George,
I did that for my dad and then for my brother. It's fun. As I remember they get a nice note in the mail telling them about the "gift". They get the membership for (1) One-year. with that they get the card, newsletters and of course the chance to go and help out during the work sessions. They also get a 10% discount on regular train fares. I would assume that after the first year they'll get a note asking them to renew. I could check with my dad and get back to you.
Kevin Cook