mdock2 wrote: This issue is being addressed by both Good Sam and FMCA, and like was said it's baby steps, or just just standing up or even taking backward steps. What is needed more than anything else are members who not only address the issues but who will lead in resolving those same issues. As n7bsn pointed out, those involved in this lifestyle are aging out, so we need younger members to step forward.
Now, on the downside, expect resistance from some of the old guard, which I hate to say will happen.
Like n7bsn, we are in our early 50's, fulltimers and I'm also in a hobby (ham radio) where almost 75% are 60 + years old. We see the same issues in that hobby as are addressed here.
Knowing that the parents in young families already have a plateful, and are pulled every which way but loose. It will be hard to find the time for 1 more committee or meeting. But to properly address the issue and resolve it "WE NEED YOUR HELP". Attend either large or small rallies, if they don't have something for the kids. Do it yourself, let the kids get out and make friends and as said earlier, have a pizza party, do a activity. Keep this up, after a few rallies, you will see a different agenda of activities that involved the kids. I'm 100% sure that it will happen. Reason being, the rally sponsors will see a way to get a higher attendance which means more money!
To expand on my comments. I was a little surprised to see some of the comments that were posted after mine. If we don't encourage younger families to become involved in our little club, which does mean changing the program, we are killing our club. A point in case, is FMCA, the membership numbers are dropping dangerously low for the club to survive another 5 years. But at the last membership business meeting, a amendment was submitted to branch out and accept other than motorhomes as members. This amendment was presented after a report on how FMCA losing membership and operating funds. Well would you believe that the amendment was voted down, reason, we the, FMCA was created for motorhomes only. My thinking and comments to those around me were "do they listen to the reports, and have they seen what younger families are buying?". To answer that question, it's FW and TT's.
So, now let's fast forward to this thread, and I'll be, I'm seeing the same attitude in a club that allows FWs and TT's but we don't want the younger families around. Well all I have to say is SHAME ON YOU. Would you tell your grandkids that they were not welcome, or would you bring them and ensure they had something to do? Then I bet you would also be complaining about not having enough for your little darlings to do.
So, please think, lets make sure that Good Sam stays around for another 50 years by changing our thinking and welcome the younger families.
I think everyone has had good comments so far, but I don't think I have heard anything that makes being a member of the good sam club a value for me.
I think a bigger focus on active outings at the beaches, mountains, etc.... is appealing. Maybe, a group boondocking outing in the desert.... something different and something fun.
Bring in a focus on the toyhualer group as most people with toyhualers are younger.
Free memberships to Active Military is great. Military families need family relaxation bonding time. They can rent rv's from their recreation welfare dept. I give Good Sam a high five for rewarding their sacrifices for all of us.
We attended the Veterans program at the Phoenix Rally. Please keep up the honor and support of our Vets they deserve it.
2005 F250 V10, 4x4, CC,
Tow Command
Our Condo on Wheels
2005 Sunnybrook 33FKS
Hensley Arrow-Love it!
Places we slept in our RV, have also visited WA,NV,CA,HI,MN without rv
I have been a camper since I was 8 yrs. old and my Mom got me a Wenzel 2-person tent which I used until I went in the Army in 1971. When I got out I had a few converted vans, tent campers, and TTls'.
And I have been a Member of GS on and off since 1988.
Good Sam needs to keep focusing on the younger generation who will become the future of the camping and rving community. I just hope they get the meaning of Good Samaritans and will assist when they see fellow RVer's needing assistance. Seems to me, the more I travel the acts of kindness are becoming less and less as the years go by. Irover
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When I got out I had a few converted vans, tent campers, and TTls'.
