By Tom and Carol Januski, F266041
December 2008
Having programs for children at FMCA summer conventions is of utmost importance. Convention after convention, we hear from parents, grandparents, and many others telling us how important the youth activities program is to the future of FMCA. We are being told more and more that families are joining FMCA specifically because of the youth program. Yet we also hear members say, “I didn’t know FMCA even had a youth program.”
So, we need to make sure all FMCA members know that we have an extraordinary youth program available to them at summer conventions, and they are strongly encouraged to bring their children or grandchildren to the conventions. Please join us in spreading the word to other motorhome owners. Tell them FMCA provides activities and programs for children from age 2 (if they are potty trained) up to age 18. When they leave their children at the Youth Center, they can be assured that they are well supervised at all times by approved volunteers who have been through background checks.
The Youth Activities Committee makes sure the kids have fun activities available to them during FMCA summer conventions. Committee members plan age-appropriate games and outings, help to staff the Youth Center, and organize other volunteers to assist us. We currently serve as chairmen of the Youth Activities Committee. Serving with us are Mick and Barb Bentley, F284524; John and Mary Juarez, F264001; Bill and Garnetta Mallory, F256138; John and Jerri Morrow, F64569; and Robert and Joan Pennington, F251710.
Usually the kids are separated into age groups: TOTS, ages 2 to 5; TWEENS, ages 6 to 9; PRE-TEENS, ages 10 to 12; and TATS (Teen-Age Travelers), ages 13 to 18. However, some of our activities do incorporate all age groups and can even be enjoyed by the entire family. Many of the kids come back year after year because of the friendships they make. Some tell us that when they grow up and have families, they’ll bring their own kids to the conventions, because these events were such a great part of their lives.
Even though FMCA does not have organized activities for children at the association’s winter/spring conventions, the events include wholesome family entertainment and other activities of interest to various age groups, and kids are always welcome.
The Youth Activities Committee and the volunteers who assist us in the FMCA youth program are a very dedicated group of adults who continually put the needs of the children first. Many of the volunteers come back to each convention just to be part of the youth program, and they look forward to being there with your “VIKs” “” very important kids.
If you would like to be a volunteer at the next convention, either in the Youth Center or on some of our outings, please contact us, Tom and Carol Januski, at (928) 778-6709; email: azdrj@cableone.net.