Visit our Popular Forums

LuminumTraila · 03-20-2006, 07:12 PM

I've volunteered for my WBCCI unit to head a Committee on Family/Youth. I'm new to this club and have only attended a few rallies so my experience is limited. Our unit is growing, we're getting younger people, more kids, and we want to find ways to make our rallies and events enjoyable for everyone. I'd like to get some discussion started on this topic to help the club move forward in the right direction. Here are a few thoughts that other people in my unit have helped me with. Please let me know what you think, and if you have any more ideas or input on what we can do to make the WBCCI and all our units more family-friendly, I'd love to hear from you!

- As we grow, we need to start keeping track of the ages and gender of the kids in the unit so we can plan appropriate activities, celebrate birthdays and milestones. It would be nice to have a kid-member badge for the youngest (6 and under?) that has i.d. information on the back in case they get lost from parents, etc. A regular badge for older kids, maybe some way they can personalize the badge. Under 18 members should never be made to feel they are not welcome in our club. Maybe a family membership level (instead of the two adult owner/members per WBCCI number rule)?

- Provide a childrens space at rallies, a place for kids to gather and have a snack, play cards or table games, eat together, or just meet up when adults are busy putting together a meal or doing whatever. This could be a few designated picnic tables or a separate tent with tables, near the adults meeting place.

- Build flexibility into rally and event schedules so families can come for part of the rally, or take off on their own or in groups for part of the day and still join the group for meals and meetings, campfire, etc.

- Plan rallies at locations where families can find their own activities nearby: kayaking or canoe rental, lake or ocean swimming, fishing, park nature programs, cave exploration, hiking, biking, kite-flying, local museums, exploring the town, shopping, etc., the types of activities families would look for in planning their own weekend escapes with the Airstream.

- Rainy Day activities, a unit-owned craft box and supplies; activities sponsored by members who have some special talent or skill they would like to share with interested kids, especially teenagers and older kids (fly-fishing lessons, computers, photography?)

- Just one more idea (my own) for the international: No more teen queen contest.

Maybe a WBCCI junior officer position, or a yearly WBCCI college scholarship award in its place. Whaddya think?

It's just a start, any input on things you've tried that have or haven't worked would be helpful.

tin sista · 03-20-2006, 08:16 PM

As a mom of a soon to be 4 year old I am so glad to see this thread. I hope that you receive lots of support and have much success with this in your area...including families with age appropriate activities for everyone is just a win win!
Kids can get a lot out of helping too, like clean ups (appropriate to age and safety) decorating, feeling like they are valuable members of the community is a big deal to them.

Not in WBCCI but wow would I be tempted if this sort of stuff was in our neck of the woods...
Doug and Jamie, please move to Michigan....Cause we can't move to Mass.

eubank · 03-20-2006, 08:25 PM

Maybe one idea would be for the region/unit to plan one yearly rally that is specifically family/child oriented. Maybe a rally at Disneyland or 6 Flags or whatever. Doesn't mean that everybody would have to attend that particular rally, or that the other rallies are designed not to appeal to families/children.

Lynn

65glbtrotter · 03-20-2006, 08:43 PM

This is some of what the WBCCI needs instead of changing names!!!

eubank · 03-20-2006, 08:52 PM

Oh, I didn't mean to suggest that the name change thing is not warranted. (Indeed, my view is that if there's a name change, then it should be accompanied by a whole slew of other positive changes as well.)

But I don't really want to hijack this thread. Let's focus instead on ideas that will make the association more pleasing for working families and/or families with children.

Lynn

wheel interested · 03-20-2006, 09:10 PM

Jamie your ideas sound wonderful. I hope more units follow suit with a committee like yours, perhaps the Blue Beret would publish your outline and track your progress. I think you should submit it and let the entire membership track your results. I am certain it will be successful.

As to replacing the Teen Queen I am all for that. Perhaps a youth league for all ages that teaches skill or educates in a fun environment and meaningful awards for achievement. There doesn't have to be one winner. They should all be winners and are to me. Children always are eager for learning and appreciate recognition for their accomplishments. (My entire fridge is proof of that! )

Buttercup · 03-20-2006, 09:25 PM

I am glad this thread came up. Funny because it has not left my mind because I could think of a dozen ways to plan a trip geared towards not only family but to all members. Something for everyone.

As a past president of the Astronomical Society of Nevada, I an acutely aware of the importance of the inclusion of the family in events.

Anyway This picture is apropos for this topic.

streamer23 · 03-21-2006, 04:32 AM

Being a father to an active 3 year old son,I'm glad to see this thread has been started.As suggested,the results could be gathered and used as a guideline for other units that are looking for ideas to get younger families more involved in the club.

05ModPod · 03-21-2006, 05:08 AM

Kids love "healthy" competition - and if guided correctly can shape some pretty fantastic little adults for the future of our society and (WBCCI).

Our structure is allready set up - to introduce some activity competitions - community work, science, arts and crafts. talent or whatever. Set them up at the Unit level where as the specific activitie(s) can run at the same time as a "walking" tour of whatever the kiddies would not be interested in.

Those who can go to the Regional Rally - could request submission of entry for the competition - Pretty simple to organize a Regional Competition - just offer it and have entries available - the winner (s) advance as well as the consellation side - just as in sports (why the activity could even be sports - such as the Wally Cricket Open) Where to they advance - none other than the International.

There is your tier - Local (unit) Regional there are 12 and International is the Cherrie - but for the cream you could hold Challenges between the Nationals. I.E USA, Canada, France, England etc...

PS. someone had made a comment somewhere that "international" in the name was not necessary - It sure is - we may be neighbours but we are still independent countries - with distinct identies. As well whether there is one member or 1000's of members from each country - the "organization is classed "international".

Back to that request Doug and Jammie....Just a little injection of broad thinking....We recently met some really fantastic Massonians from Kingston and Chatham. Their children are all grown up - but boy they both are on a second high with their Grandchildren.

Your efforts maybe easier to introduce more activities for children if we encourage the "elders" to bring the Grandkids along on occasion.

There used to be a lot of activities for children I have read - but over time it obviously slipped - and now it needs to come back and this time two generations could enjoy.

No disrespect but the Teen Queen - in its day was probably very big. A little history - you know when you went to school and learned about Canada - that we live in Igloos and ride Polar Bears to work - well the image we as kids had of our neighbours was "Talent Shows" and well folks Miss America" - it just went hand in hand with "Apple Pie". It may be very dated for some - but for others out their beauty & talent contests were and still are a big thing in the States. It is just really another sport/competition/challenge. However I must admit - it looks rather odd when there are so little entries and yet 1000's of "Elderly" Gentleman hanging out - our new society has been brainwashed that this does not compute....

Use the Teen Queen as someone mentioned, in a different way - change the activities and (hate to even bring it up as I say with a big smile - change the name of it - little Jonny might not appreciate being called a Queen if he won the "talent" or "challenge" part of the competition. If he wins the beauty section then we really are in big trouble)

Kids are great - when kept busy - if they get bored they become a nuisance - both to their own parents and the people around them - just as us adults - but we look silly running around screaming at the campsite - so we come here to the forums where we can do it quietly

On a last note - this thread was asking for ideas - not necesarrily repeating that it would be great to see this stuff - I think Doug and Jamie were asking for "What Stuff"

You guys with Children - make a list of what your kids really enjoy doing - from puzzles to building things to video games - and pop the list on here - you will soon have a long long list of ideas....

Good Luck.

PS We would volunteer at our Unit to help out with the kids - whether we had 'em little r's or not....

Pam · 03-21-2006, 05:55 AM

Jamie, great thread. Good idea to start this one.

Since I am on the other side of the "kid" thing, I am not up on all that the kids are interested in. My 24 year old grew up in the club and has wonderful memories. He actually was a "teen queen escort" for two Internationals, thought is was a weird idea initially, but did it with a buddy to meet more of the kids. They had a wonderful time and kept in touch with the kids they met for many years. I know it is a thing of the past, but the guys had a wonderful time.

Funny, my son wasn't looking for organized activities as a kid, but time to meet up with other kids. They just wanted to be together and play. The central gathering spot, within sight of the parents is perfect. As a plug for the Alumination Celebration, remind people that we are supplying a kids tent and room in the buildings.

Any form of outdoor activity works. Hiking, biking, kayaking. The kids also enjoyed yard games like relay races, watermelon seed spitting, water balloon tosses, etc.

What about photography and art instruction tied in with a nature walk?

Star gazing nights? Another Alumination Celebration event.

How about campfire cooking one night geared for the kids as well as the adults. Kids cooking class? Maybe they make their own "happy hour" treats.

Another idea, tested out by our Unit President...
"Drive-in Movie Night"....The kids had no concept about what a "Drive-in" was! President Nancy set up an outdoor movie (you can do this with a good sized laptop or project onto a sheet on the side of a trailer). Our group was fairly small with about a dozen kids and parents. We all brought our chairs, served popcorn and sat under the stars to watch a great movie together. The kids got a kick out of this.

PS. My husbands idea is "Keep the name, change the club"!

myboyburt · 03-21-2006, 06:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dougjamie

- As we grow, we need to start keeping track of the ages and gender of the kids in the unit so we can plan appropriate activities, celebrate birthdays and milestones. It would be nice to have a kid-member badge for the youngest (6 and under?) that has i.d. information on the back in case they get lost from parents, etc. A regular badge for older kids, maybe some way they can personalize the badge. Under 18 members should never be made to feel they are not welcome in our club. Maybe a family membership level (instead of the two adult owner/members per WBCCI number rule)?

I can do up some sample NEU kid badges for you to take a look at. I've got a color printer so we can change the color of the letters of the kids names. I also have different color heavy stock paper we could use. Maybe we should change all the kids badges to the three slot "officer" badge so that we have an extra slot for their information. I love the idea of having the little kids contact info on the back.

When ever I attend our rallies (which is most of them) I open the NEU badging office for an hour or two (during our Sidewalk Cafes). Kids can have their badges personalized by me at that time. I even save their personalized info on my laptop in case they lose their badge or changes need to be made at a later time.

While we were at the NEU potluck this month one of our members with a 2 year old told me they don't put on their child as he may prick himself with the pin. So now I'm looking to see if we can come up with a pin-less solution for the little ones

05ModPod · 03-21-2006, 07:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by myboyburt

While we were at the NEU potluck this month one of our members with a 2 year old told me they don't put on their child as he may prick himself with the pin. So now I'm looking to see if we can come up with a pin-less solution for the little ones

Magnet badges are pretty good and strong - just change out the pin with the double magnet and sturdy strong man glue - that way you don't have to get into getting new sleeves/badges you can use the existing ones by prying off the pin.

FiveGreers · 03-21-2006, 08:05 AM

Being a mother of 3 (13, 10, 5), this thread is an inspiration! We went to our first local rally this past weekend (only for the day and w/out our trailer). Our 13 year old's face said it all (she was bored). I started telling her different things about the people who were speaking (that one couple would soon be celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary and that Papaw-my dad-was only 4 years old when they married-that amazed her). One of the past presidents came over and was telling her all the things they used to do (and maybe still do?) at International rallies, and she got even more excited. By the end of the day, her statement as we were fixing to head out was "that wasn't so bad after all". I about fell over!

Our local unit seemed to greet us with open arms, and I look forward to spending more time with them and hearing their adventures.

OH-how about a session to teach kids how to make BOONDOGGLES! My mother was taught that at her unit in Orlando-they used to make them and give them to new members to put at their campers so people could recognize new members. It is pretty neat!

wheel interested · 03-21-2006, 08:18 AM

Great ideas here. I'd like to pick up a few ideas to have ready for the children we get to see and meet even our own grandkids. What please tell is a boondoggle?

FiveGreers · 03-21-2006, 08:22 AM

It's a palm frawn that you slice the frawns and then start, well, like braiding them, until you create this really neat thing. My mothers is in our garage...I'll go get a picture of it, but I do not know how to post it here. I'll post again once I get it loaded to my pictures.

65glbtrotter · 03-21-2006, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eubank

Oh, I didn't mean to suggest that the name change thing is not warranted. (Indeed, my view is that if there's a name change, then it should be accompanied by a whole slew of other positive changes as well.)

Lynn

Sorry I didn't mean to come across that you implied that at all. I just think that they are trying to put a bandage on a shotgun wound.

Chuck · 03-21-2006, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GT6921

Kids love "healthy" competition -

Beg to differ, there. We have enough competition in our daily lives. If it was such a great thing, we wouldn't need to take vacations. And that is what my weekends with the Wally club are. The last thing I want to do when I'm on vacation is to get drawn in to yet another freakin' contest, whether it takes the form of a pot luck, appetizers, decorating, speed-wheel-bearing-repacking, or walbernizing. I don't like it now, and I didn't like it any better when I was a kid.
for example, one of the reasons that fishing is such a great weekend/vacation/camping activity is that it give the "appearance" of doing something, while actually doing nothing. BUT...if we let it become an organized activity, it'll become a contest, and ruin the whole thing. "who can catch the most fish? in the least time? the biggest fish? the fattest fish? The fish that looks the most like Wally Byam??????" now, a perfectly lovely passtime has been completely wrecked. I say, if you wanna cook something, go cook something. If you want to go fishing, go fishing. Enough with the contests!
[curmudgeon hat /off]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GT6921

A little history - you know when you went to school and learned about Canada - that we live in Igloos and ride Polar Bears to work - well the image we as kids had of our neighbours was "Talent Shows" and well folks Miss America" - it just went hand in hand with "Apple Pie".

are you saying that you DON'T actually live in igloos, and ride polar bears to work??????

I guess impressions aren't always true. The one about "talent shows" and "miss america"="apple pie" is about as accurate. Its just what they show on TV.

on the "badge" thing: the inherent danger of a sharp object is only the tip of the iceberg. I don't think it matters what you make the badge out of; It isn't going to stay attached to a toddler/pre-schooler for very long. About the only thing you could do is "tattoo" them. (that is, if you want a fool-proof method of ID).
One thing I'm thinking might work is a sticker. If you could get an 8x11 page of peel-off stickers, make up a template, and print out a weekend supply of them on an inkjet printer, when the kid(s) inevetibly pick at them, play with them, peel them off and crumple them up into a ball, you can just slap another one on. cheap...disposeable, non-toxic, and no sharp edges.

FiveGreers · 03-21-2006, 08:54 AM

Okay, I've loaded two pictures onto my photos of a BOONDOGGLE. This would be for kids who have patience-I only have one of those-lol! I think my other two would get bored. But my mom worked on this for a while. It's a neat thing and has a wonderful aroma!

wheel interested · 03-21-2006, 08:56 AM

I take a dim view of competition. I like sports where one can best their own record. And that's what I like in life, goals to better ones self and not to look to compare ones self to others. We all have and should make the most of what we were given as attributes as individuals. I think a participant merit is great. No reason those couldn't be customized for whatever was achieved. I like to reward effort, not vote on who is the best and the majority be losers.

To reward beauty which is in the eye of the beholder is just plain shallow. I am sure those cashing in on their looks will learn soon enough in real life about the free ride.

As for badges why not put them on the lanyards (are they called) on a ribbon or strap worn around the neck. Or we could make children t-shirts with clear vinyl pockets that a card could be inserted into.

streamer23 · 03-21-2006, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FiveGreers

Okay, I've loaded two pictures onto my photos of a BOONDOGGLE. This would be for kids who have patience-I only have one of those-lol! I think my other two would get bored. But my mom worked on this for a while. It's a neat thing and has a wonderful aroma!

Wow,how neat.Looks like a lot of work.