Q. What is the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association?

A. The Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association of the United Methodist Church, Inc. (OGCMA) is a non-profit corporation chartered by the State of New Jersey in 1870 to” provide and maintain for the members and friends of the United Methodist Church a proper, convenient, and desirable permanent camp-meeting ground and Christian seaside resort as provided in the Statute of Incorporation.” [Extract: OGCMA Bylaws]

Q. Does the OGCMA have a Mission Statement?

A. Yes: “The mission of the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association, rooted in its Methodist heritage, is to provide opportunities for spiritual birth, growth and renewal through worship, education, cultural and recreational programs for persons of all ages in a Christian seaside setting.”

Q. Who are the Board of Trustees? Do they get paid for their work?

A. The Board of Trustees are volunteers who manage the affairs of the Camp Meeting Association.

Q. How do you become a member of the OGCMA? Do you have to be a Methodist to become a member? Do I have to be a member to attend services/programs? What is the cost?

A. The OGCMA is not a membership organization. It does not have membership. Worship and other religious programs are open to all at no fee. Free will offerings are taken at many but not all programs. OGCMA offers many quality events to the community: a wonderful youth program, nationally known preachers, family friendly entertainment, ...

Q. What are the OGCMA Rules and Regulations?

A. The Rules and Regulations implement the OGCMA’s control over it’s property, leaseholds, public areas including the beach front.

Q. Does the OGCMA have jurisdiction over the town (i.e. infrastructure, police, fire, ambulance, public works, refuse removal, snow plowing, etc.)

A. No. Municipal services are the responsibility of Neptune Township The Ocean Grove Fire Department is the responsibility of the Ocean Grove Board of Fire Commissioners.

Q. What is the population of Ocean Grove.

A. U.S. Census Bureau : 2000 Census: 4,256 (winter) 7934 (Summer)

Q. Is the OGCMA responsible for all activities within the town?

A. The OGCMA maintains a busy program of varied activities that occur in the Auditorium Square facilities or on the beach front. Other community organization use OGCMA facilities or their own to conduct other activities such as house tours and street fairs

Q. Where can I purchase tickets for events in the Great Auditorium?

A. Tickets to programs held in the Great Auditorium and the Youth Temple are sold from the Box Office located on the front of the Great Auditorium, 21 Pilgrim Pathway and on our website www.oceangrove.org.

Q. How do I get to rent a tent? How does tent rental work? W ho lives in those tents? Do they have showers, baths, kitchens?

A. The 114 “tents” and 15 cottages that surround the Great Auditorium are rented seasonally to folks who have supported the OGCMA through volunteer service, participation in programs and services and financial support. Many have been in the same family for several generations. Applications are available at the OGCMA office at 54 Pitman Avenue. The units all have showers, bathrooms and kitchens located in the rear cabin.

Q. What is the Great Auditorium used for? What about Grove Hall, Community room, other facilities?

A. The Great Auditorium (seasonal) is used for Worship Services, Organ Recitals, Lectures, Concerts. The Grove Hall Retreat and Conference Center: retreats, conferences, dinners, etc. The Community Room: organizational meetings, workshops, and seminars. The Youth Temple’s primary use is to host the extensive OGCMA youth program. It also hosts: basketball, soccer and tennis; concerts, recitals, shows, exhibits,  etc. Thornley Chapel also supports the youth program. Also: Weddings, memorial services, small parties, Cross Town Coffee House. Bishop Janes Tabernacle (seasonal) Daily Bible Hours, concerts, lectures, weddings, meetings, etc.

Q. How can I find out more about how to enjoy Ocean Grove?

A. Visit the OGCMA website (www.oceangrove.org), call the OGCMA office (732) 775-0035, or stop by for a visit at 54 Pitman Ave. We'd love to meet you.

Q. You can't own your land in Ocean Grove?

A. The Camp Meeting Association owns all the land in Ocean Grove. Residential property is held via assignments of the original leases most of which had a term of “99 years in perpetuity” Commercial leases have varying terms.

Q. Does the OGCMA discriminate in offering land leases?

A. No. The OGCMA welcomes everyone to enjoy this beautiful, seaside community without discrimination based on race, gender, income level, education, religion, or country of origin.

Q. What is ground rent?

A. Ground rent is the annual rental fee due the Camp Meeting Association as established by the lease and/or assignment of lease.

Q. Is it a one time payment?

A. Ground rent is an annual payment.

Q. What part of the leasehold property are homeowners responsible for? repairs; sidewalks, the trees on the border of sidewalk and street, tree trimming?

A. All of the leasehold and any property “lying between any setback or open space lying between a leased lot and the curb or curb line of the street, avenue, lane, ways or places upon which such leased lot shall front. Corner lots shall be considered as fronting on both.” OGCMA Rules and Regulations.” This includes upkeep of sidewalks and trees.

Q. Where do I get a building permit? What is the HPC?

A. Building permits are issued by the Township of Neptune, 25 Neptune Blvd., Neptune. All of Ocean Grove is recognized as a National Historic Site, the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) reviews proposed exterior alterations to existing Ocean Grove properties and proposed new Ocean Grove construction. "Certificates of Appropriateness" are issued when applications meet approved standards.

Q. When can I buy a beach badge?

A. Season beach admission badges go on sale each year in early April at the Camp Meeting Association offices at 54 Pitman Avenue. During the summer season beach admissions badges are sold at the Beach Office located on the boardwalk at Embury Avenue (at the base of the fishing pier). Gift certificates can be purchased at any time and are a popular Christmas present.

Q. Does the OGCMA own and profit from the beach? Q. If I am a resident, why do I have to pay for the beach?

A. The OGCMA operates the beach front In accordance with New Jersey State regulations which require that all beach front revenue is applied to beach front expenses. Beach monies are kept in accounts separate from the OGCMA General Fund and are subject to audit by the State of New Jersey Office of the Public Advocate. No Neptune Township tax revenue is utilized on the Ocean Grove beach.

Q. What time does the beach open?

A. The Beach is open weekends starting with the Memorial Day Weekend. Starting in mid-June it is open daily through Labor Day and then again for the following weekend. Operating hours are 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM Monday to Saturday; 12:30 PM until 5:30 PM on Sundays,

Q. Why is the beach closed on Sunday mornings?

A . Significant in Ocean Grove’s heritage was the observance of Sunday as a day of rest and worship in which all vehicular traffic was prohibited from its streets as was any active recreation, including bathing. Late in the 20th century the traffic prohibitions were removed. About the same time the total closure of the beach on Sundays was limited to 12:30 PM at which time it opens for public bathing. The Sunday morning closure of the beach was retained in recognition of Ocean Grove’s heritage. It remains the only half mile along the Jersey shore where once a week one can enjoy an uninterrupted view of the ocean and beach from the boardwalk on a bright summer morning in their pristine condition. Ocean Grove is on the National Historic Registry