Large Gatherings????????

[2bits]

Thanks Brad, I can vouch for the clean fun especially when the water balloons start launching eh!

But I have seen the same overall decline, When I first joined there were awards and events and stuff to do, but it was all done by the people who attended. (Duh, who else right!) This faded out a bit and very slowly and the South Central crew which is extremely active basically left the agenda behind and had two primary goals:

1. Camp: and announce on the forum when and where
2. Pot luck on Saturday, usually around 6pm with a group photo beforehand

Anything else, the members of the gathering bring to the table, how to rebuild a Coleman lantern session by our preacher man, Friday night gumbo at LCG etc... I think the trick is to keep gathering and not try to push so much for the extras because just being together is the trick.

I'll be honest... The recession of 2008 pulled alot of people back from camping as well as the rise in the vintage camper movement which I think this forum was a foundation for had an impact as well because people for some reason see teardrops and tiny trailers as "teardrops" only... they felt that having a 16" 1958 Shasta didn't really belong so they didn't join up. When to me, TnTTT is all about the "old Style" camping. And lastly... it is so easy to visit only what is on Facebook. My car club tanked because of this same social network shift from web forums to facebook. I think that has alot to do with it which sucks but I remain with the South Central TnTTT and actively promote the group anywhere I can!

[2bits]

...and by the way we still camp almost every month of the year!

[deleted]

While I prefer the intimacy (chance to get to talk to everyone attending and see their trailers) of the small gatherings, I have to admit there's nothing else quite like being in a state park with 100+ tiny trailers all in one location. Both are good. I think for the large gathering name tags and perhaps a map of who's where, and the Saturday potluck are all that are needed from the official organizers. As 2bits said anything else can be extra if members are willing to step up and host something on their own, like Bob's Cast Iron Cooking demo. So perhaps a program/schedule printed on the backside of the map if people offer to hold small demos or activities on their own.

Having attended the Camp-Inn Camp-Out, IRG, and CRA it's obvious that the organizers go above and beyond to make the events special and that they're a LOT of work. Kind of like planning a wedding but instead of being over in 8 hours it's 3+ days long. Would be nice to see the organizers be able to relax/enjoy more during the event they worked so hard to put together for the rest of us.

[Vedette]

While I prefer the intimacy (chance to get to talk to everyone attending and see their trailers) of the small gatherings, I have to admit there's nothing else quite like being in a state park with 100+ tiny trailers all in one location. Both are good. I think for the large gathering name tags and perhaps a map of who's where, and the Saturday potluck are all that are needed from the official organizers. As 2bits said anything else can be extra if members are willing to step up and host something on their own, like Bob's Cast Iron Cooking demo. So perhaps a program/schedule printed on the backside of the map if people offer to hold small demos or activities on their own.

Having attended the Camp-Inn Camp-Out, IRG, and CRA it's obvious that the organizers go above and beyond to make the events special and that they're a LOT of work. Kind of like planning a wedding but instead of being over in 8 hours it's 3+ days long. Would be nice to see the organizers be able to relax/enjoy more during the event they worked so hard to put together for the rest of us.

You have echoed the feelings of many!
At this point!
We too like the smaller Gatherings where you get to meet everyone!
But as a builder I like the larger Gathering, just to see the wide variety of Teardrops.
Heck we even went to a couple of Vintage Trailer Rallys this year to look at "Standies'
But, they are just not as much fun! And we found the people to be "different" from Teardrop Campers.
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi

[CAJUN LADY]

While I prefer the intimacy (chance to get to talk to everyone attending and see their trailers) of the small gatherings, I have to admit there's nothing else quite like being in a state park with 100+ tiny trailers all in one location. Both are good. I think for the large gathering name tags and perhaps a map of who's where, and the Saturday potluck are all that are needed from the official organizers. As 2bits said anything else can be extra if members are willing to step up and host something on their own, like Bob's Cast Iron Cooking demo. So perhaps a program/schedule printed on the backside of the map if people offer to hold small demos or activities on their own.

Having attended the Camp-Inn Camp-Out, IRG, and CRA it's obvious that the organizers go above and beyond to make the events special and that they're a LOT of work. Kind of like planning a wedding but instead of being over in 8 hours it's 3+ days long. Would be nice to see the organizers be able to relax/enjoy more during the event they worked so hard to put together for the rest of us.

You have echoed the feelings of many!
This the point!
We too like the smaller Gatherings where you get to meet everyone!
But as a builder I like the larger Gathering, just to see the wide variety of Teardrops.
Heck we even went to a couple of Vintage Trailer Rallys tis year to look at "Standies'
But, they are just not as much fun! And we found the people to be "different" from Teardrop Campers.
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi

Heeeeeyyyy...I love my beautiful, not as roomy as I'd like, 1977 Scotty standy. And I miss my 5x10 Teardrop, but it's all about the company you keep. I have made more lasting friendships sitting around a campfire with total strangers that I wouldn't give up for anything. I like small, intimate gatherings and I like medium and large ones too. But like many have said, the work involved can sometimes be overwhelming. I'm heading to a Tearjerkers gathering on Thursday in St. Augustine, FL at Anastasia State Park. There will be around 50 trailers there...lots of old friends and new ones to make. Hope to see you all at a campfire one night!

[Vedette]

Hi Becca
Enjoy!
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi

[2bits]

Heck we even went to a couple of Vintage Trailer Rallys tis year to look at "Standies'
But, they are just not as much fun! And we found the people to be "different" from Teardrop Campers.
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi

Heeeeeyyyy...I love my beautiful, not as roomy as I'd like, 1977 Scotty standy. And I miss my 5x10 Teardrop, but it's all about the company you keep. I have made more lasting friendships sitting around a campfire with total strangers that I wouldn't give up for anything. I like small, intimate gatherings and I like medium and large ones too. But like many have said, the work involved can sometimes be overwhelming. I'm heading to a Tearjerkers gathering on Thursday in St. Augustine, FL at Anastasia State Park. There will be around 50 trailers there...lots of old friends and new ones to make. Hope to see you all at a campfire one night!

Life happens, needs change but friends do not define friends by their campers alone. I was born on a teardrop but now camp with a '68 Scotty and have been to many Vintage trailer rally's and there is the same great camaraderie, sometimes they just go to bed earlier than others but you just need to find the right campfire grasshopper!

[Wolffarmer]

I have yet to make it to one of the large gatherings. For me that is ok. Would like to go to the IRG this year as this will probably be the last one. I can see that organizing a large event can be very taxing. Specially when someone complains.

I have held 2 small gatherings. One on 3 days notice. The other I went all out and announced it 2 months in advance. My organization consisted of announcing when and where. They where enjoyable. Now the one I am hosting next summer will take a bit more from me but it is a rather unique gathering as it will be a traveling one in the southern Idaho Desert. But I am not going to kill my self figuring out every detail. People will need to be pretty self sufficient and open to change of plans. Probably be the only one I hold. At least in this area. Am already thinking of a bit different one for 2017. Also these will need some reading by people to get the most out of them.

Randy

[Vedette]

I have yet to make it to one of the large gatherings. For me that is ok. Would like to go to the IRG this year as this will probably be the last one. I can see that organizing a large event can be very taxing. Specially when someone complains.

I have held 2 small gatherings. One on 3 days notice. The other I went all out and announced it 2 months in advance. My organization consisted of announcing when and where. They where enjoyable. Now the one I am hosting next summer will take a bit more from me but it is a rather unique gathering as it will be a traveling one in the southern Idaho Desert. But I am not going to kill my self figuring out every detail. People will need to be pretty self sufficient and open to change of plans. Probably be the only one I hold. At least in this area. Am already thinking of a bit different one for 2017. Also these will need some reading by people to get the most out of them.

Randy

"Southern Idaho Crawl".......sounds great!
Randy, we definitely have to talk.
Brian
PNW Tear Jerkers Director

[2bits]

I just got my year end copy of Vintage Camper Trailers and that scene is on fire in California. The mag is full of photos from gatherings.