Know Before You Go! (ongoing list)
By Deb Swanson, Campvention Chair

Fair Grounds:

Directions: Do not follow GPS directions to exit 31 on I-90. This will take you through downtown Utica. Take exit 30 (Herkimer-Mohawk) and let GPS recalculate. This will take you to NY5S and bring you right to the fairgrounds.

Ice: available on-grounds during office hours. Current cost is $3.25/bag; subject to change.

No Open Fires: No open fires allowed on the grounds. Propane fire pits are allowed in open spaces.

Parking: Absolutely need to bring extra water hoses and RV extension cords.

General Info: Bring your reusable shopping bags (paper bags available at store for 5 cents)

NY has a 5-cent deposit on cans and bottles (including water). Cans/bottles without NY printed on them will not be accepted. It is illegal to return cans/bottles (even with NY printed on them) if they were not purchased in NY and can incur a $100 penalty per item.

RV Dump: For the consideration of the units parked by the dump station, please use a sewer hose seal (available on Amazon for $8.62) on your portable waste tank.

Door Prizes at Campvention
By Deb Swanson, Campvention Chair

The 2024 Campvention team is asking states, provinces, chapters, and any individual families interested in participating, to donate a gift basket, or bag with items of their choice, to the evening door prizes. Baskets may contain new, or freshly handmade items of your choice, such as camping gear, state/province-themed products, favorite cooking/grilling utensils, or seasonings, etc. Be creative! Each registered family will receive a non-transferable raffle ticket upon arrival and must be present at the drawing to claim a prize. Obviously, the more donors participating equals more winners! Donors, please place a tag in/on your basket with the name and contact information of a representative, so the lucky recipient may send a proper “Thank You!” This is a great way to meet even more folks in our camping family!

FCRV’s Got Talent
By Craig Weber, Chair

It is sad to watch another FCRV tradition die, but this creates a new opportunity. Because of limited numbers, the FCRV International Band will not be performing at Campvention. This opens up a new opportunity for the “FCRV’s Got Talent” show. This is the second month that this has been posted so hurry and sign up. We are looking for anyone, regardless of age, to step up and show off their unique talents at Campvention this year in New York. Singing, Dancing, Story Telling, Stupid Pet Tricks, Comedy Routine, Group Skit, Piano or Instruments. ALL talents are welcome. Please try to keep your talent under five minutes. There will be a keyboard available. Sound guy will be able to handle CDs for you to sing. I hope all of you can find the time to show off your talent. Just click on this link, fill out the simple form, click SUBMIT, and I will be in touch. https://fcrv.org/fcrvs-got-talent/. 

WARNING: If we do not get enough talent signed up, Craig Weber will have to tell stories. For Example:

My aunt and uncle traveled to Russia for a conference at a time when tourists were tightly controlled. When they arrived, they were assigned a tourist guide, Rudolph Novatikov, who would be with them whenever they left their hotel room. Each morning Rudi, that’s what he asked to be called, would escort them to the conference. The conference lasted three days, but my aunt and uncle planned to stay a week to do some sightseeing. On the fourth day, Rudi showed up to guide them on a tour of Red Square, the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Rudi promised that the next day they would go on a tour of the Ural Mountains with fantastic views of Moscow and the countryside. The next morning, my uncle stepped out onto the balcony, slipped and almost fell. The balcony was covered with a green slime. Big drops of this foul smelling, oily slime was also falling from the sky. Rudi appeared at the door and apologized that they would not be able to go out that day because of the rain. My uncle argued that this was not rain, but Rudi insisted that it was rain. The two men got into a very heated argument, shouting and almost coming to blows. My aunt, always the peacemaker, stepped between the two men, faced my uncle, and calmly said,….. Wait for it……….” Rudolph the red knows rain, dear”

This is your second warning.

Site Decorating at Campvention 2024
By Shari Weber, Site Decorating Chair

By now you know that Crazy Acres Campground at Beaver Spring Lake is sponsoring the Campvention 2024 site decorating contest. This year the theme for decorating is “Camping – Past, Present, and Future”. A little different from previous years, prizes will be awarded for first $40, second $30, and third $20 place. The folks from Crazy Acres are eagerly looking forward to seeing your creativity.

Remember to support our sponsor Crazy Acres Campground. They can be reached by phone at 607.278.5293 or email at [email protected]. Find details about the campground on the web at www.crazyacrescampground.com . They are taking reservations for the upcoming camping season.

Swap or Trade?
By Deb Swanson, Campvention Chair

What do these terms mean when it comes to Campvention? The definition for both words is basically the same: to exchange one thing for another. At Campvention, it means trading an item of significance to FCRV. They are small in nature and easy to carry in your pocket. They generally have a means of attaching to an article of clothing, or a lanyard. As an example, the Fiddler’s Green Chapter of New York, drew a fiddle on a shrinkable plastic sheet, attached a pin clasp to the back and handed them out at Campvention. They make for a great means of meeting someone new.

Teens to Visit Wolf Mountain Nature Center
By Pat Wittmeyer, Campvention Team Leader

The Wolf: to this day the wolf is a source of myth and mystery. Once revered by Native Americans, the wolf has been hunted to near extinction by humans. Almost too late, we discovered the essential role the wolf plays in the North American ecosystem. As an apex predator the wolf is key in maintaining ecological balance, keeping a wide variety of deer and elk populations as well as a variety of smaller mammals in check, thus preventing overgrazing and critical damage to flora in a region.

All Teens who attend the 2024 international Campvention will have a chance to look into the eyes of wolves, foxes and coyotes during a service project and visit to Wolf Mountain. This incredible preserve is home to 15 wolves, a small and dynamic pack of Coyotes, and a variety of foxes. We are working closely with the staff of The Wolf Mountain Nature Center, located in Smyrna, New York, to create a meaningful trip intended to educate our Teens, and provide them with the opportunity to help out at Wolf Mountain with a service project that will be designed to improve the experience for visitors to the preserve.

This field trip is roughly one hour from the Campvention grounds. Teens will travel in FCRV volunteer and chaperone vehicles, pack a lunch, and be expected to put in some time working on the service project we create with the assistance of Nature Center staff. The teens will be educated about the animals at the Preserve and have plenty of time to view them. Our teens will NOT come into actual contact with the residents of Wolf Mountain, to maintain the safety and security of both the visitors and residents of Wolf Mountain.

Additional information, details and expectations of this unique field trip will be published in the next issue of Camping Today. This adventure, along with others being planned at this year’s rally, should make the Campvention one to remember for our Teens!

2024 FCRV National Campvention
Disaster and Safety Awareness Training Seminars
By Joe Boswell, D.A.S.A.T. Director

Internet and Cell Phone Safety in Today’s Environment:
Come with an open mind to learn how to use your cell phone safely. This will be a review of things to do and things not to do when using a cell phone. Many important points will be discussed. Learn how your children/teens may be using the cell phone and passing along personal information without your/our knowledge. Learn how to protect yourself and your family. Important tips of understanding will be presented.

Citizens Guide to Emergency Preparedness:
How prepared will you be when an emergency occurs? To be covered in this seminar are various ways on how to prepare for the different types of emergencies, and what to do. A weather event can happen instantly. Do you know how to take care of loved ones in a moment’s notice? Preparation is the key to your survival. Knowing what to do, how to do it, and when to stay in place or evacuate will be discussed.

Cooking for Groups:
Many times, when a group of people gather, food may be served. Everyone loves to eat. This seminar originally written by Marilyn Rausch will cover the basics of food preparation. Some of the things to do and other things not to do as it pertains to the basic preparation, serving and consumption of food during the various seasons, winter, summer, spring and fall. Basic food safety guidelines will be presented.

DAT-Our Disaster Awareness Team:
One of National Campers and Hikers Association dba Family Campers and RVers foundational program areas is Disaster Awareness Training. Come to this workshop/seminar and learn about the various topic areas that fall under the purview of Disaster Awareness. Each area of awareness will be touched on, briefly. You will learn a lot, and this also gives you the opportunity to pick up some hints on topic areas to present at your chapter or state campouts. (Handout will be available.)

Campvention Marketplace
By Rhonda O’Neal, Marketplace Chair

Marketplace this year will be held on Thursday June 27, 2024 from 9am to 12pm. If you make things with your hands like crafts, blankets, jewelry, etc. and would like to sell them, then this is for you. Marketplace is for FCRV members to do just that. Items are available for purchase to all members. If this sounds like something you would be interested in participating in, then we can help you make that happen. The charge is $5 per table and that includes 2 chairs. You can bring your own chairs, too. Please email me at [email protected], and I will send  a registration form to you. Hope to hear from you soon!!

Campvention Parade
By: Lynn Tinter, Parade Chair

Our Campvention 2024’s parade will be Friday at 10am (registration will be on Monday at time and place TBA). The parade theme is “Camping – Past, Present, and Future”. Be creative – figure out how to depict the past, present, and/or future of camping. This is the 75th anniversary of FCRV, and 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. Historically, the parades went through the town we were camping in, but in recent times we have stayed on the campgrounds. More information will follow in upcoming issues of Camping Today.

Visit New York’s Capital – Albany
By Barb Turner, Campvention Publicity Chair

The state capital of New York, Albany, is less than 90 miles from Campvention 2024 at the Herkimer County Fairgrounds in Frankfort. Albany awaits your exploration. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMh5KIPIQME 

Albany is the capital and oldest city in the U.S. state of New York and the seat of and the most populous city in the county of the same name. It is located on the west bank of the Hudson River, about 10 miles south of its confluence with the Mohawk River, and about 135 miles north of New York City.

The Mohicans and Mohawks occupied the area when Henry Hudson, exploring for the Dutch East India Company, arrived in 1609 and claimed the land for the United Netherlands. Fort Nassau was built in 1614 and served as a fur-trading post.

“Albany is one of the oldest surviving European settlements from the original Thirteen Colonies and the longest continuously chartered city in the United States. When New Netherland was captured by the English in 1664, the name was changed from Beverwijck to Albany in honor of the Duke of Albany (later James II). Duke of Albany was a Scottish title given since 1398. In 1754, representatives of seven British North American colonies met in Albany’s city hall for the Albany Congress. Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania presented the Albany Plan of Union there, which was the first formal proposal to unite the colonies. Although it was never adopted by Parliament, it was an important precursor to the United States Constitution.” Learn more about Albany’s history at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albany,_New_York 

Suggested Albany attractions you might consider visiting during Campvention 2024’s early days: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5m2gAGbI1uQ 

The State Capitol Building, State St. and, Washington Ave: tour the Capitol at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KS71TWjbgU  to prepare for your visit.

New York State Museum, 222 Madison Ave., 222 Madison Avenue, Empire State Plaza, was established in 1836. It is the oldest and largest state museum in the country. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXAL4gp8_po; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IRL3CFTvCQ&t=39s  Empire State Plaza: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyWYSQ87LWc 

The Egg: Empire State Plaza, center for performing arts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLykidc3jSY 

USS Slater, 141 Broadway, is a WW II Destroyer Escort which battled Nazi U-boats on the Atlantic protecting convoys of men and material. In the Pacific they defended naval task forces from Japanese submarines and Kamikaze air attacks. The USS Slater is the only one of the 563 Destroyer Escorts that remains afloat in the United States. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ewvC9YASc0  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cio2PJnicps 

Plan on visiting Albany. Suggestion: review the links included here and do your own search. When you arrive in Albany, start your visit at Albany Visitors Center, 25 Quackenbush Square. Enjoy your visit.

Wildlife at Campvention
By Deb Swanson, Campvention Chair

It is a time-honored tradition to raise funds for Wildlife at Campvention. After a couple years’ lull, the tradition was picked up by the acting Wildlife Director. Due to the generous donations by Campvention attendees, approximately $2,500 was raised in the last two years. Tom & Cheryl Martinez, the new Wildlife Directors, are asking for donations for their item raffle. Let’s keep the tradition going again this year. Thank you in advance.

TP Raffle 2024
By Kathy Howell, TP Raffle Chair

Here in Michigan the winter has been dreary!! But just recently there was a bright spot – The RV Show and SUNSHINE!! This made me think of Campvention and how close it is! We can’t wait to see you in New York. We have been busy scooping up deals for the TP raffle.

As you are making your lists of things to pack for Campvention, don’t forget to add a donation to the raffle. At Campvention last year we heard that someone didn’t like all the items in a grouping and didn’t want to put tickets in for the prize. Guess what? We take regifted items for the raffle!! Even if you win the prize and don’t like all of it, regift the unwanted item the following year! Did you receive a gift that isn’t just you? Bring it to Campvention and donate it to TP raffle!! All donations welcome – handmade items, gift baskets, gift cards.

This raffle raises funds in a fun way to support teen activities.

Happy Trails, Kathy, Jessica, and Zac

On-Grounds Transportation Help
By Nyhl Austin, On-Grounds Transportation Chair

I would like to invite any adult attending Campvention interested in volunteering to drive on-grounds transportation [golf cart] to email me at [email protected] to indicate your interest. If you haven’t registered yet, you can indicate your interest in this on your registration form, under the volunteer section. You will be able to choose the schedule for this at the time you register at Campvention. Any and all who volunteer will be appreciated. Thank you, Nyhl [and Linda] Austin On-grounds transportation.

www.stickermule.com

Campvention 2024 Program Book Ads

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 2024 Campvention Program Book!   (The form is available in this issue and on the FCRV website @ https://fcrv.org/campvention-2024)

Campvention ’24 Marketplace
By Rhonda O’Neal, Marketplace Chair

Hello FCRV members! I wanted to introduce myself, I am Rhonda O’Neal of Illinois, and I will be overseeing the Marketplace this year at Campvention in Frankfort, New York! Marketplace will be held in building A which is the main building this year and will be held on Thursday June 27, 2024 from 9am-12pm. Tables are 6ft long and are available for $5.00 each which includes chairs or you can bring your own chairs. If you are interested in a space please email me at [email protected] , and I will get a form out to you so you can get a spot reserved. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me ,and I will do my best to answer your question. I look forward to seeing you in Frankfort!!

If you are not familiar with Marketplace, it is when we give our members time to sell merchandise which mostly consists of handmade items made by our members. If you have a craft that you do and would like to sell it at Campvention, then Marketplace is for you!

Campvention ’24 Youth Center
By Barb McHale, Youth Chair

In keeping with our 2024 Campvention theme “Remembering our Past-Celebrating our Future,” are there any past youth activities you would like to see return? I have been collecting various potential project ideas and plan to find a nice balance of both physical activities and craft activity options for our youth. Please contact me with any requests. If you would like to volunteer to assist or have items to donate, feel free to contact me at [email protected]. I’m looking forward to a fun week at Campvention! See you there!

FCRV’s Got Talent
By Craig Weber, Chair

It is sad to watch another FCRV tradition die, but this creates a new opportunity. Because of limited numbers, the FCRV International Band will not be performing at Campvention. This opens up a new opportunity for the “FCRV’s Got Talent” show. We are looking for anyone, regardless of age, to step up and show off their unique talents at Campvention this year in New York. Singing, Dancing, Story Telling, Stupid Pet Tricks, Comedy Routine, Group Skit, Piano or Instruments…. ALL talents are welcome! Please try to keep your talent under five minutes. There will be a keyboard available. The sound guy will be able to handle CDs for you to sing. I hope all of you can find the time to show off your talent. Just click on this link, fill out the simple form, click SUBMIT. and I will be in touch. https://fcrv.org/fcrvs-got-talent/ 

WARNING: If we do not get enough talent signed up Craig Weber will have to tell stories. For Example:

A man walks into a restaurant and orders Eggs Benedict served on a Hub Cap. The waiter just shrugs and takes the order back to the chef. The chef tells the waiter to inform the customer that they do not serve food on Hub Caps. The waiter informs the customer, and the customer demands to see the chef, The Chef comes out, and the customer repeats his order of Eggs Benedict served on a Hub Cap. The chef offers to serve him on a silver platter, but the customer insists on a Hub Cap. The chef, very confused, asks the customer why it has to be on a Hub Cap. The man replies……… wait for it……. “Because, there’s no plate like chrome for the Hollandaise. “

I do have at least four hours of stories like this……so sign up now!

Renting Personal Golf Carts for Campvention ‘24
By Nyhl Austin, Golf Cart Chair

For those attendees interested in renting their personal golf carts for the Campvention at the Herkimer County Fairgrounds, they should contact New Penn Golf Cart Leasing by Email at [email protected] or call them at 315-278-1985. The fairgrounds are quite small compared to previous Campventions, and there will be on-grounds transportation provided. The cost will be $325 per week, with an additional fee for delivery. They are reserved on a first-come-first-served basis. So, if interested, you should make a reservation as soon as possible.

Volunteer Help Request
By Chris Wheaton, Gate Registration Chair

Would you like to be a Campvention volunteer? Gate check-in help is needed for Friday, Saturday, & Sunday. If you want to help out, list it on your registration form. We would like to volunteer for: ________________________ or email me at [email protected] 

There are many opportunities to volunteer at Campvention 2024. Indicate where you can help on the registration form. Plan to sign-up upon arrival at Campvention or during the week. Your help will be greatly appreciated and will enhance your Campvention experience.

A big Thank You goes out to those of you who have already volunteered!

TP Raffle 2024
By Kathy Howell, TP Raffle Chair

Here in Michigan the winter has been dreary!! But just recently there was a bright spot – The RV Show and SUNSHINE!! This made me think of Campvention and how close it is! We can’t wait to see you in New York. We have been busy scooping up deals for the TP raffle.

As you are making your lists of things to pack for Campvention, don’t forget to add a donation to the raffle. At Campvention last year we heard that someone didn’t like all the items in a grouping and didn’t want to put tickets in for the prize. Guess what? We take regifted items for the raffle!! Even if you win the prize and don’t like all of it, regift the unwanted item the following year! Did you receive a gift that isn’t just you? Bring it to Campvention and donate it to TP raffle!! All donations welcome – handmade items, gift baskets, gift cards.

This raffle raises funds in a fun way to support teen activities.

Happy Trails,
Kathy, Jessica, and Zac

Red Roof Inn Info
By Ron Cohee, Commercial Chair

Not able to camp at Campvention 2024? The Red Roof Inn, 100 Marginal Road, Herkimer, New York 13350 is your option. The Red Roof Inn has agreed to a 10% discount on any room type for the week of Campvention. It’s all set up! It’s under “Camp Convention June 23-28.” Call (315) 585-8548 to make your reservation!

Campvention Site Decorating Contest
By Shari Weber, Chair

“Camping – Past, Present, and Future” is the theme for the site decorating contest at Campvention 2024 in June. Put your thinking caps on to figure out how to depict the past, present, and/or future of camping. Remember, displays can be created by groups, chapters, families, or individuals. There will be first, second, and third place displays chosen by the judges. Use materials that depict your display the best. Have fun and be creative! There will be a sign-up sheet at central registration, and you will have until noon Wednesday, June 26th. Displays will be judged Wednesday afternoon.

Remember to support our sponsor Crazy Acres Campground. They can be reached by phone at 607-278-5293 or email at [email protected]. Find details about the campground at https://crazyacrescampground.com/.  They are now taking reservations for next year.

Visit Cooperstown, New York
By Barb Turner, Campvention Publicity Chair

Cooperstown! What comes to mind? The National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum? Of course, but Cooperstown offers more!

Cooperstown is less than 40 miles from the Herkimer County Fairgrounds, site of the 2024 FCRV Campvention, June 23-29. Arrive June 21-22 for early days and explore the area, including Cooperstown.

Cooperstown is a village and the county seat of Otsego County. It has been nicknamed ‘America’s Hometown’. Cooperstown has ‘small-town charm and world-class attractions’. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g47529-Activities-Cooperstown_Otsego_Otsego_County_New_York.html 

The National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum, 25 Main St, “serves as the central point of the history of baseball in the United States and displays baseball-related artifacts and exhibits, honoring those who have excelled in playing, managing, and serving the sport. The Hall’s motto is ‘Preserving History, Honoring Excellence, Connecting Generations’. Cooperstown is often used as shorthand (or a metonym) for the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.:” according to Wikipedia. https://baseballhall.org/  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iC11HXFygrM 

The Farmers’ Museum, 5775 State Highway 80 (Lake Road), is a living-history museum recreating 19th century rural life, complete with craftspeople demonstrating rural trades and skills in the restored buildings of an 1845 village. The site of The Farmers’ Museum has been part of a working farm since 1813. In addition, the museum is the home of the Empire State Carousel, “a hand-crafted merry-go-round” which celebrates New York State’s history, culture and environment, built on a vintage 1947 36-foot Alan Herschell carousel mechanism. The carousel is the result of efforts made by carver Gerry Holzman of Islip, NY and over 1,000 volunteers from across New York State. The entire production took over two decades. Its artwork incorporates 25-hand carved animals that represent the agricultural and natural resources of New York State.” https://www.farmersmuseum.org/  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ha_kJ_xcVeo  , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bTVbEiCbvE 

Fenimore Art Museum, 5798 NY-80, Cooperstown, NY 13326, features fine collections of American art, James Fenimore Cooper memorabilia and historic photographs. https://fenimoreartmuseum.org/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdlcajhPHJs 

Doubleday Field, 1 Doubleday Ct, is the mythical birthplace of baseball, reportedly the site of the first-ever baseball game, held by Abner Doubleday in 1839 – to pay homage to the history of the sport. Ted Williams, Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Hank Aaron and many other greats came to Cooperstown to play in the game and honor those being inducted into the Hall. https://www.doubledayfield.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDzvVSL8yoo  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Vc6G5bujm0 

Visit https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g47529-Activities-Cooperstown_Otsego_Otsego_County_New_York.html  and learn about other ‘things to see and do’ in Cooperstown while you attend Campvention 2024 in June.

Conservation Essay Contest
By Dora Lewis, Acting Youth & Teen Director

Campvention will be held in Herkimer, New York from June 23-29, 2024. All youth and teens in grades 5 through 12 (13 in Canada) (a senior in high school) are eligible to enter in the essay contest. All essays for this year’s contest must be sent to the National Conservation Director Michael & Carol Burns and postmarked by April 1st, of this year at [email protected] , 518-763-3868

RULES FOR FCRV CONSERVATION ESSAY CONTEST

1. Contest will be open to children in grades 5 through 12 (13 in Canada) (a senior in High School). See division one and two below.
2. The subject of entries must pertain to some phase of Conservation.
3. All entries must be typewritten; double spaced or neatly printed and can’t exceed five hundred words. Please note that all words are counted, even prepositions.
4. Entries will be judged by the National Conservation Board on originality and creativity in relation to the subject. Drawings, art work, etc., will have no advantage in the judging. The decision of the judges will be final.
5. Entries must be submitted to a local Field Director or State/Provincial Director for approval. His signature on the cover page of the essay will approve the entrant’s family as being current members ofFCRV.
6. Cover page of the essay must give the following information: a) Title of essay b) Entrants full name c) Date of birth, grade in school d) Address e) Have the following: (Signed by Field Director, State/Provincial Director.) “I certify that the youth’s family is currently in good standing in FCRV.
7. Entries will be mailed to the National Conservation Director, postmarked no later than April 1, of each year. Entries may be submitted any time between January 1 and April 1. The essays shall be forwarded by the Field Director or State/Provincial Director approving the same.
8. Winners will be announced by mail, and awards will be presented at the National Campvention. In the event there is no National Campvention, the awards will be mailed.

Division One: For children in school grads 5 through 8

Division Two: For those in grades 9 through 12 (13 in Canada) (a senior in high school) Awards in both categories:

First Place – $50.00 U.S. Funds

Second Place – $35.00 U.S. Funds

Third Place – $25.00 U.S.Funds

A Conservation Merchandise Certificate will be awarded to all qualified entrants.

9. All entries become the property of the Family Campers and RVers and will be kept on permanent file and can be used by the National Conservation Board, FCRV to promote the FCRV Conservation Program.
10. When possible, the winning first place essays will be published. First place winners will be asked to furnish a picture and biographical write-up to accompany their essays.

The Joy of Cooking for Campvention
By Sue Fromholzer, Dinner Chair

Have you ever cooked for a large crowd? Perhaps for your extended family for the holidays or a party? Are you a cook who believes that it is better to have more than enough and not run out? Well, the Campvention cook team feels this way.

For our anniversary, we are serving a meal unlike any that has been served at Campvention before. This year we are serving dinner. Our menu consists of pork and chicken, two sides, dessert and a drink. The cost of this meal is $14 per person. The dinner will be held on Tuesday followed by ‘FCRV’s Got Talent’ show.

Originally, we had a limited number of dinners to be sold. Because this is a special event, we want everyone to be able to have dinner if they want one. Because we don’t want to have a lot of expensive leftovers resulting in a loss, we are asking those who want a dinner to pre-order and pre-pay. Your dinner will be served to you by one of our wonderful volunteers.

There will be indoor and outdoor seating. We are asking those who have not yet registered to fill out the form below and send along with your registration. For those who have already registered this form will be emailed to you but must be paid by check before June 15th 2024.

MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO ‘FCRV CAMPVENTION 2024

MAIL CHECK TO:
SUSAN FROMHOLZER,
137 CRANDON BLVD,
CHEEKTOWAGANY 14225

NAME: _________________________________
NUMBER OF DINNERS @ $14 EACH_________
TOTAL ENCLOSED $_________

Camping Is Poster & Coloring Contest
By Dora Lewis, Acting Youth Director

With Campvention just around the corner in June, one of the activities that all youth can participate in is the “Camping Is Poster Contest “. This is a poster contest held at Campvention every year. This year’s Campvention is being held in Herkimer, New York June 23-29; come and join in all the fun activities. Any youth ages 0-4 will have a coloring contest, and ages 5-12 will have a poster contest. For information you can contact your youth director in your chapter. Your posters can be done at a campout or at home. The coloring page is available at Youth – Family Campers and RVers (fcrv.org). The rules are listed below.

RULES

1. Contestants or contestant’s parents must be FCRV members.
2. For Coloring Contest (ages 0-4) an official coloring page is required. Entry forms will be available from State/Provincial Youth Directors and/or State/Provincial Director.
3. For Poster Contest (ages 5-12) posters must be a standard size of 22” X 28’. Standard sized poster board or heavy paper of determined size may be used.
4. All work, coloring, drawing, lettering, etc. must be the youths own work. Coloring contest entries may use any non-electronic drawing or coloring materials. Posters may be any media.
5. Each State/Province may enter ONLY ONE ENTRY PER AGE at the National Contest level. These must be registered in the National Contest.
6. Name, address (complete) and birth date, along with Field Director’s or State/Provincial Director’s certification of FCRV membership must appear in the lower left hand corner on the back of the poster/official coloring sheet.
7. Age will be determined as of July 1 of the year of the contest.
8. Each 1st prize winner becomes the property of FCRV for promotional uses. All others may be claimed at the end of Campvention.
9. Entries brought to the National Campvention must comply with the stated rules, or they will be disqualified.

www.stickermule.com

CV Volunteer Help Request
By Chris Wheaton, Gate Registration Chair

Gate check-in help is needed at Campvention 2024 for Friday, Saturday, & Sunday. If you want to help out, list it on your registration form. Look for “We would like to volunteer for”: ________________________ or email [email protected]. 

There are many opportunities to volunteer at Campvention 2024. Indicate where you can help on the registration form. Plan to sign-up upon arrival at Campvention or during the week. Your help will be greatly appreciated and will enhance your Campvention experience.

C.A.M.P. @ Campvention 2024
By Mark Brayman, C.A.M.P. Chair

Greetings everyone and happy New Year.

The Campvention C.A.M.P. Committee (Campers Actively Moving Program) has traveled to N.Y., and surveyed the rally site and surrounding area in search of interesting opportunities to spice up this summer’s program. Our hope is that you will participate in everything or at least something we are offering. This can range from simple on grounds strolling to local area exploring on foot, on a bicycle or in a canoe or kayak. (Rental info forthcoming). Let’s get moving this June, together with FCRV.

Plan for at least the following activities:

Paddling on the nearby historic Erie Canal: Plans are underway to include a lock lift (or lower) in this adventure. We will launch at the nearby Frankfort Marina and paddle out to the main canal. At that point we will follow it through at least one lock and pull out at a distance that allows all to participate. https://eriecanalway.org/explore/watertrail. 

Bicycling on the Erie canal trail: This 350+ mile trail runs east west and borders the town of Frankfurt to the north. Our plan is a 20-mile round-trip trek to a scenic waterfall just off the path. This canal trail is nearly flat so your focus can be on the surrounding beauty and not overworking your muscles. https://eriecanalway.org/explore/cycling. 

It should be noted that this trail is also used by hikers, runners and walkers so if at any time during the rally and you have the urge, head over. You won’t be disappointed.

Disc Golf: An on-site disc golf scramble is being planned in the schedule. This activity is intended to introduce attendees to this fun outdoor sport. If you’ve ever tossed a frisbee or considered it this activity is for you. No experience necessary! Equipment provided, however, if you own a set of disks or a portable target/basket please bring them along to Campvention. The scramble play will be similar to regular golf. Participants will play as teams with each member tossing one disc at the same target. The team will then toss from the spot of the best toss and so on till a team member lands inside the target. This way everyone can enjoy the game regardless of ability. This also makes for a great ice breaker since we usually play with teams of ten. By the end of the round (9 baskets) you will have discovered some new friends and have had lots of fun.

Note: If there appears to be enough interest there is an opportunity to travel to a nearby public course where we can really test our skills. https://udisc.com/courses/herkimer-college-disc-golf-pJIR. 

Daily Fairground morning walking: The schedule will include a morning walk which all are welcome to participate in. A meeting location will be listed in the program. To change things up a bit and if you want more opportunities to stay fit, a perpetual walking/running route through the fairgrounds is planned. This honor system activity allows attendees to follow a designated route at their leisure. A sign-up ledger location will be designated where you can indicate your progress. This activity will extend from the second early arrival day to noon on Friday.

FCRV International Band
By Craig Weber, Band Director

For more than forty years the FCRV International Band has performed at Campvention. Made up of volunteers the band members have given some of their Campvention time to practice and play at Campvention. Until the band size became so small, the band marched in the parade along with providing some evening entertainment. It has become more challenging each year to find music for such a small group. There are many loyal band members who consider this a high point of their Campvention experience. Unfortunately, several of the loyal band members will not be coming to New York this year. This will seriously impact the band’s ability to play in New York. If we do not get more volunteers, 2023 will go down as the last performance of the FCRV International Band. This is an urgent call to anyone who does not want to see this program die. This is the time to step up. If you want the band to continue and you play an instrument and are coming to New York in 2024, please e-mail Craig Weber at [email protected].  Let me know what instrument you play and your shirt size. I try to make the music available at the beginning of May to allow you some extra practice time. I hope the band can continue, but I realize times change. Thank you for allowing me to direct the FCRV International Band for the past 20 years.

Thanks For Your Hospitality
By Lynn Acre, Hospitalities Chair

These are familiar words heard during Campvention.

FCRV members love to greet old friends and meet new ones over a drink & snack.

Consider hosting a hospitality at Campvention 2024.

Registration forms are available in Camping Today magazine.

Campvention Parade
By Lynn Tinter, Parade Chair

Campvention 2024’s parade theme is “Camping – Past, Present, and Future”. Be creative – figure out how to depict the past, present, and/or future of camping. This is the 75th anniversary of FCRV and 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. Historically, the parades went through the town we were camping in, but in recent times we have stayed on the campgrounds. More information will follow in upcoming issues of Camping Today.

Hey Teens!  Welcome to “The Diamond Mine”
By Pat Wittmeyer 

With walls of glittering jewels, The Diamond Mine will be a location for Teens at the annual FCRV National Campvention to drop in, get acquainted and get involved in activities aimed at our teen members.  It will also be the departure and return location for our field trips.

Works in progress include a trip to an animal sanctuary where FCRV teenagers can learn about, see and help animals in a wild setting who are recovering from injuries or other harmful interactions with humans.  Other field trips will include enjoyable activities off the grounds at nearby fun centers.  Activities on the grounds of the Campvention will include preparing a Teen entry in the FCRV Parade, games, TP Raffle ticket sales, working the Teen location at Family Fun Day, sports, and the ever-popular Teen/Adult Softball game.

For the parents and adults who work with teens in their own states, there will be a need for drivers to activity locations, adults on hand during off-site activities, and some helping hands during activities on the Campvention grounds.  There will also be a need for helping hands in the days immediately prior to Campvention to help decorate and set up the Teen Center.  As we get closer to the rally there will be more specific requests set up, and a schedule of activities so adults and parents can volunteer to assist.  Thanks in advance everyone!

Campvention 2024 Site Decorating Contest
By Shari Weber, Site Decorating Chair

Crazy Acres Campground at Beaver Spring Lake is sponsoring the Campvention 2024 site decorating contest. This year the theme for decorating is “Camping – Past, Present, and Future”. How are your designs coming along? Are you giving us a glimpse into the future? What will camping look like in 20 years? Maybe you are taking us to our past when rigs were much smaller and Campvention were huge. Did you come up with a contemporary design? I am looking forward to all the creativity you will all bring and put on display.

Displays can be created by groups, chapters, families, or individuals. Prizes will be first, second, and third place. Use materials that depict your display the best. Have fun and be creative!

Remember to support our sponsor Crazy Acres Campground. They can be reached by phone at 607.278.5293 or email at [email protected]. Find details about the campground on the web at www.crazyacrescampground.com.  They are now taking reservations for next year.

The Joy of Cooking For Campvention
By Sue Fromholzer

Have you ever cooked for a large crowd? Perhaps for your extended family for the holidays or a party? Are you a cook who believes that it is better to have more than enough and not run out? Well, the Campvention cook team feels this way. For our anniversary, we are serving a meal unlike any that has been served at Campvention before. This year we are serving dinner. Our menu consists of pork and chicken, two sides, dessert and a drink. The cost of this meal is $14 per person. The dinner will be held on Tuesday followed by FCRV’s Got Talent show. Originally, we had a limited number of dinners to be sold. Because this is a special event, we want everyone to be able to have  dinner if they want one. Because we don’t want to have a lot of expensive leftovers resulting in a loss, we are asking those who want a dinner to pre-order and pre-pay. Your dinner will be served to you by one of our wonderful volunteers. There will be indoor and outdoor seating. We are asking those who have not yet registered to fill out the form below and send along with your registration. For those who have already registered this form will be emailed to you but must be paid by check.

MAIL CHECK TO SUSAN FROMHOLZER, 137 CRANDON BLVD, CHEEKTOWAGA NY 14225
NAME: _________________________________
NUMBER OF DINNERS @ $14 EACH_________
TOTAL ENCLOSED $_________

Attention: Save!

By Barb Turner, Publicity Chair

Reminder: register by December 31 and save $25 on your Campvention 2024 registration!! Instead of a week of fun and fellowship at $350, register at $325! https://fcrv.org/campvention-2024/

Campvention 2024 Update

By Deb Swanson, Campvention Chair

Campvention plans are starting to come together nicely. We have our first band booked and will have more information about them in future issues . Our Anniversary Dinner menu is all planned and is one not to be missed. Our seminar chairman has at least two seminars planned for every day. Our C.A.M.P. chairman has the most beautiful place along the Erie Canal planned for bike riding, canoeing and walking. Our parking chairman is contacting our attendees directly to make sure they have everything they need to make their “home away from home” comfortable.

We want our 75th anniversary celebration to be a family reunion. We want old friendships to be renewed and new friendships to develop. We will have more information coming in the next couple of months including “Know before you go”, a comprehensive list of everything that will be available at Campvention and everything you need to bring to Campvention.

Don’t forget to register before December 31st! Save $25!

https://fcrv.org/campvention-2024/ 

From the Campvention team, we wish you a happy holiday season.

75th ANNIVERSARY DINNER

By Sue Fromholzer, Dinner Chair

At Campvention 2024 a dinner to celebrate 75 years of NCHA/FCRV will be available. It will consist of jerk pork and chicken, 2 sides, dessert, and a drink for $14.00 a person. Every dinner will be made and packed by our members for takeout. Inside tables and picnic tables will be available for use. You might just want to go back to camp and sit around with friends and family! A limited number of dinners will be available so make sure you sign up and pay at central registration.

FCRV International Band

By Craig Weber, Band Director

For more than forty years the FCRV International Band has performed at Campvention. Made up of volunteers the band members have given some of their Campvention time to practice and play at Campvention. Until the band size became so small, the band marched in the parade along with providing some evening entertainment. It has become more challenging each year to find music for such a small group. There are many loyal band members who consider this a high point of their Campvention experience. Unfortunately, several of the loyal band members will not be coming to New York this year. This will seriously impact the band’s ability to play in New York. If we do not get more volunteers, 2023 will go down as the last performance of the FCRV International Band. This is an urgent call to anyone who does not want to see this program die. This is the time to step up. If you want the band to continue and you play an instrument and are coming to New York in 2024, please e-mail Craig Weber at [email protected].  Let me know what instrument you play and your shirt size. I try to make the music available at the beginning of May to allow you some extra practice time. I hope the band can continue, but I realize times change. Thank you for allowing me to direct the FCRV International Band for the past 20 years.

Campvention Site Decorating Contest

By Shari Weber, Chair

“Camping – Past, Present, and Future” is the theme for the site decorating contest at Campvention 2024 in June. Put your thinking caps on to figure out how to depict the past, present, and/or future of camping. Remember, displays can be created by groups, chapters, families, or individuals. There will be first, second, and third place displays chosen by the judges. Use materials that depict your display the best. Have fun and be creative! There will be a sign-up sheet at central registration, and you will have until noon Wednesday, June 26th. Displays will be judged Wednesday afternoon.

Remember to support our sponsor Crazy Acres Campground. They can be reached by phone at 607-278-5293 or email at [email protected]. Find details about the campground at https://crazyacrescampground.com/.  They are now taking reservations for next year.

RV Tech at Campvention

By Ron Cohee, Commercial Chair

The RV technician, Thomas LaCour, who was on the Campvention 2023 grounds the first weekend will be on the grounds all week at Campvention 2024.

Campvention Parade

By Lynn Tinter, Parade Chair

Campvention 2024’s parade theme is “Past, Present, and Future”. This is the 75th anniversary of FCRV, and 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. Historically, the parades went through the town we were camping in, but in recent times we have stayed on the campgrounds. More information will follow in upcoming issues of “Camping Today”.

Explore the Herkimer Diamond Mines

By Barb Turner, Publicity Chair

Campvention site attractions offer new experiences at each location. Campvention 2024 at the Herkimer County Fairgrounds in Frankfort, New York, and like previous campventions, offers a unique experience……mining for Herkimer diamonds within 40 miles of Campvention!

Diamonds? Really? Yes, but they aren’t really ‘diamonds! Herkimer diamonds are actually quartz crystals, being pointed on both ends (doubly terminated)! So, why are they called ‘diamonds’? Typical crystals are terminated, only pointed on one end. The ‘diamond’ determination is due to the clarity and natural facings consisting of 18 total faces (six on each point, six around the center). Real diamonds are expertly ‘cut’ to create the facets.

Why Herkimer? The formation of Herkimer Diamonds in the Herkimer County area of New York began over 500 million years ago when “the limey sediments that accumulated in the salty waters of an ancient sea were gradually compacted under the weight of thousands of feet of seawater, sediment, and rock.” They are only found in the Mohawk Valley where the Mohawk Indians accidentally found the diamond, according to legend.

Wikipedia says: “Herkimer diamonds became widely recognized after workmen discovered them in large quantities while cutting into the Mohawk River Valley dolomite in the late 18th century. Geologists discovered exposed dolomite in Herkimer County outcroppings and began mining there, leading to the ‘Herkimer diamond’ moniker. Double-point quartz crystals may be found in sites around the world, but only those mined in Herkimer County can be given this name.”

Are Herkimer diamonds valuable? “Herkimer diamonds of a low quality can be purchased for as little as $1 per carat,” Daga says. “In contrast, high-quality Herkimer diamonds can cost up to $100 per carat, with certain cuts fetching prices in the thousands.” https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=how+much+are+herkimer+diamonds+worth 

With all of this mind, you might consider mining for your own Herkimer diamonds. At the end of this article, you will find some links to assist you., where to go and what to expect.

In addition, some tips:

Sluice mining offers another exciting mining experience. Purchase a special bag and head to the Sluice Station where you can screen away the debris to discover your very own treasures. This experience is perfect for miners of all ages.

Closed-toe shoes and eye protection are required to enter the mines. Tools over 12 lbs. and powered equipment are not allowed. The mines are subject to closure during unsafe weather conditions, such as snow, sleet, harsh rains, thunderstorms, etc.

Fees includes an all-day prospecting ticket, gem collection bags, and use of a rock hammer. Instruction will be provided prior to entering the mines.

Explore these links. Get excited about a unique experience mining for Herkimer diamonds while attending Campvention 2024 June 23-29, 2024, Herkimer County Fairgrounds, Frankfort, NY!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=828VK2HsQsI 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYmXO1tD97M 

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lPYEX5ydJQ 

https://herkimerdiamond.com/ 

https://grand-colonial.com/how-much-are-herkimer-diamonds-worth/ 

Picture credits:

Herkimer Diamond photo: By Ra'ike

Herkimer Diamond photo #2 from https://grand-colonial.com/how-much-are-herkimer-diamonds-worth/ 

Campvention Help Wanted
By Deb Swanson, Campvention Chair

The Campvention team still has a few jobs that need to be filled:

• Campvention Office
• Information
• Bulletin Boards
• Door Prizes
• Volunteers
• First Timers
• Equipment/Building Setup

These jobs are not difficult. And, if there are enough volunteers, you would only have to do it for one day, thereby freeing you up to sightsee or whatever you want to do. If we have no volunteers to fill these jobs, they just won’t happen.

I am disappointed that there seems to be a lack of interest in celebrating our 75th anniversary. For the first time in FCRV’s history there may not even be enough musicians to put a band together.

Of course, we will still need volunteers when Campvention starts. Please give these jobs your consideration. Thank you.

Site Decorating Contest
By Shari Weber, Chair

Crazy Acres Campground at Beaver Spring Lake is sponsoring the Campvention 2024 site decorating contest. This year the theme for decorating is “Camping – Past, Present, and Future”. Displays can be created by groups, chapters, families, or individuals. Prizes will be first, second, and third place. Use materials that depict your display the best. Have fun and be creative! Remember to support our sponsor Crazy Acres Campground. They can be reached by phone at 607-278-5293 or email at [email protected]. Find details about the campground at https://crazyacrescampground.com/. They are now taking reservations for next year.

Sign-Up to Host a Hospitality at Campvention 2024
By Lynn Acre, Campvention 2024 Team #4 Leader

FCRV members are the friendliest people on earth and what could be more friendly than hosting a hospitality at Campvention 2024!

A smile to greet,
A hand to shake,
A snack to eat,
A drink to take,
Old friends to meet,
New friends to make,
So book a hospitality for goodness sake!

Contact Lynn Acre to sign up for a hospitality [email protected].

FCRV International Band
By Craig Weber, Band Director

For more than forty years the FCRV International Band has performed at Campvention. Made up of volunteers the band members have given some of their Campvention time to practice and play at Campvention. Until the band size became so small, the band marched in the parade along with providing some evening entertainment. It has become more challenging each year to find music for such a small group. There are many loyal band members who consider this a high point of their Campvention experience. Unfortunately, several of the loyal band members will not be coming to New York this year. This will seriously impact the band’s ability to play in New York. If we do not get more volunteers, 2023 will go down as the last performance of the FCRV International Band. This is an urgent call to anyone who does not want to see this program die. This is the time to step up. If you want the band to continue and you play an instrument and are coming to New York in 2024, please e-mail Craig Weber at [email protected].  Let me know what instrument you play and your shirt size. I try to make the music available at the beginning of May to allow you some extra practice time. I hope the band can continue, but I realize times change. Thank you for allowing me to direct the FCRV International Band for the past 20 years.

Volunteer Help Request
By Chris Wheaton, Gate Registration Chair

Gate check-in help is needed at Campvention 2024. If you want to help out, list it on your registration form. We would like to volunteer for: ________________________

There are many opportunities to volunteer at Campvention 2024. Indicate where you can help on the registration form. Plan to sign-up upon arrival at Campvention or during the week. Your help will be greatly appreciated and will enhance your Campvention experience.

Take a Ride on the Erie Canal
By Barb Turner, Publicity Chair

“I’ve got an old mule and her name is Sal Fifteen years on the Erie Canal She’s a good old worker and a good old pal Fifteen years on the Erie Canal We’ve hauled some barges in our day Filled with lumber, coal, and hay And every inch of the way we know From Albany to Buffalo” – Erie Canal Song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIIM1mHfJ0U 

Sound familiar? Did you sing this song in school? Many of us did sing this song. Attendees at the 2024 FCRV Campvention at the Herkimer County Fairgrounds in Frankfort, New York June 23-29, 2024 may wish to visit and ride on the famed Erie Canal.

The Erie Canal, built between 1817 and 1825, connected Albany on the Hudson River to Buffalo on Lake Erie as the “longest artificial waterway and greatest public works project in North America as the first navigable waterway connecting the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes…….363 miles. In effect, the canal accelerated the settlement of the Great Lakes region, the westward expansion of the United States, and the economic ascendancy of New York State. It has been called ‘The Nation’s First Superhighway.’” (Wikipedia)

Remember the term “Clinton’s Folly’ from your American history classes? New York Governor DeWitt Clinton authorized the construction of the canal in 1817. Opponents of the construction and of Governor Clinton dubbed the project ‘Clinton’s Folly’ and ‘Clinton’s Big Ditch’. The canal was opened on October 26, 1825 and was so successful that the construction debt incurred was eliminated in the first year due to the tolls that were charged to use the canal.

The construction across 363 miles challenged the civil engineering capabilities of the day. Initially the canal was 40 feet wide and 4 feet deep 34 locks, with the overall elevation difference of about 565 feet . Expansion improvements were made over the years to accommodate the larger boats and barges needed as increased use dictated. The peak year was 1855 when 33,000 commercial shipments took place. “It continued to be competitive with railroads until about 1902, when tolls were abolished. Commercial traffic declined heavily in the latter half of the 20th century due to competition from trucking and the 1959 opening of the larger St. Lawrence Seaway. The canal’s last regularly scheduled hauler, the Day Peckinpaugh, ended service in 1994.”

“Today, the Erie Canal is mainly used by recreational watercraft. It connects the three other canals in the New York State Canal System: the Champlain, Oswego, and Cayuga–Seneca. Some long-distance boaters take the Erie as part of the Great Loop.

The canal has also become a tourist attraction in its own right—a number of parks and museums are dedicated to its history. The Erie Canalway Trail is a popular cycling path that follows the canal across the state. In 2000, Congress designated the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor to protect and promote the system.” Visit https://www.eriecanal.org/  and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAGYXgzHkeY&t=213s 

With that in mind, take a ‘trip on the Erie Canal’ at 800 Mohawk St, Herkimer, 6 miles from the Herkimer County Fairgrounds, Frankfort, NY. Erie Canal cruises are 90 minutes. For further information, go to https://eriecanalcruises.com/cruises/sightseeing-tour/ .

“Low bridge, ev’rybody down, Low bridge, I’ve got the finest mule in town, She’s a perfect, perfect lady, and she blushes like a gal, If she hears you sing about her and the Erie Canal.”

State Parks to Visit/Stay in New York
By Deb Swanson

We are excited to be hosting the 75th anniversary celebration of FCRV in the beautiful state of New York. The Central Region is one of the most beautiful parts of our state.

In this issue I want to highlight some of the most beautiful places to camp. We hope that you will have some time before, or after, Campvention to stay at one, or more of these places. I may be prejudiced but I think New York has some of the most beautiful state parks. Whether they are located near the Great Lakes, Finger Lakes, or the St. Lawrence, they all have something for everyone. 

FINGER LAKES REGION CAMPGROUNDS

• Watkins Glen State Park
  Watkins Glen gorge was carved out millions of years ago by melting glaciers. The entire gorge is hikeable using stairs. If you are physically fit you can go from the bottom of the gorge to the top and walk back down or take a bus. Not so fit? Take a bus to the top and walk down. There are 19 waterfalls and each one is more breathtaking than the last. Most of the gorge is in the shade. This park has 288 Campsites. There are other campgrounds in the area and a short drive to the park. If the parking lot at the bottom is full, take a short drive up to the upper parking lot where there is more parking. If you are into chasing waterfalls, there are three other state parks in the area with waterfalls. Paid admission into one park will get you into the other parks as long as it is on the same day. Located in the Village of Watkins Glen.

NIAGARA REGION CAMPGROUNDS

• Four Mile Creek State Park
  Four Mile Creek State Park is located on Lake Ontario. They have some of the most beautiful sunsets. Four Mile Creek is 15 minutes north of Niagara Falls. As of this writing they have a Discover Niagara bus that will take you to the falls, along with Old Fort Niagara, for free. They have over 200 sites, some along the water, if you’re lucky enough to get one. Located in Youngstown.

THOUSAND ISLAND REGION CAMPGROUNDS

• Kring Point State Park
  Kring Point State Park is a narrow peninsula whose south shore faces Goose Bay and north shore faces the St. Lawrence River. Standing anywhere in the park, visitors see water and many of the 1700 islands for which the region is named. Half of the 100 campsites are on the waterfront and virtually every cabin and campsite has a river or bay view. Located in Redwood.
• Cumberland Bay State Park
  Cumberland Bay State Park, on the west shore of Lake Champlain, is very popular with campers and day-users because of its large natural sand beach and picnic grounds with tables and grills. The park has a playground and playing fields. Located in Plattsburgh.

This is just a small sample of the many state parks we have in New York. For more information use the link below for an interactive camping guide. The state parks use Reserve America to make camping reservations and can only be made 9 months prior to the first day of camping.

https://read.nxtbook.com/aspira/nysparks/camping_guide_2023/cover.html

Next month’s issue will have an insight on what to do while in/around Herkimer and other places of interest in the state. Please share with your friends and get them to come with you to Campvention. Come see what we love about New York.

Being Green at Campvention ‘24
By Deb Swanson, Campvention Chair

Do you recycle? Do you find it to be a pain in the neck? Do you waiver from all the cleaning and trying to remove those stubborn labels? How about grocery bags? Do you take them to the store, or recycling facility for recycling? An independent study shows that recycling plastic bags does not work. Trackers in grocery bags dropped off at a recycling center did not get recycled. I have a friend who works in one of our grocery stores who told me that all the bags in the recycle bin got thrown in the dumpster. Using a reusable bag is more of a guarantee that your green efforts will go further than recycling.

So why do I mention this subject? In March 2020, New York State passed the new bag reduction act eliminating the 23 billion bags that were used in previous years. Recently the Campvention team has heard that some people would not come to Campvention because they have to bring their own shopping bags. Our stores still have paper (reusable) bags available for 5 cents each. Were New Yorkers happy about this law? Not at all. But over time we started to see the benefits of the law like no bags stuck in trees, or against fences. No bags in our waterways, and most importantly, no harm to wildlife.

As a Florida snowbird, I use reusable bags when I shop there as well. About 9 times out of 10, I forget to take them in the store. Then I tell myself how dumb I am and tell the cashier that I will put my items back in the cart and bag them when I get home.

As part of your welcome package, you will receive a reusable shopping bag. You will be advertising FCRV and helping the planet at the same time! We are working with the fairgrounds staff to recycle as much as possible at Campvention. To quote Kermit the Frog, “It’s not easy being green” but with practice it gets easier.

Campvention 2024 – ‘Celebrating Our Future’ – Frankfort, New York
By Barb Turner, Campvention Publicity Chair

‘Celebrating Our Future’, June 23-29 at the Herkimer County Fairgrounds in Frankfort, New York, will be THE Family Campers & RVers EVENT that awaits our FCRV family! In your trip planning, information about our host city might be helpful.

The Town of Frankfort is located in the southern area of Herkimer County. Interestingly, the land where the present town stands was once the land of the Mohawk Indian Tribe. The Dutch bought the land and established land patents (through which the director-general and council of New Netherland allowed private individuals to take possession of land in freehold) which encompassed a large area in the town.

“The First permanent settler was Jacob Folts, who had come to America in 1710 and settled here after purchasing lot#3 of the Burnetsfield Patent in 1723. In 1796 Major Warner Folts built the Folts Homestead on the land.

“Another early settler was Lawrence Frank, for whom the town was named. Early pioneers were German immigrants, who were called Palantines because they came from the Lower Palatinate of the Rhine River. They settled in the Mohawk Valley prior to the Revolutionary War, building mills on the river and creeks. By 1757 there were saw and grist mills in the area but were burned during the French and Indian War raids. Unfortunately, the area had very little time to rebuild before being totally destroyed during the Revolutionary War.”

Following the Revolutionary War, post-revolutionary soldiers from New England arrived and settled. About 1800 Welsh families arrived and settled in the western part of town. The area became known as ‘Welsh Bush’. “Howard’s Bush, now the Frankfort Center, was so named for the family named Howard who settled there.

Saw mills and taverns were built as early as 1794. Are you familiar with a ‘plank road’? Plank roads were composed of wooden planks or puncheon logs and were most often built by turnpike companies. “A state road was established between Utica and Schenectady by an act of Legislature in 1798. This road ran along the south side of the river through Frankfort. In 1850 this road was converted into a plank road and was Mohawk Plank Road; this of course now being Old 5S. In about 1825, the Legislature appointed commissioners to build a road from Frankfort to Litchfield traveling along the Moyer Creek Gulf, now known as the Gorge Road.”

I encourage you to research further history of our Campvention host city as part of your planning. Frankfort is a small town of less than 2500. With that in mind, over the next few months, we’ll be exploring what to do and see beyond Frankfort.

In the meantime, get registered! Visit https://fcrv.org/campvention-2024 / to do so. Remember: pay before December 31, 2023, to receive a $25 discount ($325.00). https://www.townoffrankfort.com/our-town.php 

Remembering Our Past….Celebrating Our Future at the 2024 FCRV Campvention
By Barb Turner, Publicity Chair

The FCRV 2024 Campvention will be held at the Herkimer County Fairgrounds in Frankfort, New York (135 Cemetery St, Frankfort, NY 13340) June 23-29, 2024. The Northeast Region (Region 5) is the host. Campvention Chair is Deb Swanson; her co-chair is Carl Fromholzer.

Region 5 is excited to invite you and to host the organization’s return to New York, the site of the very first NCHA campout. 2024 is the organization’s Jubilee Anniversary. 75 years! To celebrate, the region plans many new activities to compliment the countless favorites which are anxiously awaited each year.

In a change, Campvention 2024 will precede the Fourth of July! Plan on arriving early on June 21 to begin to explore the area which offers an abundance of exciting places to visit such as diamond mines, scenic waterfalls, golf courses, a water park, and a zoo. Early days are June 21st and 22nd at $45 per day, payable upon arrival.

Parking will be cluster-style. The number of electric outlets (30 & 50 amp) is from 2 to as many as 10 per pole, which is the center of the spoke to form a cluster.  Wayne Zuhoski is the parking chair. He will be sending information to everyone registered explaining how parking will work along with a reminder to bring extra hoses and electric cords. A honey wagon will be available.

SPECIFIC detailed instructions on how to get to the fairgrounds will be provided. Don’t follow GPS directions! There will be signs along the route so hopefully no one will get lost.

Campvention Chair Deb Swanson intends to send ‘mini newsletters’ to everyone registered letting them know about the changes as they occur. No one should have any complaints about lack of information before or during Campvention as not everyone uses Facebook.

Commercial Chair Ron Cohee has worked out an agreement with the manager at Red Roof Inn for vendors and attendees not wanting to camp. That information will be available soon.

The parade theme is ‘Back to the Future’. Begin planning your parade entry. Important info: visit https://fcrv.org/campvention-2024/ . Registration form is ready! Pay before December 31, 2023 to receive a $25 discount ($325.00).