Ramblin'Recs

Did you know that in 3 short years, the Ramblin’ Recs will have been in existence for 40 years? During the past 37 years, we have seen families join, leave and have even had a few who have returned. We have watched families grow up, celebrated marriages and babies. We have given comfort and support to each other in times of sorrow and loss. Yet, through it all, there has always been the laughter. After all this time, the Ramblin’ Recs have evolved from a mere camping group to become more like an extended family.
The Ramblin’ Recs was founded by Wayne and Marilyn Clark in 1967 and had 13 members. It was a small group that was a part of a much larger organization, affiliated with The National Campers and Hikers Association or NCHA for short. NCHA was an international camping organization that was founded in 1949. Every state had groups of campers that were formed into Chapters. The Ramblin’ Recs became the 60th Chapter formed in Michigan. The motto of the NCHA was “friends, fellowship and fun”. In the early years, the Ramblin’ Recs sold a patch proclaiming to be “The friendliest people in the world”.
The 1st meeting on record in May 5, 1967 and the 1st campout was held at Sutter’s Recreation Area over the Memorial Weekend in ‘67. For many years, it was mandatory for a Ramblin’ Rec to wear a vest with the Ramblin’ Rec emblem on the back. They were to be worn at meetings or camping events with NCHA. A turquoise vest with gold trim was slated to be the Ramblin’ Recs colors, however, in July of ’67, it was changed to red and white. If a Ramblin’ Rec wasn’t wearing a vest at the meeting, they had to pay a fine of 10 cents. A few years later this fine was increased to 50 cents. Once the Ramblin’ Recs broke away with NCHA, the vest was abandoned entirely.
Within the Ramblin’ Rec Chapter, members were required to put assigned numbers on the front of their trailers. The gold number 60 was 1st, an indication to the Chapter of NCHA. This was followed by numbers in blue, representing their membership with the Recs. At this time, perspective members were required to attend 1 scheduled campout prior to joining. The only months that didn’t have scheduled meetings were in June, July, August and December.
Sometimes it seems that the more things change, the more they remain the same. This adage holds true for the Recs. In many way the Ramblin’ Recs have come full circle. During the early years, a Ramblin’ Rec had to submit their CB call letters. How times have changed--- now, we need to submit an e-mail address instead! more. . . .