I notice that most of GS members seem to be geezers like myself. I have been thinking of how to get the "younger" rv'ers involved in GS.
When I was younger we camped and RVed for the outdoor experience ie; fishing, hiking, ATV, etc. I noticed the older GS crowd RVed more for a social get together ie: potlucks, playing cards, bingo, crafts, etc.
This difference, even though I wanted to join GS for it's benifits, kept me away from GS. Now that I have become a geezer I have joined GS. Still don't like sitting around playing Bingo and board games but I have other things to involve myself whilst attending GS activities and try not to be a social outcast.
I've been thinking GS needs to add to the Ralleys events and exibits to attract "new blood" to GS. For instance; possibly ATV dealers at the Toy Hauler area. Amusement Park information vendors. Hiking and outdoor vendors. Since the Ralleys are held at locations to attract day visitors it could be an RV / outdoor show to attract a more diverse crowd and introduce a new segment of the outdoor people to tenting, pop-ups and more.
Just an idea to bring new people in ........ what do you think?
Did this on phone so please excuse if phone played it's I know better they than you spelling and grammar tricks.
I read your post and then went to the Good Sam website to see what they did. Until I did that, I thought Good Sam was for Private Campground discounts (which I don't need), Camping World Discounts (there isn't one close to me), and RV insurance (mine is really cheap). So I had no use for the company or its services.
Browsing the website, I see that they do have much more to offer. I think the problem is lack of promotion on Good Sam's part. I would love the gas discounts, the trip routing might come in handy, and I might be able to use the other discounts under their "Smile & Save" program. But, no where have I seen mention of these services. All I ever get in the mail (about 2X/month) is offers to get insured through them; I'm not interested.
If Good Sam also added more information or links/relationships to companies such as REI, I would definitely sign up. I think the market for Good Sam would open to a larger group.
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I think the hit and run life style is a factor. The MOAT generation perfers to keep up that barrier and not so much socializing.
When I was a kid we went often to others homes or others came over and we cranked out some awesome ice cream.
For the most part today more and more do the socializing at the keyboard. The banner ads (if they only worked) that see as I type now may be the best way to get younger people. Yet with more and more being forced out of the RV'ing lifestyle I just do not not what the future holds.
I think they are probably moving in somewhat the right direction. To attract the younger set, they need to position Camping World as the RV equivalent to REI. Neat gear, fair pricing etc. For Good Sam, a start would be to replace the old Geezer logo and get a more modern, up to date Avitar. The dumpy, red sweater wearing guy probably turns more 20 and 30 somethings away from Good Sam than anything. Even the name Good Sam is something out of the 50s. But give the company some slack, I think they are trying to turn the Titanic away from the Ice.
I agree with a modernized logo. Sports teams do it, fast food restaurant's do it. The Leave it to Beaver dad look logo is a bit dated. Even Ronald MacDonald gets a newer look now and then. Keep Sam but bring him into the 21st century. At least he's not smoking
I suspect it's more basic than that. Young people are not usually as "well to do" by comparison to older folks. They often "do it themselves" as opposed to paying someone to do it". I was always that way when younger. I NEVER had roadside assistance and if I had a breakdown I just got out and took care of the problem myself. I shopped at the places that had the lowest prices because I couldn't afford the expensive places. Doubt it it's changed much over the years. Younger folks don't necessarily feel they NEED someone to arrange their recreational activities. If they want to hike, they hike without waiting for someone to tell them it's time to go or where to go. More into looking for services they CAN'T do themselves and finding them at bargain prices.
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US Govt survey shows three out of four people make up 75% of the total population
I have been a Charter Life Member of GS for almost 20 years now, and would like to see some new activities. To be honest, most of the Samborees I have attended during that time have been downright boring. Like rolnhome, I did (and still do) RV to enjoy the outdoor experience: to hike, swim and observe the scenery and the wildlife. I think they should encourage the organization of gatherings of people who enjoy what I like to call "roughing it in comfort".
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I don't want to be considered a geezer yet (only 43..lol), but it does have an old feel to it. Or it has. It's one of those things that you remember that was around when your grandpa was...
I also thinkn they are heading in the right direction, but I agree with dahkota...they need to focus on more of the other benefits. Or perhaps work more on the campground discount thing.
Brian RVing Illustrated
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Dashonthedash wrote: I have been a Charter Life Member of GS for almost 20 years now, and would like to see some new activities. To be honest, most of the Samborees I have attended during that time have been downright boring. Like rolnhome, I did (and still do) RV to enjoy the outdoor experience: to hike, swim and observe the scenery and the wildlife. I think they should encourage the organization of gatherings of people who enjoy what I like to call "roughing it in comfort".
I would like to see local chapters have a website that is listed on the GS website. There are several chapters around us and I would love to check one out, but i'm kind of leary of just popping up somewhere for a weekend. I would like to see more of the people and what they do and are doing as a chapter...
There is a lot of younger members at least I know of in MI. We have worked with the Camping World stores for about 6 years now and helped a lot of younger people get started with what they need for there new campers. The majority did get Good Sam memberships. The problem is the younger campers idea of camping is different in they want the lake or back woods to run their toys.
Yes as a past State Directors the Samborees can be boring for some people. It is impossible to have a Samboree or Rally and have everyone leave totally happy. A lot has to do with entertainment, location, location, location, and finding things to keep everyone out having fun.
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