Dancing to Charleston

Our 2024 National Muster will be in Ladson, South Carolina (Charleston Area) with full hook-up camping onsite. Early arrivals for members starting on Wednesday September 11^th at 12:00 for tours beginning on Thursday. Our Chairman, Muster Master, and their staff have been working very hard to assure that this year’s National Muster will be a great experience. You don’t want to miss a minute of it.

Don’t delay, register by May 1^st and you will be entered in an “Early Bird Registration Drawing” for a chance at receiving a refund of your registration fee.

Check the online registration and schedule for National activities. Opening Ceremonies will be on Monday, September 16^th, Closing Ceremonies on Friday, September 20^th, and departure on Saturday, September 21, 2024.

You may want to plan your arrival after 12:00 on Wednesday, September 11^th to take advantage of all that the Charleston area has to offer.

• Place: The Exchange Park, 9850 Hwy. 78, Ladson, SC 29456. https://www.exchangepark.org/.
• Charleston and the surrounding area provide unique opportunities to sightsee and dine, plus more. The region offers so much to see and do you will want to come early starting on September 11^th.
• Muster Fees: The muster fees are $100/person for catered meals, entertainment, and other muster activities. A $30 non-refundable administrative fee is included in each registration. Please refer to our National Muster Refund Policy (SR-15-02) for more information.
  
  Muster and Camping fees are to be paid in advance with the Registration. Online payment is preferred. Checks or money orders should be made payable to “SMART.” Payments may also be made to HQ via PayPal, credit card, or Zelle. Please contact HQ for information on paying via credit card or Zelle.
• Earliest allowable arrival date: Wednesday, September 11^th, before 11:00 for muster parking staff, and 12:00 for all others. Muster departure date will be Saturday, September 21^st by 12 noon.
• Camping: Camping fees are $50.00 per night. Sites will be assigned by registration staff with NO involvement by Exchange Park staff. All are back-in sites with full hook-ups with big rigs sites available. All sites have rear water/electric/sewer connections so long sewer/water hoses are required. No bathroom/showers in the campground. Restrooms are available in Exchange Hall entry 24/7.
• The National Travel Committee Meeting will be on Friday morning, September 13^th at 10:00.
• The National Executive Committee Meeting will begin at 13:00 on Friday, September 13^th.
• The National Board Meeting will be Saturday, September 14^th from 9:00-16:00 and Sunday, after church services if necessary.

Activities

President’s Cup National Golf Tournament: You will want to show up early and join in the fun at Joint Base Charleston’s championship Wrenwood Golf Course. We will be using a handicap scramble format so players of all skill levels can compete. The green fees are very reasonable, and the entry fee will be $10 to cover prizes. You need to come to the meeting on Sunday, as shown on the “Schedule of Events.”

Please email Jack Fritz to sign up and include your handicap. More information on the tournament can be found by clicking this link. Practice rounds can be anytime, individually or with your golfing buddies, by scheduling with the course. Click here for golf course information.

A few of the many things to do in the area.

Charleston's beauty has long inspired artists and beckoned art lovers to come visit. Home to endless galleries, historic theaters and high energy festivals, Charleston has a vibrant arts scene awaiting you.

Tour/Sightseeing Options

Your National Muster Staff has been working diligently to identify the best tour and sightseeing options for the Charleston area for over six months. After negotiations with multiple companies, we believe you will find these options will meet your sightseeing and tour desires.

We are providing three options for your convenience. However, since Charleston provides such a wide range of tour and sightseeing options, you may decide there are other tour operators that may meet your personal situation both from an interest and financial standpoint.

First, for those who prefer transportation from Exchange Park for a tour and return, we have partnered with Charleston Convention and Group Services, Inc. (CCGS). They have been providing tours since 1986 and specialize in supporting military reunions. CCGS has developed tours and a schedule to match the times specifically designated for tours during the National Muster schedule. Thursday, September 12^th, to Sunday, September 15^th, and Wednesday September 18^th. To see the tours, prices, and terms and register go to: Charleston Convention Group Services.

For those who rather drive on your own, carpool, or go by a taxi service like Uber, Lift, or a traditional taxi company, we suggest two options: Viator, or Information, Tickets, and Travel (ITT).

Second, Viator is a worldwide tour company who offers a wide selection, excellent prices, and terms. All you have to do is go to their website, Viator Charleston Tour Options and make your reservations.

Third is one military members are familiar with, ITT through military bases. While this option may be the most cost effective, the process only works if you purchase the voucher(s) in person and is somewhat complicated. ITT caters to military members who are in the local area since tickets must be purchased in person, and are non-refundable. In order to purchase the vouchers from ITT these are the recommended steps.

1. Review the tour options on the ITT website at ITT Tour Options. Note: The ITT website does not provide any detailed info about the specific tours; therefore you have to check each tour operator’s website by searching the internet or viewing tours listed on Viator or another tour sales operator.
2. Once you decide which tour(s) you want, plan your arrival date for the muster so you have time to go to the ITT office at Joint Base Charleston to purchase the voucher(s). It will then be your responsibility to contact the tour company and make the reservation(s). The benefit of completing your part sooner than later is to have a better chance of getting the tour you desire. ITT assures vouchers will be available for each tour option, however, only the tour operator can provide information on the availability of specific tours and dates.

INPORTANT: Please know if you purchase an ITT voucher and then decide not to go, there are no refunds or exceptions. SMART only serves as a facilitator for purchasing tours via all options and does not receive any financial benefit. Each tour option (CCSG, Viator, and ITT) have their own tour purchase and refund terms and conditions and it is your responsibility to read and understand them. SMART staff will not attempt to negotiate or intervene if a dispute occurs either on your behalf or theirs. Members are free to arrange tours on their own without using these options.

NOTE: If you have already registered for the National and decide to change your arrival dates to facilitate tours and need to revise, no problem. Just go the SMART website, sign in and go to your reservation and make the change which will generate a new reservation with any payment due or refunds for site payments.

If you have any questions regarding these options, you can contact John Steinbauer, Muster Master/Tour Coordinator at jfs9840@gmail.com.

Travel Directions

Use Google Maps

2024_National_Tour_Options_3.5.24.pdf

InfoSheet.pdf

MD01-National_Muster_Refund_Policy.pdf

MD02-Presidents_Cup_Rules.pdf