By Tom & Carol Januski, F266041
Youth Activities Committee Chairmen
October 2011
A total of 91 children participated in the Youth Activities program during the “Family A’Fair” Family Reunion in Madison, Wisconsin. As at past conventions, the youth were divided into four age groups. During the event, we welcomed 37 TATS (also known as “Teen-Age Travelers,” ages 13 to 18); 22 Pre-Teens (ages 10 to 12); 23 Tweens (ages 6 to 9); and nine Tots (ages 2 to 5).
Throughout the Family Reunion the youth centers were open for activities such as four square, water-balloon games, soccer games, a teen dance, a pizza party, an Oreo-stacking contest, plus tie-dyeing shirts and many other crafts.
Tweens, Pre-Teens, and TATS spent most of Thursday, August 11, at Kalahari Resorts in Wisconsin Dells, where the kids were able to enjoy both the water park and the amusement park. The Tweens, Pre-Teens, and TATs also had a chance for some fun learning during their stay. Thursday evening, veteran fire-fighting expert Mac McCoy provided an entertaining and informative session about fire safety, and on Friday they had an opportunity to learn more about the history of RVs as Al Hesselbart of the RV/MH Hall of Fame presented a special seminar that took the group on a journey from the earliest “house cars” up to today’s mobile mansions.
The Tots weren’t left out of the fun. They played with toys and books in the center and watched G-rated movies. On Friday the tikes enjoyed a McDonald’s Happy Meal and a special ice cream treat.
It was an awesome convention, and the Youth Program is on a roll now. The Youth TATS officers “” Ally May, president; Kaitlyn Brunius, first vice president; Alison Brunius, second vice president; and Savana Hardin, third vice president “” made fantastic contributions at FMCA’s Madison Family Reunion and to the youth program in general. They have worked behind the scenes with the Youth Committee volunteers throughout the year to make this and future conventions a huge success. These four young ladies have done a terrific job, and their efforts are greatly appreciated. During an election of TATS officers that took place in Madison, all four were voted to remain in their positions for the 2011-2012 year.
At the Annual Meeting on Saturday morning, Ally May presented a terrific video that chronicled the activities and fun had by the kids in Madison. The montage was so well received that she was asked to show the video again prior to evening entertainment that night. Following the presentation, all of the kids who participated in the Youth Program “” FMCA’s future “” paraded across the entertainment stage to the applause of those in attendance. It was a tremendous outpouring of support from members for the next generation of motorhome owners.
We received many donated items and funds to help with the youth program and would like to thank the following people and vendors: 4 Happy Feet; All About Microfiber by Big Rig RV Accessories; Almost Heaven Microfiber; Camco; Distinctive Designs; McCoy Enterprises; G&L RV Specialties; Home Mats Inc.; Lawrence RV Accessories Inc.; M&B Enterprises; Precision Frame and Alignment Inc.; Retama Village at Bentsen Palm; Summit Products; TechnoRV; The RV Solution; Theresa Colangelo; Thor Enterprises; and Twin Peaks RV Insurance.