Formed in the 1980s, this FMCA chapter caters to RV owners in the southwestern part of Florida.
December 2023
The Sand Dollars chapter is a group of RVers from diverse backgrounds who enjoy traveling in and around Florida to explore various locations and attractions. This isn’t your average chapter, either. After a member’s first year in the club, they are required to share in hosting or cohosting one of the three-to-six-day rallies that take place monthly from October through April. Because of how involved the members are in sharing the planning and hosting of rallies, the Sand Dollars have visited state parks and five-star private parks, and we have dry camped on members’ properties.
Chapter members have visited small, quaint country towns and have enjoyed activities in larger cities. More recently, the group toured an Arabian horse farm. In Georgia, the chapter also visited the crime lab in Valdosta and the Guardian Centers of Georgia in Perry. Florida destinations have included Full Circle Dairy in Lee, and a Tarpon Springs sponge museum, which included a sponge-diving demonstration on a boat tour. The club also visited the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium in Sarasota; the All-Florida Championship Rodeo in Arcadia; and the Suwannee Lights Christmas show at Spirit Of The Suwannee River Music Park.
The chapter does not have rules on what is expected at rallies. Some hosts like to prepare meals, some like to have catered food or potluck meals, others prefer restaurants, and some organize a little of everything. Evenings may include cards, dominoes, charades, or something original — or you can simply relax and turn in early.
If you enjoy a variety of personalities, backgrounds, RVing experiences, and rally activities, and would like to host your own rally every few years, the Sand Dollars invite you to attend one of their rallies as a guest. If you think it’s a good fit, the chapter looks forward to you joining the group.
If you would like more information about the Sand Dollars chapter, contact secretary Bob Woelfel at robert.woelfel@live.com.
Share Your News
Do you own an unusual RV, participate in an interesting hobby, travel with pets, or have an RV adventure to tell about? Has your chapter observed a major anniversary, held a rally with a fun theme, honored a dedicated member, or helped out a charity? We want to hear about it. Share your story in 500 words or less, or contact us to tell us about an RV owner you think others should know about. A high-resolution photo and caption instead of an article are also welcome. Email editor@fmca.com; mail Family Matters, c/o Family RVing, 8291 Clough Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45244.