Campvention 2023

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 cdweber50@yahoo.com 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 mostatedire@mofcrv.org. 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 cdweber50@yahoo.com 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 teens@mifcrv.org 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 FRCVwi2@yahoo.com 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 teens@mifcrv.org to get more information.