Large Gatherings????????

[Vedette]

Well, it has started!
The large well established Gatherings are starting to disappear!
Why is this??
Could it be the fact that they don't just happen?
The larger the event........the larger the expectations of the participants??
This equates to way more work by the organizers ,,,,,resulting in way more stress!!!
Sort of sucks the fun out of it for those that were the most committed!
Yes, those who participate are appreciative......but we don't always show it.
There are always those that complain about "something" .........large or small...it is always taken as LARGE by the Organizer.
Unfortunately, anything negative usually comes from those who never "step to the plate" or "take their turn"!
Just life I guess!
But, it is sad to see this trend.
I will post a proposed solution for our members to ponder in another post under this heading.
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi

[Vedette]

So....rather than start another thread entitled "Large vs Small" I would like to throw out a thought right here.
After camping numerous times this summer with Fellow Teardrop enthusiasts and TJ members in both small and large groups, I have come to the conclusion that you can have just as much Teardrop Fun at a small impromptu gathering of Tears as you can at LARGE ORGANIZED Gatherings!
Thus, we must ask ourselves how much importance does a written Itinerary, provided meals, special organized activities, trophies, dash plaques, T shirts, ect. etc. etc. have on the event.
All of which take work, work, work, on the part of the "Organizers" creating enough stress that they may reconsider doing it again.
Thus, we need to address the possibility of providing "More" SMALL less structured campouts; where each Camper is responsible for paying for their own campsite individually, bringing enough food to get themselves through the weekend or participating in whatever may come up, pretty much going with the flow......with the emphasis of thought being placed on "Having Fun" with other Teardrop Campers.
This will lead to even more scheduled events, as we will have more localized members inviting others to join them in informal campout style "Gatherings" and promoting their own events in areas they have enjoyed in the past that they would like to share with others???
What are your thoughts?
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi

[Jim.Johnson]

Speaking just for myself I would prefer the less structured approach. I'm not inclined to involve myself in the organized games, etc. I like an informal, impromptu potluck but the best times for me are the informal gatherings around a fire.

[captbobh2o2004]

Peg and I do a lot with Ham Radio and we like the small outings. How about starting something around New Mexico please. PS we will help!! TKS Capt. Bob and Peg

[Bill n Robi]

We just got our TD this spring and missed all the gatherings - sold out - bad timing - and are really looking forward to next years batch.
Since we have never been to one we don't know what to expect. As someone said, not into some activities but to each their own and looking forward to see how others do it, gather ideas and just have some fun meeting others. We are interested in learning how to help out at a gathering so we can contribute more in the coming years

[Esteban]

Large or small. Both are good IMHO. I went to IRG, sleeping in a tent, and had one of the best times of my life. I want to go to IRG again if Dean and Joanie are willing and able to do it.

Years ago friends and I organized three SLO Gatherings (San Luis Obispo, Calif. area). The first one entirely filled a local state park campground. It was great fun. I had little time to gawk and visit. I hope and plan to again do some California Central Coast gatherings and/or impromptu camping get-togethers.

For whatever reason Tearjerkers has very few active California members and almost no gatherings here.

Some Little Guy owners are planning a Black Rock Campground in Joshua Tree National Park teardrop gathering next March which is encouraging. golittleguy.com/hold-a-teardrop-gathering-2016-in-southern-california

I would not want larger Gatherings to disappear. They can make good travel destinations and be worthy of blocking out time in one's calendar to attend.

On a related thought Grant's retiring from his business and hosting the Dam Gathering (congratulations on your marriage!) makes me wonder if his calendar of teardrop gatherings will also disappear. If so, that leaves a big information hole that needs filling somehow.

[Vedette]

Hi Steve
Apparrently Grant's schedule of events is also going away! But, the last thing I read, the people at "Cool Teardrops and tiny Trailers Magazine are stepping to the plate to continue this valuable service.
Grant deserves a huge "Thank You" for doing it for so long and creating the contacts and template!
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi

[Bill n Robi]

For whatever reason Tearjerkers has very few active California members and almost no gatherings here.

Some Little Guy owners are planning a Black Rock Campground in Joshua Tree National Park teardrop gathering next March which is encouraging. golittleguy.com/hold-a-teardrop-gathering-2016-in-southern-california

Actually I started that by noticing there were so many LG people in San Diego and no gatherings in Southern Calif. Andy made a separate discussion and it took on a life of it's own. My hope is to try to make an annual event out of it once we are all together and see how it goes. That is one of the reasons I want to get to an organized gathering so I can see what is involved, I don't want to bite off more than I can chew.

There are several group camp sites in the county, most are $100 to $150 a night for groups of 40 to 100. I think that is reasonable but again I would like to sit down and talk to someone that has done all the work before so I can see what is involved.

I had a great conversation with Todd after we joined and the thought is that there are so many different types of camping - mountain, ocean, desert - that everyone has their own preference so it is had to get something going.

Anyway, all are invited to join in. I was holding off publishing it here because it was not an organized gathering and not sure of what the protocol is for listing something.

bill

[Vedette]

Hi Bill
Glad to hear that you are enthusiastic enough to organize a Gathering in your area.
DON"T worry about protocol, of following a mold, or coping someone else.
Just find a group camp area, or an entire campground, or someone's land?? Pick a date that doesn't conflict with another Gathering within 500 miles. Figure out what you want to offer and how much that will cost (this determines whether a Registration Fee will be required and what it will be??) List your date and information on a National Schedule ie, Tear Jerkers or the new Cool Tears Magazine schedule.
And Have At It!
Remember ...... a Gathering is just that.
A bunch of like minded people gathering together, at the same time, in the same place to enjoy what they like doing best.
*Just a hint though. FOOD! It cost money and is a ton of work! DON'T try to feed people at your first gathering!
Also remember that there is no size limit to success?? Anything over 2 Teardrops is successful starting point.
We look forward to seeing your Gathering on the schedules.
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi
IT IS JUST CAMPING!

[nevadatear]

While I enjoy the occasional large gathering, smaller gatherings are my preference!

[Vedette]

Hi Debbie and Randy
Guess we won't be seeing you guys until the IRG........Unless you will be one of the ones that will still attend the Lake Shasta Gathering at Antlers May 1st??
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi

[nevadatear]

Don't know yet.

[S. Heisley]

I like both; but, I think too many large gatherings can be exhausting, even for the participants. A balance is nice.

[Shadow Catcher]

One of the classes I had in social work was in group development and I have been facilitator for a number of groups and one lesson I learned personally, most people are adults, most of the time. We personally do not need much more than a date and location. My advice do as little as you can get away with and just have fun.

[capnTelescope]

I just want to point to the South Central group as a positive example. We have an active moderator in the person of Thomas 2Bits. He maintains the calendar and keeps track of who all is going to what event. We also have a couple of folks who are the main instigators that take care of the details for a gathering. To take a load off the honchos, we all make our own reservations and let everyone know we are coming. South Central works pretty darn good, IMO. Check it out!

I suspect that Big Mike would be glad to set you up as a regional moderator if you just volunteered. That's what 2Bits did. My experience with small interest groups is that there's always a need for someone to take care of one thing or another, and all you have to do is speak up and volunteer. Everyone else will breathe a sigh of relief.

Large or small, simple or elaborately planned, it's all good clean fun.