Young RVers can experience their own “Crossroads To Fun” during FMCA’s international convention in July.
By David & Loretta Marlowe, F267754
FMCA Youth Program Committee Chairpersons
May 2017
Do you travel with young children or grandchildren? If so, you and they will want to know about the great Youth Program package that is planned during FMCA’s “Crossroads To Fun” convention, July 12 through 15, at the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center in Indianapolis. We have scheduled several off-site trips for children between 6 and 16 years of age.
Next, each child who registers for one or more of the Indianapolis Youth Program outings will receive a colorful T-shirt that will make them feel part of the group and help the leaders keep track of them during our excursions. Guardians will be given the option of letting their children return to their motorhomes when the bus is back at the fairgrounds, or wait with a chaperone until the guardian picks them up. Children who need to wait will have a red dot on their badge to indicate this choice.
Now, our premier outing this year, on Thursday, July 13, will be to Conner Prairie, an interactive history park in Fishers, Indiana. So, children will learn about and participate in activities related to 19th-century life in Indiana. The highlight of the day will be a helium balloon ride more than 300 feet above the park. No need to worry: The balloon is filled with inert helium gas, is tethered to the ground with a steel cable, and has an enclosed basket for safety.
Next, on Friday, July 14, the children will go on an outing to the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. On Saturday, July 15, they will visit the world-famous Indianapolis Zoo.
So, please preregister your children or grandchildren for the Indianapolis Youth Program. We also will have a registration desk at the Information Center (Agriculture/Horticulture Building) for any latecomers; however, because space is limited on these trips, we cannot guarantee spots for children who are not preregistered.
Then, to help us with planning and estimating the number of participants, we would appreciate hearing from you beforehand. Please email youthcommittee@fmca.com and indicate: 1) the number of children you will be registering in Indianapolis; 2) the age of each child; 3) a T-shirt size for each child; and 4) which outings each child would like to take (see descriptions below).
Registration options for both youth and chaperones who wish to participate include: through your convention registration at www.fmca.com/conventions-64/indianapolis-2017/family-registration.html; by calling (800) 543-3622 and asking to speak with someone in the Events Department; or by filling out the Youth Program sign-up form and returning it to FMCA’s Events Department (8291 Clough Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45244; email: conventions@fmca.com; fax: 800-543-4717).
Once you arrive in Indianapolis for the convention, visit the Youth Program Registration desk in the Information Center to check in your children. Registration will be open Tuesday, July 11, from noon to 5:00 p.m. and Wednesday, July 12, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Parents, grandparents, and guardians who would like to go on one or more trips as chaperones are asked to contact us at our personal email address: dmarlowe@outlook.com. We will be happy to send you details about the volunteer program.
The following youth outings are scheduled for the Indianapolis convention. Check the attractions’ websites for more information. Payment is due when registering children for specific outings at the Youth Program Registration desk in Indianapolis (cash or check only on-site; no credit cards). Additional information will be available in the Indianapolis event program and at FMCA.com.
We’re eager to provide a fun and rewarding time for all, and we look forward to seeing you! Whether or not you can join us in Indianapolis, please share your suggestions for future Youth Program activities by emailing youthcommittee@fmca.com.
Youth Outings
| THURSDAY, JULY 13TH, 9:00 A.M. TO 5:00 P.M.* Conner Prairie Interactive History Park, Fishers, Indiana www.connerprairie.org This outdoor living history park depicts 19th-century life in central Indiana. Its many interactive exhibits and activities include the 1859 Balloon Voyage, a ride our group will take in a tethered helium balloon 350 feet above Conner Prairie. The registration fee includes lunch at the park. Fee: children, $33; adults, $37. | |
 | FRIDAY, JULY 14TH, 10:00 A.M. TO 3:00 P.M.* Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana www.childrensmuseum.org The world’s largest children’s museum features five floors of activities and displays designed to entertain all children. Exhibits include “Dinosphere,” “Beyond Spaceship Earth,” and, in summer, “Hot Wheels: Race To Win.” A $10 voucher will be provided to each registered participant to be used at the food court in the museum. Fee: children, $30; adults, $33. |
 | SATURDAY, JULY 15TH, 10:00 A.M. TO 2:00 P.M.* Indianapolis Zoo at White River State Park, Indianapolis, Indiana www.indyzoo.com This renowned zoo is one of the most modern in the world. Many animals roam in large areas reminiscent of their homes in the wild. Highlights include an aquarium, a dolphin show, interpretive learning centers, and a shark touch pool. Fee: children and adults, $20. |
*All return times are approximate. You will be notified if there is a significant change in the children’s return time to the fairgrounds.