Frequently Asked Questions

• Membership

  Why should I join the Camp Cachalot Alumni Association?

  There are quite a few reasons to join. Maybe you'd like have more opportunities to get together with old friends. You might be interested in learning more about the history of the Camp, or sharing what you know about it. Or, it could be that you just like membership cards! But the biggest reason most of our members join is to help ensure that future generations of Scouts and Scouters can have just as much fun, and learn just as much, from their stays at Camp Cachalot that we've all enjoyed.

  Do I have to have worked on summer camp staff to be a member?

  Absolutely not!

  Must I have attended summer camp to be a member?

  No.

  Do I have to be registered with the Boy Scouts of America to join?

  No, although there may be some projects from time to time that will take place during regular BSA programs (with youth present) that only alumni who are currently registered members of the BSA may participate in. These will be the exception and not the rule, and we'll make a note of it when announcing them.

  So, can just anyone join?

  Anyone who's ever been connected to Camp Cachalot, Camp Noquochoke, the former Moby Dick Council, or any of their predecessors, in any way, is eligible for membership in the Alumni Association. This includes Scouts and Scouters who camped at Cachalot during the year, current and former Scouting professionals, family members of those who've camped at Cachalot, even the Environmental Police officers and rangers who've helped patrol and fight fire on the property over the years.

  I'm sold. How do I join?

  Just click on over to our Membership pages, and you'll find everything you need to know, including a membership form.

  Can I join online?

  You certainly can! Just click here to get started!

• Finances

  Where does my money go?

  It depends. Membership fees contribute directly to the Association's endowment, the principal of which is never touched. The proceeds from the events we run and the merchandise we sell typically go into a general fund -- our "operating budget." This general fund is how we pay for our (rather small) expenses. Since our goal is to grow our endowment, excess money in the general fund will typically be moved into the endowment. Other donations may be sought for specific purposes, such as our Project Fund.

  Who controls the check book?

  Our Executive Committee, within the rules of the endowment. Our accounts are held through the Narragansett Council, BSA, and they are the not-for-profit of record for tax and accounting purposes, but the money in our accounts is for the exclusive benefit of fulfilling the purpose of the Alumni Association. The endowment investments are managed by the same group of people who manage the other endowments in Narragansett Council, and should yield the same rate of return.

  So this money doesn't go to pay anyone's salary?

  No. Our Executive Committee is entirely volunteer, and no one draws a salary. The Council can only draw upon the funds at the instruction of the Alumni Association.

  Are my contributions tax-deductible?

  Your membership contributions are 100% tax-deductible.

• Our Website

  Do I have to be a member of the Association to use the web site or participate in the Facebook group?

  No. Our Facebook group is open to all, even if they aren't members. That also means that signing up for the forums doesn't mean you've applied for membership in the Association. They're separate.

  What else do you use my email address for?

  If you are a member and gave us an email address as part of your contact info, you will also receive announcements from time to time about the Alumni Association, usually for upcoming events.

  I'm a member, and I don't want any extra email. How do I make it stop?

  If you no longer want to receive Alumni Association-related emails, just send us email (or US mail, if you prefer) and tell us to stop. Most email messages that we send through our mailing list will also include links to unsubscribe.

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