Campvention 2023

Campvention ’23 Registration Musings

By: Beth Muschinski, Registration Chair

It is months behind us now, but one week in December had us sheltering in our Harry Potter cupboard under the stairs while the tornado sirens went off (no problems).  The very next week, we were dealing with blizzard conditions, high winds and below zero temps (ok, we were obviously NOT in MS ).  The next week, which was New Year’s, the temps were in the upper 50’s, and the snow was gone….in WI!!!  Who ever heard of New Year’s in the 50’s there????  Not in a long, long time.   It was an interesting few weeks.

But, holy cow!  How did it get to be February already?  Time flies when you are having fun ,and I guess I must be having a ton of fun being FCRV Campvention Registration Central.

So, here is a taste of what’s to come in July….as of December 31, 2022 we have 111 registered campers!  Wow!  My hope was to have 100, and y’all just made my heart sing!  Of these, approximately 40 have never attended an FCRV Campvention.  Oh, you are in for a treat!

So, that being said, keep in mind that there are over 900 sites at the Wayne County Fairgrounds so there is room for many, many more campers.  Bring your friends, bring your family, bring your neighbors, bring a stranger (they won’t be strangers for long, I promise).  Tell others while around the campfire!  Let’s fill those sites and make this a week to remember.

It has been a little slow getting reservations since the end of the year but don’t wait to send yours in.  If you are anything like me, it will be forgotten until the last minute, and while that is ok, you will feel better once you send that registration in, trust me. 

So, the moral of this story is…….if you have already registered, that is wonderful.  If you have not yet registered, don’t wait any longer.  Give yourself a goal for this year and join us in Richmond, IN for the 2023 FCRV Campvention, hosted by the Great Lakes Region plus two Wisissippians.  If you don’t know what a Wisissippian is, come to Nationals, and we will tell you our story.

The Adult and Family Activities Committee Needs Help

By: Craig Weber & Brian Fuller, Adult and Family Chairmen

The Adult and Family Activities Committee is asking the help of our members to find several items for Campvention in Richmond, Indiana July 9 – 14. We are currently looking for someone with a multi-mic Karaoke System with a wide variety of music for a Karaoke Hospitality. We are also looking for more BINGO cards with the window slides. We are trying to put together Bean Bag Baseball, but we need boards. If you have any of the items we need, please contact Craig Weber at [email protected].  We hope to have the Adult and Family Activities Center open each day from 9:00 am until you want to go to bed.  We are planning Line Dancing, Bingo, Euchre Tournament, Card Bingo, Balloon Volleyball and maybe a few other surprises, not to mention the national Adult Competitions in Washer Toss, Horseshoes, Ladder Golf with a possible Corn Hole Tournament. Of course, Bowling will Happen (90 spaces reserved) and Jim Turner’s Golf Event. This will be an exciting, fun filled Campvention. Hope to see everyone in Richmond, Indiana. Thank you.

Save those Pop Tabs & Plastic Caps 

By Patti Thieme, Tabs/Caps Chair

Pop tabs will be collected at Campvention 2023; they will be donated to Ronald McDonald House at the Riley Children’s hospital in Indianapolis.  If you choose not to haul all your tabs to Richmond, you may take them to a recycling center between now and the Campvention and 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 receipt and bring it to Campvention to turn in to me.

Also, we collect plastic caps for benches. Indiana FCRV members have purchased a few benches in the past in memory of an FCRV member and placed the benches in those members’ hometowns or favorite campgrounds, or wherever that member wants to donate to.  The list of caps include: water bottle caps, Gatorade caps, milk jug caps, butter bowl lids, cottage cheese lids and peanut butter lids to name a few.  We will have containers for collection of these all week.  Just put that plastic cap in your pocket until you pass one of our containers!  You can also start saving now and bring with you.  Go to www.greentreeplastics.com to find a complete list.  

Register now! – Market Place

By: Duane & Ruth Keegan, Marketplace Chairs

Interested in raising money for your Chapter by selling your Chapter Projects, OR for yourself to sell your own craft/hobby items or other merchandise? Now is the time to make plans and register for “Marketplace” when you attend Campvention 2023 in Richmond, Indiana July 9-14, 2023. 

Spaces are available for $5 each, which include one table and two chairs. Multiple spaces are available.

DEADLINE TO REGISTER is June 14, 2023.  Checks must accompany the registration form and be made payable to: FCRV Campvention with ‘Campvention 2023’ written on the memo line.  

Further information or questions, you can email Duane or Ruth Keegan at  [email protected].

Register now for the MARKETPLACE!

Indiana Interesting Facts

By: Barb Turner, Publicity Chair

The 63rd FCRV Campvention will be held in Richmond, Indiana July 9-14, 2023.  Campvention 2023 will be the third Campvention held in the state of Indiana.  The two previous were both held at Camp Atterbury (1972 with 7842 families & 1982 with 3674 families).  (If any of you have memorabilia/memories from either/both of these Campventions and would like to share for upcoming memories article, please share with me.)    

We’re back in Indiana 41 years later in July.  Sites/Places to visit have been shared.  Indiana Interesting Facts is the theme this month.  

Some interesting listings from  https://www.movoto.com/guide/in/indiana-facts/  

are in no particular order:

The North Pole actually doesn’t get any letters for Santa Claus, believe it or not. Indiana does. Every year, the aptly named town Santa Claus, IN, actually receives those letters in the thousands. Even better, each and every one of those letters do get a reply!

Baseball was practically born in Indiana – Fort Wayne, to be exact. The very first professional game occurred in the town on May 4, 1871.

The name “Indiana” stands for Land of the Indians—but in reality fewer than 8,000 Native Americans actually reside in the state today.

One of the biggest mysteries ever in Indiana was where the name “Hoosier” ever came from. This explanation came close, when a Quaker from Richmond, Virginia, by the name of Sarah Harvey had written in an 1835 letter about the “old settlers in Indiana…called ‘Hooshers.'” She explained that a ‘Hoosher’ was actually a type of cabin called a ‘Hoosher nest,’ and that’s what those settlers lived in. That sounds pretty accurate, but still to this day, people debate about the nickname of every Indiana resident.

The two main schools of the state – Indiana University and Purdue University – wanted to stand out among the many institutions of the U.S., by signifying their rivalry in such a way that it would make many raise an eyebrow with puzzlement. Both schools decided that they would take a bucket surrounded with numerous metallic I’s and P’s, to make it look like a trophy. It’s called the “oaken bucket,” and both schools battle over it every year during football season.

Indianapolis had the pleasure of hosting Elvis Presley’s last concert right in Market Square Arena in 1977. He actually died three months after his performance.

Oddly enough, in Indiana, mustaches are illegal as long as the bearer of mustaches has a troubling addiction toward kissing people. Pucker up.

Campvention Parade

By: Sue & Carl Fromholzer, Parade Chairs

Campvention 2023’s parade theme is the “Great Lakes Rose Parade”.  We are hoping for a large showing at our national Campvention parade.  We are planning on a walking and riding parade so start planning your entry. We encourage all state, province, teen, youth groups, retirees, chapters and individuals to participate.  More information will follow in upcoming issues of Camping Today.

Adult Bowling News

By: Craig Weber

Thank You to all FCRV members who responded positively to the possibility of an Adult Bowling event at Campvention in Richmond, IN. I received 50 positive responses which means I made arrangements for 90 people at Richmond 40 Lanes in Richmond on Thursday, July 13 from 2:00 – 4:00 PM. A party package that includes 2 hours of bowling, 1 – 14” pizza and 1 – 64 oz pitcher of pop for each group of six, shoes are included. Cost will be about $12.50 each. Please register for the event in advance (by June 1) using the following link https://fcrv.org/campvention-bowling/ and send payment by check to Beth Muschinski at the address on the form. Thank you to all. See you in Richmond.

Campvention 2023 Service Project  

By: Barb Turner

Quilters, knitters, crocheters, cutters, and tyers, your skills are needed to complete a new Campvention service project for Richmond, Indiana in July.  The idea: make quilts and blankets to provide comfort to children experiencing trauma.  

At this time, we are working with Birth to Five of Wayne County (https://mybirthtofive.org/) and the Richmond Fire Department.  The local hospital stopped accepting handmade quilts and blankets with the onset of Covid and hasn’t resumed at this time.

Some of you are accomplished quilters, knitters, and crocheters.  Some of you might be ‘wannabes’!  For you, cut & tie fleece to make warm comfy blankets.  Self-binding quilts made with two pieces of fabric & batting and tied with embroidery floss might be the project for those with basic sewing skills.  (That’s me!)  For help/review, there are many YouTube tutorials to help you.  Sizes: keep in mind that we’ll be servicing from birth and beyond.

We are asking you to bring completed projects to Campvention 2023 in July.  In addition, for those of you who travel with your sewing machine, a ‘sewing center’ will be set up where you can create as your time allows.

We hope that you are as excited about this project as we are.  So, let’s get to quilting, knitting, crocheting, sewing, cutting, tying……creating for kids!

Entertainment Spotlight – Thursday Night Dancing Through the Decades

By: Jill Serbousek, Entertainment Chair

With a live band (Stays in Vegas) playing from 7pm to 10pm, join us on Thursday night for a dance party celebrating the decades our membership represents. Stays in Vegas will be playing our favorite songs from Motown to modern pop, and we hope to see everyone out there dancing the night away. Stays In Vegas is an entertaining 6-piece dance band co-fronted by the sassy & soulful Shannon Kramer and energetic entertainer, Jesse Moore.  https://www.staysinvegasband.com/

DRESS CODE: Start planning your outfits now. We’d love to see everyone come dressed up in the style of ‘their’ decade – for example: the decade you attended prom, got married, OR just your favorite decade. You can dress up in fancy gowns and suits or dress down in your rolled up jeans and white t-shirts. 

PRIZES: We’ll have awards for best dressed single, best dressed couple and best dressed ensemble (you don’t have to be related to make an ensemble but you will have to share the prize if you win). This dance is for all ages; so, dress up your whole family, and we’ll see you there.

Back to Our Roots Program for 2023 

By: Marci Mcintosh

NCHA/FCRV began nearly 75 years ago in 1949!  As we continue to honor our roots while moving forward into the future, the 2023 Richmond Campvention Committee is excited to put together a presentation of our history that will be a part of the announcements at Campvention.  And you’re invited to help us! We’re looking for photos and videos of NCHA/FCRV, especially Campvention.  If you have memorabilia in the form of patches, vests, buttons, trade items, door magnets, flags, chapter banners, state banners, etc., please take pictures or video of them and send them along. We’re talking parades, noise parades, hiking, hospitality (especially the lines) pageants, sports, games, pranks (teepeeing), stealing/relocating mascots, aerial views, group photos, individuals.  If you think they show the essence of NCHA/FCRV over the years, send them to me… Marci [email protected].  If the files  are too large to send, contact me, and we’ll figure out how we can transfer them.  If you’re interested in telling a story about NCHA/FCRV on a video, let’s do it!  If you can, please try to include the year, state/province/region/district/chapter and the names of the people, if you have any or all of this information. I can’t wait to see all the memories from everyone.

Site Decorating Contest

By: Shari Weber, Site Decorating Chair

The Great Lakes team is bringing back the site decorating contest for Campvention 2023 in Richmond, Indiana in July. . Everyone is invited to decorate their site according to the theme:  ‘CAMPVENTION’S COMING UP ROSES’ 

Displays will be registered at central registration indicating site number where the display will be set up and who the decorators are. The decorations can be put up at any time. They must be ready by noon Wednesday, July12. Judges will come around Wednesday afternoon to judge the displays. 

This is being sponsored by Grandpa’s Farm Campground & RV Park in Richmond, Indiana. Please be sure to stop and stay or just to say “Thank you”.

The displays can be created by an individual, a family, a group of families, or a chapter. The displays can be made of any material you wish to use to depict the theme.

There are four prize categories: Most Colorful, Most Creative, Prettiest, Most Unique.

Get those creative juices flowing and bring some roses to Campvention in July!

Calling All Youth to Campvention 2023  

By: Deena Felver, Chairman & Pat Cohee, Co-chair

This is Deena Felver, and I have a fun-filled week planned for the youth at Campvention in Richmond, Indiana this year.   

There will be a different theme every day.  There will be a Halloween day so make sure you pack the Halloween costumes, and parents and fellow campers, make sure you bring the candy to fill up the buckets. There will be a Cinco de Mayo day, a water day, and an honoring-the-veterans day. So, with that all being said, bring your swimsuits or water attire and maybe a picture of a vet that is special to you so we can honor them.   There will also be a craft or activity every day to go with the theme for the day.   

I hope to see lots of youth in attendance at Richmond.  We are planning a fun-filled week, and I am excited to meet the youth (their parents) and other new people.  Remember to bring Halloween costumes, swimsuits/water attire and candy!

If you have any questions regarding the youth programs scheduled for the Richmond Campvention, you can email me at [email protected].

Campvention Hospitalities  

By: Denise Weiss, Hospitality Chair

Now that the holidays are over it seems as though Campvention is fast approaching in Richmond, Indiana, too. Hard to believe it is right around the corner.  Looking forward to catching up with old friends and meeting some new ones.  What a better way than to do that by hosting a hospitality during Campvention and showing what your state, chapter or group is all about. You can host them during the day or evening.  You can even host a breakfast one if mornings are more your style. Anyone can host a hospitality.  

Please send in your request form that is found in this issue of Camping today.  Send them in as soon as possible to Denise Weiss at ([email protected]) or Stacy Davis at ([email protected]) and put the word Hospitality in the subject line.  They will be granted on a first come first serve basis. So please get them in as soon as possible. Deadline is May 1, 2023.

Campvention ’23 Registration Musings

By:  Beth Muschinski, Registration Chair

Last week, while at home in MS, I spent about ½ hour in our Harry Potter cupboard (under the stairs storage area) while the tornado sirens went off.  This occurred about 1am and then again about 30-45 minutes later.  Everything was fine; no tornado touchdown anywhere near us.

This week, as I write this article, I am in WI waiting for a blizzard to come storming in.  We are told to expect  1” to 75” of snow (not really that much, but I don’t want our NY blizzard survivors to feel left out in the cold), wind chills in the -50 range and 50 mph winds.   Not sure how this will turn out, but as we are here for 2 weeks, I’m sure that by the time we decide to head back south whatever snow we have will be cleared off the roads.

What an adventuresome life Larry and I have!!!  Who would have thought retirement could be so exciting???

Sooooo, speaking of exciting……who has already made their reservations for the 2023 Campvention in Richmond, IN July 9-14?  Well, I can tell you exactly who will be attending!!!  I had 7 reservations come in one day just before we left on this little WI adventure.  Trust me, there are many, many more than 7 already planning on attending, BUT we have room for oh so many more campers!!  I will just remind you now that there are over 900 campsites available to us so bring your friends, bring your neighbors, invite people you don’t know (but would like to).  I am thrilled to have exchanged emails and some phone calls with several of these registrants.  We are all raring to get into those campers again and be done with winter.

The early bird registration has ended, but that is no reason to hang back and wait to send in your information and claim a spot.  Articles have been put on Facebook regarding other activities in the Richmond, IN area.  Join the Facebook 2023 Campvention page (if you haven’t already) and be kept up to date on these and many more things to do in that area.  The Campvention calendar is filling up with seminars/games/hospitalities/other activities and promises to be a fun-filled week.  There is information on the Facebook page regarding RV rentals and hotel rooms in the area if you have no camper.  Who needs a camper to go camping?  Not us!  We have a great time no matter what!  In the past year we have borrowed a camper, stayed with friends in their camper, stayed in motel rooms.  If you want to have an adventure, there is always a way.

Please do not allow my remaining winter to be boring.  Send in those registrations and plan on spending the week of your life in Richmond, IN in July 2023.

Calling All Youth to Campvention 2023

By: Deena Felver, Chairman & Pat Cohee, Co-chair

This is Deena Felver, and I have a fun-filled week planned for the youth at Campvention in Richmond, Indiana this year.  

There will be a different theme every day.  There will be a Halloween day so make sure you pack the Halloween costumes, and parents and fellow campers, make sure you bring the candy to fill up the buckets.  There will be a Cinco de Mayo day, a water day, and an honoring-the-veterans day. So, with that all being said, bring your swimsuits or water attire and maybe a picture of a vet that is special to you so we can honor them.   There will also be a craft or activity every day to go with the theme for the day.  

I hope to see lots of youth in attendance at Richmond.  We are planning a fun-filled week, and I am excited to meet the youth (their parents) and other new people.  Remember to bring Halloween costumes, swimsuits/water attire and candy!

If you have any questions regarding the youth programs scheduled for the Richmond Campvention, you can email me at [email protected]

FCRV International Band

By: Craig Weber, FRCV International Band Director

This is a special notice to all of you who will be attending Campvention for the first time in Richmond, Indiana this summer. FCRV has a volunteer band that plays one evening at Campvention. We welcome anyone who would like to be part of a fun group and be part of Campvention. We practice four or five times before we play, and we try to keep the music simple. 

Here’s what you get as an FCRV International Band Member:

1. Exclusive FCRV International Band tuxedo t-shirt
   2. The enjoyment of meeting new people
   3. FCRV International Band Member badge and year tab
   4. Pizza party for you and your family before Concert

If you play an instrument and would like to be a part of the FCRV International Band, just dust off your instrument, blow in it to get the dead critters out, and keep your eyes peeled for more information. Music will be made available in May so that you can get in some extra practice. 

Keep watching for future updates.  Thank you.

Veterans Memorial Park, Richmond, Indiana

By: Barb Turner, Publicity Chair

At the suggestion of Linda Hennie, Campvention 2023 Co-Chair, the site to share this month is the Wayne County Veterans Memorial Park in Richmond, Indiana at 5701 National Road East.  The park is 3 miles from the Wayne County Fairgrounds, site of the 2023 FCRV Campvention!

The park honors area veterans for their service to our country.  It is located in the Whitewater Gorge.

“Memorial Park contains memorials from the Civil War, WWI, WWII, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Women’s Memorial, Purple Heart Memorial and more all along the scenic Whitewater River. Two M3A3 Stuart tanks, a HUEY helicopter, M60 Tank, two naval guns, a new A-6 intruder aircraft (2022) and more reside in the park as well. This beautiful memorial park was created by veterans for veterans. A new overlook provides a scenic view of the park along with seating and a rocking bench.

“Walk, Bike, Run – The NEW Whitewater Gorge connector trail has been completed. This 1/3-mile trail overlooks Veterans Memorial Park and connects the Cardinal Greenway to the Loop, Whitewater Gorge Trail & Veterans Memorial Park!”  https://www.visitrichmond.org/listing/veterans-memorial-park

Linda reported that Campvention Chair Connie Black & she enjoyed exploring the park. The accompanying photos were taken by Linda.

Explore the Wayne County Veterans Memorial Park while attending Campvention 2023 in July.  Registered?  You can do so at https://fcrv.org/campvention-2023/.

https://www.facebook.com/Wayne-County-Veterans-Memorial-Park-1674015939530637/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77x4ExKBisU

Campvention Registration Info Discount Deadline is Approaching

By: Beth Muschinski, Registration Chair

Hello, FCRV members!  Camping season is just around the corner, and it is time to start making your upcoming camping season plans….especially CAMPVENTION.  The 2023 Campvention in Richmond, IN promises to be a fun-filled week of seminars, games, food and fellowship. 

The discounted Campvention fee is only valid until December 31, 2022.  If your envelope is postmarked after that, the full fee is needed.  Get it in now before the last-minute Christmas mail rush.  We all know how slow and unreliable Snail Mail is, especially during the Christmas season.

When you fill out those registration forms, please, please, put in a CELL phone number and email address.  Without an email address, there is a possibility of you not receiving any updated information.   Without a CELL phone number, you will be unreachable in case of an emergency.

If you have sent in your registration and have not received an email from me confirming this, please contact me via phone or email to check on your registration status (see Snail Mail remark above).

Keep your eyes on the Campvention Facebook page for information about the Campvention and “things to see and do while in the area” information tidbits.

See you in July.

FCRV International Band

By: Craig Weber, FRCV International Band Director

This is a special notice to all of you who will be attending Campvention for the first time in Richmond, Indiana this summer. FCRV has a volunteer band that plays one evening at Campvention. We welcome anyone who would like to be part of a fun group and be part of Campvention. We practice four or five times before we play, and we try to keep the music simple. 

Here’s what you get as an FCRV International Band Member:

1. Exclusive FCRV International Band tuxedo t-shirt
2. The enjoyment of meeting new people
3. FCRV International Band Member badge and year tab
4. Pizza party for you and your family before Concert

If you play an instrument and would like to be a part of the FCRV International Band, just dust off your instrument, blow in it to get the dead critters out, and keep your eyes peeled for more information. Music will be made available in May so that you can get in some extra practice. 

Keep watching for future updates.  Thank you.

New Campvention Fun!

By: Kathy Howell

Hello, Campers!

I am Kathy Howell, and I recently joined FCRV with the new Family & Friends Camping Club (FFCC) Chapter. I am so happy to share with you a teen activity that has been a longstanding tradition in the FFCC group. It is called TP (toilet paper) Insurance and Raffle.

A little history of the program: Our group needed a fundraiser to increase the budget for our teen activities. The plan was simple – teens would sell TP raffle tickets, meet and socialize with other members of the club while doing so, and learn how to count and be responsible for money. Members purchase a “card” of tickets, with 26 tickets per card to put toward raffle prizes. Since rallies always involve a bit of fun and shenanigans, the tickets serve as insurance to not have your rig toilet-papered by the teens. Simply display a card in your rig’s window, and you’re safe, at least from the teens. 😉 If TP’d by adults (that, of course, would never happen), the teens will clean up the mess.

Teens sell the tickets Monday morning until Wednesday evening. Thursday is the raffle. Where do the raffle prizes come from? Well, parents of the participating teens are asked to bring a raffle gift per teen to place in the raffle. Club chapters and individual families may also donate prizes. A small portion of the ticket sales proceeds is also designated for prizes.

There is pre-raffle viewing time to make your selections and place tickets in the containers next to the prizes of your choice. You decide how many of your tickets to put in as many raffle items you want. Teens help set-up the raffle and as winning numbers are selected, they deliver the prizes to the respective winners. Cash prizes are available, too. The teens also win cash prizes for selling the most tickets. The money raised is then used to finance future teen activities, and as noted above, a small portion designated for the next year’s prize purchases. 

For the 2023 Campvention, my daughter, Jessica Hicks, and son, Zachary Chearhart, and I will be handling the TP ticket sales and raffle. We are asking that families of teens, please, bring a raffle prize per participating teen. Items donated in the past included camping chairs, games, gas/gift cards.  Items may be camping or non-camping related, with a value of $25-$50. Specific donation drop-off instructions will be provided prior to Campvention.

Special Adult Activity

By: Craig Weber

The Adult Activity Chairpersons for Campvention 2023 in Richmond, IN are looking to bring back the adult bowling event. We have found a bowling alley in Richmond that does two hours of bowling, one pizza and one two-liter bottle of pop for 6 people per lane including shoes. The more lanes we fill the lower the cost. If we can fill 5 lanes (30 people), the cost is about $12 per person. The cost  will go down as we fill more lanes. In order to make this happen, we need to make reservations way ahead of time. This event will be open to anyone 18 or older. We are also going to be working to find babysitters for those with younger children. At this time the committee is trying to gauge interest. At this time, I have received interest from 20 people. We need to get that number up to 30. You still have a month to respond. If you are interested in this event, please e-mail YES to Craig Weber at [email protected] before January 10th. Look forward to hearing from everyone. Thank you.

Campvention ‘23 Camper Rentals Info

By: Connie Black, Campvention ’23 Chair

We have been asked to supply members with information on Camper Rentals for Campvention 2023 in Richmond, IN. 

The following links should be quite helpful in their rental efforts:
https://rvshare.com/rv-rental/richmond/in

https://www.outdoorsy.com/rv-rental/indiana/richmond

RVs for rent in Charleston

As for hotel information, we found it easier and less expensive for someone to go to the booking sites such as Travelocity, Hotels.com and others. There are many hotels available Richmond, IN

Campvention 2023 Program Book Ads

By: Marci Mcintosh, Ads Chair

Now is your chance to say thank you or recognize someone special or 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 2023 Campvention Program Book!   (The form is available in this issue and on the FCRV website.)

Additionally, if you have a vendor (non-member) interested in advertising, ask them to email me at [email protected].  I will send them the Vendor version of the Program Ads form to help the vendor better understand the metrics of our program book.

Step Back in Time in Metamora, Indiana

By: Barb Turner, Campvention 2023 Publicity Chair

Step back in time less than 40 miles from FCRV Campvention 2023 in Richmond, Indiana July 9-14, 2023.  In Metamora, Indiana you step back to what it was like in the 1800’s in eastern Indiana.

Metamora was platted in 1838 along the projected path of the Whitewater Canal, infrastructure to provide a transportation canal to ship products from eastern Indiana to the Ohio River and onto the Mississippi River and on south.  “The town of Metamora was named after the popular 1829 play, Metamora, or The Last of the Wampanoags. It takes place in Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1677 and tells a fictionalized version of the story of Metacom (called King Philip by the colonists), leader of the local Wampanoag tribe.”  (https://www.historicmetamora.net)  Canal boats transported people, lumber, livestock and grain until the early 1860’s with the arrival of the railroad.

Experience Metamora – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVjGOhyYRzA

Whitewater Canal State Historic Site/ The Metamora Gristmill:   Start your visit at 19073 Main St.  In 1845 Johnathan Banes built the 3-story frame mill as a cotton mill equipped with almost a thousand water-powered spindles.  The cotton factory idea didn’t do well, as we would think, as Southern Indiana didn’t produce cotton crops.  Bringing cotton from the south and the import of finished textiles wasn’t productive. In 1856 Banes brought in a new partner and converted the cotton mill to a flouring mill.  (I found the idea of a cotton mill in eastern Indiana rather strange)  The mill was destroyed by a fire in 1899 and was rebuilt in 1900.  Following a second fire in 1932, it was converted to the present 2-story brick building where you can purchase flour and meal.  You can mill grains yourself with a hand-powered grinder and learn how millers secured sacks of flour with a miller’s knot!  (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwlB1EVxh7o) (https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=44903)  (https://www.indianamuseum.org/historic-sites/white-water-canal/)  (https://orangebeanindiana.com/2021/07/15/the-incredibly-dramatic-life-of-metamoras-grist-mill/)

Ride the Ben Franklin canal boat. Shop the many shops. Experience quaint Metamora, Indiana. Step back in time!

FCRV Campvention 2023 Info

By: Beth Muschinski, FCRV Registration Chairman 2023 FCRV Campvention

My husband and I just spent the weekend at the Wayne County Fairgrounds in Richmond, IN with numerous other 2023 Campvention team members.  It was COLD!!!  Now you have to understand, your Registration contact (me) is from MS so when temps are in the 50’s-60’s and the wind is blowing, I get cold!!!  Don’t listen to those Yankees that attended saying it wasn’t!  I was glad to get home to 65º at 11pm and the heat of the next days.  Unfortunately, Indiana was just a preview of what MS would have soon.

Enough of that.  The fairgrounds are amazing!!!  We will have the entire area for our Campvention.  There are 915 campsites!!!  Bring your friends!!!  We will have plenty of buildings for activities, and they are all climate-controlled.  The bathrooms are wonderfully clean and spacious.  There are grassy areas galore for outdoor games.   The buildings were in the process of being painted last weekend so everything looks clean and modern and welcoming.

Richmond has a wide variety of activities and places to visit.  If you’ve been to an FCRV Campvention previously, you will remember that the schedule is jam packed with games, crafts, seminars, etc., but don’t forget to take time out to visit our host city.  Remember, the fairgrounds are open a couple days before Campvention begins so that may be a good time to sightsee in the area.

We spent the weekend planning activities for specific buildings and areas.  We scoped out the camping areas.  We ate.  We played games.  We ate.  We spent time around the campfire.  We ate. 

I am so excited for the 2023 Campvention after seeing the grounds.  I cannot wait for July to get here (I am not a fan of winter no matter where I live, anyway, so summer can’t get here fast enough).

There is 30-amp electric for all campsites, but water is far and few between.  Bring extension cords for the electric and “y” connectors for the water.  Better yet, bring multi-hose connectors for the water hook-up.  You will also need extra hoses.  Having electric and water at a Campvention is a real treat!  Back in the “old days” – like the 1990’s and earlier – electric and water were not even available for the week of Campvention.  Who cared?  Nobody!!  We were seldom in the trailers anyway, except to sleep.  The fellowship and activities are the best way to spend the time!!

By the time you see this article, the discounted registration will be only available for another 4-5 weeks.  Send in your money NOW!!  The 2023 Campvention will be here sooner than you think, and it will be a fantastic and fun week.  I get daily post office updates as to what is in my mailbox, and I am checking it every morning.  I am always excited to see that another registration will be delivered to me.  Keep them coming!!!

FCRV INTERNATIONAL BAND

By: Craig Weber, FRCV International Band Director

This is a special notice to all of you who will be attending Campvention for the first time in Richmond, Indiana this summer. FCRV has a volunteer band that plays one evening at Campvention. We welcome anyone who would like to be part of a fun group and be part of Campvention. We practice four or five times before we play, and we try to keep the music simple.

Here’s what you get as an FCRV International Band Member:

1. Exclusive FCRV International Band tuxedo t-shirt
2. The enjoyment of meeting new people
3. FCRV International Band Member badge and year tab
4. Pizza party for you and your family before the Concert.

If you play an instrument and would like to be a part of the FCRV International Band just dust off your instrument, blow in it to get the dead critters out, and keep your eyes peeled for more information. Music will be made available in May so that you can get in some extra practice.

Dancing Through the Decades

By: Jill & Scott Serbousek, Entertainment Chairs

We are still deciding which entertainers to book for which night in July, but we do know one thing – there will be a themed dance for all with the theme ‘Dancing Through the Decades’. We hope to book a band that can cover all of our favorite songs from the 1950’s to the 2020’s. Start planning your outfits now. We’d love to see everyone come dressed up in the style of ‘their’ decade – for example: the decade you attended prom, got married, OR just your favorite decade. You can dress up in fancy gowns and suits or dress down in your rolled up jeans and white t-shirts. This dance is for all ages; so, dress up your whole family, and we’ll see you there. Stay tuned for more details to come.

Special Adult Activity

By: Craig Weber

The Adult Activity Chairpersons for Campvention 2023 in Richmond, IN are looking to bring back the adult bowling event. We have found a bowling alley in Richmond that does two hours of bowling, one pizza and one two-liter bottle of pop for 6 people per lane, including shoes. The more lanes we fill, the lower the cost. If we can fill 5 lanes (30 people), the cost is about $12 per person. The cost  will go down as we fill more lanes. In order to make this happen, we need to make reservations way ahead of time. This event will be open to anyone 18 or older.  We are also going to be working with the teens to find babysitters for those with younger children. At this time the committee is trying to gauge interest. If you are interested in this event, please email YES to Craig Weber at [email protected] before January 10th. Look forward to hearing from everyone. Thank you.

Chocolate Trail – Richmond, IN

By: Barb Turner, Campvention 2023 Publicity Chair

Chocolate and FCRV Campvention 2023 Together!  Really?  Most definitely!

Attendees to Campvention 2023 in Richmond, Indiana in July are in for a treat, a chocolate treat via the Chocolate Trail which includes 15 stops offering free chocolate samples or gifts!!  And, it’s FREE!  To receive your free chocolate samples or gifts, you MUST have a Chocolate Passport!  No passport; no samples!!  (One sample per person, per passport. No passport, no free samples.)

Start your trail adventure at the Old National Road Welcome Center, 5701 National Rd E where you’ll pick up your official chocolate passport.  Monday – Saturday 8:30 am – 5 pm  If you don’t visit during operating hours, there is a 24-hour information foyer with passports available inside.  The passport contains the names of the businesses participating, including location, hours, and what you’ll receive. 

Or……visit https://www.visitrichmond.org/visitors/suggested-itineraries/chocolate-trail where you can sign up for the NEW digital Chocolate Trail Pass!  The Chocolate Trail pass is free and instantly delivered to you via email and text. There is no app to download, and the pass is always easily accessible! And, according to this link, there are prizes for checking in at the businesses.  “Check into 5 merchants to earn a Certified Chocolate Lover vinyl decal.    After visiting 12 merchants, receive a Certified Chocolate Lover t-shirt and be featured on our social media as a Certified Chocolate Trail Lover.”

Visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCN_jLLBtbg&t=114s  ‘Travel: Discovering Chocolate and More in Richmond, Indiana’

Get registered for FCRV Campvention 2023, the 63rd Campvention.  Take advantage of the special and save: PAY BEFORE DECEMBER 31ST, 2022 TO RECEIVE A $25 DISCOUNT ($310.00)”  https://fcrv.org/campvention-2023/   Richmond, Indiana and Chocolate!  Yummy!

Family Campers & RVers Campvention.  – What is that?  What to expect? 

By: Barb Turner, Publicity Chair

Every July the Family Campers & RVers members hold a rally/convention called Campvention.  Since 1998 the location is rotated around the seven regions of the organization (6 in the U.S. & 1 in Canada).  Meetings are held as required by the constitution, but ‘fun & fellowship’ are the focus.  

To this end, a full schedule awaits arrivals.  Youth, Teen, and Adult activities and games (outdoor games, including a golf outing & indoor games) await the age groups.  Whole family activities include Family Fun Day, the FCRV Band (bring your instruments) and evening entertainment.  Education is provided by the various seminars and FCRV programs – conservation, wildlife, C.A.M.P. (Campers Actively Moving Program), and D.A.S.A.T. (Disaster and Safety Awareness Training).

The first step is to register.  The first step is to register. Registration forms for check payments and Online Payment options can be found on the our website; https://fcrv.org/campvention-2023/

Upon arrival, parking will be hobo-style (park as you arrive).  If you want to park together with others, arrive together.  Once you are parked and set up, go to Central Registration to check in where you’ll receive your program book and other goodies.  Check out the various program information stations; perhaps you’ll want to sign-up for an activity.  You will especially be welcomed by the First Timers chair who will help you navigate your first Campvention.

FCRV Campvention 2023 in Richmond, Indiana can be your destination in July to enjoy a week of fun & fellowship with fellow campers and RVers.

Save The Date

By: Paul Standiford

South Central West Region (#2) is making plans to host a regional campout from June 27 – 30, 2023 in Branson Missouri. This would be a great layover on your way to Campvention 2023. Planning is in very early stages, but we would like to get some indication of interest in attending so that we might begin to finalize numbers with the campground. If you or your group have interest in attending, please send an email to [email protected]. Please know that this is NOT a commitment to attend and is strictly for planning purposes. However, if you could let us know if you are LIKELY to attend or simply CONSIDERING attending it would be appreciated, Also, if anyone would be interested in volunteering, please let us know.

Special Adult Activity

By: Craig Weber

The Adult Activity Chairpersons for Campvention 2023 in Richmond, IN are looking to bring back the adult bowling event. We have found a bowling alley in Richmond that does two hours of bowling, one pizza and one two-liter bottle of pop for 6 people per lane, including shoes. The more lanes we fill, the lower the cost. If we can fill 5 lanes (30 people), the cost is about $12 per person. The cost  will go down as we fill more lanes. In order to make this happen, we need to make reservations way ahead of time. This event will be open to anyone 18 or older. We are also going to be working with the teens to find babysitters for those with younger children. At this time the committee is trying to gage interest. If you are interested in this event ,please e-mail YES to Craig Weber at [email protected] before January 10th. Look forward to hearing from everyone. Thank you.

First Timers

By: Donna Powell, First Timers Chair

Have you ever been to National Campvention? No, well now is the time to plan for it! How will you figure out what to do first? Well, let me introduce myself; I am the 2023 FIRST TIMER CHAIR PERSON, Donna Powell. Once you are parked; have been to registration, or going through registration, you will meet me at the 1st timers sign in area. I and those helping me will help you feel welcomed. 

We will have two meetings during the week! The first meeting will be on Monday; more details as I get them worked out. Towards the end of Campvention, there will be a follow-up meeting, when we will have you fill out a questionnaire about Campvention!

Of course, all week, you will be welcomed with hugs, fist pumps or elbow greetings; why, because that’s how we welcome you to Campvention!

Until next time….

All-Hat Luncheon

By: Chairperson, Deborah Swanson & Co-chair, Donna Powell

There will be an All-Hat luncheon at the National Campvention! More details will be coming as we get them planned out!

Campvention 2023 Teen Center Request

The Teen Center for Campvetion 2023 is asking that States, Provinces, or Regions will ‘take over’ the teen center for 1 night of Campvention week.  If your State, Province, or Region would like to host one evening, please contact [email protected] to get more information.

Richmond, Indiana & Campvention 2023 Await You

By: Barb Turner, Publicity Chair

The 63^rd FCRV Campvention will be held at the Wayne County Fairgrounds & Expo Center in Richmond, Indiana July 9-14.   The City of Richmond offers sightseeing/touring options that might be of interest.

Richmond is known for its preserved architecture and early recording industry.  “The early history of Richmond is tied to the National Road, which, after opening in 1833, brought many immigrant families through the city and Wayne County on their long journey west.  In the years that followed, Richmond became the most populous city in the state and a center for industry and the arts.  It was here in the a film projection machine late 19th century that cinema pioneer Charles Francis Jenkins invented his Phantoscope (a film projection machine in the early 1890s)   Richmond was the gathering place for a number of important Impressionist artists, while in 1923 the very first recording to feature Louis Armstrong was pressed in this city by Gennett Records.”  https://www.thecrazytourist.com/15-best-things-to-do-in-richmond-indiana/

Perhaps a couple of unique touring opportunities might interest you:

Model T Museum:  The headquarters for the Model T Ford Club of America, the largest club for Model T enthusiasts in the world, is found in Richmond at 309 N 8th St.  (http://www.mtfca.com/museum/)   The collection is spread across two buildings, emphasizing the main years of the Model T’s production from 1908 to 1927.  Exhibits include Fordson tractors and a recreated machine shop with belt-driven tools.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmVhvdzCpJE

Gennett Records Walk of Fame, 201 S 1st St., honors music legends with record-shaped plaques in the pavement.  (https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/gennett-walk-of-fame) “Richmond’s Gennett Records, founded by Henry Gennett in 1917, produced some of the earliest recordings by a whole raft of jazz and blues greats.  These include Louis Armstrong, King Oliver, Duke Ellington, Hoagy Carmichael, Bix Beiderbecke, Charley Patton, Blind Lemon Jefferson and Jelly Roll Morton.  You can visit the site of the studio next to the Whitewater River, where there’s an interpretive trail pointing out the former location of the studio and paying tribute to the many artists associated with the label.  The most famous artists are commemorated with medallions embedded in the path, designed to resemble 78 rpm records.”  (https://www.thecrazytourist.com/15-best-things-to-do-in-richmond-indiana/) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MN1CKRjhvI)

Glen Miller Park, 2200 E Main St, might be of interest.  The park dates back to 1885 and is named for railroad executive Colonel John Ford Miller.  ‘Glen’ means a valley with gentle slopes.  The park features natural freshwater springs.  “One of the contributing monuments is the Madonna of the Trail (1928) by the entrance, erected by the Daughters of the American Revolution and dedicated to the spirit of pioneer women in the United States.”  In addition to the E.G. Hill Rose Garden, the park includes fishing, skate park, splash pad, disc golf, and a nature area.  (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKoc8hETkj4)

Over the next few months ‘things to see & do’ in the Richmond, Indiana area will be shared.  The Great Lakes Region, hosts for Campvention 2023, will be welcoming you in July.  If you aren’t registered, you can register online at https://fcrv.org/campvention-2023/

Take advantage of the special and save: PAY BEFORE DECEMBER 31ST, 2022 TO RECEIVE A $25 DISCOUNT ($310.00)!

Richmond, Indiana – Site of FCRV International Campvention 2023

by Barb Turner, Campvention Publicity Chair

In the August issue of Camping Today, the 2023 Campvention Committee issued the invitation, with the basic info, to attend the 63rd Campvention at the Wayne County Fairgrounds & Expo Center in Richmond, Indiana July 9-14.  The theme is ‘A Rose by Any Other Name is FCRV’.  Over the next several months, information will be shared in regards as to what to expect at campvention and what are ‘must-sees’ in Richmond and the surrounding area.

Let’s start with Richmond.  The Northwest Territory, from which Indiana was carved, was established in 1787 following the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1783, officially ending the American Revolutionary War.  The territory included land west of Pennsylvania, north of the Ohio River, east of the Mississippi River, and south of Canada.  (The states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, & Wisconsin were created from the Northwest Territory.  Ohio was the first to become a state in 1803, Indiana in 1816)  The first settlers to what would become Richmond were Quakers led by John Smith & Jeremiah Cox from North Carolina, arriving in 1806 and settling on the cliffs of the Whitewater River.  “Richmond is still home to several Quaker institutions, including Friends United Meeting, Richmond Friends School, Earlham College and the Earlham School of Religion.”  By 1815, the town was a bustling trading center, and it was incorporated in 1818.

“Richmond is sometimes called the ‘Cradle of Recorded Jazz’ because the earliest jazz recordings and records were made at the studio of Gennett Records, a division of the Starr Piano Company.  Gennett Records was the first to record such artists as Louis Armstrong, Bix Beiderbecke, Jelly Roll Morton, Hoagy Carmichael, Lawrence Welk, and Gene Autry.  The city has twice received the All-America City Award, most recently in 2009.”

Campvention 2023 highlights Richmond as ‘The Rose City’.  Richmond designated itself ‘The Rose City’ in the early 1970s because Richmond was the home of Hills Rose Growers.  “The E.G. Hill Company and the Joseph H. Hill Company together with the Hill Floral Products Company were the premier rose growers and marketers of cut roses, accounting for the sale of millions of roses annually in the United States and around the world.”  With establishing ‘The Rose City’ designation, the next step was creating a public Rose Garden to exhibit varieties of roses.  The Rose Garden became a reality in 1985, with the first roses planted in 1987.  To the west of the garden is the formal E.G. Hill Memorial Rose Garden which was started in 1937 to honor the Hill companies.

Today, the garden “highlights over 100 varieties of All American Selections® Roses, amidst blooming annuals, perennials, and ornamental trees that add an interesting texture to the garden.”   The garden is open 365 days a year with no admission charge. The garden is wheelchair accessible, and restrooms are available in Glen Miller Park at the concession building.  Enjoy an aerial tour to prepare for your visit in July, 2023.  https://richmondrosegarden.com/aerial-tour/  and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gk4boJkGJNs

Tour Richmond, Indiana:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tukDjjNpoVE; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wrIiUgnXqA ; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kniHfwTg0hs

Links to explore:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northwest_Territory
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richmond,_Indiana
https://richmondrosegarden.com/history/

Campvention Seminars

If you, or you know of someone or a company who may, want to be a seminar presenter during the Campvention in Richmond, Indiana from July 9 – 15, 2023, please complete the Seminar Presentation Form and email to [email protected] or mail to Ray Suennen, 2563 Turnbury Road, Green Bay, WI 54313; or contact Ray Suennen at mobile phone 920-606-0289 for additional information.

Campvention 2023 Teen Center Request

The Teen Center for Campvention 2023 is asking that States, Provinces, or Regions will ‘take over’ the teen center for 1 night of Campvention week.  If your State, Province, or Region would like to host one evening, please contact [email protected] to get more information.