Camping Today [September]

Wildlife Refuge Inc. Annual Report 2022

A meeting was held at the Colorado State Fairgrounds on Wednesday, July 13th @ 1 p.m. Comptroller Deb Swanson reported a balance in the Wildlife fund of $78,145.78.

Grants will be sent to the following:

Hobbitstee Wildlife Refuge – http://www.hobbitstee.com/
From Naticoke,Ontario Recommended by Faye Swanburg.  They are working on building a brand-new wildlife hospital with species specific outdoor enclosures.  They are asking for fencing for the fawn area.  We are granting them $1000.

Schramm Educational Center – http://www.tmcsea.org/schramm.html
submitted by Kelly Ekue and recommended by Jim Swenson from Nebraska.  This money is for the Venture Park Education area which consists of four state parks in the area for the Nebraska Naturalist Program.  The program focuses on the habitats and adaptations of Nebraska’s snake species. They will use the funds to obtain materials such as replicas, skeleton examples, and microscopes for participants to be able to use.  This program will serve up to 24 participants at a time.  We are granting them $1000.

Dakota Zoo – https://www.dakotazoo.org/
submitted by Terry Lincoln and recommended by JeAnne Shelby from Bismark, North Dakota.  The grant will be used for providing medications and daily vitamins for the newest residents 9 African Black Penguins that arrived in September.  The medications for the penguins are very expensive.  We are granting them $750.

Black Pines Animal Sanctuary – https://www.bpsanctuary.org/
submitted by Trish Nichols and recommended by Angie Shaneyfelt from Indiana.  The sanctuary recently rescued a 3 year old long-tailed macaque from an exotic pet trade.  This poor animal was kept in a dog crate inside of a trailer wearing a diaper, leash, and collar.  This sanctuary rescues animals like Tucker.  We are granting them $750.

Friends of Spring Valley Park
submitted by Larry Zachert and recommended by Mary Lehnerd from Pennsylvania.  This park has been developed and improved by mainly volunteers.  They depend on volunteer help and contributions.  They are planting plants for wildlife.  We are granting them $750.

NCHA (FCRV) National Hank Nathan Scholarship Report 2022

The scholarship committee is proud to announce the 2022 scholarship winners as follows:

• Brianna Coniglio, from Spring Hill, Florida. Brianna is studying forensic science at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York. Brianna received $1,500.
• Kerri McHale, from Carthage, New York. Kerri is studying social studies inclusive education at SUNY College at Brockport in New York. Kerri received $1,500.
• Susie Valderrabano, from Belfair, Washington. Susie is studying medical anthropology & global health at the University of Washington in Washington. Susie received $1,500.
• Tara Mueller, from Exeter, Nebraska. Tara is studying early childhood education at Wayne State University. Tara received $1,500.

Congratulations to all of this years recipients.

2022 Campvention Recap

The Family Campers and RVers’ (FCRV) 2022 National Campvention drew 160 families to the Colorado State Fairgrounds in Pueblo from July 10-15, according to a press release.

There were so many activities for all age groups that it was hard to decide which ones to choose. The youth had daily crafts, games and projects, and even a bear hunt at the ‘Rocky Mountain Summer Camp’ center. Adults had numerous seminars offered including one on UFOs, stated the release.

Several commercial vendors offered products. Various crafts were offered for ladies and there was a Family Fun Day with a lunch served by the teens.

The teens defeated the adults in the annual softball challenge. The usual adult sports/games were played and enjoyed, noted the release.

FCRVers donated over $1,500 to the local county food bank association. The week was capped by an enthusiastic campers parade.

Even in light of high fuel prices, distance and July temperatures, Jeff and Shirley Kendle and the Far West Region volunteers were pleased with the attendance and participation.

The 2023 FCRV Campvention is scheduled for The Wayne County Fairgrounds in Richmond, Ind., from July 9-15, and will be hosted by the Great Lakes Region.

[click here for full report]

2022 Retiree Rally Recap

Attendance expectations for the 2022 Retiree  Rally were exceeded with 82 RV units and 170 + people on hand at the Mineola, Texas Civic Center, It was a great facility for the 50th annual rally with level parking, full hookups, lots of meeting / activity rooms, the large Live Oak Auditorium, and lots of usable outdoor space for games. Several early arrivals opted to attend a Mystery Play Dinner Show at the Civic Center. After a 2 year moratorium caused by Covid, old friends from all over the U.S and Canada were very glad to see each other again.

[click here for full report]