[airedale]

I know some people understand why younger Airstream Owners are not as active in the WBCCI, but I’m hoping to bring some light on the subject of younger members and what they can bring to the table. More than likely one of the youngest members of the WBCCI, at age 21, maybe I can help others understand what younger members are feeling.

First I would like to say this isn’t intended on a bashing session, and I would rather see that it didn’t become that. I’m simply stating how I feel about the WBCCI.

I only joined the WBCCI this year, but it was a Christmas gift that made me jump up and down, over and over, and over. I was so excited to become a member. I’m proud to say that I’m a member of the WBCCI and planning on attending this years International Rally in Bozeman, MT. However some people still wonder why younger people don’t share a passion like the older ones do. Well I have the answer. First is that they don’t have the resources to get their own Airstream. Let’s face it, people in there 20-30's can’t always afford an Airstream. They have other things on their plate that are more important. The cost of gas, WE ALL HATE IT, I understand, but as a young person, I work hard for my money, and I hate to see it go toward my gas tank. But I don’t have the power to change it as of now. Between the cost of the Airstream, gas, a TV if you don’t have one and then the dues for clubs, and nightly fees at campground, it almost always seems overwhelming. It doesn’t seem worth it. So how can we fix this? That’s a great question that I don’t even have the perfect answer for, but what I think is the club, its members, and families need to be more open to having younger members. That last statement I’m sure will make some people upset, and that’s not what I’m trying to do. But I have talked to some people who are not members of the WBCCI and asked them why they haven’t joined. Almost every time it’s because I hear it’s not a "Family Friendly Club," not meaning there is anything bad or wrong going on, but as far as families with younger kids, they don’t seemed to be welcomed. I’m not convinced that this as big of a problem as others think it is. Why do families think this, because they get the vibe and the feeling that older members don’t want to deal with screaming kids, ones that are crying, and have to be watched all the time. Well frankly, it’s not the older members that have to watch them, yes, if a child gets hurt, and starts to cry, we all look to make sure they are okay. That is what humans do, but is this really a bother? I don’t think so, simply human nature!

I know that when I go camping, I want to enjoy myself. Sit by the campfire with my chair and a cold drink and enjoy the weekend. However this doesn’t mean I don’t want to be a deciding factor in what happens with my unit or the club. I don’t want to look like the type of person who is venting and not willing to do anything about it. I plan on staying with the WBCCI and trying to work toward changes that I think would benefit all ages and all members. So if you see a younger person, or a family that are coming to a buddy rally, welcome them with open arms, try to convince them they are a part of the group like everyone else.

Now, for another issue. I don’t know what some people have against younger people running or being elected for leadership positions in the WBCCI, but if it happened to me, I would open my arms and feel thankful. Younger members are the future. Whether we like it or not, it’s the truth. Younger members that stay with the group for long periods of time are going to make sure the true meaning behind the WBCCI stay intact. Don’t be scared of younger members, you may find out they have the same feelings on issues as you do. I know this may sound like someone is running for the Oval Office, and I really don’t take the WBCCI THAT Seriously, but, I think it is important that younger people, and there decisions are going to one day be the voices for the club.

One last thing that I have seen in the WBCCI is some people take it TOO SERIOUSLY!!! Relax, enjoy yourself, don’t get all high and mighty. Sit by the fire, get a smore, and call it good. Don’t get me wrong, for those in leadership positions, there are responsibilities, but does that mean we can’t have a relaxing rally. Just an FYI to some, going over Bylaws, is not what I call fun. At least not at a rally!


I would like to see people do what Wally did. If there was a vote on something for the group, every camper had a vote, all but one that is. Wally didn’t vote. He wanted the vote to be from the group, whatever they wanted is what he wanted. If we had leaders like this in the WBCCI now, maybe we would have all the problems. But find me a club that doesn’t have issues. I haven’t been in one club yet that is perfect. We all have problems, but with all the problems over the past, the club hasn’t disappeared yet.

I hope this helps some understand the challenges that others face.