October 2013 Halloween Camping Monroe KOA

BFC's
Another great weekend of making memories and sharing some good laughs was had by all this past camping weekend.  We could not have asked for better weather, with highs in the 70's and sunshine that made it even better.  This was our annual Halloween Camping weekend, however our first with the BFC's some of which could not make it due to understandable circumstances.  We would like to thank our founding original members, Grandma and Papa for making the long drive to visit us for the day.  Big Fire knows that they would have loved to stay the weekend but sometimes a busy schedule will not allow that.  We missed grandmas great coffee in the mornings, but we managed to get by, barely.
The focus of this weekend was on the kids as they thought long and hard all year on their costume choices, we had everything from Santa Claus to the Grim reapers, from a princess to a ninja and last, BATMAN!  And a great Batman at that, even though this was not Rece's first choice he played the role very well as you can see from his confident pose in this picture.  Even before the costumes were worn this weekend Leah and Josyln portrayed their best Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield with a few battles over the princess camping chair amoung other things.  All arguments were forgotten once it was time to trick or treat and these two heavy weights acted like best friends, besides have you ever seen Santa and a princess be mean to anyone! Grandma will not be happy about this one....... As the moms took the kids trick or treating the dads stayed back to pass out candy (watch the Tigers game) and enjoy some apple cider and good jokes.  All the kids arrived back safely and full of candy in their bags and tummies!  Some even ate so much they felt sick before bed, I wont mention any names but Noah claims he only had four candy bars.

We at BFC's encourage our members to invite guests to join in the weekend fun and this time it was Dan Pydyn along with his two children and Jeanette's Brother Don.   Both who fit in extremely well within the group, although Dan had a hard time dealing with the birds chirping and had to request ear plugs before bed, he did provide us with great company and he is welcome back anytime.  Its not to often that a guest is immediately seen as BFC material and from the moment Don arrived I could tell he had camp fire in his blood.  Don threw up his large tent in a matter of minutes, then jump over to help others.  He obviously has some experience making a fire and did not hesitate to maintain the fire. He was great with the kids and at one point stated that he has a "hard time sitting around and cant stay still".  He needed to do something, and he did, as the only adult to cruise around in the banana bikes with the kids, which is extremely hard to do!  Normally our guests ask if they can join our club and there is a long interview process involved, but once in a great while you see someone and you just know they have what it takes to battle the elements and survive a weekend with us.  At this time I would like to officially invite Don to join our club and become an official member of BFC.  We all hope he accepts this invitation and we gain another important person in our club.

Speaking of new members, Larry head of scheduling mentioned that he has a few more potential candidates that are interested in joining BFC.  After some investigation I have found that they have never camped, but are in the process of looking for a camper.  There are two reasons why they will have to go through our normal interview process, 1. They have never camped.  2. The last group that Larry requested join our group was boarder line of not making it.  (Just kidding....).  Larry please invite these potential new members for a fall/winter outing so we can start the interview process. 

Other highlights of the Halloween weekend:

• It appears that one of our members has put the his magical skills aside for some time to focus on a musical career.  Several times this weekend we overheard some great guitar music coming from the Klan's minivan.  I believe he is honing his skills to be able to play some great music for us around the campfire next spring.  Keep practicing Noah!  Papa claims he can sing, and it would be great to hear the two of you bust out some tunes while we enjoy an evening fire. 
• As a reminder the name BIG FIRE was chosen for several reasons, but one important reason was because the big fire is where we gather every evening to settle down after a long day and talk about the days events.  This was not the case this Halloween weekend due to the fact that several I Pads where brought camping.  When day turned to night all of the kids hibernated in the comfort of Larry and Jeanette's camper to play endless hours of mindsweep.  Which was kind of nice for a change!  Technology is great.  However lets try to remember why we picked the name BIG FIRE and not the name BIG GAMMERS. 
• Congratulations to Shelly K. and Jeannette for completing a 6 mile run on Saturday, running 8 min/mile!  Which had me thinking that we should coordinate a 1 mile fun run / walk around the camp ground for our next camping trip.  We could do this as a group with the focus on BIG FIRE and / or we could invite other campers.  Lets talk about this at our next meeting. 
• On Saturday some of us ventured into the freezing waters of the man made lake with rented paddle boats and canoes.  This was supposed to be a relaxing event and quickly turned into bumper boats while Noah and Adam acted like missiles ramming into our paddle boats.  Which sent Leah into a laughing frenzy, and frustrated Rece who was focused on catching a big fish.  What felt like hours on the water was really only 30 min but was enjoyed by all.   

Another great camping weekend!  Thanks to all. 

Side Notes: 

One of our own could not make it Halloween camping because she had an adventure of her own, backpacking in the Grand Canyon.  We are looking forward to pictures and stories from Shelly R. trip.  Shelly please send me some pictures and stories and I will post it to the blog. 

After going through numerous applications for a sign maker the job was awarded to Papa.  Congratulations Papa, we cant wait to see our new sign in the spring of 2014.

Last, we are looking forward to some BIG FIRE adventures during the off season.  Please let me know if anyone has any ideas on what we can do as a group during the winter.  Jill and I will also introduce everyone to our newest member, who should be arriving into this world shortly. 



Thanks
                                          Rick Grezak
                                          BFC President

October 2013 - BFC news. New reality series.

BFC's,
I have some great news to share with the club. 
We have been contacted by a reality show and
they are showing great interest in filming an
adventure series staring one of our own members, with a possibility of a spin off series
filming BFC's depending on the ratings. The show is simply called LIFE.. with Tim!  Coming in the spring of 2014.  They want to focus on Tim and his survival skills and how he ties technology of the 21st century into his research and development and how he preps for his upcoming adventures.   So far they are extremely impressed with on how well prepared he is in all aspects of his life, and this will be the focus of the reality show.   We can only hope that Tim can maintain his mild manner and not let fame get in the way of his passion for BFC. 

I will be working on the Halloween 2013 newsletter this week and should have it published soon.

Congrats to Tim we wish him all the luck, just please remember your roots Tim!

BFC President

Rick Grezak.

BFC September 2013 Update

****Prelude: (prelude: I don’t even know if this is the correct term or not)  This camping club , newsletters, etc. is for fun.  Fun for the kids and adults, something for us to laugh about and something for the kids to look at years from now.  As president and editor, publisher etc. I by no means really mean all of this (well kind of in a funny way), but it is just for, as Papa would say for “shookie dookie good times.”  So don’t take this too seriously please, but kind of seriously. 

Hello Campers!

Halloween camping is coming in a few weeks which means the end of a great camping season.  Although it would be nice to try some winter camping for those that could handle it!  That would include Shelly R, Papa and Maybe Tim if he spent some time researching the perfect electric blanket. Seriously we should try to schedule a winter camping weekend.  Anyways, I would like to send out an update on the status of BFC’s, where we have been and where we are headed, new members, promotions and responsibilities (job postings), and ideas for 2014 t-shirts and signage, and exploring new terrain. 

2013 was a very successful year, not only was BFC club created but we quickly developed a strong foundation of members all playing great roles in the development of BIG FIRE.  We have the perfect mix of members, those that enjoy Glamping (glamour camping) and  our extreme survivalist.  Our daily visitors Uncle Paul and Aunt Marlene keep us connected to the outside world and provide us with supplies as we run low.   As a fire would spread given the right conditions, oxygen and fuel source making it a big fire  (something we are still trying to figure out) our membership could do the same, however with that being said we need to be careful on how large we want this to get.  We can talk about this at a later time at one of our upcoming meetings.  I would like to say that we will have one more official member around Oct. 25^th 2013 and I will as club president, give him automatic membership forgoing the interview process, as he will most likely take over as BFC president when I finally retire. 

As far as the responsibilities we have one of the most important is the head of scheduling headed by Larry.  In the future for all upcoming camping trips we need to try as hard as possible to get sites next to each other.  This will require everyone’s cooperation when the dates are set to immediately book their site requesting the appropriate location.  This is also something we need to discuss at the upcoming BFC meeting as far as how we handle this. One other important note is to get our Florida chapter of BFC involved in one of next year’s camping weekends.  I have sent Papa to Florida this week to meet with our members there and to discuss some important items as well as getting some input on a possible website for our camping club

Job Posting:  On our site we need signage that displays our name and some type of fire logo, I am posting a temporary job position for someone who is willing to take on this task.  The time of completion or deadline for this task will be the first camping trip for spring 2014.  It could be homemade or contracted out to a local supplier.  Maybe something that is very visible to all that we could stick in the ground.  Just an example is posted below or use your own creativity.

JOB POSTING FOR BFC:  Sign maker, send applications to the club president.  IF no applications are received by Nov. 2013 I will take on this task myself. 

T-Shirts:      Attached is a form to fill out for all member’s regarding t-shirts for 2014.  Please review this and fill it out and send it back by Dec. 15^th 2013. 

Member Spotlight:  At this time I would like to acknowledge on of our members who spent the last 8 months dealing with a pregnancy that has not gone so smooth.  Complete with the normal morning sickness, teaching 30+ 3^rd graders, being sick for weeks and taking care of Leah.  She has still allowed me to golf several times per week and she has attended over 20 tigers games during this period.  I think we can all agree that Jill has what it takes to be a BFC and an asset to this club.    She has endured two camping trips while being pregnant while still ensuring the well-being of Leah and myself.  Although she will not be joining us for the Halloween camping trip due to the fact that the baby is due 2 weeks after we get back from our excursion and she deserves some alone time.  GOOD JOB JILL!!!!  

See most of you on Oct. 11^th. 

Ps.  Larry already has his mask for Halloween camping, he was wearing it when I seem him last weekend.  Pretty scary! 

Thanks

Rick Grezak

BFC President.  

BFC Newsletter #2 - Lakeport August 2013

Big Fire Campers,

Its that time again for our post camping newsletter.  Time to reflect on our great weekend and update the members of Big Fire with recent news, upcoming events, etc.  This issue will also include a surprise feature that will follow some of our future camping excursions.  So please enjoy.

Big Fire takes great pride in its members, in both our Michigan and Florida chapters.  We are more than 15 strong and growing.  With our most recent trip to Lake Port State Park Big Fire has grown even larger with four more additional members.  I am proud to officially announce that Tim and Shelly Klan along with their two sons, Noah and Adam are our newest Big Fire Campers. 

I think it is important to let everyone know how the Klan’s were finally accepted into this club, as it was a very long, painstaking process.  To make a long story short….. one of our members (head of scheduling) came to us and stated that he may have found some possible candidates that would be good for Big Fire, so we decided to give them a chance as we are open to all requests for new members provided they can pass the interview process.

The site was Lakeport State Park, just off the freezing, bone chilling waters of Lake Huron.  The dates were August 15^th – 18^th, what could have been extremely hot conditions, luckily for the Klans we had a cold front move in.  They were placed at a site that was near the deep woods of Lakeport, loaded with poison ivy, wild animals and hundreds of yards from the safe guard of the Big Fire Campers site and miles away from restrooms and running water in order to test their survival skills.  The Klan’s were drilled for days with probing questions, background checks, and without their knowledge they were tested in several situations.   It was only the first evening when their interview process was nearly cut very short.  They decided to leave the deep woods of Lakeport to dine out at a 5 star restaurant (Buffalo Wild Wings) leaving the rest of us to capture our own food (retrieve from coolers) and converge under a very small 10 x 10, maybe 11 x 11 shelter like a pack of hyenas. 

As the rest of the trip went on the Klan’s true colors came shining through.  We learned that Tim was very resourceful, sending his children out for wood when our supply became low.  He also has a background in security and is extremely advanced in technology, which should prove to be beneficial to Big Fire in the future, and he will complete our social media department which is headed by James in our Florida chapter.  Tim’s wife, Shelly did show her capability to survive in the wild without shoes for 77% of the time, often times chucking her shoes deep into the bushes like a gorilla with a banana peel. She also pushed some of the current members to exercise while camping which has been unheard of until now, often running 6 miles per day while the others struggled to make four miles.  Adam and Noah gave members of Big Fire hours of entertainment with their magical skills, even when the tricks did not workout it did not even matter as stated by Noah.  We found that the Klans do have what it takes to become Big Fire members and we welcome them to many more great memories in the future.

Other note-able events:

Once again we had chaos ensue when our Krieg coffee pot decided to malfunction on the 1^st morning, throwing coffee grounds like a E5 tornado.  We all know that 95% of Big Fire campers cannot function without our coffee.  Luckily for us Papa and Grandma arrived shortly after with an antique coffee pot from the early 2000’s and supplied us with many good mornings around and great morning campfire with excellent coffee brewed by the best coffee maker in the North East (Grandma).  Thanks Grandma!  I think it’s time we make Papa and Grandmas site the official BiG Fire coffee house!  Where we gather in the mornings to reflect on the previous day and talk about the current days events. 

The last camping trip to Camp Dearborn featured a fishing tournament for the kids, this time we decided to give the adults a little entrainment with a cornhole tournament.  After the teams where set by random drawing from a hat the competition began.  It was single game elimination with players that ranged from elite professionals to minor league rookies (some have even been known to throw the bean bag backwards).  After some lengthy rounds the tournament champions where no other then “J” and Pydyn a couple of division one and two college athletes demolished the competition.  Notable teams included Joe and Larry who made it to the finals only to get smoked by “J” and Pydyn.  Also Papa and Tim who were fan favorites, Papa has a consistent throwing arm with impeccable accuracy. As for Tim, we think after looking at some instant replays that Tim actually stopped mid round to research some you tube videos on proper throwing techniques.  The Cornhole tournament will most likely become a camping tradition for future camping excursions.

 I was contacted by a member of Big Fire (Uncle Paul) after our trip to Lakeport.  Unfortunately Uncle Paul had to leave before the tournament started and many felt that if he was paired with the right partner they could have won it all.  After all it was the pairing of Uncle Paul and Shelly R that took down the undefeated Rick and Larry in a practice round.  With that being said I took the liberty to do some research on Uncle Paul to see that type of athletic background this guy could have.  This is what I found:

If Uncle Paul can throw bags like he can golf we are all in trouble……

NOTE:  I did get permission from Uncle Paul to use this interesting article before this newsletter was published.  In the future if any members have anything they would like to share with the group (life accomplishments, articles, interesting stories about themselves etc..) please send them to me.

In all I think we had a very successful outing.  The kids had a blast and normally I like to talk with them before we pack up and leave to hear their highlights, this was not possible this trip.  Due to the fact the youngest member of Big Fire (Leah) had a complete meltdown on the last day.  I think the beach would have been on top of their list along with hikes through the woods looking for supplies. 

I would also like to thank all of the friends that came to visit us during the weekend.  Some were even inspired to start their own camping club, which we totally encourage. 

This Just in! 

I would like to introduce one of members of BIG FIRE from our Florida chapter.  Ethan Royer.  Ethan is a total outdoorsman.  Proficient in woodworking, swimming, and excels in all sports. He loves to ride his bike and go on hikes.    He just started Kindergarten in Florida and always has a big smile on his face.  We look forward to having Ethan, Kim and James on one of our camping trips next year. 

Our next outing will be at the Monore KOA for Halloween camping.  Oct 11^th – 13^th.  Bring your candy, costumes, and warm clothes. 

Thanks

BiG FIRE CAMPERS President

Rick Grezak

First Official BFC Newsletter June 2013

Hello Campers,

I am pleased to send out our 1st official Big Fire Campers newsletter that will follow each camping trip. This letter will hit the highs and lows and acknowledge those that went above and beyond.  It will also provide communication to upcoming events and any important instructions for that we may need to be aware of.

CAMP DEARBORN JULY 19^th – 21^st 2013

Our first official BIG FIRE CAMPERS camping excursion was a huge success. Larry, J, Rece, and Brody were sent out there a week early to scope out the best location to spend our weekend.  We traveled to the deep woods of Camp Dearborn where we were meet with potentially disastrous conditions on the first day. Time: 6pm, Friday July 19^th -  70 mph winds with an abundant rain fall took hold of us during a bike ride and a trip to the beach, we happened to find shelter after getting drenched in a nearby ice cream shack.   This is where Grandma took action and braved the excruciating conditions.  After Shelly's inner tube blew away during the horrendous storm, Grandma realized the threat of her grandkids inner tubes doing the same. As we all stood and watched in shock, she left the safe guard of the ice cream shack and raced through the 70 mph winds and buckets of rain, like a superhero she saved the kids inner tube out of the back of Papas truck.  We were in shock and the grandkids gave her a huge smile and am sure they said to themselves “that’s my grandma!” For this Grandma gets the award of BRAVERY.

For the next couple of hours the storms gave way to sunshine and good times, then night fall came.  This is where Shelly gets the award for SURVIVORLIST.  Shelly chose to sleep in a one women tent on Friday night away from the comfort of the rest of BIG FIRE CAMPERS.  We experienced another huge storm during the night, with gigantic lighting explosions in the sky, high winds and massive rainfall.  While the rest of us slept in sturdy shelters, Shelly braved the nasty conditions, with only polyester between her and an angry  mother nature.  The next morning we all awoke and she had survived and thought nothing of it.  Good job Shelly!

Other noteable memories and events:

PAPA was nearly taken out, knocked out cold! When a stray bean bag flying out of “J’s” hand, nearly as fast as the wind the day before, clobbered him in the face.  Papa was stunned for a few minutes trying to regain balance and feeling in his upper body.  Once he was cleared with a mild concussion that team of J and Papa rallied to beat the undefeated of Rick and Larry in cornhole. 

I would like to congratulate RECE for winning the fishing tournament on Saturday.  Papa (Head of the nature dept) Headed up this fishing tournament with the help of myself.  After a few minutes of  special instructions from Papa to stay close to each other, RECE took it upon himself to wander off to what he thought was the perfect spot.  Which was not close to the rest of us.  Only 10 minutes into the tournament the words, and I quote, “YEAH BABY” was heard through all of camp Dearborn and both Papa and myself could see 100 yards from us, RECE holding up a LARGE FISH (5 inches).  It was a chaotic few minutes as we ran to take pictures, and Brody raced to get the fish removal glove.  We all stood in amazement to watch Rece in his glory.  All of those trips to Papas pond where this future hall of famer fishing professional had spent numerous hours practicing his fishing skills, had finally paid off.  This was the only fish caught this day and when asked how he did it Rece said it was only two casts and I just waited.  I would like to thank Leah for doing a great job holding the worms and getting them out each time we needed one.  I would also like to acknowledge Brody for the two fish he caught during the practice round on Sunday.   Our next fishing tournament is scheduled for August 17^th in Lakeport. 

As the weekend went on our food supplies became low, we were dangerously low on the necessities of  bread and cookies. Shelly became ill (headache) and needed medical attention.  We have to thank the advances in technology and with a simple text message to other BIG FIRE CAMPER members (Aunt Marlene and Uncle Paul) they provided us with these items, and the medication that Shelly needed.  I would also like to acknowledge Jill for being 6 months pregnant during this camping trip and sleeping on a very small bed because we forgot Leah's bed rail.  This took extreme amounts of courage and showed her willingness to make myself and Leah comfortable during the nights.  Good Job Jill and thanks for updating us on the Tigers game!  One last official announcement:  Larry has been promoted to head chef of BIG FIRE CAMPERS, while Kim is still head of Nutrition. Larry will now be in charge, but with the help of others, in preparation and cooking our meals.  He did an excellent job this past weekend and even provided us with BBQ RIBS! 

As I interviewed the kids before we left on Sunday the highs were as followed:

Leah – Swimming / beach

Rece – Fishing and winning the fishing tournament. 

Brody – Riding my moms bike. 

Feel free to include your own highs and lows via email. 

Thanks

Rick

(BFC President)

     

Welcome Campers

Welcome Campers!

I would like to take this opportunity to officially introduce myself as BIG FIRE CAMPERS INC. club president.  I am looking forward to many great years of making memories during our camping excursions. I would like to provide just a little information on how we choose the name of our camping club and what it means, and last how we should use this name. 

1.      The name BIG FIRE CAMPERS INC. should be used in full in all official documentation, and during member meetings

2.     When referring to the club in casual conversations, signage, t-shirts etc.. we will just use the name BIG FIRE, or BIG FIRE CAMPERS

3.     We do have two official slogans that read: “Home is where we park it” and “Time well wasted..”

Either one of these can be used under the name BIG FIRE, or BIG FIRE CAMPERS for signs, t shirts etc..  Format should be as follows:  BIG FIRE, or BIG FIRE CAMPERS has to be on top with bold letters and the slogans would follow under our club name in smaller font. 

4.     BIG fire was chosen for several reasons.

A.     It came to me in the night after many hours of brain storming and thousands of texts from Dad (papa).  It actually woke me up during my deep sleep.  BIG FIRE! 

B.      The BIG FIRE is where we all gather as family and friends for coffee, tea, laughs, talks about the highs and lows.  (Even when we think our parents are sleeping)

C.     BIG FIRE is one of the highlights for the kids during the evening.  This is when they wind down for the night and have some special treats.

D.    The name BIG FIRE is strong, almost tribal like. 

Other members had some very good ideas for our club names, however I knew we needed something that would stand out, that was unique and simple at the same time. 

Who are the members of BIG FIRE CAMPERS INC.

All family members are automatically enrolled into BIG FIRE, this includes extended family members that may only come for a day visit.  Such as Uncle, Aunts, cousins, In-laws, Grandma’s, Grandpa’s, Friends that we call Aunts or Uncles, boyfriends, or girlfriends of family members.

Friends are welcome to join as long as all members agree, some may have go through and interview process depending on their past. 

 At this time I would like to introduce the members of the board

Rick Grezak – Club President

Larry Grezak – Camp planner (In charge of scheduling our camping trips)

Larry Grezak Sr. (PAPA) – Head of Fishery and Nature Department. ( He will also put the worms on the hooks and remove any fish caught from the hooks, or turtles)

Jeanette AKA “J” -  Head of finance

Chris Grezak – Camp counselor.  (these duties include but not limited to:  Making the kids happy (that’s what Grandmas do!) 

Jill Grezak – Activities planner, which also includes providing us with the tigers schedule so we listen it on the radio

**James Royer – Media design on the WORLD WIDE WEB.

**Kim Royer – Head Nutrition / secartary.  (Kim please proof read all my leters.  Thanks….

** These members are currently part of our BIG FIRE CAMPERS chapter in Florida, however may be joining us in the future.

Up coming events:  Camp Dearborn, July 19^th – 21^st.    Feel free to make signs for this camping event with our new club name.  T-shirts will be given out on this trip. 

Thank you

Rick Grezak

BIG FIRE CAMPERS INC.