Editor’s note: Schnettler visited Antarctica in early December and more photos from her adventure are posted below.
By Jenny Schnettler | BRN 151 | International President
Happy January, Friends!
The new year brings some exciting opportunities for us at Airstream Club International, and I hope you all are looking forward to more adventures in our Airstream world!
2025 saw tremendous membership growth, fresh ideas explored at the Strategy Session, enthusiastic new leadership at all levels of the club, and record numbers of camping opportunities provided to our ACI membership.
The International Rally in York was another sellout, and from all reports, it was enjoyed by all. Now our rally planning team is back in full swing, preparing a magical time for you at the 2026 International Rally in Minot, North Dakota. When John and I first joined the club, we were stunned to find that the International Rally at Lebanon, Tennessee, was sold out six months before the event; fortunately, we eventually landed a spot from the waitlist! My point is that there are less than 100 available spots open for the Minot Rally, so you may wish to hop online and sign up soon.
Speaking of exciting adventures … Airstream, Inc. has done it again! Last summer, Airstream, Inc. launched a new program to offer exclusive camping opportunities described as “curated events” at Yellowstone National Park, affectionately known as “Camp Yellowstone.” The program was a one-week experience with private tours of the park, expert naturalist’s lectures, meals, spa treatments, photography, fishing, hiking, and nighttime activities. Throughout the summer and into the early fall, eight sessions were offered — all of which sold out. With this resounding success, Airstream, Inc. expanded this program to offer three different camps for 2026: Camp Nashville, Camp Yellowstone, and Camp Santa Fe. But here’s the most amazing part … besides offering ACI members first choice before releasing registration to the general public, Airstream, Inc. has extended an early sign-up discount just to us! Talk about supporting our Club! Just between you and me, there’s talk of creating an exclusive gift for those campers that attend all three camps! Stay tuned on that one!
You will receive information very soon on our website, with your opportunity to join in on these incredible adventures.
And now, let’s meet some penguins.
More photos from Schnettler’s trip are below.
OK, back to regularly scheduled programming.
One of the most important components of my job as your President is to keep you updated on all things ACI. This past autumn, I began sending narratives directly to you to fill you in on the operations of the Club. I know how frustrating it can be to hear important information filtered through too many voices, so I wanted to offer you the chance to communicate from me right to you. I have received wonderful comments from so many of you, expressing support, offering different perspectives, and demonstrating real engagement from our membership. Let’s keep this conversation going!
Behind the scenes, your IBT has been hard at work on several projects we hope to have completed in 2026. Our governing documents need a dusting and cleaning; there is some outdated terminology such as the old HQ address needing to be updated to the new HQ address, changing the terminology of Executive Committee to Executive COUNCIL, and that type of tidying up. It would seem so simple, but any changes to our governing documents need to be scrutinized prior to enacting any changes. You probably know of the example of the misplaced comma “Let’s eat, Grandma” versus “Let’s eat Grandma.” Yikes! Thus, the need for scrupulous review.
We are continuing work on completing the renovation of the old HQ building into the member clubhouse and the Historical Center and Educational Library. Fundraising continues, and we have received over 170 brick orders to date. The anticipated installation period for the bricks will be springtime, and it is at this same time that the six additional campsites are scheduled to be developed. Currently, we offer six campsites behind the old HQ building, as well as a dump station. Members are welcome! To reserve your site, please use the Harvest Host Courtesy Parking platform offered to all ACI members.
Your IBT members have teamed up to begin several new projects designed to provide greater depth of training and mentoring for leadership at all club levels. One of the greatest results of our Strategy Session in November was the spirit of collaboration forged through sharing three days discussing how to give our members the best possible team serving this club. But there’s always room for more! Have YOU ever thought that leadership would be right up your alley? Your participation will continue to propel us forward to keep this inspiring club thriving into the future. Join us with this newest project, we’ll get you up and running in no time.
Speaking of the future, we have just passed our 70th Anniversary and you know what milestone anniversary comes next? Our 75th! Three quarters of a century is a huge milestone, and we will be looking for an epic opportunity to celebrate this auspicious moment in 2030. Got ideas? Let’s look at ways to recognize this occasion! With the 100th Anniversary of Airstream Inc. happening immediately afterward in 2031, maybe we could come up with a spectacular tribute to Wally Byam and Helen Byam Schwamborn to memorialize their contributions to the longest running branded club in the world while also recognizing the iconic brand, Airstream, that launched a lifestyle.
Lots more is on the forefront, both soon and at future dates. Keep an eye out for your opportunity to take advantage of your early sign-up at a discounted price for the latest Camp Airstream adventures! And let’s keep your great ideas flooding in … after all, YOU are the reason we are all here!
Stay Curious,
Jenny Schnettler
