Let me state up front that this posting is not intended to offend anyone, to start a “flame” war, or to sway anyone’s opinion….pro or con. It is merely my (our) personal experiences and opinions of the WBCCI. I know that many will disagree with our opinions, and I respect that, but request that you keep your responses civil.
We joined our local WBCCI Unit in April 2009, while attending our first “buddy” rally. The campground (Airstream Park) is owned and maintained by unit members, and has three-point hookups. It also has a nice clubhouse for social functions, and a well-equipped kitchen. The rally was well organized, with good food and unit activities (seminar on polishing, open house, etc.). It was a bit difficult to obtain information on unit activities/park/rally, as the unit’s website no longer exists. A couple of Airstream friends (that we had met at forum rallies) provided the rally information, and were our sponsoring “buddies.” However, I was first in line entering the park and the lady host, who was quite old, tried to run me off because I was not a WBCCI member……she apparently didn’t understand what a “buddy” rally was. After some intervention by more knowledgeable unit members, we chose our campsites. Although the campground has full hookups, the spots are primitive and were (at that time) infested with ants. Our first impression of the members was……these people are really, really old. Now, I’m a young 65….so, take it from there. The second thing I noticed (with a beer in my hand) was the sign on the clubhouse….”no alcohol allowed.” OK, I can respect that. Although we are not religious, I can also respect the group’s decision to bless each meal. But, the conversations that were laced with religious references, and the church singer that was one night’s entertainment, just about drove me bonkers. However, the unit members were nice, enthusiastic about our joining, and we wanted to see the WBCCI succeed…..so, we decided to join. We did not attend any more unit rallies since April, but decided to attend a regional rally last week. We thought that it would probably have some younger members, and maybe be a bit more anchored in the 21st Century……we couldn’t have been more wrong.
There were approximately 100 Airstreams at the regional rally……and, the median age of attendees had to be close to 80. It is a bit scary to think that some of these folks are still towing trailers/driving motor homes. The rally was held at a nice complex that provided concrete pads, and three-point hookups. There was a package of materials that provided all the information/schedule of events that one could ask for. However, there were only a couple of activities (a day trip to a flea market 120 miles away, and golf tournament) that we were interested in. Other activities such as listening to “dignitaries” speak, and playing card/board games rank right up there with “watching paint dry.” The three nights of entertainment included one night of vintage film covering Cape Town to Cairo. It was interesting to see the hardships that those folks overcame. The second night’s entertainment was a three-person teen group that harmonized well, but progressed to gospel music. The third night was a gospel quartet…..which we skipped. The rally was attended by IBT President Tom Collier, and his wife, along with some other IBT “important people.” We had just been notified that annual memberships should be renewed by the end of October. When I asked why I had to pay again, after only six months, Mr. Collier responded that “Yes, we have to pay.” Well, probably not! It was very apparent that one of main agenda items of the IBT representatives was pitching the International Rallies…..especially Gillette, WY. One notable comment was made by the Region President, and that was not to pay any attention to the stuff that is being posted on the Internet…..just come out and have fun. I was also told that you receive from your membership, what you put into it…..get involved. Seems like it has to be something we would be interested in first.
So, what is the bottom line for us???? The answer is quite simple……the WBCCI (in its current form) is definitely not something we want to be associated with. In fact, I’m hoping that I can get those red numbers off without leaving any marks. From our prospective, it is an organization that is stuck in the past, with a rapidly aging membership…..someone pegged it perfectly with the term “Laurence Welk attitudes.” It is an organization that provides quite a bit to the majority of the older members that we have met…..my Mother would love it! However, the leadership is sticking their heads in the sand, and refusing to embrace new technology….where most of the younger potential members reside. Some of that can be attributed to the fact that they just don’t understand it…..but, refusing to listen to new ideas is inexcusable……and, will probably lead to the club’s demise.
BTW, we have attended three forum rallies and that’s what works for us……put up your feet, have a few drinks, and tell some “war stories”…….it is a lot more fun for us without all the pomp and circumstance.
Chief
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I'm not going to try and "sell" on the WBCCI but your experience was similar to our first one with a local unit except that those folks were not welcoming or nice.
They did quit ignoring us long enough to look aghast when we opened our beers.
However we visited a few other units and found they all have different personalities. We wound up in a great unit where we really look forward to the rallies. Forum rallies and our unit's rallies are a lot alike and with many of the same folks.
I do agree with you on the mindset of many of the folks at the upper levels of the club but we focus on our units activities and generally ignore them. Never let a dud spoil the party...
It is unfortunate that your WBCCI experience was negative. We are attending our first Region Rally this weekend. I have been told to expect 65 to 70 units. At our last unit rally, there were over 35 units.
We have enjoyed all of the unit rallies we have attended and we have an open mind for this new rally experience.
Bill
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Bill Kerfoot, WBCCI/VAC/CAC/El Camino Real Unit #5223
Just my personal opinion
1973 Dodge W200 PowerWagon, 1977 Lincoln Continental
1979 23' Safari, and 1954 29' Double Door Liner Orange, CA
HowieE, We are in Eastern PA.(from NJ) and are looking for a WBCCI group to share a beer with. Is the WDC unit in NJ? Merlelwat
While the center of membership for the WDC unit is around Washington DC there are members from all over the country, Maine to New Mexico. If you are interested send me a PM and I will send you some info and have one of the officer, not really officers we just had to call them something, get in touch with you.
Or...WDCU (Washington DC Unit) - the unique thing about the DC Unit is how the member base stretches from NH to TN. So far they have hosted Rallies in NY State, NJ, PA, MD, VA, NC, and SC. see http://wdcu.wbcci.net/
You can learn more about the Units of Region 2 at WBCCI -- Region 2.
the next event for the Watchung Unit is 'Roadhouse IV' - it is a non-camping/socializing (read eating and drinking) and live music event held at a Roadhouse Bar in Northwestern NJ. i hope this helps sort it out a bit.
Sorry to hear that your first few experiences weren't what you hoped. Similar to my first attempt. There are other units that may offer more of what you're looking for and one of the beauties of today's digital society, you can be a member of any unit you so desire. I have found a unit that I am very involved with and have been since its inception several years back. Take another look before peeling the big red numbers.
I know exactly what you mean, Chief! But, it's true, each club does have its own personality and there are lots of likeminded 'streamers in the WBCCI, hoping to connect. Please consider hanging in there, at least in spirit. New people are coming up and there's an effort underway to embrace new technologies.
..... The second thing I noticed (with a beer in my hand) was the sign on the clubhouse….”no alcohol allowed.” OK, I can respect that. Although we are not religious, I can also respect the group’s decision to bless each meal. But, the conversations that were laced with religious references, and the church singer that was one night’s entertainment, just about drove me bonkers....
Chief, I could have written your post about my first experience. And I too was rescued by meeting the folks at the WDCU. All WBCCI chapters are not the same. But in Florida, let's face it - geriatric is to be expected.
Shop around. There are more forward looking WBCCI chapters out there. Oh, and my first unit - frankly it had some YOUNG FOGIES so it's not always an age thing!
Paula
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