By Melissa Carlson, F301017
President, FMCA TATS
May 2006
Twice annually the Youth Center at FMCA conventions opens its doors to traveling youth between 2 and 18 years of age to enjoy outings and friendship. There are four age groups separated between TOTS, ages 2-5; TWEENS, 6-9; PRE-TEENS, 10-12; and TATS, 13-18. Each group is provided with games, toys, and videos suited for their age. This winter’s convention in Pomona, California, boasted more than 30 youth in attendance.
On the first night of the convention, we enjoyed an orientation party complete with pizza and soda. Our second day started with a trip to Chaparral Lanes bowling alley, where the TWEENS devastatingly defeated the TATS. After lunch we arrived at the Roller City Plus Skating Rink where several of us skated for the first time. Our third day included an entire day at Boomers Upland Family Fun Center with a free arcade, go-carts, and rock climbing wall. Our last day ended with a final outing to the NHRA Motorsports Museum to view legendary race cars. While the older kids were out, the TOTS played games and had picnics in the park.
Between outings Flakey the Magic Clown entertained with magic tricks and a demonstration of how a clown applies his makeup.
A big thanks to the wonderful volunteers, the Friends of Children chapter, and to FMCA for making the Youth Center possible and the wonderful place it is.
Also, at FMCA’s 76th International Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, August 14-17, 2006, we are expecting to have one of our largest youth groups and, therefore, are looking for charismatic individuals willing to donate their time to help out. If you are interested, please contact Maureen Mullarkey at the FMCA national office: (800) 543-3622, ext. 208; mmullarkey@fmca.com.
I would also like to say good-bye to the amazing FMCA people I have met and will never forget as I begin college at Colorado State University this fall.