Region 1 Hosts 62^nd Annual Campvention in Pueblo, Colorado

by Jeff and Shirley Kendle, Campvention Chair

The weather in Pueblo, Colorado was hot to say the least.  Daytime temperatures varied from 93 to 106 degrees during the day and would cool down to the 70’s in the evenings.  There were 188 registrations and 26 cancellations due to health reasons and increased fuel prices.

The Opening Ceremonies took place Sunday evening.  It was a pleasure to once again have Jack Smye lead the Canadian National Anthem and the “Star Spangled Banner”.  The Canadian and American flags were posted on stage along with the flags of all the states present and national chapter flags. Miss FCRV, Brianna Coniglio cut the ribbon that was held by the Retiree King and Queen, Steve and Diane Hitchens.  President Gerry Pfirsch then declared FCRV’s 2022 Campvention open.  The Mayor of Pueblo, Nick Gradisar, and the General Manager of the Colorado State Fairgrounds, Scott Stoller were also in attendance.  The Colorado State Fairgrounds was presented the traditional “Honorary Chapter” membership certificate.

Upon conclusion of the Opening Ceremonies, Region 1 hosted a hospitality for all to attend and the youth hosted Family Bingo with cash prizes.

Beginning on Monday adult games, crafts, seminars, youth and teen activities took place every day and the Family Center was open with planned games and activities.   Commercial vendors opened their booths on Sunday at noon and sold their wares through Thursday, which allowed members plenty of time to make purchases.

Each night gift baskets and bags were raffled off.   The states, provinces, chapters, and members really stepped up and donated some wonderful gift baskets and bags.  There were so many at least 6 were given out each night and some nights 10 baskets were given out. The gift basket from Canada was full of items from Canada, their basket was auctioned off with the proceeds going to the FCRV wildlife fund.  The winning bid was $525 going to Gerry Pfirsch.

Monday highlights included Family Fun Day with carnival games, nachos sales by the youth and a hamburgers sales by the teens.  Monday entertainment was “Shelvis and the Roustabouts” and they put on a show that kept everyone dancing and laughing throughout the night.

The Any-Hat Luncheon took place on Tuesday with 183 meals being served.   During the same time that the Any Hat Luncheon took place, the youth had a pizza party and then enjoyed some time at the on-grounds splash pad to cool off from the heat.  After the luncheon, the National Membership meeting took place.  The newly formed National chapter “Family and Friends Camping Club” Charter was presented to Amy DeCamp.  Evening entertainment was Triple Nickel, and they rocked the house.  Everyone was dancing all night long and wanted encore after encore.

The Pueblo Street Rods showed up on Wednesday.  Members voted on the street rod they liked the most and a gift card was awarded to the owner, Claire and Ann.  The FCRV band performed Wednesday evening and afterwards 9 acts performed in the Rocky Mountain Talent Show, hosted by Breanna Kendle.  The youth from the Rocky Mountain Summer Camp and their Camp Counselors performed a rendition of “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt” when a bear showed up in costume – thanks Ed Shaneyfelt, Jim Turner shared a story, Otto Mcintosh sang “Fancy Like” by Walker Hayes, Dezirae Kendle did a hip hop dance to the dubstep rendition of the song “Higher”, the Trustees, Gerry Pfirsch, Jeff Kendle, Deb Swanson, and Shari Weber performed one line jokes, Jack Smye sang Danny Boy and My House is a Cathedral, Tamra Hayden sang and played the ukulele, Brianna Coniglio played a clarinet solo, and lastly Craig Weber played the guitar and sang a song he wrote.  After the Talent show, the Youth and Teens hosted a hospitality and Marty of Sounds in Succession played music to entertain everyone.

Thursday the Marketplace took place, along with the teen volleyball game, and the teen/adult softball game.  The Juke Joint Cruisers entertained us with music in the evening with music from the 50’s.

The FCRV parade took place on Friday morning with 7 entries. Friday evening, the flags were retired and the FCRV flag was presented to Region 4, hosts of Campvention 2023.  After the Closing Ceremonies, Region 4 hosted a hospitality, the youth went on a bear hunt around the fairgrounds and were greeted by a few bears during their outing – Thank you Ed and Angie Shaneyfelt.  Finally, the youth were treated to s’mores around their own campfire hosted by Breanna Kendle and Dezirae Kendle, the Rocky Mountain Summer Camp Counselors.

We hope that everyone in attendance had a good time, and we can’t wait to see everyone in Richmond, IN next July.

 

Family Fun Day

by Elbert & Eileen Carter

 Family Fun Day was well attended by a wide variety of ages. About 76 campers played both Indoor and Outdoor Games, with around 20 much appreciated volunteers helping set up and man the 18 booths.

 Indoor Games such as Flyswatter Badminton, Frog Race, and Pass the Plate were very popular and campers many took advantage of the Photo Booth to get a fun picture of themselves as a strong man or flying trapeze artist and/or a picture in the official Rocky Mountain Bliss photo frame. By popular demand, there were few scores kept… fun and hilarity being the order of the day. The one official winner was Judy Moravec, whose guess came closest to the number of Hershey’s Kisses in the Kissing Booth jar… and took home that sweet prize!

 Outdoor Games ranged from a Duck Pond matching game for our youngest campers to a Limbo Pole, Sack Race & Punching Clowns. By far the favorite activity on such a hot day was the Water Balloon Toss. HUNDREDS of Water Balloons kept kids and adults alike occupied and cool!

 Team 6 had so much fun that we created a Carnival parade entry from our “leftovers” and proudly won TWO awards for our efforts!

Campvention Hospitalities

by Larry & Sandy Scott

There were eight Hospitalities held throughout the week of Campvention. The two book-end Hospitalities were the welcome to Region1 gathering after the opening ceremony and the Invitation to come to Region 4 for the 2023 Campvention.  This hospitality was the last formal function of Campvention 2022.  Ice Cream sandwiches and water were very appropriate for a 100-degree day.

In between we had a number of other well-attended Hospitalities.  I guess everyone likes to eat and talk to new and old friends.  Brianna Coniglio hosted two gatherings, one to honor past teen royalty, and one in her role as International Miss FCRV.  Very nicely done.  The Trustees had a Coffee and Donut get-together on Wednesday morning.  Hooray for the Trustees! (Yummy donuts).  In conjunction with the Family Dance on Wednesday Night, the Youth and Teens hosted everyone with lots of popcorn and drinks.  On Thursday, Gerry Pfirsch honored those who had recruited new members with a Hospitality at the Pepsi band shelter.  Friday afternoon, Michigan conducted a gathering serving Michigan-sourced products.  Michigan-made potato chips and Faygo soda (better known in Michigan as “Pop”).  Apparently, Faygo is a long-standing Michigan tradition.

Retiring of the Old National President Flag

by Barb Turner

At Campvention 2022 with the introduction of the new FCRV International President’s flag to be flown by the present president, the old flag was retired.  Those past presidents in attendance, Jim Turner, Jack Smye, and Shari Weber, at Campvention signed the flag with the dates of their terms.  The flag will hang in the national office.  Gerry Pfirsch, the present president, also signed the flag and will fly the new flag.

First-Timers

by Allison Moore

This year at Campvention there were 63 first-timers in attendance.  Only about half of the first-timers attended the first meeting with less than half attending the follow-up meeting.  Refreshments were  provided to attendees.

Rocky Mountain Summer Camp Farewell

by Breana Kendle

Hiya Campers,

With Campvention 2022 now behind us, I would like to thank all those who attended the amazingly fun summer experience. From those who donated their time and money, those who volunteered where help was needed, and those who simply made the week-long event fun to be a part of, thank you.

In regards to the Rocky Mountain Summer Camp itself, I want to thank all of the parents and grandparents who brought their youth to Pueblo, Colorado this summer. I would also like to thank the youth themselves for making this past week so much fun to be a part of, despite the pain it caused my feet throughout the week. While I was fearful the success of the program would not meet expectations, with the support of volunteers and the amazing kiddos throughout the week, I am proud to say that this summer will be one for the books.

My number one goal when coming up with this Campvention’s youth program was to make sure it would be an experience the youth would enjoy and perhaps remember years down the line. As FCRV is a family organization, making sure the youth received just as much care and attention to ensure they also had a good time was my main priority. So, from planning a full schedule of fun activities, games, and crafts; I hope those goals were accomplished.

A big Thank You to Mike and Chris Hawkins for donating water bottles and draw string bags for the youth and to Brian Hosford and Kimberly Kendle for donating name tags for the youth bags and crafts.

Now as some of you make your way home, I wish you all safe travels, and for those who have already made it home, I hope you get the time to rest and relax.

Once again, thank you everyone for such a wonderful and fun experience (one I will remember for years to come) and I look forward to seeing you all in the future.

National Awards

Earl & Ivalee Vanderhoff were awarded an FCRV Plaque for their unselfish devotion and tireless efforts on behalf of Family Campers & RVers.

Bill & JoAnn Eckman were awarded the President’s Award in recognition of their tireless efforts and enthusiasm in serving as Membership Directors.

Don & Shirley MacKenzie were awarded a Special Recognition Award in recognition of devotion and distinguished service to Family Campers & RVers while serving as Historian on the National Executive Board from 1981 to 2022.

Mary Lehnerd was awarded the Special Recognition Award in recognition of devotion and distinguished service to Family Campers & RVers while serving Conservation Director on the National Executive Board from 2005 to 2022.

DeWayne & June Johnston were awarded a Special Recognition Award in recognition of devotion and distinguished service to Family Campers & RVers while serving as Camping Today Editors on the National Executive Board from 1989 to 2022.

Vern & Pam Failor were awarded an FCRV Citation in recognition of their service to FCRV.

FCRV-Teen-Director-Recap

by: Beth Coniglio

I couldn’t have asked for a better time at Campvention with the FCRV teens! We had 12 teens register this year. Many of the Teens were very active, participating in almost every activity. Some only attended what they were comfortable with ,and that is absolutely okay. We are all at Campvention to have fun, and everyone has a different definition of fun. The week started off slowly with just a few activities, and we packed in the fun as the week went on.

After opening ceremonies and teen registration, the teens got to know each other during a LONG game of life-size Monopoly (created by our own Brianna Coniglio for the 2018 Campvention in Virginia).

As many of you know, Monday has become the day for Family Fun Day. The teens served the hamburgers grilled up by Ed Shaneyfelt and went off to enjoy the activities provided after satisfying their own hunger. 225 lunch tickets were pre-sold, and an additional 14 meals were sold at the door. The total earned in sales was $1195. They decided to split their profits (after expenses and their roller-skating trip) 4 ways: a donation to the Nature and Wildlife Center where we did the conservation project, some to the national scholarship, a gift to the Firefighters for joining our noise parade, and the remaining to be put towards the teen program next year at Campvention. Serving Family Fun Day Lunch is a great time for our members to interact with our teens, and they did such a great job that the teens were asked to serve at the No Hat Lunch on Tuesday.

After serving at the No Hat Luncheon, the teens returned to the Teen Center for their annual Chick Fil-A lunch sponsored by the state of Florida. This has become an annual tradition after the request was made by the Pageant Director in 2018 to have an all-inclusive teen lunch prior to the competition. We hope to keep this tradition with Chick Fil-A each year when one is nearby or substituting another option when one is not. That evening there were a lot of colored hands as the teens tie-dyed shirts, hoping to use them for their talent show productions.

Traditionally our big teen day is Wednesday, but we did something different this year when the teens went off grounds to complete a conservation project at The Nature and Wildlife Discovery Center – River Campus. While there, the group cleared an area from a pavilion down to the Arkansas River, had a picnic lunch, took in a Birds of prey presentation and waded in the Arkansas River. They worked hard despite the 110-degree heat and having to stop every 20-30 minutes for a water break. I was impressed with their hard work and concern for one another. The teens left and returned to the grounds in true noise parade fashion. That evening we got on stage to tell the membership about the project, served at the hospitality, and attended the Family Dance. Unfortunately, technical difficulties kept the group from performing the talents that they had worked hard on for the talent show, but I am confident that they will be back next year to wow everyone with their awesomeness!

Boy did we pack in the activities on Thursday. We started the day off with Volleyball. Ed Shaneyfelt and Geoff Stringer thought the kids needed a good cool down afterward, so during group pictures they hit them with water balloons. After a short break, everyone enjoyed the Teen/Adult softball game. Although the adults won this year, we wonder if that had anything to do with walking Jack – who had already hit a home run at every at bat – in the last inning. We finished the outdoor teen sports with water volleyball. The theme this year was to grab an adult as a partner and we thank the many adults who joined in our crazy fun or just came to watch! We finished out the night with our last noise parade, a tailgate party, Corn Hole, sports awards, and creating the teen parade float. It was a long day, but a fun one!

Part of the fun of Campvention is being loud during noise parades. Thanks to Rebecca Coniglio, Station 3 of the Pueblo Fire Department joined the Teens, the Youth and some golf carts for our final and BEST noise parade of the week just as evening entertainment was letting out on Thursday. The teens were so shocked when their driver (Geoff Stringer) climbed on top of his truck to start the Teen chant that they lost their voices for a minute, but regained them long enough to thank the Firefighters before they left.

Somehow the ducks got loose from the Teen Center on Thursday and waddled their way down to the Serbousek’s campsite. Most of them found their way home, but about 17 were lucky enough to be adopted at Campvention. We hope they enjoy their forever homes, but they should definitely return next year and bring friends!

Friday was a bit slower for the teens, starting with the parade and ending with a “campfire” at Marci and Geoff’s campsite. The week wouldn’t have been complete without some teen shenanigans led by the typical adults though.

I hope that all our teens had as good of a time as I did and that they plan to come to Indiana next year!

Food Drive for Colorado Care and Shares

by Teresa Walorski

We want to thank everyone for so much support in bringing food items and cash donations.  

FCRV brought in $1,530.   That will provide about 9,000 meals to families across 31 counties!   You all also donated just over 175 cans and about 90 packages of miscellaneous food items.

Colorado Care and Shares was so grateful.   This is such a tough time for so many and this was a huge help to them

Any-Hat Luncheon

By Elbert & Eileen Carter

The Any Hat Luncheon, held on Tuesday, was also a big hit. Well over 180 campers enjoyed a meal of pulled pork sandwiches, coleslaw, baked beans and homemade cupcakes. Many tables were adorned with decorative cardboard hats of different styles and shapes, other tables with colorful fairy-light vases. All the centerpieces were created by Chris Hawkins and her team. One lucky camper at each table won the centerpiece and discovered the hats had a hidden compartment filled with candy

Teen ‘Relays’/Corn Hole Tournament

by Angie & Ed Shaneyfelt, Teen Sports Chairs

Every year Ed and Angie let the teens decide what sport/activity they choose to play for the “relays”. This year the teens choose Corn Hole.  We took our boards to the teen center Thursday evening for that competition.  The teens all had to multi-task as they were building their float at the same time as the corn hold tourney.

For the Corn Hole singles, Jack Siehl took 1st place and Rylie Ward took second.  Jack is still defending his crown as he won last year.

The Corn Hole doubles was won by Rylie Ward and Cassie Coniglio, and second place went to Jack Siehl and Hunter Smith.

I would take any of these teens on my team for a Corn Hole tourney; we had some really good competition.  These teens are tough at this game!

Campvention 2022 Parade

by Gerry Pfirsch, Parade Chair & National President

Let me thank everyone that entered a float in this Parade! The winners of this year’s awards are:

• Best Walking, went to Kansas. Great Job Kansas!
  
• Best Motorized went to The Star Chasers Float from Colorado
  
• Trustees Award went to Great Lakes Region for the 2023 Float
  
• President’s Award went to Family Fun Volunteer Float
  
• Parade Steeler Award went to the Family Fun Day Volunteer Float  

From Vern Failor (Co-Chair),  Rob Baker (Parade Marshal) and myself, Gerry Pfirsch (Parade Chair), we would like to thank everyone for the enthusiasm and support for the Parade. It was you that made it fun and your cheering on the Parade made the day. Give yourself a hand and let’s keep the Parade part of Campvention. Thanks again, and we will see you at next year’s parade.

Campvention Seminars

by Debbie Dettmer

Those of you who couldn’t make it to Campvention missed some great seminars. The week started off with good attendance as Chief Andrew Golub gave us fire safety tips for our RVs. My take-aways – have three fire extinguishers, one in the living area, one in the bedroom and one outside in the compartment where the propane is stored so it’s unlocked. Be sure to turn your fire extinguishers upside down each year and tap them on the bottom so the chemicals disburse.

Our next seminar was conducted by SkyMed where we enjoyed a root beer float. I was pleased to learn there is a product that can get our trailer home if something happens to my hubby – especially since he won’t let me drive our rig! It was good to learn they can transport you home or a family member to you if you have an accident or injury. There’s even some coverage if you are traveling overseas and need transportation.

Randy with First Stitches conducted two seminars for us. Many of us were surprised at the anatomy of the sewing machine needle – Randy had a giant one so we could see all the “parts” and more fully understand how our sewing machines work. His second session was a smaller group and got into more detail on problems you can encounter, what can be causing those problems, as well as all the different creative items you can make. First Stitches provided a discount at their two stores for all attendees.

Fred with RV101 gave great advice to his large audience. Fred came prepared with lots of gadgets and ways to make your RV journey more enjoyable and safer. He covered refrigeration, electrical, propane, and water (both incoming and outgoing).  His talk was so extensive I’m sure I’m forgetting a few topics! The audience had lots of questions.

[PDF of King’s Seminar] King, one of FCRV’s commercial members also drew a large crowd – could it be we’re all struggling to stay connected😊!  Mark had samples of the various antennas King produces that can increase your WiFi and cell phone signals.  He also provided attendees with a discount code to save money on King’s products.  Oh, I can’t forget, King also produces the Tailgater so you can also get Direct TV signals. You can find Mark’s presentation on our website. Lippert Components sponsored attendance by you-tubers, the Restless Russells.  Justin and Michelle provided two seminars to large audiences. The first on RVing full-time and the second on maintenance. The Russells, including their two kids and two dogs, had no experience RVing when they left northern California four years ago. They shared tips on ways to save costs as well as first-hand experience on maintaining your RV (we’ve all had to go to the school of hard knocks!).  Having traveled across the country this is the first time I have heard someone suggest the trailer and truck should be level! Justin also suggested turning off your circuit breakers before plugging into or unplugging from the post. You can see their presentations on our website as well.

A couple of us were able to get advice from Raelyn on skin care and makeup. The small group allowed us to get close and ask lots of questions. I was able to fill up on missing makeup without having to go to a store before my next trip.

Chief Golub returned to do a first aid class.  I was surprised at how much has changed with CPR since I became certified 30 years ago! The tourniquet has also made a return and he suggested all of us should carry one in our rigs – you can get them on Amazon. We were taught what to do for burns, cuts and breaks until the professionals can take over.  BTW, if you have to escape your RV for a fire, be sure to go feet first out that escape window in your bedroom. 

We had two delicious seminars on Dutch-oven cooking.  Kudos to Doug, Ray and their helpers for cooking in the 100+ degree temperatures!  The first session focused on delicious desserts, and the final session of Campvention was a full meal.  Yummy!

Thank you to Allie for jumping in to fill a cancelled spot with her seminar on CBD.  Allie is a chemist and makes her own product – which we can personally attest works!  Allie’s CBD is made from hemp, so it contains no THC and is safe for anyone whose occupation requires drug testing.

There were so many seminars I couldn’t attend them all – thank you Allison for helping share the load to make sure things went smoothly (and thank you Shawn and George for all the AV work and setup you did).  Our own president, Gerry, led a presentation about bee keeping – people were disappointed he didn’t have time to repeat it. Patti and Ray each taught a line dancing class so everyone was ready for the evening’s entertainment. Jim taught a class on extraterrestrials, and it was so interesting and well attended we had to kick everyone out 30 minutes after it ended so we could start the next session!  Lyle taught a class on how to use your smart phone to share on FCRV’s public Facebook group.  Be sure to start posting your activities.

Thanks to all our volunteer speakers and those that helped with logistics.  See you next year!

Teen Volleyball 

by Angie and Ed Shaneyfelt, Teen Sports Chairs

 The teens played Volleyball on Thursday ,also.  We just decided to volley the ball around and practice on serving this year.  Some of the adults played to fill teams on both sides.  After a while of playing, we had to move on to our next activity.  All teens were granted a certificate of 1st place this year for participation. 

 Pictured are:  Conner Black, Brianna Coniglio, Madison Nevices.  Back row are Ember Wyant, Jack Siehl, Hunter Smith, Alaina Powell, Rylie Ward and Cassie Coniglio.

 The second picture is the teens getting a surprise attack with water from Ed Shaneyfelt and Geoff Stringer!  I don’t think anyone was upset as hot as it was!

Teen/Adult Softball game 

by Angie & Ed Shaneyfelt, Teen Sports Chairs

 The Teen/Adult Softball game was played Thursday at the Rocky Mountain Bliss Campvention.  The teens were really tough this year, and the adults were few in numbers!  Angie supplied the sunscreen before the game; every teen was “sprayed” and many adults even had enough sense to get sunscreen applied, also.  We had decided on 3 innings this year due to heat and low number of players. Ed Shaneyfelt was the designated pitcher for both teams.   After Jack Siehl hit a couple home runs in the earlier innings, there was a call by the coaching staff to walk Jack in the 3rd inning.  The adults ended up 1 run ahead by the end of the game.  A good time was had by all, and the teens were told to drink even more water the remainder of that day!

Thanks to the handful of adults that watched our annual softball game.  Also, thanks to our first-timers that showed up and got elected to be our official score keeper!

Note:
Teens pictured, front row:  Cassie Coniglio, Brianna Coniglio, Madison Nevices
Back Row:  Jack Siehl, Conner Black, Hunter Smith, Alana Powell, Rylie Ward

 Adults pictured, front row: Ian Kendel (relief player for adults),  Marcie McIntosh
Jolene Martinez, Shawn Kendel, Angie Shaneyfelt, Geoff Stringer, Ed Shaneyfelt

Golf Results 2022 Campvention

9 holes

41               
Dave Hennie – OH 
Jack Siehl – OH
Roy Rogers – CO

50
Karen Snodgrass – OH
Craig Weber – FL
George Hoyland – CO

 

18 holes

80                     
Scott Serbousek – IL   
Nyhl Austin – NY
Jim Turner – FL              

84
Terry Swanburg – ONT
Jack Smye – ONT
Bob Snodgrass – OH  

1 of the Reasons We Love FCRV:

Ed & Angie Shaneyfelt

When camping In Colorado (in a pop-up camper) in the 100+ degree days, and your air conditioner goes out, what is a person to do?  You find a group of people; in my case I choose the parking crew.  I asked if there was a camper repairman on the grounds, they said no but Joe here is quite handy.  Then I met Joe diGesu from Connecticut.

Joe came back to our pop-up (borrowed from our daughter and son-in-law) to investigate our air conditioning problem.  He deducted it was an after market add on and the wiring was quite burned from the stress of running over the years (and I’m sure Colorado heat was not good on it either).  He made us an extension cord from the air conditioner that we could run out the side of the camper and plug in direct to the outlet.  At that point I was fine with life as I had air but, Joe wasn’t finished.

After two trips to the hardware store for parts, he re-wired it correctly and put in a new circuit breaker.  He did many of his repairs with us not even at our camper as we had meetings to attend.

Thanks for all your help, and we look forward to seeing you next year.  Joe, we will have our 5^th wheel at Richmond next year and will look you up if we need any projects done!

People like “RV Solar Joe” make our organization great!

Aluminum Tabs Report

by Jeff & Shirley Kendle, Campvention Chair

This year we asked everyone not to bring their tabs to Campvention.  No one wants to haul the extra weight around, plus it makes it much easier for everyone and the plus side is your local charity receives the proceeds.

This year Colorado was awarded 1^st Place for the state with 171.8 pounds.  A donation of  $79.09 was presented to the Ronald McDonald House in Aurora, Colorado.

The Campfire Campers from Kansas was awarded 1st Place for the Chapter award with 19 pounds.  A donation of $6.65 was presented to the Shriners Hospital for Children.

Thank you to all of the states and chapters that brought their receipts, total donations amounted to $89.34.

2022 Conservation Poster Winners

by Breanna Kendle

Ages	Winners
0 – 5	1st Place – Ellinor Smith, KS
6 – 8	1st Place – Connor Smith, KS
9 – 11	1st Place – Gabrilla Gusic, PA
	2nd Place – Otto Mcintosh, MI
12 – 14	1st Place – Ian Burns, NY
	2nd Place – Taryn Christensen, CO
Adults	1st Place – Michael Burns, NY
	2nd Place – Ashlee Ritter, PA
	3rd Place – Kathy Hartwig, MI

The Family Activities Center

by Judy & Dan Kimzey

The family activities center provided a space for anyone wishing to play card, dice,  board or domino games to congregate and relax. The campers found game sets for  Yahtzee, LCR, For Get It,  Mexican Train, Chicken Foot, Chess/ checkers, Connect Four, Farkle,  Jenga , etc. as well as playing card decks and even a deck shuffler for those not wanting to strain their fingers.   Some campers brought in personal sets of Joker and Mahjong   A notebook of game rules and directions provided clarification for anyone wishing help in learning to play.  Younger campers were able to play some board games more appropriate for their age range and had puzzles available that were less difficult with more appealing children’s subjects. 

Several die-hard puzzle fans found a spot to feed their passion with an assortment of puzzles of varying sizes and difficulties. 

A book center allowed people to select  mysteries, sci-fi, biographies, romance, westerns, etc. and magazines to take courtesy of one local library. Some Campvention attendees brought some of their own to exchange and share. 

Refreshments were available from coffee and tea to lemonade and water as the high summer temperatures required that campers keep up a steady hydration plan.   Trail mix candies and other foods were available. 

The building housing the activity center was in use several times during the week for various meetings, seminars, a family dance complete with a DJ and lively music and fun , a hospitality and teen activity.  

Three contests were staged for cribbage, card bingo, and dice bingo. Card bingo drew the largest crowd with about 55 players who competed for gift bags. The men skunked the women scoring the winners for all four games played.  Cribbage and dice bingo had smaller crowds, but several people participated who were newcomers to the games and a fun and profitable hour-long contest offered a diversion to the action-packed schedule on three different days.

Certificates of Service to retiring members of the Executive Board and Advisory Council Members

Matt Mantia – Vice President Planning & Development – 2019 – 2021
Jan Cushing Comptroller 2017 – 2021
Ron & Carla Martinez – Colorado State Directors – 2019 – 2021
Chris & Denise Weiss – Membership Directors – 2019 -2021
Craig Weber – Commercial Director – 2019 – 2020
Lorne Douglas – Vice President of Programs – 2020 – 2022
Kip Cushing – Wisconsin State Director – 2008 – 2021
Barb Dodson – Missouri State Director – 2013 – 2021
Ron Braley – International Veterans Program – 2017 – 2021
Anne & Emily Kurburski – Teen Directors – 2019 – 2021
Robert & Gene Lockhart – Volunteer Background Records Custodians – 2011 – 2022
Bill & Margaret Alderman – Virginia State Directors – 2015 – 2019
Ron & Reba Ray – Retiree Directors – 2016 – 2022
Joe & Peggy Lins – Maryland, D.C. State Directors – 2006 – 2022
Lawrence Phillips – Texas State Director – 2010 – 2022
Carl & Lynda Wood – Scholarship Director – 2010 -2022
Vicki Roop – Website Editor and Camping Today Graphic Design & Layout – 2008 -2021

This is your Campvention Director, Ed Shaneyfelt. 

Dave and Rita Blair have resigned from the position of Communication and Security.  I want to thank Dave and Rita Blair on all their service during their time in this position.  They have organized the equipment and many forms.  The work during their time has been much appreciated.

So, I am looking for a new person to fill this position of Communication and Security.  Please let me know if you are interested.  Contact me by cell phone 260-615-0421 or email [email protected] for more information.

 

I also will be in need of a First Aid Chairman after Campvention 2023 in Richmond, Indiana.  Both gentlemen in this position (Delbert Powell and Captain Jack Thomas) are resigning.  Everyone should be very appreciative of the work both of the men have done for many years.  Thanks Delbert & Jack for all your hard work in keeping us all healthy!

If you are interested in this position in the near future please contact me to discuss.

Ed Shaneyfelt

260-615-0621

[email protected]

Campers Actively Moving Program (C.A.M.P.)

by Chair: Rick & Kathy Boatwright and Co-Chair: Bill & Rita Newell

We would like to thank everyone that participated in C.A.M.P., whether it was walking, biking or line dancing. 

Even though it was very hot during the day and warm in the morning, we had quite a few participants.  There were 3 different courses that were measured by GPS: ½ mile, 1 mile and 2 miles. The bike riders used the 2-mile course.

We had 3 Line Dancing classes with a total of 40 participants from 21 different chapters and 6 different states. The total dance time was 3,363 minutes.

We walked every day during the week with a total of 23 participants from 13 chapters and 5 states. The total walking mileage was 191 miles.

We also had 3 bike riders during the week from 2 Colorado chapters. Their total mileage was 50.8 miles.

We would like to have had more participants in C.A.M.P. but with so many things going on, we understand.

We hope everyone had fun at Campvention 2022 and can’t wait to see everyone again at Campvention 2023 in Richmond, Indiana.

Thank You

by Jeff & Shirley Kendle, Campvention Chair

Jeff and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the 2022 Team Leads, Team Co-Leads, Chairs, Co-Chairs, and all those that volunteered to help at Campvention.  Campvention would not take place without volunteers such as you.  It takes an army to put on Campvention and we appreciate your help, support, and dedication to FCRV and to Region 1.

TRIPLE NICKEL
TUESDAY – JULY 12th

For all of you country fans out there, get ready for some line dancing, two-stepping, and country swing.  Triple Nickel will be in the house on Tuesday, July 12, 2022.

Triple Nickel has established itself as one of the hottest bands of its kind in Colorado.  Triple Nickel is a 5-piece group that performs today’s top 40 country covers and “Americana-Country” originals.  Triple Nickel consistently provides a high energy, professional show with a signature sound all their own. From George Strait to Van     Morrison to Matchbox 20, Triple Nickel has something for even the most discriminating music enthusiast!  Triple Nickel travels throughout Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. No matter where they preform Triple Nickel has the ability to draw an audience.

Triple Nickel has shared the stage with artists such as Emerson Drive, Brian White, Daryl Worley, John Michael Montgomery, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Mark Chestnut, Colt Ford, Grainger Smith, Vanilla Ice, Pat Green, Brett Young, Josh Abbott Band, Midland, Firefall, Ely Young Band, Charlie Daniels, Lonestar, and so many more! The band itself has also been, and continues to be, the headliner for regional fairs, festivals, and special events. 

Come out and join the fun!!

JUKE JOINT CRUISERS
THURSDAY – JULY 14th

Juke Joint Cruisers is a three-piece Rockabilly band. Rockabilly was the first wave of Rock & Roll that originally came out of Memphis with artists such as Elvis, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins.

This music caught on in other parts of the country such as Texas where Buddy Holly emerged as a star. Juke Joint Cruisers plays all of these great artists and revival bands such as the Stray Cats and Reverend Horton Heat. Chuck Berry is a favorite the band likes to play, and they are known to throw a few Country songs in from that era, such as Hank Williams or Web Pierce.

Juke Joint Cruisers takes the audience back to a great period in America when times were simpler, less crowded and people came out and danced to this red hot music on Friday and Saturday nights. Make no mistake, this is not a “doo-wop” group. The boys not only play the music authentically, but look the part as well with vintage instruments, dressed in an authentic look and slicked back      pompadours. There will be no question what kind of music Juke Joint Cruisers will be playing for the evening.

The band released its first CD of all original music in January of 2011 after which time songs have been played on area radio stations.

For Activities:

• A night of Family Bingo
• A carnival-themed Family Fun Day
• A pizza party and an afternoon spent at an onsite splash pad
• A Rocky Mountain Talent Show (open to all ages)
  • Multiple Talent Show registrations for those seeking to perform as a group and/or individual act are more than welcome and should be emailed to [email protected] or turned into Youth Registration from Friday to Sunday during Campvention
• A family dance for all ages
• A bring your own lunch family picnic for youth and their families, with popsicles provided
• A “Bear” Hunt
• And Farewell Campfire with s’mores

For Crafts:

• Tie-Dye fun
• Painting Bird Houses
• Making Friendship Bracelets and Necklaces
• And Making Macrame Keychains with an alternative activity for younger youths, rock painting

With this wide array of activities, games, and crafts, we hope the Youth attending Campvention 2022 will have plenty to do and lots of fun. 

Given the Youth Program’s extensive itinerary, some general supplies you should bring with your youth this summer includes:

• Towels
• Sunscreen
• And clothes that you would not mind getting dirty or wet
  • (For activities that include painting and water fun such as Tie-Dye, Birdhouses, Splash Pad Fun, and Water Balloon Games; a swimsuit and painting smock/apron would suffice) 

Some specific supplies you will need to send with your youth include:

• A white shirt for Tie-Dye 
• A personal family lunch for the Family Picnic 
• PLEASE NOTE: On Tuesday afternoon, we are planning on having a pizza party for the youth. If your youth has any dietary restrictions that would prevent them from eating pizza, please send your youth with a personal lunch for that day. 

TALENT SHOW:

As Campvention 2022 approaches, we at the Rocky Mountain Summer Camp are excited to announce that we are now accepting applications for the Rocky Mountain Talent Show from all those who plan to attend this summer’s Campvention in Pueblo, Colorado!

We are looking for talented individuals, musicians, dancers, comedians, and performers who would like the opportunity to perform to register for the Rocky Mountain Talent Show today! Registration forms will be excepted by email before Campvention and should be emailed to [email protected]  (A Rocky Mountain Talent Show registration form can be found within Camping Today and on the Region 1 Campvention 2022 Facebook page). However, for those wishing to register for the talent show at Campvention, forms will be available during Youth Registration (locations and times for Youth Registration will be available in the Campvention 2022 schedule). 

As always, we are looking forward to seeing you all in 2022, and if you have any questions about the Rocky Mountain Summer Camp program, please email [email protected]

For Games:

• Indoor Games including:
  • Miniature indoor bowling
  • Giant Jenga
  • Speed Cup Stacking
  • And more with optional Coloring Pages and Puzzles set aside for those wishing to take it easy inside for an afternoon
• A game of Water Balloon Capture the Flag with a scavenger hunt alternative activity for younger youth
• And some classic Summer Camp Games including:
  • An Egg Race (using fake, plastic eggs)
  • A Fill-up Bucket Race
  • A Beach Ball Keep Up game
  • A Rock, Paper, Scissors Hula Hoop Race
  • A Water Balloon Toss
  • And some alternative activities for younger youths including bubble blowing and a game of soccer.

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS

For the past few months, you have all heard me enthusiastically promote this year’s Youth Program, the Rocky Mountain Summer Camp, for this upcoming 2022 Campvention. Well, with a full itinerary of fun awaiting the youth this summer, I am now calling for volunteers for the program’s many activities, games, and crafts we have planned for those 12 and under. 

I am calling for volunteers for the following:

Activities:

• Family Bingo 
• Family Fun Day Nacho Sales
• Pizza Party and Splash Pad Fun
• “Bear” Hunt
• Farewell Campfire

Games:

• Indoor Games
• Water Balloon Capture the Flag
• Scavenger Hunt 
• Summer Camp Games 

Crafts:

• Tie-Dye Fun
• Painting Bird Houses
• Friendship Bracelets and Necklaces
• Macrame Keychains
• Rock Painting 

With this wide array of activities, games, and crafts, we hope the Youth attending Campvention 2022 will have plenty to do and lots of fun; however, we do need volunteers to make sure the program runs smoothly. If you are interested in volunteering for any of the above activities, games, or crafts please email me at [email protected] 

 

As always, please be on the lookout for further announcements regarding the Rocky Mountain Summer Camp and Campvention 2022 that can be found in Camping Today, on the FCRV Region 1 Campvention 2022 Facebook group, and by email. 

 

           We are looking forward to seeing you all this summer, and if you have any questions about the Rocky Mountain Summer Camp program, please email [email protected]

 

See you all soon, 

Your Camp Counselors, Breanna and Dez

Sunday – July 10th 

• Line Dancing – In preparation for our fabulous entertainment scheduled for Tuesday night, join Patti to learn how to line dance so you can get up and have some fun!  

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Monday – July 11th

• RV Fire Safety – Start your Campvention off with the first of our safety seminars.  RV fires can be disastrous.  A fire can start from a simple blown tire while traveling down the road, while cooking, or while sleeping.  Learn how to properly use and maintain your RV’s fire extinguisher and safely escape in the event of a fire.  This session will also touch on safe and proper use of your RV’s fuel source – propane and diesel – as well as safety around the campfire.
• Don’t Gamble with Your Health & Life when Traveling – SkyMed is the premier medical emergency company with 18 rescue services including helicopter.  The pandemic has created new emergency complications for people needing to get to home hospital & SkyMed does this for pennies a day. 
• The Taste of Pueblo – Join Chef Mike and enjoy the wonderful and unique foods of Pueblo through this cooking demonstration that includes  recipes and  recommendations of locations for Pueblo dining and food shopping.
• Sewing Machine Basic Functions & Supplies – What is happening when your machine begins nesting thread underneath or is skipping stitches.  Everyone is familiar with the term “timing” but what exactly does it mean?  Whether mechanical or computerized, your machine is based on the same principles of sewing – to create the perfect stitch for your project.  We’ll also touch on the different feet available and why it’s important to know which foot to use for what stitch.  Do you have the right tools?  Make sure you have the basic supplies and never, ever let someone borrow your scissors!
• Let’s Talk RV’ing – No matter how long you have been on the road in your RV, you will surely learn something at this seminar.  Fred has been RVing full time for over 16 years and is the author of RV 101 by Fred.  His seminar will target important RV     related subjects providing helpful advice and troubleshooting tips for tires, batteries, electrical issues and more.

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Tuesday – July 12th

• Bee Keeping 101– Join FCRV President, Gerry Pfirsch, as he shares his conservation skills by helping to improve the bee population – a critical resource to the world’s food production as all plants need pollination.
• Sewing Needle Anatomy, Bobbins, and Threads, Oh My – Do you know that needles differ in size, structure, and Job?  Not all needles are alike. We will also take a look at the Inner Rotary Hook or more commonly known as the bobbin case and how it interacts with the needle.  Just as important are the bobbins and yes, there are different sizes.  The final area will be the importance of using the correct thread for your project.  Come see how all of these simple components play a major role in your finished projects.  
• Easy Line Dancing Lessons – Last chance to learn line dance steps and do line dances before the Tuesday evening entertainment.
• Staying Connected on the Road – Learn how you can stay connected on the road – from internet connectivity to television entertainment. KING has quality portable solutions to help RV’ers with all their Wi-Fi, Cellular, Satellite Antenna, and Over-the-Air television needs.

Wednesday – July 13th

• Beauty and Skin Care – Benefits of using Mary Kay skin care lines. Timewise/Botanical/Clear proof/Timewise Repair, Tips on make-up applications.
• Pueblo Street Rods Viewing – This is an excellent opportunity to be treated to the sights and sounds of some of the most beautiful, best constructed vintage vehicles ever assembled. 
• What Does the Government & News Media Say Today Regarding Extraterrestrials? – In 2021 the NSA and Pentagon released information confirming there was a cover up at Roswell, NM.  Both bodies and aircraft were recovered by the U.S. Army Air Forces on July 8, 1947.  Yet even today Wikipedia refuses to acknowledge this latest press release and coins it a “conspiracy theory.”  Join this multi-media presentation by a local astronomer and discover the truth for yourself.
• The Value of CBD – Learn how CBD can improve the quality of your life.
• Don’t Gamble with Your Health & Life when Traveling – SkyMed is the premier medical emergency company with 18 rescue services including helicopter.  The pandemic has created new emergency complications for people needing to get to home hospital & SkyMed does this for pennies a day. 
• All About Dutch Oven Cooking – Join us in the Grandstands and get all your questions answered about the preparation, use and cleaning of your Dutch Oven Cookware.  Enjoy the fruits of our efforts in this demonstration.
• Emergency Preparedness & Use of Drones – In the wake of the State of Colorado’s worst wildfire, listen to the advice Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office has which will help you prepare for an emergency evacuation. They will show off some of their special equipment and drones. If weather conditions permit, there will be a demonstration of the drone’s in-flight capabilities immediately after the presentation.

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Thursday – July 14th

• First Aid – As RV’ers  we spend a lot of time by ourselves or at remote campsites.  While we don’t have time to    become CPR certified, this session will teach you the basics of first aid.  Learn how to stop bleeding, take care of burns, and attempt to keep someone alive until help arrives.

• Artocade and Art Cartopia Viewing – Cars, trucks, bikes, motorcycles, and drivable “sculptures” beyond your wildest imagination will astound and amaze you.
• Artocade and Art Cartopia Museum – A short and fun look at the variety of “art cars” and the people who make them with special focus on Art Cartopia Museum and Artocade in Trinidad, CO.

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Friday – July 15th

• The 200th Anniversary of the Santa Fe Trail – Spend an hour with this author to learn all about the people who traveled the Santa Fe Trail and the goods they brought and traded. You’ll have an opportunity to    observe period firearms and personal effects.
• Dutch Oven Cast Iron Cooking – Explain and show how to cook/bake with cast iron dutch ovens using charcoal.  Will show how to stack, cook, and make Pineapple Upside Down Cake and a 3-piece meal

Activities for the kids will include: 

∙ Carnival Tattoos

∙ Clown Punch Bags

∙ Potato Sack Races 

∙ Games such as “Pass the Disk”,  “Duck Matching” and “Pin the Nose on the Clown”

Activities adults can choose from: 

∙ Flyswatter Badminton

∙ Frog Races

∙ Corn Hole

∙ Ladder Golf

Activities suitable for all ages: 

∙ Photo Booth

∙ Disk Drop Games

∙ Velcro Dart Board

∙ “Kissing Booth” 

∙ Water Balloon Toss

∙ Water Balloon Relay Race

∙ 3-legged Race

∙ Limbo Pole

∙ Giant Jenga.

Campvention 2022 info for June issue of CT:

 

SEMINARS, SEMINARS, AND MORE SEMINARS…..

In previous issues we said there would be plenty of SEMINARS.  Here is a run-down of the seminars already scheduled.  Plus, we are currently working on scheduling a few more.

• Sunday – July 10th 

•  Line Dancing 

• Monday – July 11th 

•   RV Fire Safety 
•   Sky Med
•   The Taste of Pueblo 
•   Sewing Machine Basic Functions & Supplies
•   Let’s Talk RV’ing

• Tuesday – July 12th

•  Bee Keeping 101
•  Sewing Needle Anatomy, Bobbins and Threads, Oh My
•  Easy Line Dancing Lessons
•  Staying Connected on the Road

• Wednesday – July 13th

•  Beauty and Skin Care
•  Pueblo Street Rods Viewing
•  What Does the Government & News Media Say Today Regarding Extraterrestrials?
•  The Value of CBD
•  Sky Med
•  All About Dutch Oven Cooking
•  Emergency Preparedness & Use of Drones

• Thursday – July 14th

•  First Aid
•  Artocade and Art Cartopia Viewing
•  Artocade and Art Cartopia Museum

• Friday – July 15th

•  The 200th Anniversary of the Santa Fe Trail
•  Dutch Oven Cast Iron Cooking

Rocky Mountain Summer Camp See You All Soon!!!

Hiya Campers! 

For months we have been saying that Campvention is just around the corner, however, this time it really is true. With the 2022 Campvention in Pueblo, Colorado only a month away, we at the Rocky Mountain Summer Camp just wanted to give you a final reminder of all the fun and exciting activities awaiting those 12 and under at this year’s Campvention.

 

With a full schedule of fun activities, games, and crafts that will begin on Tuesday and continue through to Friday evening, there is much in store for Youth attendees.

For Activities:

• A night of Family Bingo
• A carnival-themed Family Fun Day
• A pizza party and an afternoon spent at an onsite splash pad
• A Rocky Mountain Talent Show (open to all ages)
  • Multiple Talent Show registrations for those seeking to perform as a group and/or individual act are more than welcome and should be emailed to [email protected] or turned into Youth Registration from Friday to Sunday during Campvention
• A family dance for all ages
• A bring your own lunch family picnic for youth and their families, with popsicles provided
• A “Bear” Hunt
• And Farewell Campfire with s’mores

For Games:

• Indoor Games including:
  • Miniature indoor bowling
  • Giant Jenga
  • Speed Cup Stacking
  • And more with optional Coloring Pages and Puzzles set aside for those wishing to take it easy inside for an afternoon
• A game of Water Balloon Capture the Flag with a scavenger hunt alternative activity for younger youths
• And some classic Summer Camp Games including:
  • An Egg Race (using fake, plastic eggs)
  • A Fill-up Bucket Race
  • A Beach Ball Keep Up game
  • A Rock, Paper, Scissors Hula Hoop Race
  • A Water Balloon Toss
  • And some alternative activities for younger youths including bubble blowing and a game of soccer

For Crafts:

• Tie-Dye fun
• Painting Bird Houses
• Making Friendship Bracelets and Necklaces
• And Making Macrame Keychains with an alternative activity for younger youths, rock painting

Given the Youth Program’s extensive itinerary, some general supplies you should bring with your youth this summer includes:

• Towels
• Sunscreen
• And clothes that you would not mind getting dirty or wet
  • (For activities that include painting and water fun such as Tie-Dye, Birdhouses, Splash Pad Fun, and Water Balloon Games; a swimsuit and painting smock/apron would suffice) 

Some specific supplies you will need to send with your youth include:

• A white shirt for Tie-Dye 
• A personal family lunch for the Family Picnic 
• PLEASE NOTE: On Tuesday afternoon, we are planning on having a pizza party for the youth. If your youth has any dietary restrictions that would prevent them from eating pizza, please send your youth with a personal lunch for that day. 

With this wide array of activities, games, and crafts, we hope the Youth attending Campvention 2022 will have plenty to do and lots of fun, so please do not forget to bring your youth and register them for the Rocky Mountain Summer Camp during Youth Registration!

Youth Registration at the 2022 Campvention will take place in the DCR (Do Colorado Right) building from 1- 5 pm on Friday, from 9 am-12 pm and 2-4 pm on Saturday, and 10 am-12 pm and 1-3 pm on Sunday. While we prefer for those registering youth to do so on these days, we will also accept youth registrations at the Youth Parent Meeting on Monday which will be held from 4-5 pm in the DCR (Do Colorado Right) building. Upon arrival to youth registration, we ask that parents/guardians provide a current photo of their youth. Other information, such as the name of the registering youth, the name of their parents/guardians, home state/province, campsite location and number required upon registration can be found on the youth registration form. 

 

Registration forms for the Youth Program or the Rocky Mountain Talent Show can be found in Camping Today, on the FCRV National Website, or on the FCRV Region 1 Campvention 2022 Facebook Group

As always, please be on the lookout for further announcements regarding the Rocky Mountain Summer Camp and Campvention 2022 that can be found in Camping Today, on the FCRV Region 1 Campvention 2022 Facebook group, and by email. 

 

      We are looking forward to seeing you all this summer, and if you have any questions about the Rocky Mountain Summer Camp program, please email [email protected]

 

See you all soon, 

Your Camp Counselors, Breanna and Dez

ATTENTION MUSICIANS

by Craig Weber

 

 FCRV International Band is looking for members. Spend a little time at Campvention practicing and having fun. Be a part of Campvention. Band members get a free band T-shirt and free pizza party. Music is kept fairly easy to allow for all levels of skill. We could really use a bass (guitar, string, tuba), but any and all are welcome. Simply email me at [email protected] with the instrument you play and your shirt size. I will email you copies of the music ASAP so that you will have extra time to practice. Soloist or small groups are welcome to add to the concert. Join us in Pueblo for fun, fun, fun and be a part of Campvention.

Greetings FCRV Teens!

by Beth Coniglio

 

You don’t want to miss our Campvention activities in Pueblo, CO. We have an amazing week planned.

 

We will open the week with our registration on Sunday, along with our Parent meeting. At that time, we will also have the first meeting of the teens with your new International Teen Director. On Monday, come participate in Family Fun Day with our annual lunch sale and we are bringing back the FCRV Jail, hosted by our amazing Teens! So, start thinking now of who you think might need a time-out in jail. Plus, there will be plenty of carnival activities you don’t want to miss. Tuesday is packed with activities including our very own Chick Fil-A Cow Day, as the state of Florida hosts your 4th annual Chick Fil-A lunch. Make sure to bring your very own cow costume because prizes are sure to be given out. We also will have our annual outing Tuesday evening. This year we will be going to the Roller Rink.  Wednesday will have no time for rest as we plan to go off grounds again for what hopefully will become an annual event, completing a service project. We will help at the local Wildlife Refuge, take in a program and maybe even go for a hike. Come ready to spread the word about what FCRV is all about and how awesome our Teens are! We will be back in time for the Family Dance, making sure you aren’t too tired to show off your dance moves. Thursday is always our sports day with events such as Volleyball and the annual Teen/Adult softball game. Friday may mean that things are winding down, but we still have things to do, including a wrap up teen meeting, s’mores around the campfire, and our first official “Burning of the Teen card” ceremony for those who will be turning 20 before Campvention 2023. And this is all just the beginning!!  On top of the very specific items mentioned above we will be practicing for and participating in the Youth/Teen talent show (bring your own best talent or get a group together), tie dyeing (bring a white cotton item), playing water balloon volleyball, having an ice cream social, competing in relay races, building our Teen float and of course the Teen Center will be open every night for music and socializing. We also have it on good authority that life size Monopoly will be back this year. 

 

Teen Royalty in attendance is encouraged to wear their sashes and crowns during the week. Your state/province decided on you to represent them at Campvention 2022 and even though there isn’t going to be an International pageant this year, we want to see you out and about enjoying time with the organization, proudly representing your state/province!

 

There won’t be a pageant this year, but is the pageant all the Teens are about? Absolutely not! Now is your chance to make a difference and have a great time doing it! So come on out to Pueblo and join in some amazing Teen activities!

 

A message from the International Teen Queen, Brianna Coniglio:

 

To honor current state or province Teen Royalty at Campvention, I had planned a Teen Royalty Meet and Greet hospitality for our members. Since the decision was made to suspend the International pageant this year, I have decided to invite any past state or International Royalty who are present as well. If you would like to participate in the Teen Royalty (Past and Present) Meet and Greet hospitality, please contact me at [email protected]. I will also be posting more information in June.

Campvention Golfers

 

Please let Jim Turner know if you plan to play golf at Campvention 2022.  Email him at [email protected].  Looking forward to hitting the links in Pueblo in July!

Parade Update!

 

Well, everyone, it is hard to believe that we are about 2 months away from Campvention. Let me say that planning is going ahead full-steam for Campvention, and this is true for the Parade as well. Your state, province, and/or region is encouraged to enter and participate in the parade to show the pride that you have in your involvement in FCRV. Let’s show our pride in FCRV and have an entry in the parade. We are encouraging the teens, youth, adults, and every state/province to enter a float or walking unit to show how involved they are and pride in FCRV. I would like to see each state/province show their pride in their King and Queen with a float honoring their respective programs. I would like to see Conservation and Wildlife displayed in the parade. We will be using the National rules for the parade and judging will be based upon this set of rules. We will cover the rules for the parade on Monday at the parade meeting. We will only get out what you put into this parade. Registration Forms will be available at the parade meeting on Monday July 11, 2022. Upon entry, you will receive your entry number and further instructions. The Parade Theme will be America the Beautiful. We have covered buildings for the construction of the floats. This will allow construction of your float in the shade! We look forward to seeing your float in the parade in July.

Thank you from Gerry P.  and Vern F., Parade Chairs

Hey guys!

by Michelle Russell (Restless_Russells)

Lippert Campground Project

We’re the Russell’s- a family of 4 plus 2 pups who chose to sell it all almost 4 years ago to travel full time. Not only has life on the road brought us closer together, but it has connected us to a rolling community that is pretty top notch! And now we want to connect with you! We’ll be sharing our why, how we found community, roadschooling, and all the ways we keep this dream alive including the importance of maintaining your home on wheels. We can’t wait to meet each of you during this year’s Campvention! Safe Travels!

2022 CAMPVENTION SCHEDULE HIGHLIGHTS

by Jeff & Shirley Kendle

 

Sunday – July 10th	Wednesday – July 13th
Executive Board Meeting Seminars Opening Ceremonies Church Services Hospitality Family Bingo – sponsored by the Youth (Cash prizes) Teen Activity Family Center Open	C.A.M.P. walk or bike ride Hospitality Washer Toss Crafts Seminars Commercial Area Open Youth Crafts & Activities Pueblo Street Hot Rod Viewing Teen Activities Family Center Open FCRV Band Performance Rocky Mountain Talent Show Family Dance – Music by “Sounds in Succession”
Monday – July 11th	Thursday – July 14th
C.A.M.P. walk or bike ride First Timers Meeting Crafts Ladder Golf Seminars Commercial Area Open Family Fun Days (Carnival Theme) FOOD Parade Planning Meeting Hospitality Family Center Open Entertainment – “Shelvis & The Roustabouts” Golf Outing Meeting	C.A.M.P. walk or bike ride Marketplace Coffee and Cornhole Crafts Youth Crafts & Activities Teen Volleyball Game Commercial Area Open Seminars Cartopia Viewing Teen Softball Game Ambassador Club Luncheon Bean Bag Baseball Family Center Open Hospitality Entertainment – “Juke Joint Cruisers”
Tuesday – July 12th	Friday – July 15th
C.A.M.P. walk or bike ride Horseshoes Crafts Seminars Commercial Area Open Youth Crafts & Activities Teen Activities Any Hat Luncheon National Membership Meeting Hospitality Family Center Open Entertainment – “Triple Nickel”	C.A.M.P. walk or bike ride Youth Crafts and Activities Seminars Teen Activities FCRV Parade Follow-up Meeting with First Timers Youth Family Picnic Hospitality Youth “Bear” Hunt Closing Ceremonies Youth Farewell Campfire & S’mores Teen Farewell Campfire

MISCELLANEOUS 2022 CAMPVENTION INFORMATION 

 

FIRE PITS

 

Just a heads up if you plan on bringing a portable wood fire pit to Campvention.  It is against the law to bring out-of-state firewood into Colorado from areas infested with federally regulated forest pests like imported fire ant, spongy moth, and Asian long horned beetle.  Also, if there are fire restrictions you will not be able to have a wood fire.  

 

VOLUNTEERS

 

We anticipate minimum volunteers will be required for security as the fairgrounds provides security 24/7 while we are at the fairgrounds.  Access into the fairgrounds will be restricted to just a few gates during the day.

 

We will need volunteers to drive the trams, assist in the youth center, and central registration.

Please consider volunteering in one of these areas.

 

Hotels Near the Fairgrounds

 

Courtyard by Marriott – 2.3 miles 

Microtel Inn & Suites – 2.8 miles

Santa Fe Inn – 2.9 miles

Hampton Inn & Sites – Southeast – 3 miles

Springhill Suites Downtown – 3.5 miles

 

There are many others.  You can Google hotels near the Colorado State Fairgrounds or look up your favorite brand name hotel.

 

DAILY PASS

 

For those coming to Campvention just for the day, you must go to the FCRV Office to pay the daily fee and obtain a pass.  

 

REMEMBER

 

Get your Campvention Registration in NOW and avoid paying more at the gate.  Do not mail any Campvention Registrations after June 27th  as we will be busy transporting equipment to the Colorado State Fairgrounds and making final preparations for everyone to arrive.

AREA ATTRACTIONS – PUEBLO, CO

There are numerous places to visit in the Pueblo area from parks, museums, antique shops and shopping malls, state parks. You will also want to spend some time in Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs, and Old Colorado City.  With so much to do in the area, make sure you come early.

 

Historic Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo	Wet Mountains
Rosemount Museum	Steelworks Museum
San Isabel National Forest	Heroes Plaza – National Medal of Honor Memorial
Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum	Pueblo Heritage Museum
Lake Pueblo, Colorado State Park	Comanche National Grassland
Pueblo Zoo	Colorado Mental Health Institute at Pueblo Museum
Center for American Values	Natural & Wildlife Discovery Center
Sangre de Cristo Arts and Conference Center	El Pueblo History Museum
The Goodnight Barn – former home of legendary cattleman Charles “Lonesome Dove” Goodnight.

 

 

Call For Volunteers 

Hiya Campers, 

 

For the past few months, you have all heard me enthusiastically promote this year’s Youth Program, the Rocky Mountain Summer Camp, for this upcoming 2022 Campvention. Well, with a full itinerary of fun awaiting the youth this summer, I am now calling for volunteers for the program’s many activities, games, and crafts we have planned for those 12 and under. 

 

I am calling for volunteers for the following:

Activities:

• Family Bingo 
• Family Fun Day Nacho Sales
• Pizza Party and Splash Pad Fun
• “Bear” Hunt
• Farewell Campfire

Games:

• Indoor Games
• Water Balloon Capture the Flag
• Scavenger Hunt 
• Summer Camp Games 

Crafts:

• Tie-Dye Fun
• Painting Bird Houses
• Friendship Bracelets and Necklaces
• Macrame Keychains
• Rock Painting 

With this wide array of activities, games, and crafts, we hope the Youth attending Campvention 2022 will have plenty to do and lots of fun; however, we do need volunteers to make sure the program runs smoothly. If you are interested in volunteering for any of the above activities, games, or crafts please email me at [email protected] 

As always, please be on the lookout for further announcements regarding the Rocky Mountain Summer Camp and Campvention 2022 that can be found in Camping Today, on the FCRV Region 1 Campvention 2022 Facebook group, and by email. 

     We are looking forward to seeing you all this summer, and if you have any questions about the Rocky Mountain Summer Camp program, please email [email protected]

 

See you all soon, 

Your Camp Counselors, Breanna and Dez

Pueblo Attractions Links                                                                                                                                      by Barb Turner, Publicity Chair

 

While in Pueblo for Campvention, many attractions await you.  Prepare for your visits with the following links…..

 

Bishop Castle – www.BishopCastle.info

Center for American Values – www.americanvaluescenter.org

Colorado Mental Health Institute Museum – www.cmhipmuseum.org

El Pueblo History Museum – www.ElPuebloHistoryMuseum.org

 

Goodnight Barn Restoration – www.goodnightbarnpueblo.org

Medal of Honor Memorial Plaza – www.pueblohomeofheroes.org

Nature & Wildlife Discovery Center – www.hikeandlearn.org

Pueblo Fire Museum – www.pueblofire.org

Pueblo Heritage Museum – www.theheritagecenter.us

Pueblo Railway Museum – www.pueblorailway.org

Pueblo Riverwalk – www.puebloriverwalk.org

Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum – www.pwam.org

Pueblo Zoo – www.pueblozoo.org

Rosemount Museum – www.rosemoount.org

Sangre de Cristo Arts Center & Buell Children’s Museum – www.sdc-arts.org

Steelworks Center of the West – www.steelworks.us

The Fire Playce Paint Your Own Pottery Studio – www.thefireplayce.com

The Walter Brewing Company – www.WalterBeer.com

Walk of Valor – www.walkorvalor.com

 

And for overviews and more possibilities, visit: www.visitpueblo.org, www.tripadvisor.com, www.thecrazytourist.com, and www.familydestinationsguide.com.  

 

Campvention 2022 in Pueblo, Colorado in July awaits.  See you there!

 

Campvention “Family Activity Center”

by Judy & Dan Kimzey & Nancy & Howard Boehme

 

Do you think you’ll have any spare minutes during Campvention’s action-packed days?  The Activity Center, located in the Gallery of Fine Arts building, will be just the spot to sit down, relax, visit, share some time with friends, and maybe grab a snack or beverage.  While everyone is welcome, the activities available will primarily be for adults, as the youth and teens will each have a center for their activities. 

 

Besides comfortable chairs, we’ll offer a variety of boardgames, dice, cards and dominoes, books for reading, jigsaw puzzles to work on, and an occasional contest or group activity to enter.  Not sure if you remember all the rules for a particular game? We’ll also have those available for reference.   Or… if it’s just for your own enjoyment, make up your own rules!!   The books on hand will be from one of the local libraries and are free for the taking. 

  

Just know that everyone is welcome to take a break at this rather centrally-located spot, which is close to the vendor location and the restaurant, which will be open some of the time. Consult your program or one of the information boards to find out when our special contests will be held.  In case you don’t have your program guide with you, the daily list of activities around the grounds, along with any changes or additions that have been made, will be posted in the Center. 

     

We welcome you to Campvention and the Family Activity Center.   We invite you to stop by and take a gander at what we will provide.

CAMPVENTION IS LESS THAN 2 MONTHS AWAY

If you have not sent in your 2022 Campvention Registration, please do so as soon as possible.  The deadline for pre-registration is June 1st, 2022.  We will still take registrations at the gate, but it will cost you an additional $30.00.  So, get it in today and don’t miss out on the fun!

Rocky Mountain Summer Camp “What to Bring to Camp”

Hiya Parents!

As Campvention 2022 is just around the corner, we at the Rocky Mountain Summer Camp just wanted to remind you to bring with your youth some important supplies when you come to Colorado this summer.

Given the Youth Program’s extensive itinerary, some general supplies you should bring with your youth this summer includes:

• Towels
• Sunscreen
• And clothes that you would not mind getting dirty or wet
  • (For activities that include painting and water fun such as Tie-Dye, Birdhouses, Splash Pad Fun, and Water Balloon Games; a swimsuit and painting smock/apron would suffice) 

Some specific supplies you will need to send with your youth include:

• A white cotton t-shirt for Tie-Dye 
• A personal family lunch for the Family Picnic on Friday. 
• PLEASE NOTE: On Tuesday afternoon, we are planning on having a pizza party for the youth. If your youth has any dietary restrictions that would prevent them from eating pizza, please send your youth with a personal lunch for that day. 

As always, please be on the lookout for further announcements regarding the Rocky Mountain Summer Camp that can be found in Camping Today, on the FCRV Region 1 Campvention 2022 Facebook group, and by email. 

We are looking forward to seeing you all in 2022, and if you have any questions about the Rocky Mountain Summer Camp program, please email [email protected]

See you soon, 

Your Camp Counselors, Breanna and Dez

2022 CAMPVENTION REMINDERS

Don’t forget:

• To take your pop tabs to a Recycling Center between May 15, 2022 and June 15, 2022, get them weighed, obtain a receipt for pounds and the dollar amount. Then take the donated amount to your local Ronald McDonald House or similar charity. Make sure to bring a copy of your receipts to Campvention and place them in the box during Registration. 
• To bring a picture in remembrance of a member, loved one, or a relative to place on the “Memory Board”.  Pictures should not be any larger than a 4 by 6 inch. 
• To bring a gift basket from your state/province.
• To bring non-perishable items such as canned foods, peanut butter, boxed cereals, rice, beans, pasta and pasta sauce, shelf stable milk, and oatmeal.   No clothing or hygiene items, please.  Cash donations are also appreciated.  Campvention 2022 will be supporting a local food bank, Care and Share Food Bank for Southern Colorado.   Donations are especially needed this year with so many more families in need.  Donations will be accepted Sunday through Thursday in the Palace of Agriculture.
• To bring a 3 x 5’ state/provincial flag, 8’ flag pole, and a flag stand for the Opening Ceremony on Sunday.
• To submit your reservation forms for the Marketplace and Hospitalities.  Forms can be found in prior issues of Camping Today or on the FCRV website.
• To send in your Registration Form for the Talent Show.
• To bring white cotton T-shirts for the Youth and Teens to Tie-dye.
• To detach your toad before arriving at Gate 3 upon arrival. 
• To bring a small photo of your youth or teen for registration.
• TO SEND IN YOUR CAMPVENTION REGISTRATION FORM BY JUNE 1ST, 2022.

Rocky Mountain Summer Camp Talent Show for All 

Hello Everyone, 

As Campvention 2022 approaches, we at the Rocky Mountain Summer Camp are excited to announce that we are now accepting applications for the Rocky Mountain Talent Show from adults who plan to attend this summer’s Campvention in Pueblo, Colorado!

We are looking for talented individuals, musicians, dancers, comedians, and performers who would like the opportunity to perform to register for the Rocky Mountain Talent Show today! Registration forms will be accepted by email before Campvention and should be emailed to [email protected]  (A registration form can be found within Camping Today. on the Region 1 Campvention 2022 Facebook page and on the FCRV website). However, for those wishing to register for the talent show at Campvention, forms will be available during Youth Registration (locations and times for Youth Registration will be available in the Campvention 2022 schedule). 

As always, we are looking forward to seeing you all in 2022, and if you have any questions about the Rocky Mountain Summer Camp program, please email [email protected]

See you soon, 

Your Camp Counselors, Breanna and Dez

TOAD VEHICLES

For those of you who are towing cars behind your motorhome – you MUST detach your toad before you arrive at the Gate (3) to enter the fairgrounds.  There is a parking area on W. Mesa Ave and Acero Ave. that you can pull into for that purpose.

Rocky Mountain Summer Camp Youth Registration Message

Hiya Campers! 

With the 2022 Campvention making its way closer and closer, we at the Rocky Mountain Summer Camp just wanted to remind everyone to get their registrations in, especially those for youth 12 years and under. 

A copy of the Youth Registration form that will be turned in at Campvention, can be found here. https://fcrv.org/campvention-2022/  Youth Registration at the 2022 Campvention will take place in the CAB (Creative Arts Building) from 1- 5 pm on Friday, from 9 am-12 pm and 2-4 pm on Saturday, and 10 am-12 pm and 1-3 pm on Sunday. While we prefer for those registering a youth to do so on these days, we will also accept youth registrations at the Youth Parent Meeting on Monday which will be held from 4-5 pm in the CHC (Cultural Heritage Center). Upon arrival to youth registration, we ask that parents/guardians provide a small current photo of their youth. Other information, such as the name of the registering youth, the name of their parents/guardians, home state/province, campsite location and number required upon registration can be found on the youth registration form. 

As always, please be on the lookout for further announcements regarding the Rocky Mountain Summer Camp that can be found in Camping Today, on the FCRV Region 1 Campvention 2022 Facebook group, and by email.

We are looking forward to seeing you all in 2022, and if you have any questions about the Rocky Mountain Summer Camp program, please email [email protected]

See you soon,
Your Camp Counselors, Breanna and Dez

 

Adult Game Competitions

by Karen and Robert Snodgrass. National Adult Activities Directors

As we have done the past few years, we will be playing our official games: Horseshoes, Washer Toss and Ladder Golf. Any adult may play.  You don’t have to be a state/provincial champion to play; the games are open competition. 

New this year will be a Corn Hole tournament, dubbed Coffee and Corn Hole because we are playing in the morning. We will have coffee and other refreshments. In order for game play to progress at a quick pace, WE NEED YOUR HELP. We need additional corn hole boards. If you have a set and are willing to let us borrow them in Pueblo, please let us know.  [email protected]. 

We are also planning a family beanbag baseball event. All ages are welcome; sign up a whole team or meet new friends and join a team as an individual. We could also use additional beanbag baseball boards and bags. Again, please let us know if you have a set we can borrow.

Sign-up sheets for all events will be in central registration.  Check your programs for day, time and location of all the games. See you in Pueblo! 

Hello Crafty Campers!

We are so excited to share some pretty cool crafts with you. First of all, due to a supply issue we are not going to be able to do the wind chimes. However, we will still have the clay pot people with the choices of a frog, a gnome, or the clay pot person. Also, the Bottle cap magnets will be ready to do as well. I have added a few crafts: campfire starters, Glow stick Camp buckets and Birdhouses. The costs of the crafts vary but, I hope everyone that wants to crate with us, will. I am still working on getting some workshops together for some afternoons. I have a confirmed beginner/intermediate card making class for one afternoon.  If you have any questions please email me at [email protected] 

Blessings, Chris Hawkins

REGISTER NOW FOR CAMPVENTION 2022

Campvention is less than three months away.  For those that plan on attending but have not sent in their registration form, now is the time to do so.  The 2022 Campvention team has been hard at work to plan the Any Hat Luncheon, Seminars, Vendors, Family Fun Days, and Entertainment among other things.  

• The Any Hat Luncheon will be sure to please your palate with pulled pork sandwich, baked beans, coleslaw, chips, beverage, and a dessert for $12.00.
• As of February 2022, there are over 20 seminars already scheduled beginning on Sunday and ending on Friday.  To name a few:  Line Dancing, First Aid, Let’s Talk RV’ing, Staying Connected on the Road, Bee Keeping 101, Quilting Basics, Value of CBD, Dutch Oven Cooking, Embroidery Basics, the 200th Anniversary of the Santa Fe Trail, and much more.
• Ten vendors have also committed, and we are expecting more to commit in the next few months.  
• The Pueblo Hot Rod Club and Cartopia will be displaying their hot rod cars and art cars.  
• Family fun days will be filled with food, carnival booths, games for all ages, a photo booth cutout and much more.  The teens will also be selling hamburgers and the youth will be selling nachos to help support their activities. Carnival booths will be open from 11:00 am till 3:00 pm. 
• Entertainment is Top Notch and will keep everyone on their toes dancing the night away.    
• Family dance is scheduled for Wednesday evening along with a DJ to keep things moving.
• Everyone loves a parade.  Join in the fun by decorating a float, golf cart, truck, or yourself and walk in the parade. 
• Don’t forget about the Hospitalities, Adult, Teen, and Youth activities that will take place daily and the Marketplace on Thursday will have lots of fun items for sale.  

Don’t want to miss all the fun so get your registration in today and join the fun at the 2022 FCRV Campvention held in Colorful Colorado.  

WELCOME TO CAMPVENTION IN COLORADO

by Jeff & Shirley Kendle, Campvention ’22 Chairs

There is a saying here “If you don’t like the weather, wait 5 minutes.”  Colorado can have various changes in the weather, even in July!  That is why you should have clothing for any occasion!  In addition to “layering” you should consider bringing the following:

1. Water & water bottle – You will need to drink plenty of water, stay hydrated as there is very little humidity and sometimes high temperatures.
2. Sunscreen, lip balm, hats – Colorado is known for its sunny weather; in fact, Pueblo is considered one of the sunniest cities in the U.S., enjoying around 259 days of sunshine per year. With that in mind, sunscreen is definitely one of the top Colorado packing essentials, no matter what time of year you visit.
3. Flashlights – For when it gets dark.
4. Mosquito repellent w/DEET – The good news is that Colorado’s relatively dry air and high elevation cut way down on insects. But being outside, especially during the summer, can still expose you to mosquitoes and plenty of other bugs.  And if you happen to end up with a mosquito bite, make sure you have something to put on it to stop the itching.
5. Umbrellas/raingear – Colorado has a relatively dry climate, but it still gets some rainy days, especially in the spring and summer. It’s always smart to pack a lightweight and portable umbrella in case you get caught in the rain.
6. Easy cook meals – Bring meals that are easy to prepare so you can spend your time having fun.
7. Comfortable pair of walking shoes – There is a lot to see and do while in Colorado so make sure your feet are comfortable.

We are happy you will be joining us. The 2022 Campvention Team are super excited to welcome everyone to the Region 1 Campvention and hope that you enjoy your time at the Colorado State Fairgrounds.

National Conservation Poster Contest

With the 2022 Campvention in Pueblo, Colorado fast approaching it is time to start working on your Conservation Poster.  

Contestants must be members of FCRV who have won first place in a State/Provincial competition.  Posters must be on standard size poster board (22” by 28”) and contain your Name, date of birth, chapter, and complete address and the Field Director’s certification on the lower left-hand corner of the back of the poster.  The poster must be the contestant’s own work and must have been created for the FCRV contest only.  

Age is determined as of July 1, 2022, for this year’s Campvention.  Age categories are:

Up to 5 years, 6 – 8 years, 9 – 11 years, 12 – 14 years, 15 – 19 years, 20-year-old and up.

For further information regarding the rules and guidelines for the ‘National Conservation Poster’ contest, please refer to the FCRV Field Manual.

Upon arriving at the 2022 Campvention, all ‘Conservation’ posters are to be turned into the Youth Directors during the youth registration in the Cultural Arts Building.  

We look forward to seeing everyone’s submission this year at the 2022 Campvention in Pueblo, Colorado

GREETINGS TO FIRST TIMERS!

To all those who are attending Campvention for the First Time.  There will be two meetings that you are encouraged to attend.  The first one will be a “Welcome” on Monday, July 11th at 8:45 in the CAB (Creative Arts Building).  You will get to meet the FCRV Trustees and receive information about Campvention as well as information about the Pueblo area.  

We have a “TON” of things going on during your stay.  We will have vendors, seminars, games, Family Fun Days, Bingo, and Evening Entertainment.  You will get a chance to make new friends from all over the U.S. and Canada.  

There will be a follow-up meeting on Friday, July 15th, at 2:00 pm to get your comments and suggestions about Campvention.  

We look forward to seeing you in Pueblo, Colorado.

Family Fun Day

by Elbert & Eileen Carter, chairs

Family Fun Day will have fun games & activities for all ages both inside and outside the 4H building on Monday afternoon. Carnival Activities start at 11am (food by the Teens and Youth will be available starting at noon).

Cornhole and Ladder Golf games will be setup outside, as well as Giant Jenga and a Limbo Pole. Other active games outside include water balloon games and races for all, potato sack races for the kids and more.

Inside adults can participate in Flyswatter Badminton and Frog Races while the kids enjoy Carnival Tattoos, Clown Punching Bags and games like “Pin the Nose on the Clown”. 

Check out the “Kissing Booth” and try to win a prize. 

Don’t forget to take a picture at the Photo Booth as a Circus Character, in the “Rocky Mountain Bliss” picture frame or both!

Volunteers to man the various booths are still needed… Contact Elbert Carter 719-660-1156 to set up a short time slot.

SEMINARS, SEMINARS AND MORE SEMINARS

If you weren’t sure about attending Campvention, hopefully, this article about all the planned seminars will make you decide to send in that reservation right away!  There are several times when you will have a choice of which seminar to participate. Here’s some teasers so you can start planning:

Health & Safety – The City and County of Pueblo will be joining us for several safety topics including RV Fire Safety, First Aid, and Emergency Preparedness. They plan to bring their equipment, K-9s and drones to demonstrate how they are using modern technology to keep the public safe. You’ll have two chances to learn how to line dance in preparation for Tuesday’s evening entertainment (and earn those CAMP dollars.) Learn how CBD can improve your quality of life for those of us dealing with daily aches and pains or anyone who overexerted themselves dancing the night before!

Food – We have three sessions scheduled so far covering the unique foods Pueblo has to offer, cast iron and Dutch oven cooking. It’s my understanding samples of the cooked food will be available for attendees to taste.

Quilting – We have three 60-to-90-minute seminars scheduled throughout the week that cover basics, sewing machines and equipment, supplies, hooping, stabilizers, and a trunk show to show off your creative talents.

Current issues – We’re fortunate to have a local astronomer discuss newly released information on extra-terrestrials. Join a celebrated author to learn how the pioneers lived while we celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Santa Fe Trail. Check out the cool cars from Art Cartopia (https://www.artcartopia.com/) and learn how this organization helps underserved members of the Trinidad community. Join President, Gerry Pfirsch as he shares his skills at bee keeping and why bees are so important.

RV Lifestyle – We all struggle to stay connected while traveling in our RV. Join KING as they share ways to improve your connectivity. RV101 will share helpful advice and troubleshooting tips for tires, batteries, electrical issues and more. Join the Lippert Ambassadors as they share their insights on RVing, using key Lippert products, and living on the road full time.

As you can see, we have a very full agenda, but don’t worry, we’ve saved plenty of time for family fun and the usual Campvention activities. If you have a suggested seminar, feel free to email me at [email protected].

Debbie Dettmer
Seminar Chairperson

Everyone We are Having a Parade 

We are looking toward seeing your in Pueblo, Colorado for Campvention! And on Friday we are going to have a parade a good old-fashioned parade, I tell you! So, bring your things and plan to decorate a float, strike up the marching band, and let’s have some fun. I would like to have the States & Provinces show their pride with a float, or a walking float that shows why you are the beat state/province in the FCRV Family. The Parade route is set, and we are ready to have some fun; the question would be are you ready to have some fun. There will be awards for the winning floats. Some of them will be:

Trustees Award

President’s Award

Parade Steeler

Best Walking

Best Motorized 

To name a few. 

So, let’s show our spirit and make this a parade to remember at Campventions to come. Who will win? Possibly you; all you must do is make your plan for a winning float, and we will have places that are covered to allow you to build your float under roof. So, I say again, put on your thinking cap and devise a winning plan for that Winning Float.

Talent Show Registration

Hiya Campers! 

As a part of the Rocky Mountain Summer Camp’s many planned activities, we would like to host a Youth and Teen Talent Show! 

We are looking for talented individuals, musicians, dancers, comedians, and performers who would like the opportunity to perform to register for the Youth and Teen Talent Show today! Registration forms should be emailed to [email protected]  no later than April 15th, 2022 (A Youth and Teen Talent Show registration form can be found within this issue). However, for those wishing to register for the Youth and Teen Talent Show at Campvention, forms will be available during Youth Registration (locations and times for Youth Registration will be available in the Campvention 2022 schedule). 

As always, we are looking forward to seeing you all in 2022, and if you have any questions about the Rocky Mountain Summer Camp program, please email [email protected]

See you soon,
Your Camp Counselors, Breanna and Dez

FCRV Discount Campgrounds Info

by Debbie Dettmer

The Trustees continue to work for additional benefits to all members of FCRV.  To that end, volunteers Patricia Green, Lindsay Leaman and myself have been working to put together a discount campground directory. It’s a long and slow process but we wanted to share those campgrounds located in Colorado or neighboring states with you so you can obtain a 10% discount on your camping fees (upon showing your FCRV membership card) while traveling to Campvention.  Please consider these campgrounds if they are on your route or nearby and if you’d like to volunteer to assist on this project, please email Debbie Dettmer at [email protected] :

• Aspen Ridge RV Park South Park, CO 719-873-2248
  
• Moore’s RV Park Bloomfield, NM 505-632-8339
  
• Texas Log Cabin RV Park Canton, TX 903-802-0434
  
• Platte River Campground Glenrock, WY 307-262-9768
  
• Escalante Cabins & RV Park Escalante, UT 435-826-4433
  
• Flying U Country Store* St. Joseph, UT 435-527-4758

*Membership card is not required to obtain 10% discount

Moore’s RV Park 

Come enjoy the four corner’s area at Moore’s RV Park and Campground!  The Campground is located less than an hour south of Durango, Colorado, and 20 minutes from the world class fishing waters of Navajo Lake and the San Juan River. The area is an outdoorsman’s paradise featuring hiking, biking, ATVing, fishing, skiing, and more!  If you enjoy exploring historical sites, you’ll enjoy nearby Aztec Ruins National Monument, Chaco Culture National Historic Park, or Angel Peak Scenic Area.  

The park features 60 RV sites, 3 rustic cabins, an Airbnb Vacation rental, 4 long term rentals, and tent sites.  You’ll enjoy the many amenities such as a swimming pool, dog park, playground, laundry mat, showers and restrooms, on-site propane and camp store.  Most sites feature grills and picnic tables for your pleasure.  There is a community fire pit near the group tent camping, and a covered picnic pavilion for groups! 

Check out our website for more information at: www.mooreservpark.com.  Call or write us today!  (505) 632-8339 or via email: [email protected]

Escalante Cabins & RV Park

Looking for a family-friendly campground, with cabins, RV sites, tents sites, and even vacation rental homes? Well, Escalante Cabins & RV Park is exactly what you’re looking for. Make us your base camp for adventures to the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument! Escalante Cabins & RV Park was recently voted Best RV Park in Garfield County. Check out this website for more information. We have full hookup pull-through, back-in, and pull forward sites to best enjoy the beauty of the view from the campsite. Please visit us at www.escalantepark.com or call 435-826-4433.

GIFT BASKET GIVEAWAY

This year at the 2022 Campvention instead of doing door prizes we would like to have states bring a gift basket or gift bag with items of their choice to be raffled each night after the evening program.  Anything can be in the basket, items from your state, camping items, survival basket, favorite seasonings for grilling, etc. The Pueblo Chamber of Commerce will be giving us a basket that contains items from the Pueblo, Colorado area and some of our vendors will also be furnishing items.  

Raffle tickets will be given to members as they check in and are nontransferable.  The winner must also be present to claim their gift basket.  

The more baskets that are brought to Campvention, the more winners there are. 

Looking Forward to Rocky Mountain Summer Camp Message

Hiya Campers! 

As the 2022 Campvention makes its way closer and closer, we at the Rocky Mountain Summer Camp are excited to share what activities will be available for those 12 and under during Campvention in Pueblo, Colorado. 

With a full schedule of fun activities, games, and crafts that will begin on Tuesday and continue through to Friday evening, there is much in store for Youth attendees. 

For Activities:

• A night of Family Bingo
• A carnival-themed Family Fun Day
• A pizza party and an afternoon spent at an onsite splash pad
• A Youth and Teen Talent Show 
• A family dance for all ages
• A bring your own lunch family picnic for youth and their families, with popsicles provided
• A “Bear” Hunt
• And Farewell Campfire with s’mores

For Games:

• Indoor Games including:
  • Miniature indoor bowling
  • Giant Jenga
  • Speed Cup Stacking
  • And more with optional Coloring Pages and Puzzles set aside for those wishing to take it easy inside for an afternoon
• A game of Water Balloon Capture the Flag with a scavenger hunt alternative activity for younger youths
• And some classic Summer Camp Games including:
  • An Egg Race (using fake, plastic eggs)
  • A Fill-up Bucket Race
  • A Beach Ball Keep Up game
  • A Rock, Paper, Scissors Hula Hoop Race
  • A Water Balloon Toss 
  • And some alternative activities for younger youths including bubble blowing and a game of soccer

For Crafts:

• Tie-Dye fun
• Painting Bird Houses
• Making Friendship Bracelets and Necklaces
• And Making Macrame Keychains with an alternative activity for younger youths, rock painting 

With this wide array of activities, games, and crafts, we hope the Youth attending Campvention 2022 will have plenty to do and lots of fun. 

As always, please be on the lookout for further announcements regarding the Rocky Mountain Summer Camp that can be found in Camping Today, on the FCRV Region 1 Campvention 2022 Facebook group, and by email. 

We look forward to seeing you all in 2022, and if you have any questions about the Rocky Mountain Summer Camp program, please email [email protected]

See you soon,
Your Camp Counselors, Breanna and Dez

The Continental Divide of the Americas

by Barb Turner, Campvention ’22 PR Chair

The Continental Divide of the Americas or commonly just called the Continental Divide extends from the Bering Strait in the north to the Strait of Magellan at the southern tip of South America.  The Continental Divide separates the watersheds that drain into the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east.  

Attendees of Campvention 2022 in Pueblo, Colorado in July might enjoy exploring the Continental Divide in Colorado.  View this video which explains the Continental Divide and explains its importance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMhrvvoYSHo

Experience sections of the Continental Divide by hiking or driving.  Do your research.  Determine what best meets your interests.  The following links and many others you’ll find in your research may be helpful to you:

https://coloradoencyclopedia.org/article/great-divide 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyEISz6hHOA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzzeArb2sps

Explore the mountains, but use caution.  Trying to adjust to the increased elevation gradually is important to those of us who live at lower elevations.  Altitude sickness is real and is to be taken seriously.  Altitude sickness typically kicks in at elevations around 7,500 to 8,000 feet. (Pueblo’s elevation is just under 4700’ above sea level.)    To we lowland travelers who are new to the area, altitude can produce some unusual high-altitude effects such as dizziness, nausea and headaches. Colorado Springs climbs to an altitude of 6,035 feet.  Personally, I first traveled to Colorado and the mountains in 1976.  We have made many trips to the Rocky Mountains over the years.  I never had a problem, even up at the summit of Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park and the top of Pike’s Peak until 2019.  I experienced the nausea, dizziness, and basic unsteadiness for the first time, particularly when we visited the open-pit mine which was above 10,000’.  Looking ahead to going to the Colorado Springs area after Campvention brings caution as to where I’ll feel comfortable.  Exploring the Colorado Rockies & the Continental Divide is wonderful; just be careful

We look forward to seeing you in Pueblo, Colorado in July for Campvention 2022!

UPDATE:  GOLF CART RENTALS FOR 2022 CAMPVENTION

The 2022 Campvention Team has arranged for rentals of individual golf carts with Mile High Golf Carts.  They only have a handful of golf carts left for members to rent.   After those have been rented there is not a guarantee that additional golf carts will be available because July is their busiest time of the year.  If you would like to rent an individual Golf Cart, please contact Staci as soon as possible at 303-833-1400.  Staci will prepare a contract and collect the amount due at the time you call.

MARKETPLACE AND HOSPITALITIES

Don’t forget to submit your reservation forms for the Marketplace and Hospitalities.  Forms can be found in prior issues of Camping Today or on the FCRV website.

POP TABS

Who likes to transport buckets and bags of pop tabs to Campvention? For one thing they are heavy and take up room. We have decided that we don’t want anyone to have to transport their pop tabs to Pueblo, Colorado from all over the country. 

Instead, we are asking you to take them to a Recycling Center between May 15, 2022 and June 15, 2022, get them weighed, obtain a receipt for pounds and the dollar amount. Then take the donated amount to your local Ronald McDonald House or similar charity. Don’t forget to make a copy of the receipts and bring them to Campvention. Make sure you annotate the receipt with your state or chapter and state. This will make it much easier for all and you won’t have to cart that extra weight. 

Once you arrive at Campvention, there will be a box at Registration for you to put your receipt in. Those will be tallied and announced during one of the evening programs. #poptabs

 

MEMORY BOARD

This year at Campvention we will have a “Memory Board” for anyone that desires to post a picture in remembrance of a member, loved one, or a relative. Pictures should not be any larger than a 4 by 6 inch. Don’t have a picture or if you forget to bring one, that’s ok. We will have some index cards available that you can fill out and post. Please retrieve your pictures by Friday, July 15th by noon. #memoryboard

OPENING FLAG CEREMONY

Plans are underway for the Opening Flag Ceremony for Campvention 2022. States and Provinces that plan to attend should bring a 3’ by 5’ state/province flag, flag pole and flag stand. Flags will be displayed all week in the Event Center. #openingflagceremony

Opening Flag Ceremony Rehearsal will take place on Sunday from 3:30 to 4:30 in the Event Center. Flag bearers should bring their flag, flag pole, and flag stand to the practice. The time of the Closing Ceremony rehearsal will be in the Program Book and will take place on Friday.

The Region 1 Opening Ceremony Committee would like to develop a list of the flag bearers from each state and province that plan on attending the Region 1 Campvention. As soon as your state or province flag bearer has been identified, please forward their name, email address, and cell phone number to:

Joe and Sandi Wingert at [email protected] or Doug & Cheryl Forry at [email protected].  Put Opening Ceremony in the Subject Line.

FAMILY FUN DAY

CARNIVAL will be the theme of this year’s Family Fun Day. As usual the Teens will be offering a hamburger lunch and the Youth will be offering Nachos for a reasonable charge. We plan on both outdoor and indoor games and activities for all ages to enjoy. Family Fun Day is a great way to start off your Campvention week and see your friends, both old and new. #familyfunday

Campvention 2022 Talent Show Registration

Hiya Campers! 

As a part of the Rocky Mountain Summer Camp’s many planned activities, we would like to host a Youth and Teen Talent Show! 

We are looking for talented individuals, musicians, dancers, comedians, and performers who would like the opportunity to perform to register for the Youth and Teen Talent Show today! All registrations are due no later than April 30th, 2022, and should be emailed to [email protected].  A Youth and Teen Talent Show registration form can be found within this issue)

As always, we are looking forward to seeing you all in 2022, and if you have any questions about the Rocky Mountain Summer Camp program, email [email protected]. 

See you soon,
Your Camp Counselors, Breanna and Dez

TOGETHERNESS!!

We are going to have an “Any Hat” luncheon on Tuesday, July 12, at the 2022 Campvention for all those that would like to attend.  This will be a time to inter-mingle with members from other states and provinces and make new friends.

We are planning to serve Pulled Pork Sandwiches, baked beans, coleslaw, chips, dessert, and a drink.  Estimated cost is $12.00 per person.  For planning purposes please indicate if you plan on attending by marking the box or boxes on your registration form.  

Tickets for the “Any Hat luncheon can be purchased at Central Registration Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.  Cash or Check only.

CRAFTS

Check out similar crafts that plan to be offered at 2022 Campvention. Check out the 2022 FCRV Campvention Interest Form Crafts & Workshops form with the Campvention 2022 info on the FCRV web site at www.fcrv.org.  Plan to be crafty at Campvention ’22! 

‘CAMPING IS…’ Poster Participation

Hiya Campers! 

With the 2022 Campvention in Pueblo, Colorado fast approaching, we at the Rocky Mountain Summer Camp are excited to see you all this upcoming summer. We are also super excited to see everyone’s creative and colorful ‘Camping is…’ posters! 

What? You don’t know about the ‘Camping is…’ poster contest? Well, here is some information about it:

   The ‘Camping is…’ poster and coloring contest is for FCRV member children up to age 12. 

   There are six age categories: 0-2, 3-4, 5-6. 7-8, 9- 10 and 11-12 years of age. 

   For children in the 0-2 and 3- 4 age groups a coloring page is available for them to submit into the contest. The coloring page will be available for download on the FCRV website at www.fcrv.org

   Under the Members tab, go to Programs and select the Youth Program. 

   Scroll down to find the Camping Is download.

   Children ages 5-12 will create a poster using standard size poster board (22” by 28”) and any art methods they choose to illustrate what camping means to them. 

   A contest is held in each state or province, typically at a Spring campout with the first-place winner in each age group coming to Campvention to compete against all other first place winners. So, please contact your State or Provincial Director to find out when your contest will be held.

For further information regarding the rules and guidelines for the ‘Camping is…’ poster contest, please refer to the FCRV website www.fcrv.org under the Youth Program

Upon arriving at the 2022 Campvention, all ‘Camping is…’ posters are to be turned in during the youth registration in the Cultural Arts Building. 

As always, we are looking forward to seeing you all in 2022, and if you have any questions about the Rocky Mountain Summer Camp program, please email [email protected]. 

See you soon,
Your Camp Counselors, Breanna and Dez

CAMPVENTION 2022 SEMINARS

We have some exciting seminars planned for Campvention, but we also know that FCRV members have a wealth of knowledge and experience that they can pass on to other members and there is not a better place then Campvention to do so.  

So …. If you or you know of someone who would like to be a seminar presenter during the 2022 FCRV Campvention in Pueblo, Colorado July 10 – 15, 2022, please contact Debbie at [email protected] or Shirley & Jeff at [email protected].

2022 CAMPVENTION PROGRAM BOOK  

Now is your chance to say thank you or recognize someone special, or perhaps wish someone a Happy Birthday or Happy Anniversary.  Perhaps you want to tell someone in the organization Thank You for all their hard work.  Or you’d like to remember one of our own who has passed and is missed at campvention. You can do any or all these things in the 2022 Campvention Program Book! 

Ad prices are – $5.00 gets you two lines of print, business card size is $15.00, quarter page is $20.00, half-page is $35.00 and a full page is $50.00

Send your check, payable to Colorado Chapters of FCRV, along with your advertisement to Jeff Kendle, 2278 Dogwood Circle, Erie, CO 80516.

Visit Trinidad

by Barb Turner, Campvention PR Chair

With Campvention 2022 in Pueblo, Colorado in July on your calendar, a visit to Trinidad could be added.  Straight south of Pueblo via I-25 is the town of Trinidad, which is just north of the New Mexico border and Raton Pass.  Trinidad might be best known for being one of the stops on the historic Santa Fe Trail.  In the 1800s, trappers coming out of the mountains bartered with traders.  Early ranchers claimed land for their endeavors.  For those early pioneers traveling on to the Sante Fe area, Trinidad provided a rest area and a place to purchase or barter for goods for the rest of their journey. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trinidad,_Colorado   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFX6f4lqmAc  

Today, what attractions await our FCRVers?  (https://vacationidea.com/colorado/best-things-to-do-in-trinidad-co.html#slide6) 

Trinidad History Museum (312 East Main Trinidad):  Perhaps the first stop would be the museum to learn of the history of Trinidad and the area.  https://www.historycolorado.org/trinidad-history-museum?utm_source=GoogleBusinessListing 

Trinidad Trolley (309 Nevada Avenue):  If you are limited on time, “one of the best ways to get a crash course on Trinidad’s history and the best of its architecture is by taking a ride on the city’s trolley. There are two different kinds of tours available with the Trinidad Trolley, both of which will take you to interesting architectural spots in the city as well as historically significant attractions as well.”  https://www.uncovercolorado.com/activities/trinidad-trolley/ 

Southern Colorado Coal Miners Memorial (101 N Convent Street – in Birdcage Plaza downtown):  The memorial is dedicated to the hundreds of miners and their contributions to the growth of Colorado.  https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=100504 

Coal Miners Memorial Museum (219 W. Main Street):  “The museum is a tribute to the dedicated miners who explored the vast caverns beneath the plains, mountains and mesas of Southeastern Colorado. Here you can discover the industry that built Trinidad by riding a coal car, learning about the history and the workers who challenged the Rockefellers. Tour the lower level that takes you underground offering a peek into the mining experience.”  https://visittrinidadcolorado.com/museums/ 

Art Cartopia Museum (2702 Freedom Road):  “Art Cartopia Museum is an art car museum.  It came into being due to the unexpected but delightful success of ArtoCade, Trinidad’s yearly art car parade dedicated to building community through the arts. Home to over 25 art cars and serving as a regional center of creativity and shenanigans, Art Cartopia opened its doors in the fall of 2018 and hosts a number of art and education-related workshops and events throughout the year.”  If you are into cars, you’ll enjoy this unique museum. https://visittrinidadcolorado.com/museums/   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QW7QvNbZUao

Check out the links in the article.  Decide if Trinidad should be included in your trip to Campvention 2022 in Pueblo, Colorado in July.

 Miscellaneous Information for 2022 Campvention

by Jeff Kendle

CAMPING AT THE FAIRGROUNDS AFTER CAMPVENTION:  For those interested in staying at the Colorado State Fairgrounds after Campvention, you may do so for $35.00 per night.  You must coordinate this on your own with the Fairgrounds Office once you arrive and pay them directly for the nights you are staying.  You must vacate the Fairgrounds by Wednesday by noon, July 20th.  DO NOT include these nights on your Campvention Registration.

EARLY DAYS:   When completing your Campvention Registration form, DO NOT include the cost of the early days.  This will be collected when you arrive and check in at the Registration Office.  Cash or Check Only.

GOLF CART RENTALS:  As of January 7th 2022, there are ONLY two 4-passenger golf carts available for rental.  There are still ten 2-passenger golf carts available.  A 4-passenger golf cart will be $330.00 plus 25.08 tax for a total of $355.08. Delivery fee will be an additional charge of approximately $22.50.  A 2-passenger golf cart will be $295.00 plus $22.42 tax for a total of $317.42.  Delivery fee will be an additional charge of approximately $22.50.  If you would like to rent an individual Golf Cart, please contact Staci as soon as possible at 303-833-1400.  Staci will prepare a contract and collect the amount due at the time you call.

Information from FCRV Region 1 Campvention 2022 Facebook 

Campvention is less than 6 months away. The committees are hard at work planning activities, seminars, and vendors to show their wares. 

We have changed things up a bit this year for Campvention.   A few things that are planned are:

• Sunday evening – Family Bingo. Cash prizes.

• Monday – Family Fun Days. Hamburgers will be sold by the Teens to support their activities.   Nachos will be sold by the Youth to support their activities, and there will be carnival booths for everyone.
• Instead of a separate Red Hat, Hard Hat Luncheon, there will be an “Any Hat” (or no Hat) luncheon for anyone who wants to participate. 

The Colorado Youth Directors will also have a Pizza Party and Water Fun activity for the youth at the same time so those with children do not have to worry about keeping them entertained.

• Wednesday afternoon:  There will be a Hot-Rod Car Show.
• A Family Dance for all attendees with a DJ. 
• On-ground restaurant to be open at certain times is in the works, for those that want a break from cooking. 
• Entertainment is locked in. Leading off on Monday will be Shelvis and the Roustabouts, Tuesday will be Triple Nickel, and Thursday will be Juke Joint Cruisers.
• Seminars will take place, some geared toward RV’ing. 
• At least three crafts will be offered.
• Centralized campfire is in the works.

There is much more planned than what is listed above. So, send your registration now and don’t miss out on the fun.   Registration form can be found at: https://fcrv.org/

We also have a few volunteer positions that still need to be filled. For information on these, please contact [email protected]. 

Rocky Mountain National Park Info

For those coming to Colorado this year and planning on visiting Rocky Mountain National Park, take note of the reservation system to enter the park this summer. Read the post for specific information.

Rocky Mountain National Park will be implementing a pilot temporary timed entry permit reservation system beginning on May 27, 2022.

Two types of reservations will be available. One permit will be for the Bear Lake Road Corridor, which includes the entire corridor, as well as access to the rest of the park. This reservation period will be from 5 am to 6 pm. 

The second permit will be for the rest of Rocky Mountain National Park, excluding the Bear Lake Road corridor. This reservation period will be from 9 am to 3 pm. Permits issued using the reservation system will allow park visitors to enter the park within two-hour windows of availability. 

The reservation system will apply to all areas of the park. 

Reservations to enter the park will go on sale through www.recreation.gov at 10 am Mountain Daylight Time on Monday, May 2. This round of reservations will be available to enter the park from May 27 through June 30. 

The next release will occur on June 1, for the month of July and any remaining days that have not been booked for June. On July 1, reservations will be available for the month of August and any remaining days that have not been booked for July. 

On August 1, reservations will be available for the month of September and any remaining days in August that have not been booked. 

On September 1, reservations will be available for October and any remaining days in September that have not been booked. 

Initially, 30 percent of permits will be held and available for purchase the day prior at 5 p.m. through recreation.gov.  These are expected to sell out quickly ,and visitors are encouraged to plan ahead when possible.

For more detailed information and Frequently Asked Questions on timed entry permits to help you prepare for the summer season, visit https://www.nps.gov/…/pla…/timed-entry-permit-system.htm

Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the busiest national parks; third in the country in 2019 with over 4.6 million visitors. This represents a 42 percent increase in visitation in seven years. Visitor crowding and congestion at the park have led to increased negative impacts to visitor and staff safety, resource protection, visitor experience and operational capacity. The park has piloted various visitor use management strategies over the last six years.

There are several different reservation systems that are being implemented across the National Park Service. Other national parks that have announced various types of reservation requirements this year include Arches National Park, Glacier National Park, Acadia National Park, Muir Woods National Monument, Shenandoah National Park, Haleakala National Park and Zion National Park.

Hello Crafty Campers!

by Chris Hawkins and Bettie Miller, Campvention Crafts Chairs

 

We are thrilled to have you visit our wonderful state. 

We have been working on organizing some neat crafts for those who enjoy crafting and creating. A few of the projects we are working on are clay-pot people, bottlecap magnets and wind chimes.  

In this edition of Camping Today, you will find an interest form.   Please complete the form if you are interested in attending one or more of the craft sessions and return to us.  This will help us plan on the amount of craft supplies we need to have.  We would also like to offer some workshops; please fill out the form and indicate any workshops you might be interested in.  

If you have a craft or hobby that you would like to share in a workshop form, please let us know.  We will contact you to determine supplies, costs, experience level, etc.…

The form can be emailed to us at: [email protected]  

Please put “Crafts” in the subject line.  Thanks, and happy Camping,

Seminar Announced…. Antenna Manufacturer KING

Minnesota-based KING, the creator of the Tailgater portable satellite antenna, will be hosting a seminar at this year’s Campvention to help educate members on the challenges of staying connected to the internet while on the road.  The talk will discuss improving campground Wi-Fi reception, as well as creating connectivity inside the RV while boondocking.  KING has a dynamic new line of Wi-Fi and Cellular Signal Boosters and will be sponsoring several product giveaways.

Personal Golf Cart Insurance Awareness

by Harold Johnson, Golf Cart Chair

We all operate vehicles without expecting the worst; however, sometimes accidents do happen.  Here are a few points to consider when operating either a personally rented golf cart or a personally owned golf cart at Campvention.  

• Homeowner’s policies:
  • May not extend coverage to rented golf carts.
  • If your homeowner’s policy covers golf carts, that coverage may be limited to operation on your property; some policies might extend coverage to operation on a golf course; your policy may also limit coverage to personally owned golf carts and, by omission, exclude rented golf carts.
  • Your policy may specifically exclude golf carts.
• Automobile policies:
  • May not extend coverage to rented golf carts.
  • May not cover personally owned golf carts.

 

At Campvention 2022, Mile High Golf Cars has offered to rent golf carts to individuals; however, please be aware that no insurance coverage is offered or available with your rental.  Personal golf cart rentals are between you and Mile High Golf Cars, and I’m told that FCRV’s general liability coverage does not extend to personally rented or personally owned golf cart operation.  Mile High Golf Cars will expect any golf cart damages, including theft, to be paid for by the renter, and you could also be held personally liable for any injuries or property damage.  Also, please be aware that it is not unusual for an insurance company that may cover injuries or damages to their policyholder to later seek recovery of claims paid from the responsible party.

To add a bit of personal research on coverage, I have two different homeowner’s policies from different insurance companies and neither policy covered rented golf carts.  I have auto insurance policies from two different auto insurance companies, and only one of the companies extended coverage to a rented golf cart.  I’m not mentioning the companies here because policies vary between states and individual circumstances.

Please protect yourself, read your insurance policies, and check with your insurance company on what your specific policies cover.

Campvention 2022 Talent Show Registration 

by Your Camp Counselors, Breanna and Dez

Hiya Campers! 

As a part of the Rocky Mountain Summer Camp’s many planned activities, we would like to host a Youth and Teen Talent Show! 

We are looking for talented individuals, musicians, dancers, comedians, and performers who would like the opportunity to perform to register for the Youth and Teen Talent Show today! All registrations are due no later than April 30th, 2022, and should be emailed to [email protected]  (A Youth and Teen Talent Show registration form can be found within this issue)

As always, we are looking forward to seeing you all in 2022, and if you have any questions about the Rocky Mountain Summer Camp program, please email [email protected]

See you soon, 

Campvention 2022 Food Drive Information

by Teresa Walorski

Campvention 2022 will be supporting a local food bank, Care and Share Food Bank for Southern Colorado.   Donations are especially needed this year with so many more families in need.

Please plan to bring non-perishable items, such as canned foods, peanut butter, boxed cereals, rice, beans, pasta and pasta sauce, shelf stable milk, and oatmeal.   No clothing or hygiene items, please.  We will also accept cash donations.

The Food Drive will be hosted by Teresa Walorski and Karen Fleming along with the Rambling Recs.   We will have a table set up and be available to drop off your food items throughout the week.  Times to be determined.   
Food will be delivered to the Care and Share office in Pueblo on Friday, July 15th.   So, the deadline for dropping off your canned goods will be Thursday, July 14th,so we have time to organize.   

Visit Victor, Colorado

by Barb Turner, Campvention 2022 Publicity Chair

Campvention 2022 in Pueblo, Colorado in July offers so many opportunities to explore ‘Colorful Colorado’.  Sites to explore have been noted in previous issues of Camping Today.  Victor, an interesting site to explore, is less than 100 miles north and west of the campvention site, around the backside of Pikes Peak.  Unlike neighboring Cripple Creek which is teeming with casinos, Victor has remained an old mining town with a population of less than 400.  The elevation is 9,708’. 

Victor was founded in 1891, shortly after gold was discovered nearby.  “The town was named after the Victor Mine, which may have been named for an early settler, Victor Adams.  Battle Mountain, located just above Victor, had the largest, most prolific mines in the mining district, and the town became known as the ‘City of Mines.’  Victor officially became a city on July 16, 1894.  In 1894, the Woods brothers discovered gold when they began digging the foundation for a building, which resulted in the creation of the Gold Coin Mine. At that time, 8,000 people lived in Victor.  

“The town boomed as the surrounding Cripple Creek mining district quickly became the most productive gold mining district in Colorado.  Mines in Victor and Cripple Creek provided 21 million ounces of gold.  The mining district, which hit its peak in 1900, became the 2nd largest gold district in the country’s history. 

“Although Victor’s fame was overshadowed by that of its neighbor, Cripple Creek, many of the best gold mines of the Cripple Creek district were located at Victor, including Stratton’s Independence Mine and Mill and the Portland Mine.  Half of Battle Mountain’s gold was extracted by the Portland Mine, which was called the ‘Queen of the District’.   Heavyweight boxing champion William Harrison ‘Jack’ Dempsey was a mucker in the Portland Mine. 

“Mine owners and investors lived in Cripple Creek, while most of the miners for the districts’ 500 mines lived in Victor.”   

Explore more of the history of Victor at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victor,_Colorado 

Suggestions of what to see and do while in Victor:

Cripple Creek & Victor Gold Mine: tour this operating, open-pit gold mine.  Tickets are purchased at the Victor Lowell Thomas Museum at $8.50 per person with all proceeds going to the museum.  After donning a hard hat and vests, you’ll board a small bus for your tour.  The observation point to view the mine is at 10,000’.  https://www.visitcos.com/areas/cripple-creek/victor-gold-mine/

The Victor Lowell Thomas Museum: (298 Victor Ave) –  https://victormuseum.com/   The Victor Lowell Thomas Museum is an original 1899 building that houses two floors of artifacts, books, exhibits and photographs depicting the life in Victor from its beginnings to the heyday of gold mining.”  Who was Lowell Thomas?  “Lowell Thomas was an American writer, actor, broadcaster, and traveler, best remembered for publicizing T. E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia). He was also involved in promoting the Cinerama widescreen system.  In 1954, he led a group of New York City-based investors to buy majority control of Hudson Valley Broadcasting, which, in 1957, became Capital Cities Television Corporation.”  He was born near Greenville, Ohio in 1892.  The family moved to Victor, Colorado when he was 8 in 1900.  He worked there as a gold miner, cook, and reporter, graduating from Victor High School in 1911.  Higher education: Valparaiso University, University of Denver, and Princeton University.  Learn more about Lowell Thomas at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lowell_Thomas. 

Enjoy walking the small business district.  And, if you like the casinos, make the short drive to Cripple Creek which I’ll explore in a later article.  Check out these YouTube videos to prepare you for your visit to Victor, Colorado as a side-trip from Campvention 2022 in Pueblo in July.  

https://video.search.yahoo.com/search/video?fr=yfp-t&ei=UTF-8&p=victor%2C+co#id=7&vid=fcd93a339cc82298e00b388f0125610a&action=click

https://video.search.yahoo.com/search/video?fr=yfp-t&ei=UTF-8&p=victor%2C+co#action=view&id=44&vid=725cf7f7944eadfbc0a058ae52984eba

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR YOUR TRIP TO “COLORFUL COLORADO

By Jeff & Shirley Kendle, Campvention Chairs

Before your trip to Campvention this summer, and while you are here, be sure to drink plenty of water.  This is the number one way to help your body adjust easily to Colorado’s higher altitude. The low humidity in Colorado keeps the air dry, like the desert, so you need about twice as much water here as you would drink if you were coming from a state with humidity.

Another thing to be aware of is the air, golf balls go ten percent farther… and so do cocktails. Alcoholic drinks pack more of a wallop than at sea level. It is recommended that you go easy on the alcohol, as its effects may feel stronger here.  Eat foods high in potassium, such as broccoli, bananas, avocado, cantaloupe, celery, greens, granola, dates, dried fruit, potatoes, and tomatoes.  These foods help replenish electrolytes by balancing salt intake.

Colorado receives over 300 days of sunshine each year so don’t forget to bring the sunscreen, sunglasses, and lip balm and dress in layers.  It can feel much warmer than the actual temperature during the day, and it often cools down in the evenings.  

One other thing, the effects of exercise are more intense in Colorado than lower altitudes, so take it easy the first few days.  Come for early days and relax a bit before all the Campvention activities start.  Early day fee is only $35.00 a night.  

Rocky Mountain Summer Camp Hello Message

Hiya Campers and Parents! 

Here at the Rocky Mountain Summer Camp, we are so excited to see you next summer in Pueblo, Colorado, at the 2022 FCRV Campvention! 

           We have many fun crafts, games, and activities planned for all those 12 years and under to include a pizza party and water fun.  Parents don’t forget to register for the 2022 Campvention! (A copy of the Youth Registration form that will be turned in at Campvention can be found within this issue).  

Also, be on the lookout for further announcements regarding the Rocky Mountain Summer Camp that can be found in Camping Today, on the FCRV Region 1 Campvention 2022 Facebook group, and by email.  

           We are looking forward to seeing you all in 2022, and if you have any questions about the Rocky Mountain Summer Camp program, please email [email protected]

See you soon, 

Your Camp Counselors, Breanna and Dez

Campvention 2022 Talent Show Registration 

Hiya Campers! 

As a part of the Rocky Mountain Summer Camp’s many planned activities, we would like to host a Youth and Teen Talent Show! 

We are looking for talented individuals, musicians, dancers, comedians, and performers who would like the opportunity to perform to register for the Youth and Teen Talent Show today! All registrations are due no later than April 30th, 2022, and should be emailed to [email protected]  (A Youth and Teen Talent Show registration form can be found within this issue)

As always, we are looking forward to seeing you all in 2022, and if you have any questions about the Rocky Mountain Summer Camp program, please email [email protected]

See you soon,
Your Camp Counselors, Breanna and Dez

Scheduling Hospitalities for Campvention 2022

By Larry Scott, Hospitalities Chair

I recently posted an article in Camping Today inviting states & provinces to host Hospitalities at the 2022 Campvention being held in Pueblo Colorado.  So far, I have received applications for two Hospitalities.  The first will be hosted by Colorado after the Opening Ceremony on Sunday July 10th, and the other will be hosted by Region 4 after the Closing Ceremony on Friday July 15th.  That leaves four nights of entertainment in between that would be perfect opportunities for hosting a Hospitality afterwards and meet and greet our fellow campers. Also, afternoons are a perfect time to be a host. (Especially with something cold).  I look forward to hearing from you.  A fillable pdf file for making an application is included in this issue of Camping Today.  That application form also includes my e-mail address and my phone number if you need to contact me with questions. Assignment of time slots are on a first come, first served basis. The deadline is May 1, 2022

RV101

By Fred Brandeberry, Seminar Presenter at Campvention 2022

I come to you with this tale of woe.
How some people Hook Up their RV, OH< OH< OH< NO NO NO
The Circuit Breaker, they do not find.
He Plugs it in and Sparks go Flying.
And does he see the gunk on the faucet, of course not.
Some fellow washed his sewer hose out on the morrow.
Will he never spray the disinfectant, to keep us all from getting sick?
And will he always run his Engine so long, does no one get any peace?
The animals, they roam to YIP and leave deposits on the Lomin.
Must we walk through a campsite and not go around?
My privacy lost to a camper unknowing.
And, what’s the speed of that Rig, Car or Truck, does he not know a kid is afoot?
My Tale of Woe is coming to an end.
We Thank You all for your attention, And do have a Happy Camping Season.
Come Hook Up with Fred, he may know how do it,
To my surprise, he just might know what to do.
My RV Purrs, my Fresh Water Flows, & Flows, My waste Water Drains,
My neighbors are Happy, and so are we.

Copyright Protected 6-29-2007, by Fred Brandeberry, SR.

TRIPLE NICKEL BAND

For all of you country fans out there, get ready for some line dancing, two-stepping, and country swing.  Triple Nickel will be in the house on Tuesday, July 12, 2022.

Triple Nickel has established itself as one of the hottest bands of its kind in Colorado.  Triple Nickel is a 5-piece group that performs today’s top 40 country covers and “Americana-Country” originals.  Triple Nickel consistently provides a high energy, professional show with a signature sound all their own. From George Strait to Van Morrison to Matchbox 20, Triple Nickel has something for even the most discriminating music enthusiast!  Triple Nickel travels throughout Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. No matter where they perform Triple Nickel has the ability to draw an audience.

Triple Nickel has shared the stage with artists such as Emerson Drive, Brian White, Daryl Worley, John Michael Montgomery, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Mark Chestnut, Colt Ford, Grainger Smith, Vanilla Ice, Pat Green, Brett Young, Josh Abbott Band, Midland, Firefall, Ely Young Band, Charlie Daniels, Lonestar, and so many more! The band itself has also been, and continues to be, the headliner for regional fairs, festivals, and special events.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h02A4VjTYNY 

Come out and join the fun!!

CAMPING IN COLORADO SUMMER OF 2022

by Jeff & Shirley Kendle

For those that plan on coming to Campvention in Pueblo, Colorado and plan to tour the beautiful state of Colorado you might want to think about making your reservations early if you plan on camping in a State Park or a National Park  

With over 4,000 campsites in Colorado State Parks located throughout the state, you would think you would not have a problem camping at a State Park.  Think again; camping is so popular in Colorado that if you don’t make your reservations at least six months in advance, you probably won’t get a site especially at some of the most popular state campgrounds.

This is the same if you plan on camping in Rocky Mountain National Park.  You need to make your reservations six months in advance.

A variety of outdoor recreation opportunities at Colorado State Parks or Colorado National Park complete the perfect outdoor escape.

To make reservation at a State Park in Colorado visit the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website:  https://www.cpwshop.com/ or call 1-800-244-5613 six months in advance. 

To make reservations at Rocky Mountain National Park visit https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/camping.htm or call 877-444-6777 six months in advance.

POP TABS AT CAMPVENTION

by Jeff & Shirley Kendle

Who likes to transport buckets and bags of pop tabs to Campvention?  For one thing they are heavy and take up room.  We have decided that we don’t want anyone to have to transport their pop tabs to Pueblo, Colorado from all over the country.  

Instead, we are asking you to take them to a Recycling Center between May 15, 2022 and June 15, 2022, get them weighed, obtain a receipt for pounds and the dollar amount.  Then take the donated amount to your local Ronald McDonald House or similar charity.  Don’t forget to make a copy of the receipts and bring them to Campvention.  Make sure you annotate the receipt with your state or chapter and state.  This will make it much easier for all, and you won’t have to cart that extra weight.  

Once you arrive at Campvention, there will be a box at Registration for you to put your receipt in.  Those will be tallied and announced during one of the evening programs.

MEMORY BOARD

by Jeff & Shirley Kendle

This year at Campvention we will have a ‘Memory Board’ for anyone who desires to post a picture in remembrance of a member, loved one, or a relative.  Pictures should not be any larger than a 4 by 6 inch.  Don’t have a picture or if you forget to bring one, that’s ok.  We will have some index cards available that you can fill out and post.  Please retrieve your pictures by Friday, July 15th by noon.

Rocky Mountain Summer Camp Hello Message

Camp Counselors, Breanna and Dez

Hiya, Campers and Parents! 

It’s your Camp Counselors, Breanna and Dez again.  We are excited to see that some families have already registered and there will be some youth attending the Rocky Mountain Summer Camp.  We are so excited to see you next summer in Pueblo, Colorado, at the 2022 Campvention hosted by Region 1! 

           We have many fun crafts, games, and activities planned for all those 12 years and under.  So, don’t forget to register for the 2022 Campvention! (A copy of the Youth Registration form that will be turned in at Campvention, can be found within this issue)

Also, be on the lookout for further announcements regarding the crafts and activities that will take place at the Rocky Mountain Summer Camp.   Want to know more, check out Camping Today and the FCRV Region 1 Campvention 2022 Facebook group. 

           We are looking forward to seeing you all in 2022, and if you have any questions about the Rocky Mountain Summer Camp program, please email [email protected]

See you soon!

MARKETPLACE

by Allison Moore

Interested in raising money for your Chapter by selling your Chapter projects, OR for yourself by selling your own craft/hobby items or other merchandise? 

Now is the time to make your plans and register for the ‘Marketplace’ when you attend Campvention 2022 at the Colorado State Fairgrounds in Pueblo, Colorado, July 10 -15, 2022.

There is not a fee for Chapters; however, there will be a $15.00 fee charged for Individuals.  Space is an eight-foot space which includes one eight-foot table. If a second table is needed, there is no charge for Chapters, but an additional $10.00 is required Individuals for a total of $25.00.  There is a two-table limit.  If supplying your own table, the charge for the space is still the same.

DEADLINE TO REGISTER is May 15, 2022.  Individuals, include your check with your registration and make payable to:  Colorado Chapters of FCRV. Annotate Marketplace on the bottom of the check.

Further information or questions, you can e-mail Allison at [email protected] 
Mail your Marketplace form to: Allison Moore, 10636 Niagara Street, Littleton, CO 80124

Visit Colorado Springs

by Barb Turner, Publicity Chair

Campvention 2022 is beckoning you to Pueblo, Colorado next July.  The campvention committee is preparing a wonderful experience for our FCRV attendees.  Activities, entertainment, fun, and fellowship await you.  

Journeying to Colorado also opens up so many ‘things to see & do’ as we’ve noted in past issues of Camping Today and will note in upcoming issues till the event.  With that in mind, Colorado Springs will be highlighted this issue.

Colorado Springs is about 45 miles via I-25 from Pueblo, site of Campvention ’22.  At an elevation of 6,035’, it lies at the eastern foot of the Rocky Mountains.  If offers many opportunities to visitors, many more than this space allows.

The Native American Ute, Arapaho, and Cheyenne tribes are recorded to have inhabited the area.  With the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, exploration began.  Exploration and the discovery of gold in the Pikes Peak area brought waves of new inhabitants.  Explore the history of Colorado Springs at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Colorado_Springs,_Colorado to prepare you prior to your visit.

What to visit?  Check https://www.visitcos.com/things-to-do/ to note things & places that would be of interest to you.  There are so many options.  At this time, I’m going to share a few, not near all.

When one thinks of Colorado Springs and views Colorado Springs on approach, Pikes Peak draws the most attention.  “Pikes Peak is the highest summit of the southern Front Range of the Rocky Mountains in North America at 14,115’.  It is 12 miles west of downtown Colorado Springs, Colorado, and the town of Manitou Springs lies at its base.”  Pikes Peak was the symbol of the 1859 Gold Rush to Colorado with the slogan ‘Pikes Peak or Bust”!  It is named in honor of American explorer Zebulon Pike, who, it is said, never reached the summit.   How to visit?  Driving, cog railway, and even hiking.  We personally enjoyed the cog railway so we both could take in the scenery.  The wife of one of Jim’s college roommates hiked it.  She said there is a nice trail.  That is not an option for most of us!!  Learn about Pikes Peak at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqZUqlAv-g0.

The Garden of the Gods is a ‘must-see’.  The red-rock formations are a result of geological upheaval millions of years ago.  Drive through, stop & explore the many shapes and rock formations.  A hint: explore the Garden of the Gods at sunrise or sunset when the colors are most intense.  It is such an inspiring, wondrous area that nature created.  Check https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LkSv4lrni0 

The United States Olympic & Paralympic Training Center (1 Olympic Plaza) in Colorado Springs is attraction that you might want to include in your Colorado visit.  The website says, “The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs is the flagship training center for the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee and the Olympic & Paralympic Training Center programs. USA Swimming and USA Shooting have their national headquarters on complex. More than 15 other member organizations, as well as two international sports federations and the USOPC headquarters are also located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The Colorado Springs Olympic & Paralympic Training Center is able to provide housing, dining, training facilities, recreational facilities and other services for more than 500 athletes and coaches at one time on the complex. Athletes are selected to train at the Colorado Springs OPTC by their respective National Governing Body.  The Colorado Springs Olympic & Paralympic Training Center is home to sport facilities and support services for Olympic, Paralympic, Pan American and Parapan American sports.”  We personally have visited a couple of times over the years.  Note:  at this time the facility is closed to tours due to Covid-19.  Hopefully, it will be open for tours in July.  Visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Us5Tz6REjI

The United States Air Force Academy is found along the Front Range in Colorado Springs.  Officer cadets are trained and prepared to leadership positions in our United States Air Force & United States Space Force.  The academy is the youngest of our military academies.  The first class graduated in 1959.  The Academy is a college, but it is so much more.  Plan on touring the academy while you are in Colorado.  Visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oIFIsD7BDo to prepare for your visit.

Lastly, for this article, Magic Town (2418 W Colorado Ave) in Old Colorado City (in Colorado Springs), is a unique attraction that we found in 2019, the last time we were in Colorado Springs.  It is described as a “Unique venue with realistic, small-scale dioramas of city life rendered with special effects.   Magic Town is a 3,000 square-foot miniature city that combines hundreds of intricately detailed sculptures and cityscapes with magical elements to create one of the world’s truly unique attractions.”  Magic Town is the creation of Michael Garman who passed away last month.  He was an amazing man, an amazing artist.  (https://www.michaelgarman.com/about/)  Suggestion: when visiting Magic Tour do the ‘scavenger hunt’ as you’ll appreciate Garman’s displays so much more.  We spent more time than we would have anticipated and appreciated the interesting displays of everyday life so much more.  Be sure to look down the alleys!  Watch for the holograms!  Watch Michael Garman explain his creation at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DF87ijEXpqc.

Campvention 2022 in Pueblo and Colorado Springs offer many opportunities next summer.

‘Rocky Mountain Bliss’

 

The FCRV Campvention 2022 will be celebrating ‘Rocky Mountain Bliss’ July 10-15, 2022 at the Colorado State Fairgrounds in Pueblo, Colorado.  Early bird days are July 8 & 9.  Pueblo is located about 112 miles south of Denver, the Colorado state capital.  The fairgrounds reside on eighty acres of land that contains paved streets, an outdoor amphitheater, outdoor stages, and impressive landscaping.  Trees line the streets, and there are shaded grass areas to sit and relax.  FCRV will have exclusive use of all facilities, parking areas, and grounds.  All buildings have either AC or swamp coolers to keep us cool.  The camping areas will be a combination of full-hookup sites and water & electric sites.  All parking will be strictly HOBO-style; sites will be assigned as you arrive at the gate.  If you want to camp next to someone, you must arrive together.

We gathered in Elkhorn, Wisconsin in 2021 after missing a year due to Covid-19.  In July, 2022, we’re looking for a larger gathering as more of our members feel comfortable to travel.  ‘Rocky Mountain Bliss’ in July in Pueblo, Colorado!  See you there!

CAMPVENTION HOSPITALITIES

by Larry Scott

 

It’s time to think about hosting a hospitality at 2022 Campvention hosted by Region 1.  

We hope that many of you are coming to the Campvention in Pueblo, Colorado next July, and what better way is there to meet new people and renew old acquaintances than to go to a hospitality.  Also, it’s a great way to share the virtues of your home state.  

We attended the 2021 Campvention in Wisconsin, and really enjoyed the meet and greets each evening after the evening program and one hot afternoon; the Teen King held a hospitality with very welcome popsicles.  

To make a long story short, it is time to send in applications to host a hospitality.  Send your applications to Larry Scott at ([email protected]).  The time assignments will be on the first come, first served basis. So please get your requests in as soon as possible.  The deadline is May 1, 2022.  The Hospitality Request Form can be found in this issue of Camping Today.

GOLF CART RENTALS FOR 2022 CAMPVENTION

By Jeff & Shirley Kendle

 

The 2022 Campvention will be held at the Colorado State Fairgrounds in Pueblo, Colorado on July 10 – 15, 2022.  The complex is 80 acres, and we will have exclusive use of the whole fairgrounds.  There will be three 6-passenger trams running daily to help transport members around the fairgrounds to the different activities and functions.

In the past the Campvention Team has sub-rented golf carts for members use during Campvention.  As of 2021, this practice has changed.  Members wishing to rent a golf cart must contact the company directly and make their own arrangements.  

The 2022 Campvention Team has arranged for rentals of individual golf carts with Mile High Golf Carts.  Mile High Golf Carts has set aside ten 2-passenger golf carts and ten 4-passenger golf carts for members to rent. After those have been rented there is not a guarantee that additional golf carts will be available because July is their busiest time of the year.  If you would like to rent an individual Golf Cart, please contact Staci as soon as possible at 303-833-1400.  Staci will prepare a contract and collect the amount due at the time you call.

A 2-passenger golf cart will be $295.00 plus $22.42 tax for a total of $317.42.  A 4-passenger golf cart will be $330.00 plus 25.08 tax for a total of $355.08. In addition, there will be a delivery fee of $22.50 for each cart.   Individual golf carts will be delivered to the Colorado State Fairgrounds on Friday, July 8, 2022.  

If you have any issues with the golf carts, you will need to contact Mile High Golf Carts.

2022 CAMPVENTION ENTERTAINMENT: SHELVIS & THE ROUSTABOUTS

By: Jeff & Shirley Kendle

 

Make sure you have your dancing shoes on for the first night of entertainment at Campvention 2022.  Lori “Shelvis” Muha is an entertainment powerhouse. She captures the audience with her amazing vocals.  Lori aka “Shelvis” focuses on the music of Elvis, Buddy Holly, Johnny Cash and other rockabilly pioneers.  Shelvis and the Roustabouts transport the audience to a time when rock was born. 

The entertainment is uniquely created by Lori.  This one-of-a-kind artist provides nothing short of electrifying impersonations of some of our most beloved male entertainers, yet recreated and delivered by a female artist! 

Shelvis and the Roustabouts continue to consistently draw large crowds and maintain a “sold out” status at local venues statewide.  Her loyal fan base pack the house wherever they play and stay until the end.  It’s not a gig, it’s a SHOW!!!  

Shelvis and the Roustabouts was voted Denver’s Best Band (2019) by the readers of 5280 Magazine.  Shelvis’s love for people and the stage will be quite evident from start to finish.

RED / COWBOY HAT LUNCHEON

by Team 6

 

We look forward to seeing everyone at the Any Hat Luncheon.  This will be a combined luncheon with both women and men attending at the same time.  Have kids?  The RM Summer Camp program is planning to entertain and feed your youth while the Luncheon is in progress!  So, this will be a great event for the whole family to enjoy.  

Make sure and check the “plan to attend” box on your registration form.

FAMILY FUN DAY

by Team 6

 

CARNIVAL will be the theme of this year’s Family Fun Day. As usual the Teens/Youth will be offering lunch for a reasonable charge.  We plan on both outdoor and indoor games and activities for all ages to enjoy. Family Fun Day is a great way to start off your Campvention week and see your friends, both old and new. 

Visit La Junta

by Barb Turner, Publicity Chair

 

About 70 miles east of Pueblo, site of the 2022 FCRV Campvention, is La Junta, situated along the Arkansas River.  La Junta is Spanish for ‘the junction’ – at the intersection of the Santa Fe Trail and a pioneer road to Pueblo.  La Junta developed near Bent’s Post (now designated as Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site) which was a fur trading post in the early 19th century.

In 2019 the FCRV Travalong visited Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site (35110 State Highway 194, La Junta) where we learned that the fur company of Charles Bent, William Bent, and Ceran St. Vrain established the fort to trade with local Native Americans and the fur trappers.  ‘For much of its 16-year history, the fort was the only major white American permanent settlement on the Santa Fe Trail between Missouri and the Mexican settlements. It was destroyed in 1849.’  The area was designated a National Historic Site in 1960.  The fort was rebuilt and is open to visit to explore life during that period in that location.  https://www.nps.gov/beol/index.htm 

The Koshare Indian Museum, 115 W 18th St, La Junta, was another favorite of the 2019 Travalong.  The museum is ‘a registered site of the Colorado Historical Society in La Junta, Colorado. The building, located on the Otero Junior College campus, is a tri-level museum with an attached kiva that is built with the largest self-supporting log roof in the world. The building was built in 1949.’  ‘The museum is different than many of its contemporaries in that it was founded by civic and history-minded local Boy Scouts in the years of the Great Depression.  Under the tutelage of their scout leader, the group set about amassing an impressive collection of Native American artifacts that tell a remarkably complete story of the culture’s fascinating histories.  The museum also hosts special events that include traditional dance and artwork and regularly scheduled guided tours.’

‘In February of 1933, sixteen Boy Scouts met in a backyard owned by the family of one of the boys. Under the inspired leadership of their Scoutmaster and the Koshares’ founder, James Francis “Buck” Burshears, the boys would form the Koshare Club. This club would be the foundation of the Koshare Dancers, the group whose efforts would build and expand the Koshare Museum.’ http://koshares.com/about/ By the late 1930s, the Koshare Dancers found great success as interpretive dancers. Buck and his boys decided to use the funds they earned through their performances to construct a great round room inspired from the kivas of the Anasazi. This structure gave them a new home for their Boy Scout Troop and the inspiration for what would become the Koshare Museum. With change from a pop machine and the dollar bills left in the donation basket, the group began purchasing artwork from New Mexico and Native American artifacts from around the country.

‘Today, their noteworthy collection, an extremely rare museum assembled by kids, contains original artwork from the Taos Art Colony Founders and Santa Fe Art Colony Founders, ancient artifacts from the Plains and Pueblo tribes, and several Western artifacts from the early days of the American West.  For fifty-four years, Buck Burshears would serve as the only Scoutmaster for the Boy Scout Troop and more than 500 of his boys would achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. Buck’s guidance and mentorship provided the foundation for an active and educational youth development program focusing on leadership enhancement, cultural enlightenment, and character enrichment.  The core of the Koshare Youth Program was based on scouting principles with a focus on artistic expression. The museum remains true to its origins and scouting remains a vital element within the Koshare organization.’

We personally first visited the museum and kiva in 1976 and attended the dances which included the snake dance with real snakes.  In 2019 we learned that they no longer use live snakes.  The museum, kiva, and the performance are a highlight of visiting La Junta.

The Crazy Tourist website also suggests visiting Picketwire Canyonlands, 1420 East 3rd St., La Junta, where you can see ancient dinosaur tracks and rock art images by prehistoric peoples.  Visit HERE

If La Junta and any of these sites are of interest to you, visit https://visitlajunta.net/about/explore/ to explore the possibilities for trip to Campvention 2022 in Pueblo, Colorado in July. Look for more touring possibilities in future issues of Camping Today.

Rocky Mountain Summer Camp Hello Message

Hiya Parents and Campers! 

Here at the Rocky Mountain Summer Camp, we are so excited to see you next summer in Pueblo, Colorado, at the 2022 Region 1 Campvention! 

We have many fun crafts, games, and activities planned for all those 12 years and under; So, don’t forget to register for the 2022 Campvention!

Also, be on the lookout for further announcements regarding the Rocky Mountain Summer Camp that can be found in Camping Today, on the FCRV Region 1 Campvention 2022 Facebook group, and by email. 

We are looking forward to seeing you all in 2022, and if you have any questions about the Rocky Mountain Summer Camp program, please email [email protected]

See you soon, 

Your Camp Counselors, Breanna and Dez

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR CAMPVENTION 2022

by Jeff & Shirley Kendle

The 2022 Campvention is just around the corner, and WE NEED YOUR HELP!!  Campvention will be held at the Colorado State Fairgrounds on July 10th – 15th, 2022.  As many of you are aware, it takes a village to put on a Campvention .  Volunteers are still needed for the following: 

• Secretary –Co-Chair 
• Communications/Security – Co-Chair
• Sign/Bulletin Boards – Co-Chair 
• Hospitalities – Co-Chair
• Marketplace – Co-Chair 
• Seminars – Co-Chair
• Family Dance – Chair & Co-Chair 
• Teen Center – Chair 
• Teen Pageant – Chair 
• Teen Sports – Co-Chair
• Any Hat Luncheon – 2 Helpers

Your help is also needed once Campvention takes place in areas such as Registration, Security, Tram Drivers, Youth Center, Teen Center, and the Family Center.  If you would like to volunteer to help, make sure you enter that on the bottom of the 2022 Campvention Registration form.

If you or your state or province would like to host an activity in the Youth Center, Teen Center, or Family Center. let us know.  This can be anything from crafts to a movie night.

When you volunteer at Campvention, you have an opportunity to meet members from all over the United States and Canada.  Just ask anyone that has attended a Campvention, and they will tell you about all the friendships they have developed. According to a FCRV survey, sixty percent of members attend Campvention to see friends. 

Please contact Jeff & Shirley Kendle at [email protected] if you are interested in volunteering for one of the above positions or in hosting an activity. 

PUEBLO SEMINARS: Informative and Exciting

by  Debbie Detmer

We are working hard to provide important, timely and interesting information to all of you so that there are plenty of seminars for you to enjoy.  

The City of Pueblo is looking forward to hosting us and has agreed to send their police and fire departments to our event.  We expect to have seminars on personal and fire safety as well as being entertained and possibly amazed by their K-9, SWAT, and fire trucks!  

Hungry?  You will be!  Join us for the “Taste of Pueblo” or our Dutch Oven Cooking demonstrations.  

Do you like unique automobiles?  The Pueblo Hot Rod Club and Art Cars may keep you entertained.  

Of course, everyone knows how challenging maintaining your “rolling earthquake” may be – get helpful tips from various vendors and seminars on maintaining your RV.  

These are just a few of the interesting and educational events that are scheduled so far.  We’re continuing to look for new and creative topics you may enjoy.  If you have any suggestions, or would like to present a seminar, please email me at [email protected].

GOLF CART RENTALS FOR 2022 CAMPVENTION

By Jeff & Shirley Kendle

The 2022 Campvention will be held at the Colorado State Fairgrounds in Pueblo, Colorado on July 10 – 15, 2022.  The complex is 80 acres, and we will have exclusive use of the whole fairgrounds.  There will be three 6-passenger trams running daily to help transport members around the fairgrounds to the different activities and functions.

In the past the Campvention Team has sub-rented golf carts for members’ use during Campvention.  As of 2021, this practice has changed.  Members wishing to rent a golf cart must contact the company directly and make their own arrangements.  

The 2022 Campvention Team has arranged for rentals of individual golf carts with Mile High Golf Carts.  Mile High Golf Carts has set aside ten 2-passenger golf carts and ten 4-passenger golf carts for members to rent. After those have been rented, there is not a guarantee that additional golf carts will be available because July is their busiest time of the year.  If you would like to rent an individual Golf Cart, please contact Staci as soon as possible at 303-833-1400.  Staci will prepare a contract and collect the amount due at the time you call.

A 2-passenger golf cart will be $295.00 plus $22.42 tax for a total of $317.42.  Delivery fee will be an additional charge of approximately $22.50.

A 4-passenger golf cart will be $330.00 plus 25.08 tax for a total of $355.08. Delivery fee will be an additional charge of approximately $22.50.  

Individual Golf carts will be delivered to the Colorado State Fairgrounds on Friday, July 8, 2022.  

If you have any issues with the golf carts, you will need to contact Mile High Golf Carts.

CAMPVENTION HOSPITALITIES

by Larry Scott

It’s time to think about hosting a hospitality at 2022 Campvention hosted by
Region 1.  

We hope that many of you are coming to the Campvention in Pueblo, Colorado next July, and what better way is there to meet new people and renew old acquaintances then to go to a hospitality.  Also, it’s a great way to share the virtues of your home state or province.  

We attended the 2021 Campvention in Wisconsin, and really enjoyed the ‘meet and greets’ each evening after the evening program, and one hot afternoon, the Teen King had a hospitality with very welcome popsicles.  

To make a long story short, it is time to send in applications to host a hospitality.  Send your applications to Larry Scott at ([email protected]).  The time assignments will be on the first come, first served basis. So please get your requests in as soon as possible.  The deadline is May 1, 2022.  The Hospitality Request Form can be found in this issue of Camping Today.

Young Vendor – Kinley Cotton Candy Creations

by Larry Yarberry, Commercial Chair

Kinley McBride is a 10 year old entrepreneur located in Canon City, Colorado.  She founded her business in January of this year.  Since January she has booked over 75 events to include birthday parties, festivals, and weddings.  Kinley has over sixteen flavors and will be bringing her yummy creations for FCRV members to enjoy at Campvention 2022!!!  Prepare to line-up at Kinley’s booth and get some Cotton Candy.

Visit 10-year-old’s cotton candy business takes off in Cañon City | FOX21 News Colorado for more information on  Kinley Cotton Candy Creations.   

Larry Yarberry recommends using www.campspot.com when traveling, especially when traveling to Campvention 2022!

CAMPVENTION 2021 PARKING INFORMATION

Plans are under way for the FCRV 2022 Campvention. The campvention is being held in Pueblo, Colorado.  Registration forms can be found in Camping Today and on the FCRV website.  Parking for the 2022 Campvention will be HOBO style. If you would like to camp with your state/province, you must arrive at the gate with them.   Come early and enjoy the sites surrounding Pueblo, Colorado.  You will not be disappointed.  Hope to see everyone in July.

Recommendations of Places to Visit Before, During, or After Campvention 2022

by Barb Turner, Publicity Chair

After asking the Campvention 2022 Chairs & Co-chairs’ for recommendations of places to visit,  I want to share some of those to aid in your preparation for traveling to Colorado in July.

From Larry Yarberry, Commercial Chair:  Royal Gorge is 36 miles from Pueblo.  “The Royal Gorge is a canyon of the Arkansas River located west of Cañon City, Colorado. The canyon begins at the mouth of Grape Creek, about 2 mi west of central Cañon City, and continues in a west-northwesterly direction for approximately 6 mi until ending near U.S. Route 50. Being one of the deepest canyons in Colorado, it is also known as the Grand Canyon of the Arkansas (River), with a maximum depth of 1,250 ft. The canyon is also very narrow, measuring from 50 ft wide at its base to 300 ft wide at its top, as it carves a path through the granite formations below Fremont Peak and YMCA Mountain, which rise above the north and south rims, respectively.”  Judy Kimzey added, “Royal Gorge Bridge is the highest suspension bridge.   There are several prisons in area, including the Museum of Colorado Prisons, 201 N. 1st Street, Cañon City.  (https://prisonmuseum.org/)  There is also rafting and helicopter tours of area (area known for orchards and fruit crops.”   Visit www.youtube.com and view several videos of the Royal Gorge and visit www.colorado.com/articles/royal-gorge-things-see-do to prepare you for your visit.

Judy Kimzey, Adult Center Chair, suggested several ideas for those traveling to and from Campvention:   Trinidad: camping suggestions -Trinidad Lake State Park or Lathrop State Park in Walsenburg.   2 attractions: Mt. San Rafael Hospital – ceramic tile wall depicting the history of Spanish settlement to mining interests to present created by Sister Agusta Zimmer, a nun in her 80s.  It is  remarkable and colorful.  (www.youtube.com/watch?v=a20Td7L_VPE) The trolley tour of town is suggested for an historical look at how the area was settled, including the hospital renowned for sex change surgeries in late 20th century.  Many Indian weaving and jewelry products are available in town.  Outside of town to the north – site of Ludlow Massacre “which was a mass killing perpetrated by anti-striker militia during the Colorado Coalfield War. Soldiers from the Colorado National Guard and private guards employed by Colorado Fuel and Iron Company (CF&I) attacked a tent colony of roughly 1,200 striking coal miners and their families in Ludlow, Colorado, on April 20, 1914. Approximately 21 people, including miners’ wives and children, were killed. where coal mining work stoppages and owners conflict caused CO militia to be summoned to stop the insurrection.”  Visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qIHN68YNXw to learn about this event.   

Visit the coke ovens just outside Trinidad to the northwest at Cokedale.  Cokedale, a National Historic District.  “Here you’ll find the surreal sight of what looks like is from the Roman Empire. These arching alcoves are actually the remnants of what used to be coke ovens used for smelting coal from the nearby mine.”   www.colorado.com/articles/trinidad-walsenburg-la-veta-cuchara-highway-legends  and www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAzu1gFhnFY

Lyle & Marilyn Luttrell, Campvention Team 4 Co-chairs, shared another interesting site to visit in Trinidad…the Art Cartopia Museum in Trinidad.  “Art Cartopia is an Art Car museum that came about due to the success of ArtoCade, Trinidad’s yearly art car festival. The museum is home to over 35 art cars and serves as a regional center of creativity and shenanigans.  And what is an Art Car? See… art cars are hard to define. Basically, an art car can take a variety of forms, and the results are varied. Some are activist works, others are the result of amazing collaborations, and still others are sculptures on wheels. Many are simply wacky ideas created using found objects and made by ‘cartists’. Creations may take days, months or years to complete. Many are street-legal and highway-ready, others are parade floats.  Our tour was guided by Rodney, who ‘splained features and makings of the many whimsical, quirky, funky art cars on display in the free museum.  Find more Information on the Art Cartopia Museum and Artocade Festival at www.artcartopia.com.”

Next month I will share more suggested places of interest to visit around Campvention 2022 in Pueblo, Colorado in July.  Stay tuned…….

Campvention 2022 Introduction

by Jeff & Shirley Kendle, Campvention 2022 Chair

62nd INTERNATIONAL CAMPVENTION
FAMILY CAMPERS & RV’ers – Hosted by Far West Region 1
“ROCKY MOUNTAIN BLISS”

Colorado State Fairgrounds
1001 Beulah Ave., Pueblo, CO 81004

Campvention Days:  July 10 – 15, 2022
EARLY BIRD DAYS: July 8 & 9, 2022 

“Rocky Mountain Bliss” is the theme for the 2022 FCRV Campvention. The Rocky Mountain Bliss team is hard at work planning many exciting and fun activities for a great Campvention week from July 10 – July 15, 2022, with departure on Saturday, July 16th. Future issues of CAMPING TODAY will give details on entertainment, activities, seminars, games, and site-seeing opportunities. 

Check out our Facebook group – “FCRV Region 1 Campvention 2022”.  This is another platform to communicate with FCRV members regarding upcoming events and activities that will take place at Campvention. 

You can find the 2022 Campvention Registration Form in Camping Today, on the FCRV website at Campvention 2022 – Family Campers and RVers (fcrv.org), and on the Facebook Group. 

We can always use your help. So, if you are interested, contact Shirley or Jeff Kendle at [email protected]. 

We look forward to seeing you at the Colorado State Fairgrounds in Pueblo, Colorado for the 2022 Campvention. 

Rocky Mountain Summer Camp Hello Message

by Camp Counselors, Breanna and Dez

Hiya Campers!
Here at the Rocky Mountain Summer Camp, we are so excited to see you next summer in
Pueblo, Colorado, at the 2022 Campvention hosted by Region 1!
We have many fun crafts, games, and activities planned for all those 12 years and under;
So, don’t forget to register for the 2022 Campvention!
Also, be on the lookout for further announcements regarding the Rocky Mountain
Summer Camp that can be found in Camping Today, on the FCRV Region 1 Campvention 2022
Facebook group, and by email.
We are looking forward to seeing you all in 2022, and if you have any questions about the
Rocky Mountain Summer Camp program, please email [email protected]
See you soon, Your Camp Counselors, Breanna and Dez

Colorado State Fairgrounds, Pueblo Colorado

By Jeff & Shirley Kendle, Campvention Chair

The location of the 2022 Campvention will be the Colorado State Fairgrounds in Pueblo, Colorado. Many of you may have attended the 2007 Campvention; however, since then there have been numerous improvements to the grounds, buildings, and parking areas. The fairgrounds reside on eighty acres of land that contains paved streets, an outdoor amphitheater, outdoor stages, and impressive landscaping. Trees line the streets, and there are shaded grass areas to sit and relax. We will have picnic tables placed in a few areas so you can sit outside and enjoy your lunch, socialize, and take in the warm summer air. 

For the 2022 Campvention, FCRV will have exclusive use of all facilities, parking areas, and grounds. All buildings have either air condition or swamp coolers to keep us cool during the summer heat. There is even a restaurant on site that we will be negotiating with to have open where you will be able to sit, relax, and have a cool drink. 

There are three parking areas at the Fairgrounds, the Carnival Lot, the Event Center Lot, and Fountain Park. There is a combination of full-hook-up sites and water and electric sites. The majority of the sites have 50 amp; however, some sites have 35 amp. All parking will be strictly HOBO style, and sites will be assigned as you arrive at the gate, so if you want to camp next to someone you must arrive with them. 

See you in Pueblo!!

Pueblo, Colorado

by Barb Turner, Campvention Publicity Chair

Pueblo, Colorado is the site of the FCRV 2022 Campvention where attendees will celebrate ‘Rocky Mountain Bliss’ July 10-15, 2022.  Pueblo is located at the confluence of the Arkansas River and Fountain Creek about 112 miles south of Denver, the Colorado state capital.  The climate is considered semi-arid desert land which experiences about 12 inches of precipitation each year.  It’s located in the ‘Banana Belt’ of Colorado which means that Pueblo gets less snow that the major cities of Colorado.  Snow won’t be an issue in July!!

Historically, James Beckwourth, George Simpson, and other trappers are said to have helped construct the plaza that became known as El Pueblo and Fort Pueblo around 1842.  Trading between the trappers and Native Americans in the area uninterrupted till late 1854 when a war party of Utes and Jicarilla Apaches under the Ute chief Tierra Blanca “allegedly killed between fifteen and nineteen men and captured two children and one woman in what became known as the Fort Pueblo Massacre”.  The trading post was then abandoned till it gained importance again between 1858 and 1859 during the Colorado Gold Rush of 1859.

“By the early 1870s the city was being hailed as a beacon of development, with newspapers like the Chicago Tribune boasting of how the region’s lawless reputation was giving way to orderly agriculture with triumphalist rhetoric. One author crowed of Pueblo that ‘the necessity exists no longer for Sharp’s rifles and revolvers. These have been supplied by the plow and the mowing-machine.’

“Pueblo’s development stretched beyond agriculture. Steel emerged as a key industry very early, and in 1909 the city was considered the only steel town west of the Mississippi River.”  With the growth of the Colorado Fuel & Iron (CF&I) Steel Mill and influx of immigrants to work in the mill, Pueblo became the ‘Melting Pot of the West’ with at one point more than 40 languages were spoken in the steel mill and more than 2 dozen foreign language newspapers were published in Pueblo.

“Until a series of major floods culminated in the Great Flood of 1921, Pueblo was considered the ‘Saddle-Making capital of the World’. Roughly one-third of Pueblo’s downtown businesses were lost in this flood, along with a substantial number of buildings. Pueblo struggled with this significant loss, but has had resurgence in growth.” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pueblo,_Colorado) 

‘The current city of Pueblo represents the consolidation of four towns: Pueblo (incorporated 1870), South Pueblo (incorporated 1873), Central Pueblo (incorporated 1882), and Bessemer (incorporated 1886). Pueblo, South Pueblo, and Central Pueblo legally consolidated as the City of Pueblo between March 9 and April 6, 1886. Bessemer joined Pueblo in 1894.”

“The City of Pueblo is also known as the ‘Home of Heroes’. This moniker was in a speech in 1993 by then Colorado Representative Scott McInnis as he spoke to Congress about the uniqueness of a city Pueblo’s size having a record four recipients of the Medal of Honor claiming Pueblo as their hometown: William J. Crawford, Army WWII; Carl L. Sitter, Marines Korea; Raymond J, “Jerry” Murphy, Marines Korea; and Drew D. Dix, Army Vietnam. At the time, all four men were alive. The speech, which became part of the Congressional Record, caused the City to adopt the name ‘Home of Heroes’. It has increased in popularity over the years. In September of 2000, a memorial was created with four larger than life size bronze statues representing Pueblo’s four recipients and it included large granite plaques as backdrops at the Memorial with the names of all Medal of Honor recipients since Civil War times when the award was first conceived. This was unveiled in downtown Pueblo at the Pueblo Convention Center during the Congressional Medal of Honor Society’s national convention.

“The flags in the city’s official seal, which fly above the banner ‘under 5 flags’, represent the 5 countries and territories that held dominion over the Pueblo area during the last 2 centuries. Those countries are France, Mexico, Texas, Spain, and of course, the United States of America.  Included in the seal is a representation of old Fort Pueblo, the 1st permanent structure in the area. Pueblo was incorporated in 1870, at the confluence of the Arkansas River and Fountain River. The waters of these 2 rivers are represented by the waves beneath the fort.” (https://www.pueblo.us/119/History-of-Pueblo) 

Pueblo, Colorado, site of Campvention 2022, is an interesting city and area to explore.  Over the months leading up to Campvention, sites to see and things to do will be shared to prepare our FCRV family when we convene in July, 2022.

Photos – https://www.pueblo.us/119/History-of-Pueblo