Interactive Table of Contents

From or About Our Members

• From The President
• FCRV Health Guidelines
• Help Wanted (Open Volunteer Positions)
• 2022 Teen Pageant Suspended
• Message From Teen Director Mrs Beth
• After The Crown Message from 2018 Teen Queen
• Update from the FCRV International Teen King 2021
• National Award Nomination Notice

Upcoming National Events

• Campvention 2022 – Pueblo CO
• Retiree Rally 2022 – Mineola TX

Regional, State & Chapter Event Calendar & Recaps

• Event Calendar & Recaps

Wildlife & Conservation

• “Wild Goose Chase”

Camping Information & Tips

• Dear RV
• Boating Safety
• Changing Tires On Your RV or Truck
• Go Rving’s Demographics Of Sport Utility Camping Trailer Owners
• Recalls of Ram, F-150 Trucks

Camping & Other Products

• Cortes Campers Travel Trailer
• Return To Nature
• DrySee® Waterproof Bandage
• Aurora High-Rise Tent

Milestones & Farewells

• Milestones
• Farewells

Past Camping Todays

• 2018-2022

Camping Today Staff

• Editors: DeWayne & June Johnston
• Research Director: Barb Turner
• PDF Design/Layout: Paul Standiford
• Website Design/Layout: Carl Fromholzer

All articles/information for Camping Today should be sent to DeWayne Johnston at [email protected] by the first of the month prior to publication.

National Officers

• President: Gerry Pfirsch
• VP of Operations: Jeff Kendle
• VP of Programs: Lorne Douglas
• VP of Planning & Development: Vacant
• Corresponding. & Recording Officer: Beth Standiford
• Comptroller: Debbie Swanson
• Past President: Shari Weber

Camping Today is a publication of the non-profit National Campers & Hikers Association, doing business as Family Campers & RVers (FCRV). Issue frequency is 12 (monthly) on line at www.fcrv.org. Publisher is Family Campers & RVers, 4904 Transit Rd. Bldg. 2, Depew, New York 14043-4906. Office Manager – Pat Wittmeyer 1800-245-9755, [email protected]. Online subscription is included with annual membership. Mailed, printed copies are available by annual subscription of $20. USPS Pub.# 724-710, ISSN# 870-1465. OWNER: National Campers & Hikers Association, doing business as Family Campers & RVers (non-profit), 4804 Transit Rd. Bldg.2, Depew, New York 14043-4906. Bondholders, mortgage, and other security owners holding 1% or more of bonds, mortgages, and other securities: NONE. The purpose, function, and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for federal income tax purposes has not changed in the last 12 months.

Good evening FCRV camping family. It is April 4 and as I write this it is with great sadness at the loss of a friend. I have just returned home to Colorado from Canada saying farewell to Lorne Douglas, someone I regarded a dear friend. As you know Lorne was our Vice President of Programs. It was an honor to represent you, his FCRV Family at the funeral. To Mabel and the family, we will always be there for you and our prayers go out for you. Lorne will be missed on the Board of Trustees. Lorne enjoy the great campfire in heaven. Your passing is our loss and heavens gain.

It is important that I announce that the Trustees have appointed Dora Lewis to fill the remaining term of VP Programs. As you know Dora is the VP of Programs Elect and will be installed in Pueblo in July to the position for her term. I would like to welcome Dora to the Board. Dora thank you for your willingness to serve.

Another announcement that I have the privilege to make is Beth Coniglio to the position of National Teen Director. Beth welcome on board and thank you for your service. Beth hits the ground running and I have task her with a very large project out of the gate. Thank you Beth I know this is in good hands.

The Trustees are fast approaching the annual budget meeting so if there are any request that need to be considered they need to be sent in very soon.  Campvention is now only 3 months away! This is so hard to believe but time is flying by. July will be here and gone in the blink of an eye. I am looking forward to seeing each of you in Colorado for Campvention. This will be a fun fille Campvention with mor to do than time so be prepared to have to choose what you will be attending. 

For many of us the camping season is now under way! This weekend I will be out on my second campout for the year. It is good to be camping again. So having said this let’s remember to submit out outing the ones we are planning and the ones we have had to the website for publication on the National Facebook page to increase the footprint on the web. It is important that we post on the national page a day or so in advance of on the Private page to get the word out on the activities that FCRV does. If we post on the private page first only the people in FCRV will see it. This is over all not a problem but, we are trying to promote FCRV to younger families and if our information on Camping and outing is only able to be seen by our members, they the family that is looking for camping information will never see it. If they never see that FCRV is active, camping, and doing thing that they have a shared interest we never get them to consider FCRV. If they don’t see us, the simple fact is we don’t grow. What I am asking is that if you are getting ready to post something to Facebook, please post it to the National Page first and then post it to the private page. Both are important!  We lost a big jump with all the Retiree Rally post going to the private page with little to nothing going to that National Page. This was a huge loss for FCRV. 

In closing let me remind you the Life members that you will be receiving a letter with a post card that we would request you return as soon as possible. This will update you in the system and keep you informed. If you have not received your letter and post card you possibly do not have the correct address on file with the office. I would encourage you to contact the office be phone, email, or letter with the correct contact information in advance of the end of April.

Well, I must get this off to Camping Today as it is late as it is! Happy Camping and we will see you around a campfire soon

Gerry Pfirsch
National President

Hey Happy Campers! (And you Grumpy Campers, too!)

Your Trustees have been very busy this winter and I wanted to share some important news with you.  

Last May, Camping Today, published some information for you regarding COVID and how FCRV wanted to handle all the differing viewpoints and widely variant information on staying safe at Campvention.  In this ever-changing world, the Trustees want you to know we are still concerned about the many variants that seem to be popping up as well as “hot spots” of disease and how we can keep our campers safe without coming on too strongly. 

That being said, the article printed in the May covering meeting and social gatherings has been completely revamped.   It has been replaced with kinder, gentler, but no less effective, health guidelines. So please take a look at our new FCRV Health Guidelines and stay safe out there!

FCRV HEALTH GUIDELINES – EFFECTIVE MARCH 1, 2022

These are simply guidelines and as such supplement—and do not replace—any state, provincial, local, territorial, or tribal health and safety laws, rules, and regulations that govern any meeting or social gathering.   

We recommend campers and their guests are up to date with vaccinations and immunizations and carry this information on a medical card as well as showing all current medications, medical conditions, and allergies that emergency medical personnel may need to know. 

Have a mask available to use for your protection and the protection of others as they can be used for more than deterring COVID.  

Use common sense in protecting yourself and others.  

Official CDC Guidelines change quickly so be aware of the local conditions and be prepared to adapt to them.

Vaccinated?  No mask may be necessary.     Unvaccinated?  Mask is recommended. 

Event coordinators will announce if local conditions change, requiring adjustments to these statements. 

FCRV needs your help.  Please consider filling one of these positions.  They are very important to the operation of FCRV. Contact VP Ops – Jeff Kendle, or Immediate Past President – Shari Weber for details.

Volunteers are needed for the following National Positions:

Vice-President Planning & Development – Voting member of the Board of Trustees and Executive Board. This position does not oversee all programs, just the ones falling under position.  Works with the Marketing Director for strategy.  Works with Strategic Planner to define long/short term strategies for growth. Works with Commercial Director to build and maintain relationships with commercial vendors and dealers in the industry.  Field Manual job description is currently under review and subject to change.

Membership Director – Reports to Vice-President Planning & Development and is a member of the Advisory Council.  Primarily responsible for the growth and retention of membership.  Field Manual job description is currently under review and subject to change.

Commercial Director – Reports to Vice-President Planning & Development and is a member of the Advisory Council. Main responsibility is the development and retention of commercial membership/accounts. Field Manual job description is currently under review and subject to change.

Youth Director – Reports to Vice-President Programs and is a member of the Advisory Council.  Works for the betterment of future youth programs in FCRV.   Field Manual job description is currently under review and subject to change.

State/Provincial Directors for Maryland, DC, Ohio and Connecticut – Reports to their Regional Director and is a member of the Advisory Council.  Position is to administer and coordinate the activities of the State/Providence in the areas of membership and National programs at their level.  Maintain current membership list for said State/Providence.  Appoint Field Director(s).  Keep Regional Director apprised of chapters status.  Approve constitution/bylaws, promote FCRV and State/Provincial activities, submit reports to Regional Director, hold meetings with field staff.  Field Manual job description is currently under review and subject to change.

Communication & Security Director – Reports to the Vice President Planning & Development and is a member of the Advisory Council. Communication to be used for FCRV Campventions and Retiree Rallies.  Integration of electronic communication into a balanced communications system.  Responsible for electronic (walkie-talkies) equipment.  Field Manual job description is currently under review and subject to change.

Conservation Director – Reports to the Vice President of Programs and is a voting member of the Executive Board.  Conservation is at the heart of FCRV.  Maintain existing program guidelines and formulate new as needed.  Maintain records of the program.  Field Manual job description is currently under review and subject to change.

Historian – Reports to the Recording/Corresponding Officer and is a member of the Advisory Council. Preserve FCRV’s history through media and memorabilia.  Field Manual job description is currently under review and subject to change.

Veterans – Reports to the Vice President Programs and is a member of the Advisory Council. Show support FCRV members who are Veterans, conduct or arrange for, informational seminars featuring other Veterans and promote information about FCRV Veterans about activities and opportunities for them. Field Manual job description is currently under review and subject to change.

Travalong Director – Reports to the Immediate Past President and is a member of the Advisory Council. Program is designed to help travelers enjoy group-planned activities and help members and non-members learn about areas of travel and who to contact for information. Establish Travalongs with at least one to coincide with National Campvention.  Field Manual job description is currently under review and subject to change.

Region 5 Director – Reports to the Vice President of Operations and is a voting member of the Executive Board.  Represent FCRV in the region, assist State Directors in the region and provide coordination of administration between the States and the Vice President of Operations. Recommend appointments and/or releases of State Directors to the Vice President of Operations. Coordinate activities between the various States in the region. Act as the State Director in those States that have none. Within the region, administer National bylaws, Constitution, regulations, policies and directives.

Volunteer Background Records Custodian – Member of the Advisory Council Reporting to the Vice President Programs. This position receives permission forms from volunteers working with teens or youth to run a background check. Full job responsibilities are in the field manual. Field Manual job description is currently under review and subject to change. 

2022 Teen Pageant Suspended

The FCRV Trustees met on the evening of March 9, 2022, to make a difficult decision regarding the 2022 Campvention.   After many, many attempts to find a new Teen Pageant Coordinator, no one has come forward.  Having no one to organize the Teen Pageant at the Campvention, it was decided that our only option is to suspend the pageant for 2022.  At the end of the 2022 Campvention, all current title holders will retire their crowns.  This means that there will be no Teen King or Queen for 2022-2023.  That does not mean there will be no teen activities.  The Trustees understand and are aware of the deep disappointment this decision may cause but see no way a pageant could be put together at this late date without a Coordinator.   

The Trustees have heard from many members that the pageant is no longer the spirited event that it used to be and have heard many comments that it has not kept up with the times.   The Trustees have listened and understand your concerns.  It is hoped that a new Pageant Coordinator will step up during this break will allow a better event to emerge and to be developed in the future. 

For questions or comments, please contact your FCRV Recording/Corresponding Secretary, Beth Standiford @ [email protected]

Thank you for your understanding in this matter. 

Hello FCRV Family (especially the Teens),

I am pleased to have accepted the position of National Teen Director for FCRV. I had considered this position after having a wonderful time running Teen Activities for the 2018 Campvention in Virginia, but the timing just wasn’t right. Now that the “planets have aligned”, I am looking forward to working with all the teens in FCRV to move our teen program into this millennia. I have lots of ideas to share at our National Teen meeting in Pueblo, CO, but I also want to hear from all of you. If you are coming to Colorado, please meet with other teens in your state/province/region and bring those ideas with you. If no one in your area is attending Campvention, please submit your ideas at [email protected]. This program is here for you and should become a program you are interested in being a part of and proud to represent as members of FCRV.

I have been in touch with the Campvention Chair for Teen Activities and know there are lots of fun activities planned. We will also be using the funds earned at Family Fun Day to attend an off grounds event. Keep watch on Facebook to see some of the activities planned.

I look forward to hearing from you and/or seeing you at Campvention.

In camping friendship,
Ms. Beth

After The Crown

Many people may wonder what happens to the past FCRV Teen Queens and Kings? What do they do after they pass on the crown to the new reigning royalty? Well, I am here to answer that for you. 

I was Miss FCRV in 2018 and was crowned in West Virginia. I was extremely fortunate and blessed to have been the ambassador for FCRV during my reign. I traveled to many campouts and created a bond with many individuals across the nation. I also encouraged other teens and youth that they could be a part of the pageant as well. But encouraging others and promoting FCRV didn’t stop after I relinquished my title. I am still an active camper and an active member of our organization. I am in my senior year of college at Ferris State University, finishing up my Bachelor degree. Even with my life moving forward on full speed, I have had the distinguished opportunity to give back to what shaped me, FCRV. I ran the pageant with my sister, who was Miss FCRV in 2016, this past year. We were able to provide an impactful opportunity to members who are where we were just a few years prior. As a young adult now, FCRV is still a prominent part of my life at the state and national level. The past kings and queens who have also walked this same path grew a love for camping, just like I did. They are distinguished members of society now and are raising families and encouraging others to join in the same opportunity that they had. 

From the outside looking in, you may see glamorous ball gowns and sparkly crowns, but the National Teen Pageant surpasses all of those expectations by shaping young individuals like myself. The impact that our pageant has flows much further than any individual can see. No one needs a crown to be impacted through our organization, the opportunity alone changes people. I have been able to see countless individuals who started out shy and are now able to talk in front of a crowd of 200 people. I have seen young girls grow into strong woman and timid boys shape into gentleman. FCRV did that! Our membership did that! All through something that happens just once a year. The impact is endless, and so is the future.

With love,
Katie Kurburski

Update from the FCRV International Teen King 2021

Fellow Campers, 

I am so excited that the snow is starting to melt and I can finally see the hopes of camping this summer. I hope everyone is staying healthy during these times and as we are emerging out of COVID. 

I am finishing up my junior year of high school at Petoskey High school. I am taking auto and application in computer science as my electives this semester. I am enjoying learning how to program and use equipment to 3-D print things as well as make computer games. 

I recently have been touring colleges and programs in Michigan to find my career path. I have been looking at programs in the culinary industry as well as the welding and automotive industry. 

During these winter months, I have been enjoying activities outside with my Boy Scout troop. I also have been focusing on my studies and during the mean time I am playing video games and spending time with friends. 

Forever Grateful,
Luke Kurburski
FCRV International Teen King 2021

Who in your chapter, state, or region always puts in extra effort in support of our organization? Do you know someone deserving of a Humanitarian or Life- saving award? The individual (or couple) awards include the Plaque and Citation. We also recognize the “Chapter of the Year.” The “Hank Nathan Lifetime Achievement Award” is available to a person or couple who have provided a lifetime of continuous ser- vice to FCRV. 

Two things to keep in mind: anyone can recommend a fellow member for a national award, and nominations are due April 15. Forms and instructions for all awards can be found on our website, fcrv.org. Field Directors, State/Provincial Directors, Regional Directors, Program Directors and Trustees can submit a nomination for the various awards. Please help them out by letting them know about someone you think is deserving so they can nominate that person. 

While honors are presented on stage at campvention, recipients of a national award are not required to be present. Therefore, if the person(s) you’re thinking about is unable to travel to Canada this summer, please don’t let that discourage you from submitting a nomination. 

Nomination forms can be emailed to me (preferred method) and no signature is necessary as long as the form is from a recognized email address. 

I truly hope you will strongly consider nominating some deserving members. Please contact me if you have any questions or need help getting started. 

Thank you.

Beth Standiford, FCRV Recording & Corresponding Secretary     [email protected]

REGISTER NOW FOR CAMPVENTION 2022

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

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

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

WELCOME TO CAMPVENTION IN COLORADO

by Jeff & Shirley Kendle, Campvention ’22 Chairs

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

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

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

National Conservation Poster Contest

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

GREETINGS TO FIRST TIMERS!

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

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

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

We look forward to seeing you in Pueblo, Colorado.

Family Fun Day

by Elbert & Eileen Carter, chairs

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEMINARS, SEMINARS AND MORE SEMINARS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Debbie Dettmer
Seminar Chairperson

Everyone We are Having a Parade 

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

Trustees Award

President’s Award

Parade Steeler

Best Walking

Best Motorized 

To name a few. 

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

Talent Show Registration

Hiya Campers! 

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

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

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

See you soon,
Your Camp Counselors, Breanna and Dez

FCRV Discount Campgrounds Info

by Debbie Dettmer

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

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

*Membership card is not required to obtain 10% discount

Moore’s RV Park 

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

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

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

Escalante Cabins & RV Park

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

GIFT BASKET GIVEAWAY

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

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

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

Looking Forward to Rocky Mountain Summer Camp Message

Hiya Campers! 

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

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

For Activities:

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

For Games:

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

For Crafts:

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

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

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

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

See you soon,
Your Camp Counselors, Breanna and Dez

The Continental Divide of the Americas

by Barb Turner, Campvention ’22 PR Chair

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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