2011 is a long time to wait. My thoughts were for reviving Easter Camp at Squamish because that's what I knew and would be easiest to organize. TurtleTalk is encouraging. It gives us the opportunity to come together with all our ideas. Already its clear to me something just has to happen from it, at least for the leftover Easter camp alumni. As I say that I feel that if we can keep the spark alive and bring others in, they too will benefit and it will grow from there.

We know how beneficial it is....(that needs another topic) 2010 could be difficult with all the Olympic hoopla. That doesn't mean we do nothing. We should use this time to do everything possible to bring camaraderie amongst our branches. Focus on building our clientele for our event in 2011. Get the chatter happening so people can hear what its about and look forward to it.

Inter branch functions, in my opinion, should be a priority for the SRABC. If change is going to come we all have to do what we can to make it happen. Presently the greatest hurdle is the lack of people wanting to participate. We need to get the message out that stroke survivors can and do have fun.

We should use from now til 2011 to create many mini events. Anything to promote inter branch relationships. If we get to know members in other branches we are more likely to want to spend a weekend with them. We could alter and expand on the regional idea for 2010. No one else should experience the let down of booking for 50+ people and only getting 19. Without SRABC holding the umbrella it is difficult and risky for a single branch.

Maybe something can be done with 20-30. Make small successful baby steps .....and market it! The ideas not yet tried by SRABC are endless! It's likely that an individual branch does not have the manpower to host an event.
If you're having a picnic or taking a bus trip let others know so that they could possibly make arrangements to do it together.

Why not piggy back on existing public venues. Last fall I heard of a 3 day cruise for $199. It's not my thing, but Karel may have some insight. What if a specific cruise was chosen and a general location. People could make their own bookings and request a cabin in a particular section. No insurance or cancellation liability. No one has to be responsible for the welfare of the group.

Loving people often don't know what to do with their Turtle. Family and friends might take an interest in taking their Turtle knowing that they could be left to play with the other Turtles. Turtles need care, but they also need to feel some form of independence. Family members would be educated and have a holiday too. It would also help to create public awareness too. Of course, I'm not referring to caregivers already living with stroke recovery.

How about a bowling day? Could branches pick a local spot and submit scores? I don't do that either, but maybe I could help keep track of scores online or something. Then one day when the opportunity arises, wouldn't you want to get to know the people you competed against?

Anyway, throw out your ideas and opinions.