Subject to Change

So since I introduced a message board, not too many people have jumped in, and since introducing it, all conversation has come to a complete stop, which is kind of funny since I would have thought that having the message board would have facilitated conversating even easier than this blog, since you don't even need to sign in/up for the board. Granted, I did suggest it in hopes of folks conversating about all things, not just things BW related, but even this has stopped. are folks still wanting to do things? flash in the pan? need butter so you don't get burned?

Moving on up

After talking with Kendra, we both thought it to be a good idea to try something different for conversating amongst ourselves, both in planning what it is that we are proposing to do (and whatever may come of that) and in doing what we do best with one another - socalize (and play grabass - I'm looking at you T). So, I would like to introduce the "Call of the Woods" message board. it can be found by either clicking the previous link, or at this web address:

http://callofthewoods.proboards102.com/index.cgi

By using the message board, it would make it easier to search through the different topics, in turn making it easier to stay on topic within the thread. It also allows us to carry on conversations that don't pertain to planning a reunion/service project without interupting the planning process.as it's also easier to join in and contribute (all you have to do is register with a user name, an email address, and a password)

What we are proposing to do is to use the message board for all conversations and planning, both pertaining to reunion/service project type things, as well as a social area to share things in our lives, discuss movies and current events, show pictures of trips and babies, and so on. There is also a section to share memories of the Woods, both the good and the bad, as well as an area that I hope we as a community can build up for resources (games, songs, initiatives, etc) that can be used both by us, as well as current and future BW instructional staff who just don't know where to look.

The blog would still be used, but more so as a web page, where announcements and important information would be posted to be shared, making it easier for people who don't necessarily have the time or the means to contribute to the planning process, but still want to be a part of it.

So please, come on in, and start typing away. Be one of the first to post. there's not much there right now, but give it time, and contribute.

Back to Square 1

Let's keep it simple: let's pick a weekend in the fall to reunite as old BW's and UNITE as "Call of the Woods" group that will do something significant in the Spring.

You know, maybe we could do a group rate Mexico all-inclusive (it's usually pretty cheap)....can we take Mary to Mexico once she's back?
We can meet wherever--as long as we can sip whatever "special" smoothies Nate will be making and have Kendra drive us around town (I love when you drive Kendra). When we gather in the Fall we can dedicate a morning or afternoon to planning, orchestrating, deliberating, etc. In between then Taylor can gather all sorts of information, details about BW in its new phase, and others can gather information on people past and present who want to help.

But we need to set a date first. I say we pick a date and place by the beginning of next week.
And, should it not be Texas Taylor, I'll go a different weekend for some two-stepping fun with whomever dares to venture deep in the South!

redefine our purpose

I am not sure which thread this goes in so I decided to start one. Perhaps we should propose to BW that each spring and/or fall they conduct a service weekend. We do the same thing at Storer. Guess who puts it all together each spring and fall?? ME!!! Anyway, the weekend at Storer is structured with social time friday night, work all day saturday, camp activities in the evening, work until lunch on sunday, then go home. There is a youth component and an adult one. Adults live in one area of camp and do projects appropriate for adults. The youth are the same way. A list of projects is given to me by the maintenance department and other departments like Equestrian and Outdoor Ed. We recruit current staff from our OEE and summer programs to stay in cabins with the high school aged youth. It is a great social weekend and much needed work gets done. Did I mention the weekend is FREE and each volunteer and staff member receive a FREE t-shirt?? HAHA, I am actually wearing one of those T's now!

I think we should sell the current administration on doing a fall and/or spring volunteer weekend. If BW needs help getting something like that off the ground, I can offer some advice to JR, Shane, or anyone else who might be responsible for planning a volunteer weekend. I think naming the weekend "Call of the Woods" is marketing genius.

For our purposes, I think we should focus our energies on planning a reunion weekend at BW, Austin Texas, at the top of a pamper platform, or anywhere that as many of us as possible could attend.

Ok, I am done now....back to playing Settlers of Catan and drinking "special" fruit smoothies.

Logo (2nd entry)

I think I have been playing around with the name since Jays funeral (Becca may know better than I, she has to put up with my ramblings more than the rest of you), but this is what I've envisioned a logo looking like for it. nothing too elaborate, while trying to keep that organic feel to it. I'm not completely sold on the placement of the tulip poplar leaf where its at, but I like it better there than I do to the left or right of the text.

timeline and thoughts

I think that if we are to go to the Woods and expect to get to do a great project by say October, not only are we going to need to come up with it, but we are going to have to raise the money for it as well. I think we are also going to need to do a site visit. Honestly, when was the last time any of us have spent a considerable amount of time there and paid attention to what needs work? BK, Bethany, and I caught up with Stone when we were out for Bruces wedding (BTW Bruce, did you see the pictures we took at the wedding? if not email me and I will forward you them) she mentioned that they just fixed up Staff housing for full time benefited staff. a possible project could be fixing up seasonal housing, or specialist housing, though I don't know what that would consist of.

so heres my suggestion; currently, we focus on something that we can do for the upcoming fall ERC/CEC (or whatever they are going by now, they went back to the "Margie" model of management) season that would directly benefit incoming seasonal staff, such as a big "care package" c/o {Insert whatever we are calling ourselves. "The Call of the Woods"?}. and we push back the actual service project to next spring at the earliest. This should give us enough time to determine what it is that we want to do, raise the money to do it, spread the word and increase our numbers, and reach out to the BW Alumni community outside of just Spring/Fall seasonal staff (ie, schools, teachers, campers of all seasons, etc). This way we can also do it right so we don't try to rush it just because we want to "do something". If we want to get together for the sake of each other, thats one thing (Austin, TX anyone?) but if we really want to give back to the woods like we are proposing, lets not half ass it.

defining decisions

You are most certainly right about having one contact and utilizing our history/resources. Sorry if I stamped on your toes--I called for available weekends in the fall. With summer jams, holidays and quickly passing time, I'm ansy to set a date so we can begin to do all of the other good stuff to prepare and save to get there. I'm more than good with you being the contact to establish what we do. In fact, you sound like the right man for Project Manager. All in favor?

As for a meaningful project: yes, yes, yes. --I am motivated about this weekend as a tribute to camp, campers and people like us who feel compelled to do it, live it. For me, this motivation comes from Jay's death--we are too strong together to be lost alone. I feel committed to making sure others can live camp like we have--and stay connected.

Therefore I would love to build something, make something, dedicate something, sponsor something--whatever it is, I just want to do it right the first time. Taylor once you find out what we can do, then we can see if we need to raise money for it. Head, thanks for the heads up to clarify. If we don't need money for a project, then I have an idea for how we can spend some money--but it needs to brew in the brain a little more.

As for the dates, check your calendars and see about October 19-21. There weren't many others available during Oct/early Nov.