Association members enjoyed a gathering that sported a high school theme and a musical trip through the decades.
Story by Robbin Gould, Editor
Photos by FRVA Staff
September-October 2025
RVers received extra credit when they attended “summer school” July 16 through 19, 2025, at CAM-PLEX Multi-Event Facilities in Gillette, Wyoming. The extensive curriculum presented during Family RV Association’s 111th International Convention & RV Expo — nicknamed “Rock & Roll High School” — filled folks’ schedules in the classroom, gym, theater, auditorium, and other venues, and even featured a high school dance.
Attendance. The official RV count for the convention totaled 459. This number included 387 family RVs, eight Passports (the latter were folks who did not camp on-site), and 64 commercial RVs.
Orientation. Those new to FRVA conventions had an opportunity to sit in the “Orientation for First-Time Attendees” led by FRVA national president Paul Mitchell. Newbies and others got the lay of the land by taking one of the “Discover CAM-PLEX Walkabouts” hosted by FRVA Mentor volunteers. Other study guides included an extensive event program; an interactive event app; and an information center staffed by FRVA volunteers and employees, along with representatives from the Campbell County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Classroom learning. Nearly 100 seminar sessions filled the schedule, with a syllabus that ran the gamut from special interest to RV educational. For example, students created “diamond dot” art, beaded garden “fairy wands,” stained-glass suncatchers, and other craft pieces; sat in on discussions of association business; gleaned technology pointers concerning internet connectivity, batteries, satellite, and solar; delved into genealogy, full-time RVing, and caravan travel; and studied RV maintenance, towing, tires, and driving safety.
Enrichment. “Rock & Roll High School” also featured a couple of scholarly competitions: the “R-E-S-P-E-C-T” Spelling Bee and the “Red Hot Trivia Peppers” Challenge.
A/V room. Patrice and Kevin McCabe, who produce and star in the “RV There Yet?” travel series on the Discovery Channel, presented cooking demos and seminars in an area dubbed the “RV There Yet?” Discovery Zone. They extolled the benefits of RVer-friendly products focused on water filtration, power options, custom paint schemes, and more. In one corner, the “Inspiration Theater” aired episodes from the McCabes’ TV show — including the one they filmed during FRVA’s March 2025 convention in Perry, Georgia. Treasure seekers also scouted out 10 items hidden throughout the Wyoming Center building for the couple’s geocache scavenger hunt, which resulted in a prize drawing.
Supplies and spirit wear. Attendees toured commercial exhibits in the Wyoming Center, perusing items designed to accessorize their RVs and themselves, along with services that enhance the RV experience. FRVA logo merchandise and “legacy” FMCA items were in the mix, as were offerings from the association’s commercial partners. Outside, the RVs on display likely tempted some folks to consider a cool, new ride.
School pictures. Dale and Amy Hafer’s photo scavenger hunt encouraged attendees to snap smartphone photos on the way to Gillette. Attendees and FRVA staff sent in their senior photos for a fun look back via video. And once on campus, everyone could take selfies with the “Picture Yourself In Gillette” Magical Photo Machine.
Gym. RVers interested in trying their hand at pickleball joined instructional sessions led by Bill Knopp, president of FRVA’s West Valley AZ Pickleball chapter, and his wife, Deborah; folks also took advantage of the open-play hours. In addition, the Bean Bag Toss competition saw throwers vying for a top finish, and a prize.
Music appreciation. The Frustrated Maestros, a musical ensemble whose members hail from various FRVA chapters, entertained the crowds at morning coffee hour and during the ice cream social. Evening audiences enjoyed an array of country, rock, and pop music performed by the Pillage People, the LeadSlingers, the Rusty Nickels, and the Colorado Keys dueling pianists. Dane Bailey, “singing auctioneer” and FRVA chaplain, presented a noon concert and led devotional sessions.
Literature. FRVA’s Supersized Book Club, which has hosted a published author at each convention since 2018, welcomed C.M. Wendelboe in Gillette. The retired law enforcement veteran turned writer explained his approach to crafting mystery and Western novels and spotlighted his Death Under the Deluge murder mystery. Curt also answered numerous questions from an inquisitive audience.
Cooking class. Crowds gathered for an outdoor cooking demo presented by FRVA’s RVQue chapter. Flanked by an array of cooking apparatuses, Rodger Donnelly and Dale Hafer described some of the options suitable for meal prep on the go, such as gas grills, Blackstone griddles, pellet smokers, and Dutch ovens. Onlookers sampled cobbler made on the pellet smoker and, later, more food options during the Chapterfest get-together.
Theater. CAM-PLEX’s state-of-the-art Heritage Center Theater housed the annual Governing Board meeting and related gatherings. During its daylong session, the Governing Board took care of association business, including passing the new budget and electing national officers for the 2025-2027 term: Paul Mitchell, president; Bob Weithofer, vice president; Glenda Milner, secretary; and Ken Lewis, treasurer.
The theater also took attendees back in time with a screening of the 1978 hit movie Grease, starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. In addition, the Big Horn Big Band, a select group of area musicians, filled the room with lively, polished reproductions of swing, jazz, and classic big band favorites.
Art show. The “Quilts for Kids” display showcased 26 quilts and blankets completed by members of FRVA’s On-Road Quilters group and On The Road Stitchers chapter. Afterward, they were donated to the Y.E.S. (Youth Emergency Services) House Foundation in Gillette. We thank the creators for their labors of love.
Mixers. Members mingled at the “Let The Good Times Roll” Meet and Greet and at the Ladies’ Luncheon, the latter a buffet meal served by members of FRVA’s Executive Board. In addition, the Chapter Fair put attendees face-to-face with representatives of 30 or so FRVA chapters, resulting in new-member signups for many of the groups.
On the final day, singles and entourages — some dressed in “period” costumes, others displaying military colors — assembled for the “Walk This Way” Parade. Spectators cheered on the participants who walked and rode the route to The Plaza area, site of the “We Will Rock You” Chapterfest.
The “Rock The Night Away” Dance Through The Decades — featuring refreshments, prizes, a DJ, and a disco ball — may go down as one of the convention’s most memorable events. The dance floor repeatedly filled for fast and slow numbers from the 1950s to more recent times. Attendees acknowledged the eras in their finest poodle skirts, dresses, suits, Western wear, and concert T-shirts. Prom king and queen honors went to L.B. Butts, an Advance Crew and Safety Team volunteer, and longtime FRVA employee Tina Henry, who is retiring at the end of the year. Before the king and queen were recognized, Patrice and Kevin McCabe, in costume, stole the show with their interpretation of the Rolling Stones’ tune “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.”
Community service. During the event, FRVA raised funds for the local Council of Community Services via the association’s “Driven To Care” initiative. Attendees donated and bid on items for the Driven To Care Silent Auction and vied for pies auctioned off by Dane Bailey. Fifty-one attendees also participated in the Magic Mile run/walk around the grounds. On the final evening, FRVA president Paul Mitchell presented council representative Sonya VanNortrick with a check for $2,746.
School volunteers. We give an A+ to the scores of volunteers who helped out during the “Rock & Roll High School” convention. We appreciate your assistance in myriad areas: parking, setup, security, safety, information, activity carts, FRVA Store, mentors, seminars, entertainment, and more.
Next session. Consider enrolling for “Changes in Latitudes — RV Beach Party,” FRVA’s 112th International Convention & RV Expo, set to take place March 18 through 21, 2026, in Perry, Georgia. Hang out at the Georgia National Fairgrounds with fellow party-goers. Think beach balls, palm trees, tropical rock, and a laid-back “It’s 5 o’clock somewhere” vibe! The registration form appears on pages 43 and 44 in this issue and will be available on FRVA.com.
FRVA’S Top Rock & Roll Songs
Prior to the convention, FRVA sent out a call to registered attendees: Help us compile a list of the top 100 rock-and-roll hits of all time. We ended up with 121! Visit Spotify.com and search for “Family RV Association’s Top 100 Rock List.”