[A/S] Yes, those blue beret hats look stupid.

[Jerry Flanders <jeflanders@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

I occasionally see comments criticizing the WBCCI and WBCCI sponsored 
events here and thought I would step in with some comments from "the other 
side".

WBCCI  was formed as a CARAVAN CLUB. Active members often take lengthy 
caravans. Caravan schedules cannot be easily accommodated by people still 
working a 9-5 job, or with kids in school. Therefore, it is more attractive 
to retirees. Although Oleta and I bought our first Airstream in 1972, we 
didn't join WBCCI until 1995 after we had both retired in 1991 and were 
ready for caravanning. On caravans we see members who are typically old 
enough to have retired, and their ages can vary quite a bit. We have never 
been on a single caravan, or attended a single rally where we did not fit 
in well and enjoy ourselves.

I read a criticism not too long ago that caravans were expensive. Well, if 
an average of around $50 (40-60, typically) per day is expensive, then I 
guess it is. But that $50 always includes your camp site fee and usually 
includes several ticketed events as well as a banquet, occasional group 
private bus transportation,  and other meals and entertainment as well. It 
seems to me, after taking maybe 10 - 12 caravans now, that caravans are 
actually cheaper than solo travel, because the caravan leader is in a 
position to get group discounts on almost everything. Even after the 
caravanners pay a portion of the leader's fees, the discounts still make it 
cheaper, I think. We have never failed to "get our money's worth".

WBCCI is essentially a volunteer organization. We get as we give. I know 
that any event I take part in is the result of the hard work of other 
members who are stepping forward to try to make the event a success and 
also trying hard to help me enjoy myself while I am there. If I see 
something that needs improvement I know it is appreciated if I would step 
forward and try to help fix it. I also know it is not appreciated if I 
simply criticize those volunteers because they are not perfect.

On the other hand, I agree that those Blue Beret hats look absolutely stupid.

Jerry Flanders, ordinary WBCCI member # 4404