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SteveH · 01-07-2015, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

We're going to be thrilled to have you as members, David. Bruce told us at dinner Saturday you were joining, and I'm confident you will enjoy the TAU.

slpiotro · 01-07-2015, 03:14 PM

One of the good things about being a member. As you travel across the country you can find courtesy parking and meet local folks. In addition you can tap the club website and find local events happening while you are in the area. Also you can contact local people for advice on things to see and do. It is the people and the caravan and the rally that makes the club great.

ctcbcl · 01-07-2015, 06:33 PM

As a member of the Georgia Unit, we are not spring chickens (in our 40s), but as a same sex couple we have been very well received by the other members over the past year. It seems that when you have a similar interest and are passionate about it the differences seem to fade away. My fear is that WBCCI will not survive in the future if the younger set does not join and find a place in the organization. I agree with others that maybe adding some rallies that are during weekends instead of all-weekers will help to attract members that are not retired.

We all have a common interest...obsession...addiction to all things AS. One of the elements that makes us different from the White Boxes is the WBCCI and our history. Hopefully whoever said not to join to the original poster in Jackson Center can be persuaded to have a change of heart...

dwightdi · 01-08-2015, 05:05 AM

Each WBCCI local has developed over the years their own traditions and personality, but they do change from year to year based on the priorities and personality of the president that year. You can either find a local that fits your personal preferences or become a volunteer officer to change and hopefully improve the local experience. The national events reflect the long term goals and priorities of the majority of the past members. Caravaning requires your ability take some time off to enjoy them. Longer treks and working full time, at a fixed location, do not mix well.

xrvr · 01-08-2015, 05:05 AM

I think the SE camping unit was formed for just that reason. Offshoot of the georgia unit. More weekend events. Correct? Jim

kswelsh · 01-09-2015, 05:52 AM

We've been members for three years and have attended a couple local rallys and have met some really nice people. They are helpful with sharing their experiences and offering advice when one has questions. Traveling with a group is fun. We are usually only able to attend during the weekends because we both are still working and it seems to be ok with the members if we show up late. My only problem with being a member is that because we are still working, we tend to relish our weekend and like to camp at a more leisurely pace and some of rallys are planning rallys and half of the day is taken up with "business" stuff which is as boring as watching paint dry. I know it has to be done to keep the unit active, but it is not how I want to spend my Saturday in my Airstream.

Msmoto · 01-09-2015, 06:25 AM

I have stated in the past I like the overall attitude of the organization. However, i also like to do my own thing when at any particular venue. For me, this is to take a few photos and post on Flickr so others can download and print if desired. Sometimes my activities during a rally are not even rally related, but other stuff i am active in at a specific location.

Important for me is to not get too obsessed with participation in all the activities, but to attempt to make a contribution to the group which may benefit other members.

An example, my plan for Farmington is to do lots of photos, sunrise and sunset....are the prime times, but i will attempt to capture the "flavor" of the event.

Bottom line regarding WBCCI...blessing the food and the Pledge of Allegiance .......can't be all bad. This is what I find attractive about the group, it sets the tone for the activities, be they meetings or rallies, or whatever.

rgwatkin · 01-11-2015, 05:19 PM

We accidentally ran into a WB rally on the West Coast a few years ago and found the group to be old minded and way too structured for our tastes and we are in our late 60's. The hierarchy of club offices and name badges was over the top for us. After 40 years in structured work life the last thing I want to see in retirement is another badge. I am sure the different WB groups (or units) are diverse so I think exploration is in order. We subsequently have joined a loosely formed group of maybe 10-15 AS people whom take turns in pulling together rallies. The median age is maybe 50 with a range of mid 20's to early 70's. It just all works for us and no one is tolerated to speak of their last malady.

**blmitch5** · 01-11-2015, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rgwatkin

We accidentally ran into a WB rally on the West Coast a few years ago and found the group to be old minded and way too structured for our tastes and we are in our late 60's. The hierarchy of club offices and name badges was over the top for us. After 40 years in structured work life the last thing I want to see in retirement is another badge. I am sure the different WB groups (or units) are diverse so I think exploration is in order. We subsequently have joined a loosely formed group of maybe 10-15 AS people whom take turns in pulling together rallies. The median age is maybe 50 with a range of mid 20's to early 70's. It just all works for us and no one is tolerated to speak of their last malady.

Every group is different but when we went to a 4CU rally the exact opposite happened. They were fun, a bit crazy and we joined up as soon as we got home! There are different style of groups but I think the club has a lot to offer.

skitique · 01-11-2015, 06:42 PM

We attended a fall rally this past year sponsored by the SE unit & found everyone to be welcoming & the entire weekend was relaxed. There were group breakfasts & dinners if you wanted to attend & it was a nice way to meet folks with similar interests. We still work & I think most in this group are probably still working & the rally focus was just on coming together & having a great time. We just joined this Unit & look forward to a couple of rallies this year.

Protagonist · 01-11-2015, 07:03 PM

I belong to two units, Greater New Orleans Unit (#133, as my primary unit) and Louisiana Unit (#50, where I'm an affiliate member). I may join other units as an affiliate later. I met a great bunch of folks from the Southeastern Camping Unit at Canopener 2015, so that one might be next on my list to join.

But you know what, except for determining which unit you vote in, and hold office in if you like that sort of thing, it doesn't much matter which unit(s) you belong to. As far as I know, there is no such thing as a Unit-members-only event. Any WBCCI member from anywhere is welcome to sign up for any WBCCI event at any level and in any location. They might ask you to briefly twiddle your thumbs while they vote on some issue— you can't completely escape club business— but they might just as easily ask for your outsider's opinion before they vote, so you needn't worry about being left out for even a minute.

So no matter where you travel, check your latest Blue Beret magazine and see what events are going on in the area you're visiting. We'll be glad to see you, and welcome you with open arms.

And if you don't already belong to WBCCI, swing by and see us anyway, and let us try to recruit you! The WBCCI event schedule is published in the Blue Beret magazine online (Blue Beret Online Magazine-Home) and you don't have to be a member to access it and see what's happening in any given area of North America.

Oregon Ms · 01-11-2015, 07:16 PM

I joined. I'd love to meet people and enjoy unit rallies and caravans. So far everything I have tried to attend has been sold out months (or years) in advance. I have yet to meet anyone except a nice Canadian man who pulled up next to me in a rest area today.

Protagonist · 01-11-2015, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oregon Ms

I joined. I'd love to meet people and enjoy unit rallies and caravans. So far everything I have tried to attend has been sold out months ( or years) in advance.

Caravans in particular do tend to sell out quickly. But as a new member, you can try calling the event organizer and telling him or her, "I just joined WBCCI, and I'd really like to go. Can you squeeze me in, or put me on the waiting list for cancellations?" I can't image any event organizer who would be unwilling to work with you to ensure you have a chance to participate if you desire it enough to make the effort.

When I first joined, I was hampered by the fact that I was still working for a living, and not entirely free to set my own schedule. The first WBCCI rally I attended, the event organizers said, "No problem. Come when you can, leave when you have to." I arrived late, and left early, and was given a break on the rally fees because of the events I missed, and had a great time for the short time I was there. But you've got to take the first step yourself, by contacting the event organizers. They can't read your mind.

Nuvite-F · 01-11-2015, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oregon Ms

I joined. I'd love to meet people and enjoy unit rallies and caravans. So far everything I have tried to attend has been sold out months (or years) in advance.

National caravans do tend to fill up quickly and are often booked up well in advance.

But unit rallies? We have been WBCCI members for 12 years and I don't recall ever seeing a unit rally sold out. Although maybe things are different out there in the Pacific Northwest.

Oregon Ms · 01-12-2015, 03:31 AM

I think they are.

mbmbstreamer · 01-25-2015, 09:55 AM

Some Unit rallies are space limited or held in public parks. Our Unit urges members to book sites early, as we use state parks and they often sell out. This is no different than attending AirForums events, like the Canopener.

Some other Unit rallies include wine tastings bus trips, or tours. Again, these must be booked in advance and do sometimes fill.

It doesn't mean the event is exclusive, just popular. That said, most events are happy to have a wait list, as circumstances often result in last minute cancellations.

Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums

Blue Pearl · 01-25-2015, 07:39 PM

I'm sorry Oregon MS that you couldn't get into the rallies you wanted. Our Oregon Club is growing so fast that it was hard to make sure we had enough rallies for everyone to be able to attend the rallies they wanted. We have changed our registration on rallies and added more rallies so hopefully we will have room for everyone. I'm hosting the Pendleton Round-Up Rally and we have a limit of 50 rigs so we can accommodate everyone.

johncook · 01-26-2015, 04:52 PM

Come to Arizona the land of YES!

SteveSueMac · 01-26-2015, 05:54 PM

We bought in 2012 and our dealer recommended joining. We started with one unit that participated in a rally with the New England Unit and (I hope they'll pardon the expression) but what a lovable bunch of nuts! :-)
We transferred our membership to the NEU and are glad we did.

DW and I aren't retired yet and the NEU seems to attract lots of that type of camper. We are doing a caravan to Disney for the wine festival in October (that DW and I can't attend - bummed! ) but I think we're also doing another Diggin the Dead rally that month too - so lots of choices. We've got several solo weekends planned, one with tent camping friends and I think we're planning on 8 NEU rallies this year and I can't wait for the fun and friendship!

Life is lived locally - we're really glad we joined. Someday - I want to do the caravan to PEI but we'll have to wait until retirement to pull that off. And there will come a day when we travel the country and I hope to meet other WBCCI members as we do that whether at their local rallies or through courtesy parking.

Everyone's mileage varies :-)

Byams55FlyCl · 02-15-2015, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Travel Bird

Hello Streamers!! since I'm a Newbie and have been doing my due dilegence to learn all I can, I was prepared and looking forward to joining the WBCCI club. I guess, once again I'm a bit confused b/c I was told by a "person" (don't want to mention anyone's name/gender) who actually works for Airstream, not to join the club. This person said that I'm too young for the club and I wouldn't enjoy it. Well, maybe I should be flattered but, I'm not that young and this person has no clue what my interests are. I like to meet new people and travel. Can anyone please chime in with advise and experience with the club?

We joined and are glad we did....retirement is a long way off. In the meantime we do what we can with our unit, and have a great time.

As your post was from 2012, did you join?