Kunz Family Jamboree

I have a proposal. Considering we are all spread out across the country and we seem to gather only by happenstance and at the last minute during crazy holidays, I propose we start holding the Biennial (or Triennial) Clyde & Claudia Kunz Family Jamboree. Here are some loose guidelines:

1. What is a Kunz Family Jamboree you ask? Well, I see it as an informal gathering / family vacation of the Kunz family. I'm avoiding the term "reunion" because of all that that implies. I see it as a fun excuse to go somewhere we may have never been, or rarely go and/or an excuse to try and get together with far flung family. Informal means that we are all invited, not obliged to attend--come if you can, it'd be great to have everyone, but it'd be great to have anyone. It also should mean that though a couple of all-inclusive activities such as a big dinner and an activity are planned during the visit, the rest of the time should be more informal activities at everyone's leisure--join in or not. This allows us to interact in both small and large groups without high-pressure scheduling.

2. The Jamboree would occur on a 2 or 3 year schedule . For example, below I will outline my proposal for a 2009 gathering. From here on out, we could have a gathering either every odd year, or every third year. (Feedback--what do you think is more realistic?)

3. The Jamboree would be hosted by one of the siblings. By hosting I mean a sibling volunteers to plan a location, be it their home area, or a destination of their choice. They could research some places to stay and things to do and basic costs. They should not be expected to house anyone (they can make limited offers if they so choose). As you'll see below, I am volunteering to host the first Jamboree. Ideally, we would have a volunteer host emerge for the next Jamboree by the end of the previous. For example, at the 2009 Jamboree, Ryan may volunteer to host the 2011 Jamboree. Then, sometime in or before 2010, he would announce the locale and dates. A location and date should be chosen at least a year out so plans can be made. Alternatively, we could get on a rotation and schedule, but this does not allow as much flexibility for each family's availability and best timeframe for each locale. (feedback?)

4. Consideration should also be given for the size and diverse personalities of our growing family. For example, we may not want to all rent a big house on the beach and cram everyone in. I suggest in selecting locations, there is closeness, but not crampedness. And, there should be options--to continue the beach house example, the host may research and find a four bedroom beach house near a couple of 2 bedroom beach houses and a lodge. He provides the contact information and pricing and each family can choose to reserve a home, contact another family and reserve a house together, or book a room at the lodge. Obviously this won't work in every locale, but you get the idea. I'm just saying, we want to enjoy our stay, not make each other crazy with our strong personalities, so let's be realistic about accommodations.

That's all I can think of. These guidelines are certainly open for feedback--additions and deletions. In fact, the whole idea is up for vote. If y'all think it'd never work, say so and we can scrap it (or those of us who think it'd work will just go have fun on our own . . . ).

Anyway, for the First Biennial (or Triennial?) C&C Kunz Family Jamboree, I would like to invite everyone out to South Carolina the week of August 9th, 2009. I know it's far for most of you, but at least for 8 of us (that would be exactly 1/3 of us), it's nearby, so I call it a pretty good locale. That week YMCA Camp Greenville will be holding the end of summer Family Camp. You can follow the link to get an idea of the activities and location. There is also pricing on there, but I should be able to get about a 50% discount--it would kind of depend on how many people would be coming. Here is the link to Camp Greenville's main pages as well.

The price (per person, per night, children 3 and under are free) includes housing in a cabin, all meals and programming. There are three types of cabins, the cheapest have flush toilets, but you walk to a shower house. The other two types have bathrooms with showers in the cabins. Each family would get a side of a cabin to themselves (unless they wanted to share). Each side is a separate room with 6-20 bunks depending on the style and side. Some have individual bathrooms, some share a bath with the other side of the cabin. Ask me for any more specifics. Meals are offered buffet style in our dining hall. Programming includes many of the activities listed on the website, all guided by camp staff. Or you can opt to hike the trails on your own, or just sit by the lakes or play games in the lodge, ping pong or basketball in the gym. At that time of the year there will be horses--both ring and trail rides, swimming in the lake, canoing and oh so much more. Most of main camp is accessibly by car if necessary, and we may even be able to swing a golf cart from maintenance for anyone with a pacemaker and/or bionic knee.

There would be 5 nights available--Sunday through Friday, but you could stay fewer. Once I get a sense of if and how many nights people are interested in coming, we could try and coordinate a more specific length of stay. There are also numerous state and national parks nearby if you want to venture away from camp--though there is certainly plenty to keep you busy right in camp. If you're really into roughing it, talk to me about camping at one of the campsites on site. I could see what/if they would charge you to camp out and participate in meals and activities. We have a queen futon in our living room and could possibly put up Mom & Dad or Jared's family (be warned, we have cats and the futon is smack dab in the middle of our 800 square foot house)--or you could camp in our yard . . .

We are close enough to Atlanta, that perhaps families could spend a night or two in that area if they desire. If you want to check flights, you can fly into either Atlanta (ATL-usually cheaper, but about a 3 hour drive), Greenville SOUTH Carolina (GSP), or Asheville NORTH Carolina (AVL)--both about an hour drive from here, or even Charlotte, NC--about a 3 hour drive. For mileage/driving inquiries, search for Solomon Jones Road, Cedar Mountain, North Carolina 28718.

Email me, or post comments with feedback, questions and the like.