existing chapters. They will be more than happy to answer any further questions you may have. If you are unsure about a Chapter in your area, send an email message to the State Director at: orcadirector@outlook.com. Why should I join a ORCA chapter? We have a fantastic PDF we invite you to download to answer just that question! How do I join a ORCA chapter? Contact the State Director using the email address with your name, Address and Telephone Number. They will put you in contact with chapter(s) in your area. Then you can visit with those chapters and decide what chapter you would like to join. It’s as easy as that! How do I form a ORCA chapter? Bring a Friend Meeting Your Chapter develops its own guidelines for how your chapter operates and we have samples for you to use. How to Register Your New Chapter This form must be completed in triplicate with one copy for your files, one copy for the State Director, and the third sent to the Assistant Secretary. Meetings are Conducted Using familiar meeting management techniques like a discussion around the campfire.
How Do We Identify Ourselves Most Importantly... What is an ORCA state rally? ORCA holds three state meetings (a long weekend) a year with a dual purpose for each. First, we do have business to conduct as we are training new chapter officers each year and managing the resources to the benefit of all the members. Secondly, we have entertainment, crafts, tours of local items of interest, and opportunities for another fun camping experience. The Rallies are held in April, June and September of each year and the events are open to all ORCA members. Any business meetings that are held are closed to guests. What is a ORCA Rally all about? Each year, all the ORCA chapters meet in June for the annual ORCA Rally, a camping adventure on a grand scale ... hosted solely by volunteers. This is a multiple day event with an emphasis on fun! Meeting new and old friends is a goal for our membership. There are many enjoyable events to participate in, such as indoor and outdoor games, food cook-off contests, crafts, programs, seminars, and great potlucks. We are also noted for our Golden Wed Ceremony, where we encourage those with milestone anniversaries to participate in an actual vow renewal ceremony. We celebrate Silver (25) and Golden (50) anniversary couples, along with 60th, 65th, 70th and 75th anniversaries. We pride ourselves on being a friendly, outgoing group and encourage new campers to attend. You need not be an ORCA member to attend (guests are welcome), but we challenge you to leave without wanting to be a member! |
