I was told 'Not to Join'???

[Nuvite-F]

Originally Posted by wheel interested

Just a thought but if everyone who is positive posted under a different forum thread that was positive, the negative thread heading would stop being bumped up. Be proactive instead of reactive and the WBCCI will get a better rep.

Carol,

You may remember that was done a couple of years ago, with these dueling threads, "Bravo WBCCI" and "Good Bye WBCCI"

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f286...cci-61133.html

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f286/good-bye-wbcci-59475.html
.

[Silverexpress]

There are more options to attend rallies than every before, and surely more to come. As things evolve, clubs are forming to meet specific needs or groups. There are vintage clubs, air forum rallies and meet ups, The Airstreamers Club or TAC, Military Veterans Clubs, WBCCI Clubs and also professional touring companies. It all depends on what you are looking for. You also need to discover exactly how important membership in a club is to your enjoyment of your Airstream product. For many, rallies are a minor component and most of their use is on their own and they like the independence. Some never ever attend rallies. For others about the only time they use their trailer is to go on a rally. Try different things and figure out exactly what suits you.

[richie rich]

Got the money? Got the time? Join. No? Just read the forum now and then and do your own thing.Carry on,Richie Rich.

[kb0zke]

If/when we buy an Airstream we'll consider joining WBCCI. Most likely we'll join for a year and see what sort of benefit we get for our $100 (or so). As several others have said, there are all sorts of clubs one can join, so finding those that fit our lifestyle is something that will take some research. Those that we elect not to join are not necessarily bad, just not for us.

Last spring we visited the Branson Rally for a couple of hours and were warmly welcomed. We had planned to visit the Sedalia Rally this summer, but that may or may not happen due to some family events that may change our summer plans a bit. If we get to attend I have no doubt that we will be warmly welcomed there, too, although not eligible to attend most of the activities.

WBCCI isn't for every Airstream owner, and every owner needs to make his or her own decision about it. Telling someone not to join without knowing the people and their interests seems a bit strange.

[AWCHIEF]

I sent my membership application in today. I figured why not go ahead and join. If I find that it is not for me, no big deal I just won’t renew. Times are changing and membership driven organizations have to change with them or get left in the dust. After all the controversy recently it seems that the new leadership is really trying to make some meaningful changes to bring the club more in line with the wishes of many of the members and reaching out to Airstream owners that are not members. I get this impression from reading the current “Blue Beret”. I still don’t get the “caravan” appeal, it is not for me. Sounds way too organized for my taste. But, that may change one of these days and I might have to give one a try after my second retirement this time next year.

[Travel Bird]

Hi all, just an update~I was sponsored by Kip E (thanks, Kip!) to attend last weekends DenCO monthly luncheon. It was great. Everyone was super sweet and I can't wait to join once we get our AS. Thanks to Kip, Shari, Tamara, Vicki and all the other members of the club for such a warm welcome. Cheers!!!

[InsideOut]

I can't wait for you to find your Airstream and join us camping! You think the luncheon was fun...

Shari

[blmitch5]

Originally Posted by Travel Bird

Hi all, just an update~I was sponsored by Kip E (thanks, Kip!) to attend last weekends DenCO monthly luncheon. It was great. Everyone was super sweet and I can't wait to join once we get our AS. Thanks to Kip, Shari, Tamara, Vicki and all the other members of the club for such a warm welcome. Cheers!!!

That's great! I'm glad you gave them a shot and no matter the national politics, we all,have one common denominator... Lots of aluminum!

[monah]

Glad to hear you enjoyed your time with the Denver unit - that's how I got to know the members of the OR Unit...attended breakfasts & rallies for the day until our AS was ready for her debut. Have a fantastic time on your AS Adventures!!

[Pam]

Anna, I am just finding this thread as I have been inactive on Airforums for some time now. So happy you are enjoying the Denver Unit. Congratulations.

We joined WBCCI in 1995, when we were 39/42, with a young son and have been members ever since. The club and our unit have gone through much change. We've gone with it and been catalysts for some changes. It's been a great experience and we have wonderful friends. At times we've been involved up to our necks and other times we've been off to the sides, depending on our other life demands.

We can't wait to start the camping seasont this year! Have fun.

[SteveH]

I can only report out experiences, but we've been WBCCI members for a little over three years, and really enjoy our unit rallys. I've been to a couple of region rallys, and they are also fun, but because they are a week long, a little tiring. We've not been to an International Rally, but plan to go this year to see what it's all about. We have made lots of really good friends of all ages, and wouldn't trade anything for the experiences we have had.

To us, it's all about the unit, and I suggest to anyone to find a unit close to where you live and give it a try.

[hollyhunter]

We are Vintage folks and look forward to participating for the first time this year in the Vinatge Rocky Mt. Rally. Our biggest challenge is not really having a home base as we live in Mexico. We don't always know where we will be to sign up in advance.

[InsideOut]

Airforums here is always a good place to check in to find out about rallies as is the WBCCI/VAC publications like the Blue Beret & Vintage Advantage. Also, just google "vintage trailer rally" and lots of options will come up. The Rocky Mountain Rally has an entire website with info maintained year round...however, if you haven't already signed up - it's too late for this year. Sorry ~

Shari

[hollyhunter]

Originally Posted by InsideOut

Airforums here is always a good place to check in to find out about rallies as is the WBCCI/VAC publications like the Blue Beret & Vintage Advantage. Also, just google "vintage trailer rally" and lots of options will come up. The Rocky Mountain Rally has an entire website with info maintained year round...however, if you haven't already signed up - it's too late for this year. Sorry ~

Shari

Sad, that we missed it. Any chance we could waitlist or perhaps camp in the park just to meet folks?

[InsideOut]

Holly, you are very welcome to visit and meet everybody during the Public Open House on Saturday afternoon from 1-4pm. But this rally is not at a campground or RV Park, so you can't just camp in the same area, you would have to find a place to stay off-site and we are not able to accommodate visitors for the other events.

You could also drop a line to the registrar (link on website) to see if any spots have opened up or if there is a waiting list for last minute cancelations - but unfortunately, the numbers are set and our counts have been turned in so they can't be changed at this late date and we can't add more.

Sorry ~ if it doesn't work out this year, keep an eye on the website - the RMVAC rallies are normally announced right after the first of the year and there usually isn't a cut-off for number of trailers if you sign-up prior to the deadline.

Shari

[hollyhunter]

Originally Posted by InsideOut

Holly, you are very welcome to visit and meet everybody during the Public Open House on Saturday afternoon from 1-4pm. But this rally is not at a campground or RV Park, so you can't just camp in the same area, you would have to find a place to stay off-site and we are not able to accommodate visitors for the other events.

You could also drop a line to the registrar (link on website) to see if any spots have opened up or if there is a waiting list for last minute cancelations - but unfortunately, the numbers are set and our counts have been turned in so they can't be changed at this late date and we can't add more.

Sorry ~ if it doesn't work out this year, keep an eye on the website - the RMVAC rallies are normally announced right after the first of the year and there usually isn't a cut-off for number of trailers if you sign-up prior to the deadline.

Shari

Thanks for the info. We just happen to be driving across this year, likely a one time deal. When traveling like this we don't really know where we will be on any given day so we have to be super flexible. I saw the rally was over a week I think and hoped we might make part of it. I'll inquire as you suggest.

[graysailor]

Not really an expensive club. I joined and went to my first rally last year and what a great experience. Good opportunity to meet folks and talk about how to fix this and that and see what others have done to their trailers and to get first hand recommendations about various RV parks around the country. Can't say that I even noticed an age thing.

[sandlapper]

The WBCCI is the oldest and largest single brand RV club anywhere, and in the Airstream world the 75 or so bucks to be a member is not gonna make or break anyone.

The folks that founded the club back in the 50's were light years ahead of everyone else. They founded it to celebrate the trailer and the freedom it provided to gather together and travel the globe, WITH THEIR FRIENDS.

Still holds true today.

Before the days of the ''forum rally'', club sponsored events were the only game in town. They laid the ground work for what we have today. Club politics have evolved now to the point it might be disappointing to the early founders, much like Washington today might be disappointing to our nations founding fathers. Some of it necessary evil as times change, some of it just evil.

If you follow much of national politics, it will quickly bring you down. So, you live your life, best you can, enjoying the simple life WITH YOUR FRIENDS.

If you follow much of WBCCI politics, it can also bring you down. So again, you live the simple life, outside of politics, and ENJOY YOUR FRIENDS.

Even if the joining cost was 0, some folks are just not joiners. They tend to be the naysayers. But that is what makes our country great.....you get to make the choice.

It really is a great club, with a grand history, and worthy of at least a try.

John Leake
WBCCI 3892
Region 3, 2ndVP

[jimmini]

Originally Posted by TBRich

I can't help but agree with the majority here that you might want to try a WBCCI Unit before you nix the idea. We didn't think we were right for the club when we got our AS, but we were invited to a rally by the 4CU ... we went ...had a great time ... we were welcomed with open arms.... and found a great mix of ages, people and interests.... and at the end of that rally we joined up. The rest is history. Now I am the membership chair, so I guess that says something! I have found that very few folks who give our unit a try walk away from it...there's just something about sharing with fellow fun Airstreamers, all with a shared enthusiasm and sense of community, no matter who we are... You need to decide for yourself. We'd love to have you check the 4CU out and experience it for yourself! The DenCO Unit is another great bunch of campers, many of whom are Affiliate members of the 4CU...

Well said.
We where charter members of the 4CU, left for 3 years when I went back to work but we are back now.For us the 4CU is the BEST.Very one is always welcome to visit this unit to see if they like it.

[DFlores]

I just joined, plan on making my own evaluation over the next year. Then we will decide whether to re-up next year.

I will then have my own ideas, and will share with anyone that wishes to share a campfire with me.