Miss FCRV 2014 Rebecca Coniglio and 2015 Internaonal Reree

Miss FCRV 2014 Rebecca Coniglio and 2015 Interna onal Re ree King
and Queen Emil & Millie Pauwells cut the ribbon for opening of
Campven on 2015 ….more on Campven on beginning on p. 4
FCRV has a new Miss FCRV and Teen King. Meet them on p. 8
National Citation and Plaque winners announced on p. 9
Check out the Adult Game Winners on p. 12
IN MEMORy of
Richard ‘Pork’ DeCabooter
Past Na onal President
Floyd ‘Red’ Denton
Entertainer and ambassador for
NCHA / FCRV
page 20
2016 Retiree Rally
Retiree Rally will be held in a new place. Find the preview here.
page 21
2015 Travalong
Explored some of the Oregon Trail
Is a special RV driver’s license required in your state or province?
page 23
Micki Luensman tells you how to find out.
DEPARTMENT
From the President
3
Farewells
29
D.A.S.A.T.
24
Upcoming Events
30
Products
26
NATIONAL OFFICERs
President: Dave Ludwig
Comptroller: Vodean Benham
Vice President of Operations: Shari Weber
Corresp. & Recording Officer:
Vice President of Programs: George Walters
Sue Carlson
Vice President of Planning & Development:
Scott Serbousek
Past President: Jack Smye
Camping Today
Here it is August already. Campvention 2015, held in Gillette, Wyoming,
is now in our memories. Thanks again
to Region 1 for hosting an outstanding
event. We had almost 500 units for a
week of fun, fellowship, entertainment,
and enjoyment. Congratulations to
Megan Douglas of Ontario, who was
crowned Miss FCRV 2015 at Campvention. Congratulations also to Ryan Thompson of Colorado, who
was crowned Teen King for 2015. We also had another very successful Family Fun Day. We had some
interactive games for the kids, and the teens had a
hamburger and hot dog lunch where they raised money to donate to the scholarship fund, as well as to take
themselves on a well-deserved fun outing. It was a
great time for us to gather and mingle as one big family and enjoy some great fellowship.
As I have said many times, our organization continues to lose membership. Over the past year we
have seen our membership drop by a net of two hundred members. The decrease in revenue resulting
from the loss of members, in addition to increased
fixed costs such as postage and printing, make the
task of creating a workable budget very difficult for
the Trustees each spring. This year we made the decision that a dues increase could no longer be avoided. Our last dues increase was in 2008, and we have
been fortunate to be able to manage the budgeting
process since then without having to ask you the
members for an increase. But we feel that it is now
time to take that step. On January 1st, 2016, the annual rate for dues in the United States will go up to $35.
We have not yet determined the multi-year discount
rates nor have we set the Canadian rates. We will
wait until this fall to see what the exchange rate is
doing before making those decisions.
Next spring we will have Trustee elections for the
positions of President, Vice President of Programs,
and Recording/Corresponding Officer. A nominating
committee has already been formed to find candidates
for those offices. If you would like to run, or know
someone who would, please contact your state/
provincial director and they can direct you to a member of that committee.
Membership continues to be an area of concern.
As I have stated many times, we continue to lose
3
August 2015
members month over month. Gaining new members
through events such as RV shows provides an occasional boost, but the challenge is retaining those
members past their first year of membership. We are
also renewing the Cadet Membership program for
another year. This is an excellent recruiting tool that
introduces a potential member to our organization in
a try-it-before-you-buy-it scenario. And with the approximate 50% conversion rate of Cadet memberships to full memberships, it remains one of our most
effective recruitment tools.
Don’t forget to put our National Rallies on your
calendars for next year. The Retiree Rally will be
March 15th thru 21st, 2016 in Houma, Louisiana. This
is a new location for us, and offers all the Louisiana
hospitality you can handle as well as proximity to
New Orleans to definitely “Let The Good Times
Roll”. Region 2 is planning a great Campvention for
us in Shawnee, Oklahoma next July 25th thru 29th.
This is also a new location for us, and offers many
interesting sights and activities for you to “Get Your
Kicks on Route 66”. And of course, all the normal
great activities that Campvention has to offer. I am
looking forward to another great gathering of the
FCRV family.
Until next time…..
Dave
DUES INCREASE
Dues will increase to $35 (US) beginning January
1st, 2016. Multi-year discount rates have not been
figured nor have Canadian rates been set. This fall
we will see what the exchange rate is doing before
making a decision.
The Little League Championships are the
week following the Northeast Regional. You
can stay over at the fairgrounds for $24 / night.
Camping Today
4
August 2015
By DeWayne Johnston - Photos by DeWayne Johnston & Barb Turner
477 FAMILIES TURN OUT FOR FCRV’S 2015 CAMPVENTION
‘Wagons West’ was the theme for the Family
Campers & RVers 55th annual Campvention July 610 at Camplex in Gillette, Wyoming and more wagons than usual showed up. There were 477 units on
the ground and with camp and day passes a total of
1029 people attended. Colorado had 371 units and
there were 276 first timers. Hosts were the states of
the Far West Region - AZ, CA, CO, HI, NM, UT, and
WY. Sunday was an early day, however church was
held in the morning and the Gospel Trail Singers entertained in the evening. FCRV’s Executive board
met Sunday afternoon.
Opening ceremonies began promptly
at 8 a.m. Monday
with posting of the
colors by the Campbell County Sherriff’s
Department
and the National Canadian and U.S. Anthems by Kenna
Rose, former Miss
Campbell County Sherriff's men
Wyoming.
Welposted the colors
comes were given by
MC, Jim Moravec, Campvention Chairman, Loana
Schroeder, Barbara Stugart, Camplex Events Manager, Louise Carter-King, Mayor of Gillette and Dave
Ludwig, FCRV President. Introduced were past FCRV Presidents in attendance - Juanita
Woolworth (Don), Jim and
Barb Turner, Ray and Jewell
Shields, and Denny Campbell.
Shari Weber presented a certificate to Barbara Stugart making
Camplex an honorary FCRV
member. The ribbon was cut by
Miss FCRV Rebecca Coniglio
and FCRV Retiree King and
Queen Emil and Millie Pauwells.
Kids enjoyed the inflatable
Later Monday morning
slide at Family Fun Day
Family Fun Day
got
underway
with giant inflatables - slides,
soccer, football,
and basketball,
bean bag toss,
volley ball, a
photo booth, and
magician. The
teens served a hot Prizes were won for throwing skills.
Trustees refereed.
dog and hamburger lunch to lots of
people who enjoyed the open air picnic tables. The
grill was supplied by Dave Gorson’s Express Lube.
Some money from the games was donated in memory
of Bob Price to the St Charles Lutheran High School
Association Charity .
Monday evening’s program was enjoyed by a
packed house as Tamra Hayden, a Broadway veteran
and Colorado native took the audience on what she
described as a roller coaster ride of several types of
music. She sang numbers from Broadway shows,
blues, pop, country some with orchestra background,
others just with guitar. The audience joined in on sing
-alongs like “Country Roads” and “Rocky Mountain
High.” They also felt the emotion on songs like “I
Dreamed a Dream.” She was in powerful voice and
brought meaning to each song which earned her a
well deserved standing ovation. The evening was
capped with a hospitality by Missouri.
There was plenty to do each day for all age groups
including 26 seminars on everything from fitness to
first aid. Youth had a seminar on computer safety,
photo keepsake project, bouncing castle, pizza party
and movie, K9 drug detection demo, ‘drive-in’ movie, line dance class, stranger danger seminar, top secret parade practice & costumes, and FCRV parade.
Teens had movie night, computer safety seminar,
Home Depot craft project, roping demo, stick horse
barrel racing, water park slide and swimming, line
dancing, pet first aid, softball, volleyball, teens vs
adults softball, plus all the teen queen & king pageant
Camping Today
activities. Teens served refreshments at the Friday
evening program and wrapped up their week with a
pizza party sponsored by Colorado. Adults had a center for relaxing and cards, daily biking and hiking,
Bible study, a.m. coffee and donuts, crafts, jam sessions, chapter project sales, wildlife silent auction,
red hat and cowboy hat lunches, door prizes, golf
scramble,
horse
shoes,
washer
toss, and
ladder
golf , the
commercial area
and much
more.
Commercial area had 23 vendors. YARS,
Full
Timers,
First
Timers and Ambassador Club had meetings. 23 vendors were on hand including Kitchen Craft, Water
Flow, Autumn Ventures, Road Mate DVR, Memory
Lane Clocks, Beanie Haven Clothing, Watkins Products, RV101 Products, Oh Wow Fudge etc., Organo
Gold Coffee, Marie’s Specialty Fashions, Karen’s
Embroidery & Badges, Hutch’s Hobby Wood, Originals by Becky, Scenty Candles, Styria Bakery, Silly
Life T-shirts, It Works Wellness, Norwex Cleaning
Products, Soda-Licious, Ace Windshield Repair,
Black Hills PRO Wash, and Sunrise Bedding. Each
family received $10 in vendor bucks to spend. There
were also food and ice cream vendors.
Tours were a popular activity with the coal mine
and power plant being sold out. Other well attended
trips were Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse museum and the Durham Bison Ranch with chuck wagon
lunch. Less in demand were Devil’s Tower and Deadwood.
Tuesday morning’s first big event was the 29 entry
pet parade with perfect weather. At noon the ladies
Red Hat lunch was held. Mayor Louise Carter-King
talked about growing up in Gillette and a Tourist Bureau Representative talked about Wyoming firsts and
its 125th anniversary. Entertainment was a synchronized swimming skit, shark and all, by the Colorado
Golden Nuggets Chapter. Michigan hosted an afternoon hospitality. The evening program began with
FCRV awards. Teen Director, Jane Alft presented the
Hank Nathan Good Will Award to the Michigan State
Teen Association for their fund raising efforts for a
homeless shelter, a food pantry, and a women’s shelter. President, Dave Ludwig and VP of Operations
5
August 2015
Shari Weber presented the Humanitarian Award to
Wanda Parkhouse, CO. A certificate for ‘Above and
Beyond’ service went to Marv and Mary Houhska,
SD, and Plaques for Outstanding Service were presented to Mary Lehnerd, PA and Richard and Vera
Randall, NY. The Randalls were unable to attend, but
witnessed the presentation via internet.
Prior to the entertainment MC, Jim Moravec announced that John Mueler, NE won the Dutch Oven
Desert contest. He also recognized J.R Fullmer , Terry Teetor, and the Colorado Gypsies Chapter for the
creative stage decoration with silhouettes of cowboys
and pioneers in a Western setting. Las Vegas entertainer, Charles King and his 5 piece band did a two
part show with part one featuring impressions of
Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Frank Sinatra, Bobby
Darin, and Nat King Cole. He noted that Dean Martin’s drinking was an act and his glass on stage contained apple juice. Part two was his Elvis show. In a
white, beaded jump suit reminiscent of Elvis in his
later years, he did a variety of songs and signature
moves. He dedicated “Amazing Grace” to Loana
Schraeder and “My Way” to Jim Moravec then ended
his show with “American Trilogy” dedicated to veterans. Iowa offered hospitality.
Wednesday featured sports completion, site decoration judging, and the Ambassador Club
((membership recruiting) Luncheon, and Conservation, C.A.M.P. (hiking, etc.), Newsletter, Scrapbook
and Photobook, Camping Is posters, and Wildlife
awards. FCRV Teen Queen and King Candidates
were busy all day with the Queen’s Tea, judges interviews, afternoon talent competition, and evening pageant. Crowned as Miss FCRV 2015 was Megan
Douglas, 19, of Ontario, Canada, also named Miss
Congeniality. First Runner-up was Beth O’Neal, 17,
of Illinois and Second Runner-up was Lauren Pallas,
19, of Michigan, Miss Talent was Melanie Valderrabano, 16, of Nebraska. Trading his cowboy hat for a
crown was FCRV Teen King 2015, Ryan Thompson,
19, of Colorado. He was also named Mr. Skill. First
Runner-up was Peter Kurburski, 14, of Michigan, also named Mr. Personality. Third Runner-up was Anthony Tennyson, 18, of Kansas.
Prior to the Pageant, the FCRV Band put on a 40
minute concert. Sounding better the ever. The 16
member group of all ages led the audience in singing
along with the FCRV song. Band leader, Craig Weber
and trumpet player, George Walters did a duet on
“Streets of Loredo.
Thursday was a day for chapter project sales, teen
softball, and the cowboy lunch. The guys heard from
Frank Bihn that Gillette surface mines supply 40 % of
Camping Today
the nation’s coal. It has less BTUs but burns cleaner
and is often mixed with coal from other places. The
Golden Nuggets Chapter, CO served the meal and
provided lots of door prizes.
In the afternoon, the FCRV annual meeting was
held. Comptroller, Vodean Benham reported a balance of $2,349 above expenses as of May 30. President, Dave Ludwig announced that the cost of doing
business has been increasing and revenues are shrinking. The Trustees approved a dues increase of $5
starting In January 2016. U.S. dues will be $35. Canadian dues will be adjusted later, depending on the
exchange rate. The successful Cadet program offering
a ‘try it before you buy it’ membership for 6 months
is still in effect. Past President, Jack Smye installed
Comptroller, Vodean Benham , Vice President of
Planning and Development, Scott Serbousek, and
Vice president of Operations, Shari Weber for a two
year term. President Ludwig read a letter from Commercial Director, Marti Price thanking the organization for its support following the recent death of her
husband and past FCRV Vice President, Bob Price.
Debbie Ludwig, 2016 Campvention Chairman invited
everyone to “Get Your Kicks on Rt. 66” July 24 – 29
in Shawnee, Oklahoma. There are 361 fifty amp full
hookup sites, another 108 with water and 50 amp and
236 with 30 amp. Pre-register by 12/31/15 for a free
registration drawing. Watch Camping Today and the
website for information. Campvention 2017 is in Lima, Ohio July 10-17 chaired by Linda and Dave
Hennie. 2015 Campvention Chairman thanked her Co
-chairmen, Bill and JoAnn Eckman, Host Team Leaders and 55 Committee Chairmen. Each will get a certificate of appreciation.
A number of awards were presented. 11 year old
Luke Kurburski of Harbor Springs Michigan received
the Youth of the Year award. Chapter of the Year
went to the Tri County Travellers of Ontario, Canada.
Sue Fromholzer, FCRV Office Manager who is retiring next year was given a Devoted Service plaque. A
President’s Award went to Ron and Barbara Wright
of New York for stepping up at the last minute to
head the 2014 Campvention after the death of the
chairman. The Membership Growth Award went to
Missouri and State Directors, Dallas and Barbara
Dodson. A new young adult chapter in Indiana, the
Campfire Agitators, was chartered.
Following the general meeting, the required Scholarship, Inc. meeting was held. FCRV will award 12
scholarships in 2015 totalling $14,500 from interest
earned on the Scholarship Fund. (See separate article).
Before Thursday evening’s entertainment, Adult
6
August 2015
Sports awards were presented by Karen Snodgrass
((see separate article) and the winners of the site decorating contest were announced by Geneseo, IL
Campground owners, Craig and Shari Weber. Best of
show was Mike and Mar Croxton and grandchildren,
Gateway Chapter, MO. (See separate article). Many
of the 48 entries were on display in the auditorium
on Thursday.
Comedy and music filled Spirit Hall with joy and
laughter when Tupelo and Janey Wing Kenyon
known as ‘Laughing Bird’ took the stage. They
played several instruments on their original songs and
joked in between. In a hilarious rendition of “She’s
Got You”, Janey kept pulling items mentioned in the
song and others out of her specially designed gown,
each one growing in size from serving spoons to fishing poles and golf clubs. Their show can be described by the old saying, “A good time was had by
all.” Ontario hosted hospitality.
Friday was a perfect morning for the FCRV on
grounds parade – slightly cloudy and not too warm.
There were 24 units and the Parade Stealer was #17,
Christmas in Gillette by Aurora, Colorado. The President’s award went to #12, North Dakota (separate article).
Friday evening began with door prizes, sasparilla
and popcorn as Colorado hospitality became part of
the ‘dance hall’ setting with tables around an open
floor. James and Priscilla Paul of Mandan, ND won
the $500 Adventure Caravans prize. Donations were
presented by the teens from the family fun day lunch
- $300 to Climb Wyoming, a training program for
unemployed mothers and $300 to the FCRV Scholarship Fund. The food bank collection went to the
Council of Community Service (no amount given)
and $659.75 from aluminum tabs was given to two
Denver Ronald McDonald houses. The parade awards
were presented (separate article). Some of the 2015
teen court entertained. Melanie Valderrabano sang
and danced ‘Jet Set’, Beth O’Neal played ‘Amazing
Grace’ on the violin, Peter Kurburski, Anthony Tennyson and Beth O’Neal did the ’Chicken Dance’, Megan Douglas did a monologue, ‘The Crickets Have
Arthritis’, and Ryan Thompson sang ‘I Can Take it
From Here’. A new tradition was established as this
year’s chairman, Loana Schroeder passed the torch to
next year’s Chairman in Oklahoma, Debbie Ludwig.
The flags were retired and President Dave Ludwig
declared the 2015 Campvention closed. MC, Jim Moravec thanked everyone for coming and wished them
safe travels before he introduced Colorado Storm who
got the ‘hoe-down’ and line dancing started.
Camping Today
The Campvention Committee was very pleased
with the attendance which was higher than the last
few years. They were also happy with the excellent
cooperation from the Camplex facility. First Timers
at the follow-up meeting Friday had a few suggestions but were pleased with the variety of tours and
seminars and were impressed with the volunteers who
did the various jobs including parking. Some said
there was so much to do they couldn’t fit it all in,
which means Campvention was a success.
2015 TEEN
ROYALTY PAGEANT
Teen Queen and
King contestants don’t
have
it
easy
at
Campvention.
They
have several long rehearsals, attend general
teen activities, and
have a very full pageant day. It starts with
the tea where they are
introduced to dignitaries, interviews with
Miss FCRV, Megan Douglas, ON with the judges, afternoon
talent presentations,
Teen King, Tyan, Thompson, CO
and the nerve wracking segments of the evening pageant itself. It began
with a group dance routine to “Paint Your Wagon.”
This year’s contestants were joined by members of
the 2014 court in attendance – Miss FCRV, Rebecca
Coniglio, 1st Runner-up, Emily Kurburski, and 2nd
Runner-up, Mercedes Tennyson.
The 3 judges, Shari Merchant, Kathy Williams,
and Noah Williams, all with backgrounds in business,
education or the arts, were introduced and round 1
began. Each contestant read a prepared 2 minute essay on either global warming and the media, life experience vs education, or role models. After all 10 (7
girls, 3 boys) read, the judges left to do scoring and
the 3 members of the 2014 court came out for intro-
7
August 2015
ductions for one last walk in evening gowns. Miss
Talent 2013, Erin Martone Sang “Fight Song” and
“Free Fallin.”
Round 2 featured the contestants in formal wear.
Each modeled their evening gown or suit with a stage
walk. Scores from the afternoon talent and skills
were already tallied. The girls did songs, dances, instruments and monologues while the boys faced a different challenge. They were told they were on a survival tv show and stuck on a desert island. Each was
given a small box and several items such as bandaids, candy bars, tooth paste, sun glasses, matches,
rope, knife, etc. and asked to fit as much into the box
as possible and explain their item choices in under 3
minutes. As the judges scored round 2, entertainment
was provided by Rebecca Coniglio who did an interpretive dance to “Welcome to your Life” followed by
a brief intermission.
Upon their return, the judges had results for the
top 3 queen and king finalists: Megan, Beth, and Lauren, and Peter, Anthony, and Ryan. Each had to answer the question posed by MC, Jim Moravec, “How
do you feel that being a contestant in the FCRV Pageant will benefit you in your life?” They could not
hear each other’s answers. With the final scoring to
do, the judges left and the audience was entertained
by Mercedes Tennyson, last year’s Miss Talent. Her
specialty is dancing, but she had a broken foot so she
opted to tell the humorous story of how she broke her
foot and played it to her advantage. Emily Kurburski
did a Scottish dance and Erin Martone sang. There
was still time to fill so Pageant Chairman, Tamra
Hayden also sang. Just prior to the final results, Miss
FCRV 2014, Rebecca Coniglio of Florida took her
final walk and thanked all those who welcomed and
supported her throughout her year, especially her parents. 2014 Teen King, Fletcher Shaneyfelt could not
attend due to school commitments but he did send a
video farewell which was shown in the auditorium.
Each candidate was asked to come out and introduce themselves and say where they were from. Then
it was time for ‘The Envelope.’ The
title of Miss Congeniality went to Megan Douglas of Ontario. Melanie Valderrabano of Nebraska was selected
as Miss Talent. Her talent was singing / dancing. Peter Kurburski of
Michigan was chosen as Mr. Personality and Ryan Thompson of Colorado
won the Mr. Skills title. The 2nd runner-up for Miss FCRV 2015 was Lauren Pallas, 19, daughter of Paul and
Theresa Pallas of Michigan, members of the Tip of
Camping Today
the Mitt Chapter. Her talent was drumming.
The 1st Runnerup was Beth O’Neal,
17, daughter of
Mike and Rhonda
O’neal members of
the Alf Campers,
Illinois. Her talent
was violin. Crowned
MISS FCRV 2015
was Megan Douglas, 19 , daughter of Lorne and Mabel Douglas, members of the Sarnia T’s Chapter, Ontario, Canada. Her talent was a monologue. 2nd Runner-up in the
Teen King contest
was Anthony Tennyson, 18, son of
Thomas and Kricia Tennyson and
Becky and John
Davis, members
of
MAL and
Kankoliners Chapters, Kansas. 1st Runner-up was Peter Kurburski, 14, son of Anne and Foster Kurburski,
members of the Traverse Bay Travellers, Michigan.
Crowned FCRV TEEN KING 2015 was Ryan
Thompson, 19, son of Carrie Tolzien, member of the
Star Gazers Chapter, Colorado.
Also in this year’s pageant were Taia Bowen, 16,
Connecticut, Aly Coniglio, 16, Florida, and Alyssa
Salazar, 16, Colorado.
Escorts were Nicholas Kyte, Joshua Kyte, Shayne
Pallas, Blaine Kuhnert, Mark Salazar, Forrest Tennyson, Carrie Tolzien, and Katie Kurburski.
To wrap up the evening, MC, Jim Moravec
thanked Pageant Chairman, Tamra Hayden and her
assistants as well as the stage crew for a job well
done.
Miss FCRV 2015
Megan Douglas, 19 from Petrolia, Ontario, Canada is Miss FCV for 2015. She is the daughter of
Lorne and Mabel Douglas members of the Sarnia
4T’s Chapter. Megan has two brothers, 27 and 34.
She has been camping with her family all of her life
and describes herself as an outdoor girl. Her grandparents, Alice and David Mumby also camp. She is a
member of National Honor Society and has won the
Caruthers Foundation Youth award, and the Vimmy
Ridge Pilgrimage award. Vimmy Ridge in France is
an important WWI battle sight for Canada. Megan is
interested in WWI & WWII history and keeps up
8
August 2015
with Veterans affairs.
She loves acting, directing, and writing for the
stage. She has taken dance and
vocal training and participates in
community theater. She is in her
second year at Carlton University
in Ottowa. She has an interesting
part time job as a cast member
for the “Rocky Horror Picture
Show”. She collects playbills and
Broadway show albums. She has
numerous recorded versions of
“South Pacific”. She also collects
nut crackers and pressed pennies
to document her travels. Her favorite singers are Barbara Streisand, Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, and
Bing Crosby.
She is majoring in criminology and would like to
be a behavioral analyst for the ICIA. She would also
like to host Saturday Night Live.
Teen King 2015
Ryan Thompson, 19 from Elizabeth, Colorado is
FCRV Teen King for 2015. He is the son of Carrie
Tolzien, member of the Stargazers Chapter. He recently graduated from Elizabeth High School where he
played tenor saxophone in the
concert and jazz bands and
won
honors
competition
twice. He also loves singing,
especially country. He was in
Boy Scouts for seven years
and his troop built and slept in
an igloo on top of Pikes Peak.
He was also District Pinewood
Derby Champion.
His hobbies include roller
skating, snow boarding, paintball, hiking and horseback riding. He has adopted a rescue horse that he is
rehabilitating and training. He plans to attend Northeastern Junior College and hopes someday to own an
Appaloosa horse ranch and train, breed, and compete
with Appalossas as well as have a section for rescue
horses.
Camping Today
9
August 2015
2015 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
Marv & Gerri
Huschka of Bismark
ND received a citation
this year. They have
been members since
1989. The Huschkas
belong to the Rough
Riders chapter and have
served the chapter in all
officer positions as well
By Carl & Linda Wood
Matthew Barney, Torrington, CT
(Schu Memorial)
Rebecca Coniglio, Spring Hill, FL
Megan Douglas, Petrolia, ON
Arlan Harrington, East Hampton, CT
Clay Holden, Tulsa, OK
Elizabeth Kurburski., Harbor Springs, MI
Taylor McClelland, Lansing, MI
Samantha Nolan, Kitchener, ON
Alyssa Robb, Louisville, KY
Kaitlyn Roy, Kitchener, ON
Paige Skillett, Lincoln, NE
Stefano Sokolic, Halifax, NS
$2,000
$1,000
$1,000
$1,000
$1,000
$1,500
$1,500
$1,000
$1,000
$1,500
$1,000
$1,000
$14,500 distributed. 30 application requests mailed,
22 completed and turned over to Scholarship Management Services.
National Awards
By Shari Weber
PLAQUES AND CITATIONS The national citation is the second to the highest award given by the
organization. Citations are awarded to member individuals or families who have contributed beyond the
normal call of duty to members or chapters in their
area of responsibility. The National Plaque is the
highest award given by the organization. Plaques are
awarded only to member individuals or families who
have contributed outstanding service to Family
Campers. A maximum of 5 plaques can be give per
year.
Thanks to the award committee for their work in
selecting our award recipients. The committee is
formed by the Vice President - Operations and is approved by the Trustees. The committee has a previous plaque recipient, and executive board member
and a field staff member. These must come from different regions and the regions rotate each year. This
year’s committee were: Region 2, Field Staff member
Barb & Dal Dodson from Missouri, Region 4, Executive Board member and Chair, Marilyn Rausch from
Indiana, Region 5, previous plaque recipient, Bob &
Donna Herget from New York. Here is a brief description of award recipients. Please go to fcrv.org to
see their full nominations.
We have one citation recipient this year
as other activities.
The Huschkas are strong leaders in the North/
South Dakota state association. Active at many of the
state functions as well as providing leadership in
many different ways. They regularly attend campvention and offer their talents where needed.
Marv & Gerri round out their busy schedule with
civic and church activities.
There
are
two
plaque
recipients.
Mary Lehnerd of Saxonburg PA received a
plaque this year. She has been a member since 1972.
Mary belongs to the Moraine
Blazing Stars chapter. She and
her husband Ed (deceased)
served their chapter in many
ways. Additionally, Mary &
Ed were members of the Kentucky Colonel chapter attending
28 campouts over the years.
They chaired the food bank collection for 14 years.
Mary has served her state
and region in putting on campouts. She and her husband chaired registration for
many state and regional campouts. Mary has attended 38 campventions and 18 retiree rallies. For each
of these she volunteered her services. Mary, along
with Ed have served since 2004 as National Conservation Directors.
Mary & Ed promoted camping within their community and used their yard to sell RVs. They raised 7
children all of whom became members of FCRV.
Richard
and
Vera Randall of
Springville New York
joined NCHA/FCRV
on January 10, 1963
when the Fiddler's
green chapter was
formed. Go From
Camping Today
there right into Leadership, Achievements, National
Service, National achievements, and Community involvement. Leave off Special Recognition paragraph
at the end.
. They belong to Fiddler’s Green chapter serving the
chapter in many capacities. They have been field directors for 30 years.
Dick & Vera have attended many campventions
giving their help as needed both within their region
and outside. They have even helped the national office in getting supplies and materials to campvention.
The Randalls have served locally in helping shut
ins as well as providing adopt a highway services.
They received recognition from the state of New
York for their work in the adopt a highway program.
When asked to do something they are the first to volunteer and they are the oldest couple in New York
still camping with FCRV. They represent this organization proudly with all of their volunteer 'hats.'
HUMANITARIAN AWARD is given to an individual who has made a difference in people’s quality of
life.
Wanda Parkhouse received the Humanitarian
Award. Wanda Parkhouse
was on the national team.
Wanda has worked many
years as a volunteer for the
American Red Cross going
anywhere services are needed. She provides leadership
and education in emergency
preparedness. Wanda needed
to provide end of life assistance for a family member and was unable to receive
her award in person at campvention.
CHAPTER OF THE YEAR is used to recognize
chapters who participate in the programs of FCRV
and work on promoting and recruiting.
Tri-County Travelers from Ontario are our chapter of the year. There are 27 families in this chapter
that was chartered in 1969. They participated in all
FCRV programs except historian. Seventy five per-
10
August 2015
cent of the chapter have FCRV logos on their rigs.
Using the Cadet program they recruited 8 new members. This chapter also contributes in many ways to
their local community.
Ron & Barbara Wright were given a PRESIDENT’S AWARD for their work in picking up the
leadership
for
campvention
2014
about three weeks
before the start of
that
campvention.
They did an amazing
job of keeping the
team positive and
putting on a great campvention.
Sue Fromholzer our office manager was recognized
for her 30 years of employment with FCRV. She
joined the office staff in October of 1984.
2015 YOUTH OF THE YEAR
FCRV’s 2015 Youth of the Year
is 11 year old Luke Kurburski, son of
Anne and Foster Kurburski of Harbor
Springs, Michigan. Luke had a busy
year - Jan. Chapter winter gettogether, Feb. State spring meeting,
Apr. Camping with chapter, May
State spring campout, June District
Mixer, July Vermont Campvention,
Aug. 2 weekends chapter campouts, Sept. Local
chapter charity auction, State fall campout, Oct. State
October Fest, Nov. State fall meeting, Dec. Chapter
Christmas party.
FCRV activities include conservation and camping is posters, Campvention youth activities, MI
Prince and Teenie King performances on stage at CV
and state. Luke was also student of the month, attends
monthly classmate get-togethers, is involved in
Grange, 4-H, Boy Scouts and Highland dance.
Camping Today
11
2015 SITE DECORATING
CONTEST
Bill & Linda Snyder
There were 48 entries in the CampventionSite Decorating contest sponsored by Geneseo Campground
in Geneseo, Illinois. The theme was ‘Bring a Jackalope to Wyoming’. First place winners received $25.
Were Camplex employees, Mark Smith and Alyssa
Torres.
BIGGEST 1st Geoffrey & Rebecca Starks, Tip of the
Mitt, MI
nd
2 Pikes Peak Rainbows, CO
3rd Rich Price, Rocky Explorers, CO
BEST DRESSED 1st The Trailblazers, C0
2nd Pat Buschauer, Rocky Mt,.
Revellers, Co
3rd Michelle Tenna & Jan Teetor,
The gypsies, CO
FUNNIEST 1st Pikes peak rainbows, CO
2nd Ute Bobcats, CO
3rd Pat Heath, Campfire Coyotes, CO
BEST OF SHOW – Mike and Mar Croxton and
grandchildren, Slow travelers,
Chapters Getaway, MO
BIGGEST
August 2015
TEEN SPORTS
By Ed & Angie Shaneyfelt
Winning Teen Softball players/Team
name: NTB (Never Trust Beth)
Blaine Kuhnert, Beth O'Neal, Katie Kurburski, Trevor Scott, Ryan Thompson, Melanie Valderraloamo,
Emily Kurburski, Nick Kyte, Peter Kurburski, Adam
Fuaua, Anthony Tennyson, Josh Kyte, Garrett Kanya,
Tara Mueller, Michael Harris, Tyler Sparks, Crystal
Page and Megan Douglas.
Teen Volleyball: We had 3 teams
BEST DRESSED
Team 1: Tyler Sparks, Hailey R, Blaine Kuhnert,
Melanie Valderraloamo, Tara Mueller, Peter Kurburski, Megan Pallas, Virginia Starks
FUNNIEST
BEST OF SHOW
Team 2: Anthony Tennyson, Broc Mueller, Nick
Kyte, Ellie K, Beth O'Neal, Katie Kurburski, Shayne
Pallas, Acacia Pallas
Team 3: Steven Sencchek, Josh Kyte, Ryan Thompson, Emily Kurburski, Sierra Woolworth, Lauren Pallas
Team 3 took 1st place, with teams 1 & 2 finishing
2nd.
Camping Today
12
August 2015
and Going Dutch, & Velma Willis, Goin Dutch,
UT
(Won by default) WASHER TOSS
Total Participants: 34
Men’s Singles:
The adults that played softball against the teens
ended up letting the teens win this year. To any teen
reading this, please forward all comments to Ed
Shaneyfelt.
The adults that should have won this years softball
were:
Larry Heinle, Jerry Voegele, Scott Semper, Ed
Shaneyfelt, Angie Shaneyfelt, Paige Shaneyfelt,
Hugh Hicks, Ed Alft, Lou Coniglio, Scott Serbousek
& Jill Serbousek. Also helping the adults were Anthony Tennyson & Tara Mueller.
Also a special thanks to Rich Roberts for Umpiring
the teens games.
Ed & Angie Shaneyfelt
Teen Sport Directors
ADULT GAMES WINNERS
HORSE SHOES
Total Participants: 15
Men’s Singles:
 1st Place: Dale Wagner, Berwick Trail Blazers,
State: PA
 2nd Place: Mark Hunsaker, Goin Dutch, UT
Women’s Singles:
 1st Place: Carrie Tolzien, Star Gazers, CO
 2nd Place: Velma Willis, Campfire Cruisers, UT
Men’s Doubles:
 1st Place: Mike Hawkins & Anthony Demarest,
Technically Roughing It (TRI), CO
 2nd Place: Wayne Rosenberger, Wandering Canadians, Ontario Canada, and Dave Watkins, Star
Chasers, CO
Mixed Doubles:
 Mark Hunsaker Member of Campfire Cruisers
 1st Place: Jerry Zimmerman, Happy Wonders, CT
 2nd Place: Paul Apland, Pikes Peak Rainbows,
CO
Women’s Singles:
 1st Place: Rhonda O’Neal, ALFS, IL
 2nd Place: Evelyn King, Star Chasers, CO
Mixed Doubles:
 1st Place: Jerry Zimmerman, Happy Wonders, CT
& Jan Friedrichs, Star Chasers, CO
 2nd Place: Mark Hunsaker and Gayle Rider, Going Dutch, UT
LADDER GOLF
Total Participants: 52
Men’s Singles:
 1st Place: Mark Hunsaker, Campfire Cruisers, UT
 2nd Place: Chuck Mielke, Pikes Peak Rainbows,
CO
Women’s Singles:
 1st Place: Karen Snodgrass, Jokers Wild, OH
 2nd Place: Gayle Rider, Goin Dutch, UT
Mixed Doubles:
 1st Place: Bill Bacon & Joyce Hunsaker, Goin
Dutch, UT
 2nd Place: Mike & Rhonda O’Neal, ALFS, IL
1st place
Women’s Singles
Washer Toss
Rhonda O’Neal
Camping Today
2nd - Utah FCRV Beehive Buzzin's, Mark Hunsaker,
editor
Chapter Newsletters:
1st - Eager Beavers Beavertails Newsletter, MI,
Jeannie Woods, editor+
nd
2 - Star Gazers' Gazette, CO, Pam McCuskey,
editor
Many states and Provinces have their newsletters
on line at the FCRV website.
13
August 2015
Heartland Region
 Individual Award -- Don Huffman of Kansas
41 miles
 Chapter Award – Sunchasers of Kansas
186 and 1/2 hour
South Central West Region
 Individual Award -- Marti Price of Missouri
28 miles
 Chapter Award -- Slow Travelers of Missouri
84.5 miles
Far West Region
 Individual Award -- Ron Wright of Colorado
71.2 miles
 Chapter Award -- Colorado Eagles of Colorado
330 miles
2015 PET PARADE
CAMPERS ACTIVELY MOVING
PROGRAM
AWARDS FOR 2014-2015
Eastern Canada Region
 Individual Award -- Diane Harris of Ontario
11 miles total
Tied with Don Harris of Ontario
11 miles total
 Chapter Award -- Meandering Mohawks of Ontario 40 miles total
North East Region
 Individual Award -- Donna Dains of Connecticut 36.5 miles and 2 hours
 Chapter Award -- Happy Wanderers of Connecticut
257 miles and 73.25 hours
South East Region
 Individual Award -- Jerry Hoke of North Carolina 20 miles
 Chapter Award -- Traveling Tarheels of North
Carolina 51miles
Great Lakes Region
 Individual Award -- Pete Luensmann of Illinois
160.52 miles and 1 hour
 Chapter Award -- Alf Campers of Illinois
795.7 miles and 7 hours
BIGGEST
 1st #6 Lucky & Robert Desrosiers
 2nd #12 Teddy Bosco & Rick W.
 3rd #11 Zeus & Ethan Sparks
SMALLEST
 1st #17 Sweet Pea & Linda Gonzales
 2nd #22 Rebel & Monte Hudson
 3rd $3 Sally & Ron & Susan Frindt
THEME COSTUME
 1st #20 Cocoa & Brian & Cassie Coniglio
 2nd #15 Carlie & Janet Kanyak
 3rd Buffalos Group & Sherry McGuire
MOST UNIQUE
 1st #21 Jessie & Shelby Prascher, Janice Feikert
 2nd #18 Misty & Jerri Harper
 3rd #9 Licorice & Shirley McGuire
Camping Today
14
2015 Campvention Golf Results
Total golfers
Long Drive
Ed Shaneyfelt
1st
Ed Shaneyfelt
Scott Serbousek
Scott Semper
Paige Shaneyfelt
26
Closest to the pin
Abe Williams
IN
IL
IN
IN
nd
2
Abe Williams
Tommy Garner
Cleland Berg
George Reynolds
3rd
Ken Willis
Jerry Voegele
David Kotary
Mark Doling
CO
GA
CO
NC
UT
ND
CO
CO
th
4
Roger Hall
Nyhl Austin
Bob Moore
Glen Else
AL
NY
FL
IA
Camping Is... 2015
Poster and Coloring Contest
This year in Gillette, Wyoming, the contest had 29
entries from eight states and one province. The winners are as follows:
Coloring Contest ages 0-2
1st – Harper Houdeshell, IL
2nd – Ethan Dian, CT
3rd – Rylee Herb, PA
HM – Graham Dietrich, MI
Coloring Contest ages 3-4
1st – Sasha Capelle, CT
2nd – Alyssa Conrad, PA
3rd – Liam Scott, ON
HM (tie) – Clara Dietrich, MI and Caleb Cincotta,
WI
August 2015
Poster Contest ages 5-6
1st – Nora Cincotta, WI
2nd – Cameron Scott, ON
3rd – Taryn Christensen, CO
HM (tie) – Joel Capelle, CT and McKenzie Bardos,
IN
Poster Contest ages 7-8
1st – Ryleigh Lefkowitz, CO
2nd – Carter Houdeshell, IL
3rd – Alexa Jentzen, MI
Poster Contest ages 9-10
1st – Anna Capelle, CT
2nd – Corina Baker, IL
3rd – Grace Cammaert, ON
HM (tie) – Robert Eisert, IN and Douglas Hoffman
JR, PA
Poster Contest ages 11-12
1st – Susan Valderrabano, NE
2nd – Maddison Graves, MI
3rd – Macey Stuckwish, IN
Special Needs ages 13 and up
1st – Bryan Shiro, PA
Thank you to everyone who made a poster or colored
an entry. Please check the FCRV website in the fall
for the coloring page for 2016. We hope to see lots
of entries in Shawnee, Oklahoma next year.
2015 Newsletter Contest
By
Melvin Coy, Newsletter Contest Coordinator
Only two States and Provinces and two chapters
submitted their newsletters for the 2015 Newsletter
Contest held in conjunction with the annual
Campvention in Gillette, WY. Of our entries this year
we had three that did not enter last year.
The newsletters are judged 30% for interest and
appearance and 70% for information and content.
They are critiqued by three independent judges. Entry and judging is done during the month preceding
the Campvention.
State/Provincial Newsletters:
1st – Dakota Camper, ND/SD, Jim and Priscilla Paul,
editors
Camping Today
15
CONSERVATION DIRECTOR’S
AWARDS
August 2015
PARADE STEALER –
 Christmas in Gillette, Aurora, Colorado
Best Statewide Conservation Project - Kansas Region 3 Heartland
 Educational presentation by the Green Team of
Southwestern University
Best State Conservation Directors – Joleen &Rob
Baker - Nebraska Region 3
Best Chapter / Provincial Project –
Wandering Canadians - Ontario
Region7
Best Chapter Conservation Chairman – Joleen
Baker –Triple F Campers - Nebraska
PRESIDENT’S AWARD –
 North Dakota
2015 CAMPENTION PARADE
By Erv & Alice Zimmer
WALKING UNITS  1st Colorado Trail Blazers
 2nd Michigan
 3rd Connecticut
22 Units participated.
2015 DUTCH OVEN COOKING
CONTEST
By Chery & Rich Price
1st John Mueller, Exeter NE – Caramel Apple
Fritter pie
nd
 2 Karen Stevens, Colorado Springs, CO – Mandarin POrange, Coconut pecan upside down cake
rd
 3 Moose Shattuck, Fort Cpllins, CO, Pineapple
Upside Down Cake

BEST FLOAT –
 1st North Dakota
 2nd Nebraska
 3rd Ontario
Camping Today
16
2015 CHAPTER SCRAPBOOK &
STATE/PROVINCIAL PHOTO
BOOK WINNERS
By Don & Shirley Mackenzie
Chapters are honored for their dedication to recording their chapter’s history through various media for
all members to enjoy. Please start working on YOUR
chapter’s history and enter a book next year.
August 2015


CONSERVATION ESSAY WINNERS
Grades 5-8 1st Peter Kurburski, MI
Grades 9-12 1st Elizabeth Kurburski, MI
2nd Emily Kurburski, MI
CHAPTER SCRAPBOOK
2015 WILDLIFE GRANTS
st
 1 Wandering Canadians, Ontario
nd
 2 Star Gazers, Colorado
rd
 3 Alf Chapter, Illinois
STATE / PROVINCIAL
PHOTO BOOK CONTEST
By Shirley MacKenzie
 Wild Animal Sanctuary - $1,000. Submitted by
st
 1 State of Illinois
nd
 2 State of Nebraska
CONSERVATION
POSTER WINNERS

By Mary Lehnerd
0 -5 Yrs. Old st
 1 Lola Ragain, Lykens Valley
Roamers, PA
6 - 8 Yrs. Old st
 1 Ian Burns, River Rovers,
NY
nd
 2 Kaydance Harrington,
Lykens Valley
Roamers, PA


9-11 Yrs. Old st
 1 Kelli Brown, Lykens Valley Roamers, PA
nd
 2 Clare Rosenberg, Leisure Company, Ontario
12-14 Yrs. Old st
 1 Natalie Rosenberg, Leisure Company, Ontario
15 – 19
No entries
20+ Yrs. Old st
 1 Rhonda O’Neal
nd
 2 Carol Burns, River Rovers, NY
3rd Dorothy Bagensto, Grey Wolves, CO
Honorable Mention – Susannah Lewis, ONT
Marylue Jones, PA


Camping Coyotes & Rocky Mt. Reodus. This is a
sanctuary for wild animals which heals, neuters,
and provides a permanent natural home for neglected or mistreated wild predator animals. This
is the oldest and largest sanctuary in the U.S.
Hall County Park, Grand Island, NE $400. Submitted by Ken & Sandy Kendall They wish to establish a butterfly and humming bird garden at the
park. This area is deemed a fly route for migration
of monarch butterflies.
Park Project –Ponca Indian Cave & Platte River
Parks, NE $1000. Submitted by Michelle Kiel.
This 3 park project is funding assistance to establish pollinator gardens at all 3 parks. This is an educational project as well as conservation for wildlife. It promotes the health an well being of honey
bees and monarch butterflies. They will be planting native grasses, wildflowers, flowering trees,
and shrubs.
Naturalist Program at Platte River Park NE $750.
This is an educational program to tech visitors and
develop them into outdoor recreation participants.
The funds will help purchase additional terrariums,
supplies, food, bedding and lights.
Glade Run Lake, Valencia, PA $750. Submitted by
Mary Lehnerd. Funding to help restore the lake,
improve fish habitat and land
around the lake, create a walkway
trail, and build spawning boxes.
Dakota Zoo $500. Submitted by
JeAnne Selby. The zoo provides
habitat services to raptors from
across ND. They help thousands
of injured birds, bald eagles,
Camping Today
cranes, falcons, pelicans, hawks, and owls. Birds
are released to the wilds when possible.
 Habitat Wildlife Refuge, Ontario $1,000. Submitted by Faye & Terry Swanburg. The organization
is devoted to the preservation and rehabilitation
of wildlife. They request funding to build a 50’ x
20’ flight cage built in sections that can be
opened and closed subject to need of the birds.
WILDLIFE CONTESTS
BIRD HOUSE CONTEST
Bird houses that can be used in yard:
ADULT
 1st. G Van Vleet
 2nd Sandy Kendall
 3rd Kathy Thomas
YOUTH
 1st Susie Valderrabono
Bird houses for decoration
 1st Shirley Rippe
PHOTO CONTEST
Adults 1st Ann Herronen
2nd Jeanette Nichelson
3rd Kathy Stein
Teens 1st Ronnie Ahlstrand
2nd Steve Senechek
Youth 1st Corine Baker
2nd Christine Ahlstrand
55 Entries
17
August 2015
JULY 2015 EXECUTIVE BOARD
MEETING
By DeWayne Johnston
FCRV’s Trustees. Program Directors, Regional
Directors, State and Provincial Directors met On Sunday, July 5 at Camplex in Gillette, Wyoming. Comptroller, Vodean Benham reported that income as of
June 30 was $2,439. Jan Cushing noted the Scholarship Fund and Wildlife Fund are doing well.
Vice President of operations, Shari weber announced that no new chapters have been chartered
since last meeting. The Tri County Travelers of Canada have been named Chapter of the Year. She complimented the Slow Travellers of MO and Star Chasers of CO for their work during the year. ‘Retiring’
from the board and
receiving
certificates for service
were Glen Else,
Campvention Coordinator 11 years,
Lloyd and Kay
Humphrey, Northeast Regional Directors 7 years, LaNelle Glen Else thanked for 11 years ser‐
and Leon Ishmael, vice as Campven on Coordinator
Southeast Regional
Director 3 years, Joyce and Paul Trew, GA State Directors 4 years, Patricia Hansen, Texas State Director
3 years, Ralph and Linda DeLine, Ontario provincial
Directors 2 years, Doug and Jean Bondi, Virginia 4
years, Claudia Else, Iowa State Director 2 years,
Dave Campbell, Kentucky 3 years, Sarah Camp,
Marketing & Advertising Director 3 years, and Jeremy and Jennifer Tevis, Youth Director. VP of Programs, George Walters gave a special thanks to Mary
Lehnerd for her 11 years as National Conservation
Director Ed and Angie Shaneyfelt have accepted the
position of Campvention Coordinator and Kara Cornwell will be Marketing & Advertising Director. New
Directors include Ron and Shalah Costello, Colorado,
Tommy and Alice Garner, Georgia, and Marjory
Bates, Southeast Region.
Linda Hennie presented a check to FCRV from
the 2015 Retiree Rally in Tallahassee. The 2016 Retiree Rally is in Houma, Louisiana, March 15-21.
Houma gave the rally a grant of $5,000. The 2017
Retiree Rally is March 21-27 in Canton, Texas.
2015 Campvention Chairman, Loana Schraeder
welcomed everyone to the Far West Region. Nearly
500 families were pre-registered for the Wyoming
Campvention. The South Central West Region will
Camping Today
host the 2016 Campvention, ‘Get Your kicks on Rt.
66’, July 24 -29 at Shawnee, Oklahoma. There are
361 full hookup sites with 50 amp electric, 108 with
water and 50 amp, and 236 with 30 amp. Pre-register
by 12/31/2015 for a drawing to win a free registration.
The following items were reported: Jack Smye $14,500 in scholarships were awarded to 12 FCRV
students Ed Shaneyfelt – 2017 Campvention is in Lima, Ohio week after the 4th of July Mickey Wagner –
Little League Championships at Williamsport, PA are
the week following N.E. Regional. Stay over at the
fairgrounds for $25 / night. Gerry Pfirsch– 81 rigs
attended the Region 3 campout in Sturgis. Barb
Turner – 12 units took part in this year’s travalong
and we’re planning another one from Nashville to
Shawnee next year. Karen Snodgrass – FCRV bought
six new ladder golf games. Game day will be in a
large arena at Shawnee. Jane Alft – Send all requests
for insurance certificates to state directors and they
will forward them to me. 58 teens pre-registered at
Campvention. Shirley MacKenzie – A DVD of
NCHA/FCRV film and video history should be available by next year. We are looking for a place for the
artifacts from the Bear Brook,. NH Camping museum. Donella Wikes – I have 221 reports for this year
with 4,677 miles hiked. Scott Serbousek – Paul & Pat
Parsley are interim Commercial Directors due to the
passing of Bob Price. Sky Med has become an FCRV
commercial member and sponsor. We are exploring
ways to make “Camping Today” more cost efficient.
Under new business, the Trustees announced that
starting January 1st 2016, FCRV annual dues (U.S)
will be $35. An amendment on the bylaws pertaining
to elections where there is only one candidate was
discussed and will be refined. A discussion of headquarters parking at Campventions was held. The
group reconvened after supper and state/provincial
directors met with VP of Operations, Shari Weber
and the program directors met with the VP to whom
they report.
18
August 2015
50TH ANNIVERSARY COUPLES
9 couples at Campvention have a 50th anniversary in 2015. Nyhl & Linda Austin, Vern & Pam Fallor, Jim & Barb Turner, Jim & Carol knoll, Lyle &
Marilyn Lutrell, Glen & Claudia Else, DeWayne &
June Johnston, Marv & Gerri Huschka, Mike & Angel Ireson (not pictured)
PAST NCHA/FCRV PRESIDENTS
ATTENDING CAMPVENTION
This year five past presidents and their wives as
well as one wife of a past president attended
Campvention. This was the most that had been in attendance for several years. They were introduced at
the Membership Meeting. Pictured above l-r: Jim &
Barb Turner (1996-2000), Ray & Jewell Shields
(1980-82), Denny Campbell (1992-96) Juanita Woolworth, wife of Don (1974-79), Larry & Vickie Roop
(2000-2004), and Jack & Sonya Smye (2008-2012).
Camping Today
19
August 2015
Camping Today
20
By
Barb Turner, Publicity Chair
The 45th Family Campers & RVers International
Retiree Rally will be held at the Terrebonne Civic
Center, Houma, Louisiana, March 15-21. The early
days will be March 11-14. The theme for the rally is
‘Let the Good Times Roll.’ Ron & Reba Ray (GA),
the rally coordinators and their rally committee are
planning a great time for attendees in Cajun Country.
Huoma is a new location for the Retiree Rally.
Houma and the surrounding communities are steeped in Cajun tradition and culture which is a creolization of Native American, Acadian and African traditions.
Downtown Houma has been listed
as a significant historic district on the National Register of Historic Places. It offers a downtown walking
tour and attractions such as the Bayou Terrebonne
Waterlife Museum, the Folklife Culture Center, the
Regional Military Museum, Southdown Plantation,
the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center, monuments to
local armed forces, and local eateries. Enjoy the Cajun cuisine.
Although Houma is quickly changing, many residents in the surrounding communities continue to
make their living as their ancestors did. They are
shrimpers, oystermen, crabbers, fishermen, and trappers, although more are beginning to work in occupations of the oil industry and ship building. Many long
-standing traditions and lifestyles remain as part of
the area's rich cultural history. Houma is also the
headquarters of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, and home to Louisiana's second-
August 2015
oldest high school, Terrebonne High School.
The Terrebonne Civic Center is a wonderful facility for the rally. Pedestals for RVs include complete
access to water and 30-50 amps of electricity. Several dumping stations are on site.
The cost for the rally is $215 pre-registration for 2
people in a unit. Single person in a unit preregistered is $185. Camp Pass - 2 people or second
family in a unit pre-registered is $105. Camp Pass –
1 person or extra person in a unit is $75 preregistered. The registration fee covers 6 nights of
camping with water & electric, 2 evening meals, ice
cream social, evening entertainment, and all activities
connected with the rally March 15-21, 2016.
Our FCRV members and their guests are encourage to journey to Louisiana
next March to enjoy the 45th
Retiree Rally and savor Cajun Country. More information on the rally and
things to do will be published in Camping Today
and Camping Today Online as well as the rally info
site on the FCRV website. www.fcrv.org See you in
Cajun Country!
‘Get Your Kicks on Rt. 66’
By: Barb Turner, publicity chair
Campvention 2016 – ‘Get Your Kicks on Route
66’ - will take us to a new location, Heart of Oklaho-
ma Exposition Center, Shawnee, Oklahoma. In addition to a new location, the dates are new – July 24 –
29. Campvention 2016 is being hosted by Region 2 –
South Central West. Regional Director & Campven-
Camping Today
tion Chair Debbie Ludwig and the committee are
looking forward to being our hosts at their stop on the
famous Route 66.
Heart of Oklahoma Exposition Center is a fullservice facility and is an excellent choice for hosting
the 2016 Campvention. The building we are using is
large and air conditioned. There are 361 full hook-up
sites with both 30 & 50 amps and 236 30-amp sites
with E & W. Chair Debbie Ludwig says, “We can
guarantee full hook-up sites for the FIRST 361 registrations.” What an encouragement to register early!
Parking will be hobo by state/province for the first
361.
Cost? Pre-registration: ‘6 nights/5days of fun’ $285. Daily Camping Pass - $55 per night. (Daily
Camp Pass is for camping less than 5 nights.) Daily
Walk/Drive In - $20 per day & no Vendor Bucks. 2nd
family in a unit - $155.
At-Gate Registration: ‘6 nights/5days of fun’ $300. Daily Camp Pass - $60 per day. (Daily Camp
Pass is for camping less than 5 nights.) Daily Walk/
Drive In - $25 per family.& no Vendor Bucks. 2nd
family in a unit - $165.
Credit/Debit card transactions are available, but at
a processing fee of $8.00 on pre-registrations and a
$10.00 processing fee at the gate. If you register and
are unable to attend for any reason, all but $25 will
automatically be refunded.
Early Bird Days are July 21, 22, and 23 at a cost
of $30 per night. (No Early Bird Days prior to July
21st.) Payment for Early Bird Days will be at registration with cash or check only. Gates will open at
noon on Thursday, July 21st. Gates will be open all
other days at 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. After 8 PM, units
will go to overflow lot.
Come early and enjoy touring the area. In later
Campvention info, some sites will be highlighted to
help you plan for your early days.
Chairperson Ludwig said, “There will always be
room for you at Campvention! If you decide to come
at the last minute, bring your registration form with
you. We Want You to Come!” And, she emphasized
there will be Free WiFi!!
An added incentive for Campvention 2016 is that
each family registering will receive $10 in Vendor
Bucks which can be used towards any purchase from
a vendor in the commercial area. Vendor Bucks must
be used at Campvention 2016. Vendor Bucks have
‘no surrender or cash value’ which means no cash
back from the vendor. Vendor Bucks will be given to
you at registration after you arrive.
Ever hear of a ‘Stay Parade’ or ‘Viewers Parade?’
Since the building being used for Campvention is
21
August 2015
large and since we can expect high temps, the parade
participants will be assigned a location and ‘will stay
put.’ The ‘parade watchers’ will walk from parade
unit to parade unit in air-conditioned comfort. What
a unique idea to make use of the facility and be
healthier for the parade participants and viewers. The
parade theme is “Cruisin’ Route 66.” Some great
possibilities for entries. “Think outside of the box”
on your parade entry and enjoy this new experience!
Campvention 2016 & Region 2 is looking forward to
helping you experience another part of our country,
another part of our organization. See you in Shawnee, Oklahoma in July 2016.
‘Wagons West’
By Travalong Directors Barb & Jim Turner
With Campvention 2015’s theme being ‘Wagons
West,’ the 2015 Travalong followed the western
movement as the early pioneers did, sort of. As each
unit made their own reservations, the program promoted ‘drop in/drop out’ along the route. Several did
just that. It worked well. Twelve families participated. Two nights was the shortest stop, 4 nights was
the longest, with 3 nights at most stops.
The Travalong began in Ft. Scott, KS which was
established and garrisoned by the U.S. Army from
1842–1853. Soldiers at Fort Scott
assisted with the
protection of the
Permanent Indian
Frontier. By 1853
other forts had
been established
for protection of
travelers west. The buildings were sold, and the town
of Ft. Scott was established. The Travalong explored
the historic city as well as newer additions. The Gordon Parks Center for Culture & Diversity displaying
the life of native Gordon Parks who was an AfricanAmerican photographer, musician, writer and film
director was visited by the group. He is best remembered for his photographic essays for Life magazine
and as the director of the 1971 movie ‘Shaft.’ The
Lowell Milken Education Center was an important
stop. The center works with schools around the
world to teach respect and understanding among all
people by developing projects about unsung heroes
whose actions promote these values, regardless of
race, religion, and creed. The Irena Sendler Project
Camping Today
was the impetus for founding the center. Irena
Sendler was an unsung hero of the Warsaw Ghetto.
Three students of Uniontown, KS High School
‘discovered’ her. Read ‘Life in a Jar’ to discover
their story with Irena. We were privileged to attend
the 351st performance of ‘Life in a Jar.’ What a profound impression it made on our group.
The next stop was St. Joseph, MO, situated on the
Missouri River and was the ‘jumping off place’ as it
was the last supply point for the pioneers going west
to the Oregon Territory. It was also the westernmost
point in the United States accessible by rail until after
the Civil War. And, it was the eastern terminus of
the short-lived
Pony Express.
(April 1860 to
October 1861)
The Travalong
group toured
historic St. Joe
and envisioned
the
rowdy
frontier town of the mid-1800s. The Patee House
Museum was fabulous. The Pony Express Museum
was very informative about the short-lived company.
For a ‘’change of pace,’ the next stop was Belleville, KS to visit the Boyer Museum of Animated
Carvings which
thoroughly captivated the group.
The imagination
of Paul Boyer and
his creations are
mechanical wonders. The MarCon pies in nearby Washington, KS intrigued the
group and whetted their appetite for pie. The company was started by two ladies in their kitchens as a
means of making extra money. The popularity of
their pies grew from their kitchens to a converted garage and with subsequent additions. The day our
group was there they had made 380 pies that had
been ordered by restaurants and groceries. That was
a slow day.
Kearney, NE was the next stop where the group
visited old Ft. Kearney, an outpost along the Oregon
Trail to protect the settlers moving west. Of interest,
also, in Kearney was Archway Museum which is
built in two levels across I-80. What an amazing museum with wonderful technical visuals that placed us
in the middle of a buffalo stampede as well as watching the Pony Express rider coming across the plains
to the station, switching horses, and going on his
22
August 2015
way. On the ‘off’ day several toured other museums,
including the Pioneer Village at nearby Minden.
Sidney, NE was the next to last stop of the Travalong. Sidney is the home of Cabela’s, an outfitters
supply store chain. The group enjoyed parking in the
Cabela’s RV Park next to the store. Yes, store visits!
We visited the two original buildings of Ft. Sidney
which in the mid -1870's became a major strategic
point as the initial supply depot on the Sidney-Black
Hills Trail. Throughout the mid -1870's supplies and
passengers traveled the trail to the Red Cloud Indian
Agency and beyond to the Black Hills gold fields.
The group also enjoyed the car show/festival in nearby Potter, NE, population 337.
The final stop of the Travalong was the Pony Soldier RV Park, Lingle, WY near historic Ft. Laramie,
the Oregon Trail wagon ruts, and Register Cliff. Ft.
Laramie was a significant 19th century trading post
and diplomatic site located at the confluence of the
Laramie River and the North Platte River. Founded
in the 1830s to service the overland fur trade during
the middle 19th century, it sat at the bottom of the
long climb leading to the best and lowest crossing
point at South Pass into western descending valleys
and so was a primary stopping point on the Oregon
Trail. The pioneers rested and re-supplied before the
next phase of their journey west.
As the pioneers did, we left the fort with our next
stop west to the Oregon Trail Wagon Ruts, a preserved site of wagon
ruts of the Oregon
Trail on the North
Platte River. The Oregon Trail here was
winding up towards
South Pass. Wagon
wheels, draft animals, and people
wore down the trail about two to six feet into a sandstone ridge here during its heavy usage from 18411869. The half-mile stretch is the best-preserved set
of Oregon Trail ruts anywhere along its former
length.
The last stop was Register Cliff (about 12 miles
from the fort), a sandstone cliff and featured key navigational landmark prominently listed in the
19th
century
guidebooks
about the Oregon
Trail and a place
where many em-
Camping Today
igrants chiseled the names of their families on the
soft stones of the cliff. It was one of the key checkpoint landmarks for parties heading west along the
Platte River valley west of Ft. Laramie which allowed travelers to verify they were on the correct
path up to South Pass and not moving into impassable mountain terrain. It is notable as a historic landmark for 'registering' hundreds of emigrants on the
Oregon. An estimated 500,000 emigrants used these
trails (Oregon, California, Mormon Trails) from 1843
–1869, with up to one-tenth dying along the way,
usually due to disease.
The Travalong followed the western trails toward
Oregon from the Missouri River to the Ft. Laramie
area where it stopped to turn north to Gillette and
Campvention 2015. As Travalong Directors, we
want to thank those families who traveled with us. It
was a pleasure to have you on our ‘Wagons West’
adventure to Campvention 2015.
Link
to
Travalong
pix:
https://
picasaweb.google.com/Travalong2015?
authkey=Gv1sRgCMqD1ubOk8-naQ
DRIVERS LICENSE
REQUIREMENTS FOR RV
VARY GREATLY AMONG
STATES & PROVINCES.
Compiled By Micki Luensmann
RV Driver's License Requirements
Individuals operating large recreational vehicles
often ask if a special driver's license is required. Because driver's licenses are issued by each state the
rules vary. We have researched RV driver's license
requirements for all fifty states and provinces of Canada and compiled the summary below. Our primary
source of information were the official driver's license web sites for each jurisdiction. In cases of insufficient or conflicting information, we contacted
the appropriate departments to confirm.
Special Drivers Licenses
Some people may wonder if they have to get a
Commercial Driver’s License. Rules for U.S. Commercial Drivers Licenses are administered by the
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
(FMCSA). Although this federal administration sets
minimum rules that apply to each state, but states and
provinces have the right to set more strict rules. RV's
23
August 2015
used strictly for recreational and other noncommercial functions do not meet the FMCSA definition of a CMV. This does not mean that there are
not more strict rules, and even special drivers licenses
for operators of RVs. Be sure to thoroughly understand the requirements of each state you plan on visiting. In some circumstances you will need to understand the different classifications for motor vehicles,
which may impact what type of special license you
may need. These classifications are based on the
weight and length of your vehicle. Larger and longer
vehicles in some cases require that operators have an
appropriate class license based on the class of the vehicle.
Many states have special requirements if you drive
a vehicle with over 26,000 gvwr. If you live in one of
those states and drive one and don't have a class B
you could get into a lot of trouble. If you have an accident and you do not have the proper license for the
vehicle you are driving the insurance company can
deny the claim. You are also in violation of the law
and could either get fined, go to jail or get sued. The
commercial aspect has nothing to do with it. You
need to carefully check the laws of your state and get
the proper license if that is what is required. I recommend a written response from the DMV. That should
eliminate any question of what is required and the
insurance company would have a hard time disputing
what the DMV has "officially" stated in writing.
Canada Regulations
Canada regulations are not much different than
those in the US. If you hold an out-of-country driver’s license and are legal where the license is issued,
you are allowed to operate the same vehicle on Canadian roads.
In Canada, provincial/territorial licensing regulations are modeled on the guidelines set out in the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators
(CCMTA) National Safety Code (NSC) that is supported by four standards. All Canadian licensed drivers must meet these requirements prior to being eligible to operate a commercial vehicle, and are required
to carry a driver’s license that is valid for the vehicle
and conditions under which it is operated.
To find more details on each Province, please go
to:
http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/
files/docs/Canadian%20Driver's%20Licence%
20Reference%20Guide%20Revised%202015.pdf
You may also contact your state / province police
or dept. of transportation. Information can also be
found on the FCRV website in the Members’ Area.
Camping Today
By Marilyn Rausch, National DASAT Director
“It’s just an allergy.” Those words dismiss a lot of
symptoms, but those suffering from allergies know
that “just” does not give justice to what they are suffering. Allergies can be much more than an annoyance...they can be life threatening.
An allergy is the body’s immune system reacting
to a foreign substance in a way that doesn’t cause a
reaction in most people. The severity varies from
minor irritation to anaphylaxis...a life-threatening
emergency. In ANAPHYLAXIS, there can be loss of
consciousness, a drop in blood pressure, severe shortness of breath, a rapid, weak pulse, and even death.
Allergies affect different people differently, involving airways, sinuses and nasal passages, skin and digestive system.
HAY FEVER (allergic rhinitis) can cause sneezing
itching of the eyes or mouth, and watery, red, and
swollen eyes.
FOOD ALLERGIES can create tingling in the
mouth, swelling of lips, tongue, face or throat, hives,
or anaphylaxis.
INSECT STINGS may cause local or extensive
itching and swelling (hives), cough, chest tightness,
wheezing, shortness of breath, and anaphylaxis.
DRUG ALLERGIES may present as hives, itching,
rash, facial swelling, wheezing, or anaphylaxis.
Things that might not affect others will cause a reaction in those with allergies because their immune
system produces antibodies to the substance, and
these antibodies try to combat the substance by producing histamines. The triggers might be pollen,
animal dander, dust mites, mold, certain foods
(peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, eggs
and milk), insect stings, medications (particularly antibiotics), latex or other substances you touch.
People at higher risk are those with family members
with allergies. Children are more at risk than adults
for developing allergies. Those with asthma have a
higher risk of other allergies, and those with multiple
allergies are more at risk of developing asthma.
Testing for allergies begins with suspicion. Keeping a diary of signs and symptoms and things that you
are exposed to before the symptoms develop are a
good way to start the process. If the problem seems
24
August 2015
to be related to food, using an “elimination diet” may
help you to find out what class of foods tens to cause
the symptoms.
Skin tests and blood tests may be needed to measure the body’s response to an allergen. The process
may be long and complicated.
Allergy treatments always begin with avoidance. If
it is impossible to avoid the trigger substance, then
medications may help reduce the symptoms. Overthe-counter medications that include antihistamines,
nasal sprays and eye drops may help with symptoms,
but do not eliminate the allergy or the risk of anaphylaxis.
Sometimes
allergies
are
treated
with
“immunotherapy,” a series of injections given over a
period of years, trying to retrain the immune system
not to overreact when the allergen is present.
Anyone who has severe allergy reactions should
carry emergency epinephrine, a self-administered
shot to use when symptoms become severe. As the
response is temporary, anyone needing to use epinephrine should seek immediate medical help.
Lifestyle changes and home remedies may be
enough to control the symptoms of allergies:
Saline nasal irrigation of the sinuses with a salt water
solution may help with congestion and hay fever
symptoms. Using distilled water and salt, a neti-pot
or specially designed squeeze bottle is used to flush
out thickened mucus and nasal irritants. Cleaning the
equipment is important to prevent infections.
Reducing exposure to dust mites or pet dander can be
achieved by frequently washing bedding and stuffed
toys in hot water, maintaining low humidity, using a
fine filtered vacuum system, and replacing carpeting
with hard flooring.
Using ventilation fans in bathrooms and kitchens and
dehumidifiers in the home may discourage mold from
forming.
Avoiding known triggers includes staying indoors
with windows and doors closed during periods when
pollen is high. Dust and vacuum regularly (including
drapes, lampshades, mattresses).
Keep a food diary and avoid foods that seem to trigger adverse reactions.
Finally, if you do have significant allergies, wear a
medical alert bracelet to inform others, especially
emergency medical personnel, of those allergies.
Time is of the essence when allergies take charge,
and others being aware of what might be going on
may save your life. Do not assume that EMTs, doctors or nurses will know what you are allergic to just
by your symptoms. The treatments that they use
could inadvertently cause the reactions to worse
Camping Today
25
Two-Day Kayak Festival Celebrates
Michigan’s Chain of Lakes Region
By Mike Norton
TRAVERSE CITY, MI – Most small-town festivals
last more than a day. But a group of riparian communities here in northern Michigan are putting on a
kayaking festival this fall that also lasts for 40 miles.
The two-day Paddle Antrim Festival, scheduled
for Sept. 18-19, is actually a leisurely trip through
four waterside villages in the Chain of Lakes region
of Antrim County, just northeast of Traverse City –
an area that has some of the loveliest scenery in the
state but is rarely seen in its entirety.
The festival is being organized by Paddle Antrim,
a nonprofit group founded in 2014 to promote paddle
sports as a way to preserve and enhance the region’s
water quality and encourage economic growth. According to the group’s executive director, Deana Jerdee, the ideas is to increase appreciation for the region’s unique waterways by bringing kayakers faceto-face with their beauty.
Marked by steep hills and long, twisting valleys,
Antrim’s glacier-carved highlands still have much of
the rugged charm that led Ernest Hemingway to call
it "the last good country." Looping back and forth
through this landscape, the Chain of Lakes is a 75mile waterway of 14 narrow lakes, linked together in
a sinuous chain from the high drumlins above Ellsworth to the sandy beaches of Grand Traverse Bay.
Several of the larger lakes -- Torch Lake and Elk
Lake in particular -- are considered among the most
beautiful in the world, and the region has long been a
favorite destination for boaters and fishermen. Most
travelers experience the lakes in fleeting, unconnected glimpses from the road, but the new festival is designed to give paddlers a chance to experience it intimately by promoting a different way of touring: by
"water trail." Water trails (sometimes known as
"blueways") are the aquatic version of hiking or cycling trails – they’re routes on rivers, lakes, bays and
other waterways, designed with small non-motorized
boats in mind. They usually include well-developed
access points, and tend to be located near spots of
significant historical or scenic interest. And it helps if
there are also nearby amenities like restaurants, hotels
and campgrounds.
Michigan has dozens of these water-based trail
systems – 2,485 miles of trails on its Great Lakes
coastline and another 1,384 miles of trails on inland
waterways. The Chain of Lakes is actually part of a
August 2015
proposed trail that will also include the coast of East
Grand Traverse Bay from Elk Rapids to Old Mission.
The two-day noncompetitive event will take participants down this series of connected waterways
and through the towns that line its banks. On the first
day, they will start in the village of Ellsworth, pass
through Central Lake and meander through numerous
small inland lakes on the 16-mile route to Bellaire.
The next morning, paddlers continue for 27 miles
through the larger lakes of the Lower Chain – including Torch Lake’s dazzling turquoise waters – to Elk
Rapids, on the shore of East Grand Traverse Bay.
Kayakers are free to travel the entire route or select one of the two days. The tour concept was actually developed several years ago by a popular Bellaire
microbrewery, Short’s Brewing, which created a similar water tour called the "Short’s to Short’s Paddle"
linking its original brewpub to its bottling facility in
Elk Rapids. Short’s and its distributor, Imperial Beverage, are a major sponsor of the new festival.
But Paddle Antrim’s Jerdee sees the tour as a way to
promote the towns and villages that lie along the
shores of each lake and to help them see themselves
as part of a larger, interdependent system.
"We’ve been focused on getting the communities
involved, and they’ve put together all kinds of events
for the paddlers," she said. "In Ellsworth, there’s a
wonderful breakfast in Community Park, in Central
Lake paddlers can stop to relax with a free bagged
lunch. Bellaire is putting on a block party at Richardi
Park on Friday night with refreshments and music,
and there’s going to be a big Final Celebration on
Saturday night in downtown Elk Rapids."
Early registration for the full two-day event is
$110; for a single day, the cost is $75. More information on Paddle Antrim and the Festival is available
at www.paddleantrim.com or by calling (231) 4920171. To learn about other events and activities in the
Traverse City area, as well as lodging, dining and entertainment options in Michigan’s "True North," contact Traverse City Tourism at www.traversecity.com
or (800) 872-8377.
Camping Today
Jayco Kicks Off
Jay Flight SLX Sweepstakes
to Recognize 10 Years at Number One
MIDDLEBURY, Ind. – To celebrate the 10 consecutive years Jayco’s line of Jay Flight travel trailers —
including the Jay Flight, Jay Flight Bungalow, and
the Jay Flight SLX— has been in the number one
spot, Jayco announced they are giving away a Jay
Flight SLX 264BHW. The sweepstakes began July
15 and will run through September 30.
The Jay Flight brand of travel trailers entered
Jayco’s lineup in 2001, and since then, nearly
150,000 families have chosen the Jay Flight.
Amy Duthie, Senior Director of Product Development of Jay Flight Travel Trailers, has worked closely with the Jay Flight lines. “It’s exciting to see how
Jay Flight has transformed over the years and to be a
part of it.” Duthie said. “We have strived to remain
true to the original goal of bringing the best in livability, features and value to the retail owner.”
Participants can enter the sweepstakes in two
ways; online at http://www.jayco.com/about/jayflight/ or by sending in an entry form obtained at any
Jay Flight travel dealer across the United States and
Canada.
“It’s exciting to be able to celebrate 10 years at
number one,” Duthie commented. “The sweepstakes
is just one of the ways we’re promoting this milestone for Jay Flight throughout the year.”
The sweepstakes will run from July 15 through
September 30. The drawing for the winner will take
place in early October. To learn more about the
sweepstakes and the Jay Flight, visit http://
www.jayco.com/about/jay-flight/ or your local Jayco
dealer.
Jayco Toy Haulers
Gaining Momentum in Canada
Jayco’s toy haulers are gaining momentum in
Canada, specifically with its Octane line, according
to numbers from Michigan-based Statistical Surveys
Inc.
As of the March report, Octane was the number
one selling toy hauler travel trailer in the Canadian
market year to date.
26
August 2015
“We’re excited to have gained some ground and
become the number one selling toy hauler travel trailer in Canada” said Mike Aplin, product director for
Jayco toy haulers. “The product development team
has done a great job in the short time I’ve been with
Jayco, elevating the
things that
were already done
well, while
improving
on other
areas to
gain popularity and market share for all of Jayco’s
toy haulers. These recent numbers show we’re headed in the right direction and I have no plans of slowing this momentum.”
Octane has grown 160% and has garnered a 224%
increase in market share to move into the number one
position.
NEW LIFESTRAW® MISSION IS THE
FIRST GRAVITY POWERED
WATER PURIFIER
TO REMOVE BACTERIA, PROTOZOA
AND VIRUSES FROM BACKCOUNTRY
WATER
LifeStraw® Mission is a high-volume, gravity
powered water purifier that removes viruses in addition to bacteria and protozoa to make backcountry
water safe to drink. The compact, lightweight water
purifier incorporates award-winning Lifestraw® technology to transform microbiologically contaminated
water into safe water. It is easy to use and maintain,
making it ideal for group camping trips, group hikes
and expeditions. Backcountry water purified by
LifeStraw® Mission can be saved in a canteen or bottle for drinking or used for cooking and other
campsite activities.
The durable water purifier removes 99.999% of
viruses including Rotavirus and Hepatitis A. Additionally LifeStraw® Mission removes 99.9999% of
bacteria (E.coli, etc.) and 99.99% of protozoa
(Giardia, Cryptosporidium) and it reduces turbidity
(muddiness) up to 0.02 microns. With this compre-
Camping Today
hensive level of purification, LifeStraw® Mission
eliminates the need for iodine or chlorine tablets to
purify water and provides the additional protection of
virus removal.
LifeStraw® Mission is made of a durable waterproof nylon roll bag with an integrated ultrafiltration
membrane purifier. It meets the highest quality standards set by the US Environmental
Protection
Agency and World
Health
Organization,
and will purify up to
18,000 liters or 4,755
gallons
of
water
throughout its long lifetime. Consumers can choose from a 5-liter (1.3 gallon) capacity LifeStraw® Mission purifier or a 12liter (3.2 gallon) capacity version. With a dry weight
of 13 and 15 ounces (5 and 12 liter size, respectively), these purifiers can be rolled up for easy storage in
any type of backpack.
LifeStraw® Mission is easy to use and maintain.
Users simply fill the
roll bag with the
cleanest water available. Then they fold
the top to seal it, clip
the strap around a
sturdy tree branch,
connect the hose to
the bag and allow a
few minutes for clean water to start flowing from the
safe water outlet.
Lifestraw® Mission uses a highly efficient method
of purification that requires no chemicals, batteries or
moving parts. Water poured into the roll bag moves
down the tube, and into the narrow hollow fibers of
the ultrafiltration membrane. Clean water exits
through tiny pores in the walls of the hollow fibers,
but bacteria, viruses, protozoa and other contaminants
like dirt particles are trapped inside and are flushed
out by backwashing.
This purifier joins all other LifeStraw® consumer
products that support the LifeStraw® Follow the Liters program. Under this ongoing initiative, for each
consumer purchase of a LifeStraw® product, one
school child in a developing country receives safe
water for an entire school year. With this ongoing
commitment, consumer purchases continually support the mission of LifeStraw® --- to improve the
lives of people without access to safe water. For more
information visit www. buylifestraw.com.
27
August 2015
AccuWeather iOS App
With summer’s unpredictable weather, AccuWeather’s iOS app allows users to be fully prepared when it comes to summer fun. In addition to hourly
forecasts,
AccuWeather’s
MinuteCast® is the only global minute-by-minute precipitation forecast, hyper-localized
to the user’s exact street address or GPS location. The
app also provides start and end
times for oncoming precipitation, making it unique
among other weather-related apps.
The AccuWeather iOS app is available now for
Apple Watch, iPhone, iPad and iPad touch. An exciting update, launching in the next few weeks, will
gives users even more accurate information and take
MinuteCast one step further!
Longroad Campers LTD Co.
Longroad Campers LTD Co. of Bejing, China has
begun worldwide marketing of roof top tents and car
awnings. Our company is one of the leading outdoor
product manufacturers
with rich experience in
the field, specializing in
designing, manufacturing and selling products
covering high-quality
roof top tents, car awnings, mesh rooms and
other camping equipment are provided! We also do customization as per
your requirements.
They are not only
sturdy and durable
but also with beautiful appearance. So
our products are
very popular in the
world.
We have a good business reputation in the global
market and a very professional team, excellent designers, experienced engineers and very skilled workers. Surely, high quality camping facilities with competitive prices can be supplied.
Camping Today
28
1) High quality products with 24months quality warranty.
2) Rich production experience with skilled workers.
3) 12 experienced trade staffs with 24 hours' reply
service.
4) Export Volume 40-60 Container per year and service more than 30 countries and areas.
We are your best choice...the Trustworthy and Professional Manufacturer in China
For product info see www.longroadcamp.com/
Bubi Bottle
Camping Must-Have Product:
Bubi Bottle - The First Roll-and-Go
Beverage Bottle/Multi-Use Container
- $30
Bubi Bottle (pronounced boo-bee), a foldable,
BPA-free beverage bottle that’s great for leisure activities, especially camping. Bubi Bottle doubles as a
water-proofing apparatus and multi-use container and
a hot/cold compress.
The bottles are small and compact – roll-and-go
feature makes it the best item to contain beverages
and camping needs. It’s safe for you and the environment and decreases the hassle of carrying a bulky
bottle.
Product features:
 Microwave* & Freezer safe
 Mold resistant
 BPA Free
 It retains its shape and never releases harmful
chemicals
 Dishwasher safe
 Lightweight - 5.5oz
 Foldable for on the go
 Reversible to clean
Uses:
 Hot or cold beverages
 Hot or cold compress
 Stress and arthritis pain relief
 Ice or hot pack
 Hiking & Outdoor Sports
 Scuba diving or water sports
 Canoeing, Camping & Sailing
 Exercising
 Waterproofing
electronics
August 2015
SWAN® Products - The Watering
Company™
UNVEILS THE ELEMENT
RV &MARINE HOSES
PERFECT FOR SUMMER
ADVENTURES
Totowa, New Jersey (June 2015) SWAN® Products - The Watering Company™ makes national
rebranding and product debut. Established in 1927,
SWAN is the leading manufacturer of garden hoses
in North America, and has lead the industry for nearly a century with plans to
lead the industry for the
next century. SWAN® The Watering Company
manufacturers hoses under SWAN®, Waterworks®, Element®,
Scotts® and MiracleGro® brands. The company has broad distribution and is recognized for
providing the best features, best quality and best performance in the garden hose category with products
in almost every retailer in North America. SWAN® The Watering Company has unveiled the Element® RV& Marine™ a top of the line hose specifically designed to withstand your summer adventures.
The Element® RV& Marine™ 25 foot 1/2" hose
has a lightweight and flexible design that’s easy to
store and transport to and from a campground or
dock. The octagonal aircraft-grade aluminum couplings are easy to connect and durable enough for
long-term use, and they feature patented Hose Armour™ to prevent kinking at the spigot. This versatile water hose has a burst strength of 300 PSI,
providing the power you need to give your RV or
your boat a thorough rinse when dirt and dust has
built up.
For more information log onto www.swanhose.com
Camping Today
PAST NCHA/FCRV PRESIDENT,
RICHARD DECABOOTER
Richard
‘Pork’
DeCabooter,
75
passed away on July
5th, 2015 after a valiant battle with cancer. He and his wife
Jan came up through
the ranks of NCHA
in the 1970’s. They
were State Directors for Michigan for several years
until he became the organization’s 15th President in
1982. He served until 1986 and Jan remained as State
Director. A number of important things happened
during that time such
as NCHA starting its
own magazine, Camping Today. He was
also at the helm in
1984 at the Campvention in Bowling Green,
Kentucky when President Reagan paid a
visit and gave a
speech. He and Jan were invited to attend President
Reagan’s Inaugural Ball, which they enjoyed.
‘Pork’ as he was known to his friends retired from
Chrysler Corporation after 38 years. He was an engineer and designer and was heavily involved with the
development of the PT Cruiser as well as several other Chrysler products. His newspaper obituary said,
“He enjoyed his occupation and and friends he met
throughout his career. He was a loving husband and
father who made sure his family was together enjoying life with travel and recreation. He always said
that family is what counts at the end of the day.
Along his travels he has met many people and was
proud to say they were his friends. In addition to
FCRV, he was a member of Family Motorcoach and
Rexhall clubs and travelled throughout the states.
The past few years his passion has been with old cars
and friends in car clubs. Richard’s outgoing personality and willingness to try almost anything will be
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August 2015
missed by friends and family.”
Juanita Woolworth said that she and her husband
Don enjoyed many trips with Pork and his family.
Barb Turner said, “ Pork was a special friend we’ve
known for a long time. It seems like our memories
are boundless as well as are many of yours who knew
him.” DeWayne Johnston said, “Pork could laugh
and joke with the best of them, but when it came time
for business, he was well organized and got it done.”
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Janice, his
mother, Julia, son Richard, and daughter Ann
(Robert) Sroka. Condolences may be sent to Jan at
26655 Campau Lane, Harrison Township, Michigan
48045.
RED DENTON, WELL KNOWN NCHA/
FCRV TROUBADOR
Floyd ‘Red’ Denton of Joelton, Tennessee, a well
known
entertainer
and ambassador for
NCHA / FCRV for
many years has died
at the age of 97. Red
and his wife, Jenny,
known
as
the
“Kountry
Kouple’
entertained at many
state, regional and
national rallies and could always be relied upon to
bring a smile and a laugh to the audience. They were
recipients of one of the first FCRV Fun and Friendship Awards. They also entertained professionally
and recorded a cd of their music. Known for comedy
songs like “The Laughing Song” “The Outhouse” and
“Ghost Chickens in the Sky”, they were a favorite in
the FCRV talent shows.
Red worked for Dupont and enjoyed camping until a few years ago when his health declined. Barb
Turner said, “What happy memories we have of Red
and Jenny entertaining over the years. What a special
man! I suspect he’s already entertaining in his heavenly home.” Rose Brummit said. “Thanks to everyone who inquired about him since his camping days
ended. FCRV was his family.”
Red is survived by his wife of 48 years, Virginia
Pentecost Denton, one sister and one brother, grandson , Eric (Ashley) Bright, step-daughter, Nancy
(Johnathan) Brannan, and 12 great-grandchildren.
Condolences may be sent to Jenny Denton, 1375 Red
Binkley Road, Joelton, TN 37080.
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August 2015
Myra Toland, 88, 5-27-15, Waverly, Tennessee, Lake Dwellers, TSA
Jim Boring, 6-12-15, Robinson, Pennsylvania, Fort Ligonier Chapter
Charles Moody, 87, 6-21-15, Waverly, Tennessee, Lakew Dwellers, TSA, longtime member
Edgar Mooney 7-5-15, Kingston, Ontario, Kingston Road Runners, Glowing Embers
Robert Sicklebaugh, 83, 7-6-15, Toledo, Ohio, past State Treasurer
Delbert Aspergren, 87, 7-11-15, Courtland, Kansas, Pawnee Pale Face Chapter
Howard "Howie" Merson, 80, Oxford, Massachusetts, Assistant State Dir., Nashoba Apple Corps Chapter.
Francis Marks,8-3-15 Port Barre. Louisiana, LA Pelicans, did skits at Retiree Rallies
AUGUST
August 14 – 17, 2015 - Northeast Regional & Penn Camp Combined
Lycoming County Fairgrounds 1 East Park Street Hughesville. Pa. 17737-0116 GPS Cords. N 41.2380683
W 76.7234362 TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALL GAME, Wear your favorite team colors. Near to Williamsport Little league Championships, Susquehanna River, Knoebels Amusement Park, Pre-registration by
June 30 - $135 per unit, unregistered $145 at gate, 2 adults, all kids under 21, extra adult $50, except special
needs, 2nd family in unit full fee. Early day Thur. Aug. 13 -$25. One lunch & breakfast per person included.
Water & electric available at sites bring extra cord & hoses. No dump station. Honey wagon service. Pay
showers. Chapter/ individual sales, games, youth bike rodeo, etc. Hobo Parking. Send check payable to Penn
State Association FCRV 2015 to: Grace Trimble, 729 Littitz Rd., Manheim, PA 17545. Infi [email protected], 570-286-2927, 570-414-6717 ACTIVITIES: Raffle prizes, silent auction, games of
washer toss, ladder golf, bean bag baseball and bingo. Hospitalities and entertainment. Bike rodeo for children. Attractions: Little League Baseball Championships in Williamsport, Pa. Canoeing and kayaking on
the Susquehanna River, Knobels Amusement Park. Click here for the registration form.
August 28 – 30, 2015 - North Carolina FCRV Fall Statewide Camp Out
Zooland Family Campground, 3671 Pisgah Covered Bridge Rd, Asheboro, N.C.Phone: 336-381-3422 for
Reservations; Website: http://www.zoolandfc.com; Retirees camp Tuesday 8-25 - 8-27.For more information, view the registration form.
SEPTEMBER
September 4 – 7, 2015 - Nova Scotia Provincial Campout
Hants County Exhibition Grounds Windsor NS, 221-249 Wentworth Rd PO BOX 368 Windsor NS B0N
2T0. Theme "THE ROCKING 50'S", Theme parade, games, jam sessions, CAMP hikes, Hospitalities, professional entertainment, food and fun. Registration fee $5, late registration(postmarked after August 15th)
$15. Camping fee $25 per night. Send to Cecillia Haughn, 1904 W LaHave Hwy 331, Pleasantville, NS B0R
1G0. For more information contact Gilles & Barb Dore at [email protected]
September 4 – 7, 2015 - Fall OPA 2015
Tavistock & District Recreation Centre. Top ‘o the morning to you, lads & lassies! The Tri-County Travellers are verra, verra pleased to be hostin’ the Fall OPA… Celtic style. Yer Irish Eyes will be smiling when
they see that pre-registration is $20 and the Activity Fee is only $80. This price includes a Celtic Meal (aye,
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August 2015
we provide meat, potatoes, rolls and ye provide vegetables & dessert). There’ll be15 amp power and water
available. I canna say how close ye’ll be ta the outlet, so tis wise to bring along extension cords. Ye’ll nae be
bored for want of entertainment. Try the luck o’ the Irish with Celtic Card bingo and do a jig & reel with Celtic
Music. Aye, tis true we’re all young at heart so our Gaelic Games will be offered to evra’one….from the wee
baerns to auld dowagers, evra’one will enjoy such games as; Kiss the Blarney Stone, Caber Toss, Pot ‘O Gold
Washer Toss, Shamrock Shuffle and Gaelic Golf. There are more things to do than you can “shake a shillelagh
at”. Tis sure we be needin’ donations of door prizes and also volunteers to provide hospitalities for 3 nights.
Contact Don & Joan Adamson if ye ha’ a doorprize ( [email protected] or 519-842-3328) . To sign up
for a hospitality, contact Linda Vandevyvere ([email protected] or 226-271-5142). Sure an’ Begora…..Fall OPA is going to be verra, verra grand indeed! So, shake out yer kilts, shine up yer shamrocks and
send your pre-registration forms to Carol Anderson R.R.#1, Mt. Elgin, Ont. N0J 1N0.
September 13 – 17, 2015 - PA State Retirees Campout
Bald Eagle Ridge Runners Campground in Beech Creek, PA. Hot dog roast, ice cream social, games, bingo,
soup, covered dish. Bring an item for the Silent Auction and the Brown Bag Auction. Directions to the
campground, From the West, Take route I-80 to Exit 158 (Milesburg) Rt. 150 N to Beech Creek. After crossing steel bridge, turn left, follow creek until crossing another large bridge, turn left immediately into
campground. From the East, take route I-80 to Exit 178, follow Rt. 220 and take exit for Mill Hall, then Rt.
150 S to Beech Creek. Turn right before the steel bridge, follow creek until crossing another large bridge, turn
left immediately into campground. For further information contact Norm Wolfrom [email protected],
570-748-9032. ****Anyone who travels Rt. 322, there is construction on bridges. Suggest not to take this
route. Very narrow.
Thu
September 17 – 20, 2015 - New Brunswick Provincial Association Fall Campout
Camper's City RV Resort, 138 Queensway Drive, Moncton, NB. Theme: "Fall Fiesta". Games, hikes, project
sales, church service, music, hospitalities, Pot Luck Supper, etc. Pre-Registration $50.00 includes 1 night deposit by August 1. Or pay in full Camp fees - 15 amp 2 nights$73, 3 nights $105; 30 amp 2 nights $77, 3
nights $110. After August 1 late fee extra $5 per night. If cancelled by Sept 12, fee will be refunded less
$22.00. Send cheques payable to NBPA to Shirley & Sally Underhill, 242 Main St., Blackville, NB E9B
1S8 For more information contact NBPA Presidents Mary & Gordon Morton at 506 386-3774 or e-mail
[email protected]
September 15 – 17, 2015 - Blue Water Mixer
Eastern Michigan Fairgrounds, Imlay City, MI 48444. 'Cruising Down the Highway' , $10 reg. $35 camping
(basic electric), (no Canadian checks, please) send check payable to Blue Water Mixer to Rocky Lumley, 603
N. 3rd St., St. Clair, MI 48079, 810-329-3455, [email protected]
OCTOBER
October 9 – 11, 2015 - Michigan State Association Halloween Campout
Hudsonville Fairgrounds. Costume judging, trick or treating, pumpkin decorating, dessert walk, pancake
breakfast (donation). $25 preregistration plus $25 at gate, 2nd family in unit $25, one day car pass $10, Thur.
early day $18. Send check payable to Halloween Campout to: Cindy Westra, 501 S.Iva Rd., Merrill, MI
48637, 616-915-2293, [email protected]. Include # of youth, teens, handicapped.
October 9 – 12, 2015 - New York State Fall Campout
Herkimer County Fairgrounds, 133 Cemetery Street, Frankport, NY. For more information and the registration
form, click NYSFall2015.
October 16 – 18, 2015 – MD/DC State Association Fall Campout
Charles County MD Fairgrounds, 8440 Fairground Road La Plata MD. Join us for great camping fun, decorate
camper/RV for Halloween; bring trick or treat candy for kids, books to swap, can goods for food bank; and
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August 2015
good all around great time. Nearby is Veterans Museum, wonderful Seafood, and Library book fair. Everyone
is invited to camp with us. Located off MD 301. $20/night fee and $10/reg. For addl. info, contact Cheri Fox
at 202-503-8155; e-mail: [email protected] or Linda Foote, 301-843-0543, e-mail: [email protected]. Send registration check payable to FCRV MD/DC to Linda Foote, 8494 Cardinal Ln, White
Plains MD 20695.
NOVEMBER
November 5 – 8, 2015 – Texas State Association Fall Campout
Oakdale Park in Glenrose, Tx. just southwest of the Ft. Worth area. We hope some of you Snowbirds will
come and join us at this historic town. It is in Dinosaur Valley and loaded with interesting sites and stores to
visit. We plan a potluck for Sat. night with games and crafts other times. Lots of times for visiting, etc. Camping fee is $28 per night, payable at the rally. The address is 1019 N. E. Barnard St., Glenrose, Tx. 76043.
Some of us will be going on Sun., Nov. 1 and would love to have you join us. Please call Carolyn Ownsbey at
817-988-4139 or email [email protected] if we can be looking for you.
DON’T FORGET TO REGISTER AND ALSO BRING A FRIEND FOR
Re ree Rally 2016 ‐ March 15‐21 in Houma, Louisiana
AND ALSO
Campven on 2016 ‐ July 24‐29 in Shawnee, Oklahoma