FMCA Means Family

FMCA's June Mile Marker

FMCA Means Family

As the summer sun casts its warm glow across the roads, it signals fun journeys ahead — and the perfect time for family reunions. This month’s newsletter is dedicated to celebrating the essence of family, especially within our FMCA community. Whether it's reconnecting with loved ones, sharing stories from the road, or creating new memories, family reunions remind us of the strong bonds that unite us. Our FMCA chapters symbolize this spirit of family togetherness, offering a sense of belonging and support to all members. In this edition, we'll dive into planning for family reunions at campgrounds — whether with relatives or chapter members — and discuss how to join, find, and form a chapter.

At FMCA, family means more than just kinship; it's about the connections and community we build on the road. It's the support and camaraderie found in our chapters, the shared experiences at rallies, and the friendships that last a lifetime. The FMCA family is a diverse and inclusive network of RVers who come together to support one another, create lasting memories, and celebrate the journey of life, no matter where the road leads.

Together, we cherish the moments that make us a family, united by our shared love for adventure and the open road. Here's to celebrating our connections and the joy of being part of the FMCA family!

The FMCA Team

FMCA Chapters

FMCA offers so many money-saving discounts, but the most valuable thing I (Gillian) have found in being a member are the friendships I have made through chapters. We have made some lifetime friendships by joining our local chapter, Penn Coachmen. After joining, we realized there were many more opportunities to meet people around the country by joining chapters with similar interests. We try to attend functions such as the Tri-Chapter rally before the conventions and the Eastern Gourmands dinner to enjoy our chapters and continue to make new friendships.

At the Gillette 2023 convention, a new chapter was being formed by the instructors and students of the RV Basics class. My husband is an instructor and really enjoys sharing his knowledge with other RVers. I wanted to be involved also, and being the RV Basics Alumni Chapter’s secretary has given me that opportunity. Setting up this new chapter has enabled me to meet some amazing people that I can truly call good friends. I’ve also gotten to learn a lot more about the ins and outs of FMCA. Being involved with a new chapter from the ground up has been one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had since becoming involved in FMCA.

We both are enjoying retirement life, living full-time in our RV, and love how FMCA and our friendships through the chapters have been a big part of our lives.

Gillian & Steve Raye, F481952

FMCA has nearly 300 chapters across the United States and Canada, organized by geographic location or special interest. If you’re looking for fun and camaraderie in your RV travels, learn more about FMCA’s chapters here.

Family Reunions, The RV Way

For many folks, get-togethers with family members from near and far are high points of the year. If you’re in charge of planning a family reunion for your crew, why not consider holding it at a campground or RV resort?

Advantages. Depending on the facility, attendees can select from various accommodations: sites for RV and tent camping; cabins and yurts; a lodge; “glamping” in a vintage RV, etc. Group camping areas enable folks to park near each other — perfect for evening s’mores and socializing around the campfire. Family members may also opt to stay elsewhere and drive in each day for the fun. Events can be structured around the on-site facilities — for instance, a clubhouse for hosting a special dinner.

When and where. Obviously, it’s important to nail down the dates and place as soon as possible. Do your research, consult with family members, and aim for a centralized location. Investigate facilities run by campground networks as well as independent campgrounds. Check the amenities, such as pools and other watery attractions, outdoor sports, recreation areas, etc. Not all activities need to be scheduled!

As for timing, find out when the kids are out of school for the summer or will have a long weekend. What are the adults’ work commitments? Avoid time conflicts with weddings and other family events. Although scheduling your get-together during a holiday weekend might sound appealing, note that facilities are often booked up to a year in advance. Less popular times may be easier to reserve — with off-season rates.

Food and fun. Check if your chosen venue has an on-site kitchen, permits outside food to be brought in, has electricity for cooking equipment, etc. KOA suggests letting your ancestry inspire the menu by selecting food that reflects your family’s culture or country of origin. Also consider basing meals around a particular holiday or season — Christmas in July, anyone? Make meals simple with cookouts, potlucks, or a taco bar. Entertainment can be simple, too: trivia, card games, cornhole tournaments, kickball or Wiffleball games, a scavenger hunt, even an auction (use the proceeds to help finance the next reunion). Plan a busy schedule, or keep things informal; it depends on how your family rolls.

Consider the possibilities. KOA and Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts offer much more family reunion info. And check out Taste Of Home’s picks for the best family reunion site in every state.

P.S. – Don’t forget to delegate duties!

RV-Related Recall Information

Looking for the latest RV-related recall information? Visit FamilyRVingmag.com for a list of the most recent recalls issued by RV and component manufacturers. To search for recalls, investigations, and complaints by vehicle year, make, model, and VIN, visit nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline is (888) 327-4236.

Chapters, Chapters, And More Chapters!

Joining an FMCA chapter offers RV enthusiasts an unparalleled sense of community and camaraderie, transforming the RVing experience from a solitary adventure to a shared journey with others who share the same interests. By becoming a member of an FMCA chapter, you tap into a vibrant network of people who have the same passion for RV travel, creating lasting friendships and a support system on the road.

The Social Benefits Of Belonging

When you join an FMCA chapter, you connect with a community that understands and appreciates the RV lifestyle. Chapter rallies and camping trips provide numerous opportunities to socialize and build relationships. These gatherings are perfect for sharing travel stories, discovering new destinations together, and exchanging practical advice on RV maintenance and travel tips.

Belonging to a chapter also means you are never alone in your travels. This sense of belonging can significantly enhance your overall travel experience, making journeys more enjoyable and less daunting.

Types Of FMCA Chapters

FMCA offers a variety of chapters tailored to different interests and locations. Regional chapters are ideal for those looking to connect with members in their local area, while special-interest chapters cater to specific hobbies or RV types. For example, there are chapters for Grand Design RV owners, amateur radio enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, those who love barbecuing, and so much more. This diversity ensures you find a group that aligns with your interests and travel style.

Joining An FMCA Chapter

To join an FMCA chapter, you first need to be an FMCA member. Each chapter has its own membership requirements and dues, so contact a chapter directly for detailed information. Joining multiple chapters is also an option, allowing you to expand your social network even further. Find a chapter that fits what you’re looking for here: member.fmca.com/Chapters/Find-a-Chapter

Forming Your Own Chapter

If you don’t find a chapter that fits your needs, consider starting one. Forming a new chapter requires a group of at least 15 FMCA member families (7 for an associate chapter) and involves submitting a petition to FMCA with your chapter's name, objectives, and bylaws. FMCA provides support to help you establish your chapter, including listing it on FMCA.com to attract new members. Your next steps can be found here at www.fmca.com/fmca-join-a-chapter.

Joining an FMCA chapter significantly enriches your RV lifestyle, offering social connections, shared experiences, and a wealth of resources. Whether you're attending a rally, joining a regional or special-interest group, or starting your own chapter, the FMCA community is there to support you every mile of the way. Still unsure if joining a chapter is right for you? Learn more about FMCA chapters on FMCA.com.

Meet A New Family Of Friends

With Fantasy RV Tours

Embark on an FMCA member-only caravan or rally with Fantasy RV Tours! Not only will you create unforgettable travel memories, but you’ll also meet a new family of friends. Traveling in a group fosters lasting friendships among RVers through shared experiences, common interests, and the camaraderie of the journey itself. From exciting adventures to heartfelt conversations around campfires, these tours create close bonds that feel like family. To see what FMCA member vacations are available, click here and join the fun!

Find Your Way Into The RV Lifestyle

Are you, or someone you know, ready to join the RV lifestyle but don’t know where to start? Consider an FMCA Pathfinder membership! FMCA has the resources you need to learn and become the smartest, most informed RV buyer. Pathfinders have 24/7 access to FMCA University and its vast collection of online articles; exclusive web content on RV ownership; the digital version of Family RVing magazine; member e-newsletters; FMCAssist Medical Emergency Evacuation and Travel Assistance coverage; and more! Sign up here.

Upgrade Your Ride With Blaupunkt E-Bikes

Renowned for its quality and innovation in German car radios, navigation systems, and televisions, Blaupunkt has now embraced mobility with its latest creation: the Blaupunkt foldable electric bike! And now, FMCA members can receive $500 off their purchase of a Blaupunkt e-bike! If you’re ready to join the e-bike revolution, you can claim your discount here.

Register For Redmond By June 26 And Save!

Take advantage of Early Bird Pricing and save $20 off registration for FMCA’s “Adventure Peaks” Convention Presented By Beaver Coach Sales! You have until June 26 to sign up for our expedition to the Deschutes County Fairgrounds & Expo Center in Redmond, Oregon, August 14-17. Register online or call the Events Team at (800) 543-3622.

Need Roadside Assistance?

Are you looking for a roadside service plan? Consider FMCA’s Roadside Rescue® powered by SafeRide! Before adding the plan to your membership, check out this testimonial video from Roaming with Rosie. It includes an interview with the folks at SafeRide.

Leisure Travel Vans' Maritimes Caravan

In collaboration with Go RVing Canda, owners of 23 Leisure Travel Vans motorhomes from across the United States explored the Canadian Maritimes together. Their trip encompassed 34 days and 3,252 kilometers, with 58 events held over 33 camping nights. Watch the video of their once-in-a-lifetime journey here.

When you think camp food, pizza might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But if your camping crew includes pizza lovers, and you’re tired of serving up the same old burgers and hot dogs, we have good news. With the right equipment, or just some ingenuity, you can add pizza to the rotation of fun foods to prepare and enjoy in the great outdoors.

Several companies sell portable pizza ovens that lend themselves to use while camping. Fuel sources may be electric or propane, and some even allow you to add wood-fired flavor.

Among the possibilities is the propane-powered Blackstone Portable Pizza Oven, which is equipped with a 15-inch stone and can be converted to a 22-inch griddle with the purchase of a griddle plate. The Ninja Outdoor Oven uses electric heat, but incorporating hardwood pellets infuses the pizza with a wood-fired flavor. The Solo Stove Pi Dual Fuel Pizza Oven provides the option of using wood or propane for baking a delectable pie. The Trail Fire Grill is a four-in-one portable outdoor cooker that can serve as a pizza oven.

You can also fire up a regular gas grill and use it to prepare your favorite pizza. The folks at Ambitious Kitchen share everything you need to know about how to grill pizza.

For most of us, a big pizza pie is amore! And enjoying it outdoors makes it special.