Sierra Nevada Airstreams – Sierra Nevada Unit

Enjoyment of the whispering winds, the zephyrs, the airstreams of the Sierra Nevada and Great Basin areas of the United States in a recreational vehicle.

Achievements & Highlights of Sierra Nevada Unit in 2016

The Sierra Nevada Unit looks to the founding principles of it's parent organization, the Wally Byam Caravan Club, International to provide the foundation of the Unit. These principles guide the SNU in it's activities and it's management.

The Wally Byam Creed -|- Wally Byam Code of Ethics -|- Wally Byam's Four Freedoms

In our unit:

The highlight of 2016 was the celebration of the SNU’s 40th Anniversary. This anniversary culminated in a special rally at Lassen RV Resort. Throughout the year, other things helped to celebrate this milestone. These included a special layout for the newsletter for the year, monthly articles related to the history of the SNU and people who contributed to the SNU, and various Anniversary memorabilia handed out at SNU events.

Randy & Vicki created several new decorative items for the SNU. These included a mini Airstream trailer, made by Randy and appropriately named Ruby (the gemstone for 40th Anniversaries). Vicki made special ruby necklaces as a gift given at the SNU Anniversary Rally. Randy also made a frame for a banner given to the SNU by Phil & Jasmin owners of Lassen RV Resort. Randy & Vicki found a set of silver letters (SNU) that make a great table top decoration.

Rally highlights for 2016 included: March at Washoe Lake – corned beef & cabbage dinner April at Ft Churchill– visit from Fred and Ann Hersey, May at Crocker – light snow June at Hickison– solar lights instead of a campfire July at Weed Heights –Jerry’s Nevada surf & turf dinner August at Obsidian– Tour of potential future rally sites nearby September at Lassen RV Resort – SNU 40th Anniversary celebration October at Scout Camp – helping Fred & Wanda discover learn all about their 1972 Sovereign.

The SNU had one luncheon in a new location, the Olive Garden and we had a special December luncheon hosted by Brian and Jeni at their home in Reno. In addition to an excellent lunch, Jeni had some very appropriate raffle prizes and some amazing Airstream cookies.

Between May 2016 and September 2016 the SNU gained eight new members. Three of these new members participated in SNU rallies this year. One at Weed Heights & Obsidian, one at Lassen and one at Scout Camp.

The SNU promotional efforts continue to be effective in getting the word out about the SNU. The Carson Appeal does a great job in publishing the public service announcements submitted monthly by Randy. At least one person seeing a notice in the Appeal contacted the SNU and visited us at a rally. The website also continues to be an asset to the SNU. The website was a primary factor for at least 3 new members choosing to join the SNU. The website generated contact from several people interested in various aspects of Airstreaming and the SNU.

The SNU experimented with a WiFi Rally net for participants to share information and photos while at an SNU rally. Looks like this could be a useful tool for future rallies.

The SNU FaceBook page is proving to be a good way to promote the SNU. The page now has 49 members, about half are not current SNU members but seem to have an interest in SNU activities.

The SNU always welcomes fellow Airstreamers and potential Airstreamers to our rallies. In 2016 we had guests at Washoe Lake rally at two SNU luncheons.

SNU members and affiliates participated in other WBCCI activities including: The WBCCI International Rally the Balloon Fiesta Rally and the Region 12 Rally

The SNU website continues to grow. Many pieces have been expanded and others updated. Many other pieces have been added. The SNU History section has been updated and some of the new pieces include a photo gallery of SNU Group pictures, 40th Anniversary Kitty Kredit memories, and a review of people special to the development of the SNU. There is also an extensive review of issues related to the SNU Constitution and Bylaws including a piece on SNU successes and SNU benefits to WBCCI.

During the past forty years, the Sierra Nevada Unit has seen a lot of changes, experienced a lot of ups and downs, tried many new things, included many new members and held rallies in many different locations. Through it all, the SNU has kept in mind the founding principles expressed by Wally Byam in his Creed and Four Freedoms. One of which is “To encourage clubs and rallies that provide an endless source of friendships, travel fun, and personal expression.

It all starts at the bottom between you and your local unit. Make it work for you. Get involved, share the fun, build on the history and create new memories.

“It's the Airstreams that bring us together but it's the people who keep us together” - Jerry Thornburg (2797) describing the SNU

"The WBCCI is an exclusive club because not everyone owns an Airstream! The idea is to get out and have fun with your RV - with friends who share common interests." - Bryan R. Leipper (772)

SNU Philosophy

“The formula that the leadership in our unit uses comes straight from Wally and his creed which they have adopted as the primary focus of the group. It also comes by their determination to be inclusive with respect to the members, open to new ideas and by providing opportunities for everyone to participate in the way that best suits them.” - Former SNU member