By Don Jett, F394837
February 2017
The Treasure Coasters chapter, centered in St. Lucie County, Florida, was chartered in 1984, but by 2013 membership had dropped to 15 families. And so in October 2014, members decided to reinvent the club. A plan was then developed to study needed changes and increase membership. During my two-year term as chapter president, which ended October 1, 2016, membership increased to 42 families.
So how was such growth possible?
First:
We studied the rules and regulations to determine what might be keeping people from joining the chapter. We eliminated most of the “must do” rules and decided to make many of the activities completely voluntary. Thus, we took a more “it would be nice if” approach. It is amazing how people will volunteer for tasks when not told they must. As an example, now a team of three volunteer couples hosts each rally, doing it their way and having fun.
Second:
We broke a longstanding mold of rally formats. New ideas were brought forth simply by allowing volunteer rally hosts to “do it your way.” Potluck meals, picnic meals, costume parties, storytelling nights, rally themes, competitive games, seminars, presentations, and guest speakers all evolved from the freedom of the “do it your way” approach.
Next was a rewrite of the bylaws, which gained approval by FMCA, and the development of standing rules, which afforded a simple, straightforward approach to management of the chapter.
A website was developed (www.treasurecoastersrv.info) and is updated with chapter information, including photographs, rally schedules, officer contact information, protected membership list, items for sale, and more. Additionally, Treasure Coasters business cards were created for member use.
Key Factor In Our Growth
But I am absolutely convinced that a key factor in our chapter’s growth is the attention paid to our guests by our members. No one is a stranger at a Treasure Coasters rally. From the time guests enter their campsites, they are met with a smile, a handshake, a welcome, a guest name badge, and a printed rally agenda. Treating all guests with the same kindness and fun as we wish to be treated has become a Treasure Coasters trademark.
A new slate of officers was recently elected and began serving a two-year term. Four of the six newly elected officers joined the chapter within the past two years. The new talent within our redefined chapter is incredible, and I am truly excited about the future of fun times with Treasure Coasters.