JANUART 2017

Vol. 62 No. 1

You’ve heard it all before...The show is the largest and longest running shows of its kind in New England. The show utilizes the Better Living Center, the Young and Mallory buildings at the Big E. Show hours are Friday Feb. 17th, 4:00pm - 9:00pm, Saturday Feb. 18th, 10:00am - 8:00pm, Sunday Feb. 19th, 10:00am - 6:00pm, and Monday Feb. 10:00am - 4:00pm. Admission prices are $9.00 per adult with a coupon, $7.00 for seniors and military. Children 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult. Parking is $5.00 per car, payable to the Big E. For complete show details including a discount coupon, directions, exhibitor list, entertainment schedule, and more check out our web site at www.springfieldrvcampingshow.com or call 413-781-CAMP. And don’t forget to like us on Facebook! By the time you get this Chatter we will have announced our dedicatees. The following is from our 2017 Campshow Chairpersons, Julie & Gary Nadeau.

We hope everyone’s Holidays were great, filled with many new memories & fun times. As the days are getting colder & maybe filled with snow(or not!) our thoughts wander to warmer places & as you know the 55th ANNUAL SPRINGFIELD RV, CAMPING AND OUTDOOR SHOW - FEBRUARY 17th-20th, 2017 is right around the corner! The show will be here before you know it! The 55th edition of the camping show, produced by campers for campers, is on tap for Presidents’ Day weekend at the Eastern States Exposition Grounds in West Springfield, MA. For the past 54 years, this show has been produced by the membership of Pioneer Valley Chapter 8 (PV8).

“Each year the Springfield RV, Camping and Outdoor Show is dedicated to a person, couple or group of people, which is nominated by and voted on by the Campshow committee. This is a tradition we take great pride in. This year’s dedicatees have gone above and beyond in what they have done for the good of the Campshow, and our chapter. Our primary focus was finding a deserving couple that has given so much back to this chapter by serving the Campshow in so many ways. It is with great pleasure that the 2017 Springfield RV, Camping and Outdoor Show is dedicated to Frank and Diane Russell. Frank and Diane, along with their son Tom joined PV8 in 1990. It didn’t take long for the Russell’s to jump into the volunteer pool.

Frank and Diane served on 5 committees their first year. They served on the PV8’s Board of Directors 7 times, 2 of those years as Presidents. During their membership, they have also served on a total of 38 committee, 12 of which as Committee Chairmen. In addition, they have spent 10 years on the Campshow committees, taking the helm in 2009 as Campshow Chairmen. Gary and I couldn’t be happier being the Chairmen of the 2017 Campshow committee which we proudly recognize and dedicate to Frank and Diane Russell. THANK YOU, Frank and Diane for all that you do for our chapter. Please be sure to congratulate them on this well deserved honor. Julie & Gary Nadeau” In closing, please mark your calendars for the 55th Annual Show & join us to congratulate Frank & Diane being the 2017 Campshow Dedicatees! Respectfully yours, Kris & Bonnie Spaulding

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North American Family Campers Association, Inc. Leadership PRESIDENT Dennis & Pam Richardson 10 Sigourney Street Lynn, MA 01905 781-584-6443 [email protected] first vice presidenT Paula & Dale Bradley 122 Viking Drive Portsmouth, RI 02871 401-683-2890 [email protected] second vice president secretary Jim & Marilyn Hurley 112 Old Walpole Rd Keene NH 03431 603-352-5047 [email protected] treasurer Bill & Rosemarie Neeb 3 Copley Place Billerica, MA 01821 978-667-3565 [email protected] past president Ron & Leona Barratt 420 Bahia Track Ocala, FL 34472 401-580-1428 [email protected]

MEMBERSHIP NEWS Current Membership - 643 WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS!

connecticut state director Jeff Bell 305 Redwood Road Manchester, CT 06040 860-649-4454 [email protected] maine state director massachusetts state director Linda Ostiguy 36 North Brookfield Rd Brookfield MA 01506 508-867-3294 [email protected] new hampshire state director Marilyn Hurley 112 Old Walpole Rd Keene NH 03431 603-352-5047 rhode island state director Linda Bouchard 683 Fish Rd Tiverton, RI 02878 401-624-7886 [email protected] vermont state director Michelle Perry 244 Canyon Rd Colchester, VT 05446 802-879-0900 [email protected] scholarship fund Liz Sheldon PO Box 444 West Brookfield, MA 01585 508-867-3620 webmaster Jody Himebaugh 223 Hartland Hill Road Woodstock, VT 05091 [email protected]



CAMPFIRE CHATTER EDITOR Dick Basha PO Box 1295 Wilton NH 03086 603-566-8470 [email protected]

nafca P.O. Box 345 Billerica, MA 01821

Josh Field & Stacy Cedegren - Jacksonville, FL

President’s Message -- January Hello to all my fellow campers in NAFCA. Pam & I say Happy New Year to all of our members. We hope you had a happy and safe holiday season. Now we are well into our indoor meetings and activities until spring arrives. I know it’s not the same a s a camping outing but it will have to do to enjoy each other’s fellowship. Planning for the 2017 Spring Safari at Spencer and the 2017 NAFCAree at Nelson’s Family CG are moving along well. We hope with the earlier date for Spring Safari and the location change for NAFCAree that we will still have great numbers for these 2 big NAFCA events. We also have the RV show coming up in February in Springfield at the Big E. They could still use your help. Hopefully a lot of you will help out with this event. There are going to be two anniversary activities planned for this year. Both sound exciting to attend. Again Happy New Year and stay safe. Yours in camping, Dennis & Pam Richardson

Chapter 8 Ron & Ann Podsiadlo -Ware, MA Carol St. Peter - Ludlow, MA Jennifer & Walter Bryden - Westfield, MA Shelley & Larry Gustafson - S. Hadley, MA Current Sustaining Membership - 44 Please patronize our sustaining members when planning a camp-out, buying supplies or having repairs. The listing is in the Chatter and on the website.

Change of Address Incorrectly adressed CAMPFIRE CHATTER issues are NOT forwarded. You can help by using the form below, or one similar, and sending it to the office. It takes five weeks to process any changes. Send change of address to: NAFCA PO Box 345

Billerica, MA 01821 Or email this information to:

[email protected]

NAME: ______________________________

In Memoriam It is with sadness and a heavy heart we write this letter. Nafca’s smiling lady, great photographer and special friend to all has left this earth. Mary White was a caring and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She always remembered you with a picture or a card on those special occasions. At Christmas, she would send a Christmas card with a special letter telling us about what happened in her family’s lives during the course of the year. Mary would always have a smile, a hug and a handful of pictures and you could tell that this would give her such pleasure. Mary was one of God’s creatures and now she sits with Him in eternal life. We are happy in knowing that sweet Mary sits and dances with the one she loves again, Lew. Say hello to Lew and all the other past Nafca friends you see heaven. Till we meet again, love Jack and Donna Adams.

ADDRESS: _________________________ CITY_______________________________ STATE, ZIP__________________________ THE CAMPFIRE CHATTER (ISSN 0410-4889) is published monthly for $11.00 per year by: North American Family Campers Association (nafca) c/o Bill Neeb PO Box 345 Billerica, MA 01821 Periodicals postage paid in Billerica and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to: Campfire Chatter (NAFCA) PO Box 345 Billerica, MA 01821

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Directions for the MA Co-ord and NAFCA Full Board Meetings

From the East -- Take MA Pike to exit 11. Take a left onto Rte 122A. Continue till you see sign for I-290 take the east ramp. Take the I-190 North/Burncoat St. exit#19/20, towards Holden (Rte.12)Fitchburg(Rte.70) Lincoln St.. Merge onto the I-190North ramp. Take exit #2 towards Ararat St/Holden/Greendale. Stay straight onto I-190N. Turn left onto Ararat St. Turn left onto Brattle St. Turn R onto Holden St. Turn left onto Shrewsbury St. Shrewsbury St. comes into 122A, bear R. Stay on 122A into Rutland. After you cross into Rutland stay on Rte.122A until you get to the top of the hill where Rte.56 intersects 122A. Take a R onto Rte 56 going North. Immediately turn L (right in front of church). The library is big brick building after the 2nd church. Our entrance is down back. From the West -- Take the MA Pike to Exit 9. Go East on Rte. 20. Turn L on Rte. 49N. Turn slight R onto Rte. 9E. Turn L onto 31N (Pass Spencer Fairgrounds). Bear L onto Rockland St. Rockland becomes Pleasantdale Rd. You will have passed Black & White Restaurant and Treasure Valley Boy Scout Camp. Cross over interaction Rte. 122 (pass the Mobile Station on your left). At the end of road turn R onto Rte. 122A, at the top of the hill you are in a school zone. Turn L onto 56, take immediate L in front of church. Library is big brick building next to the second church. We will be entering down back. From the South -- Take 195N. Merge onto 140N. Take Exit 20 to merge into I-195W toward Fall River/ RI. Continue onto US-6W (signs for I-95N/Point St.). Merge into I-95N. Take Exit 23 to merge onto Rte. 146N towards US44 Woonsocket State Offices. Keep L to stay on RI 146N. Entering MA. Right at fork of I-290 E/Shrewsbury/Marlboro Merge I-290. Exit 19-20. I-190N. Exit 19/bear L onto I-190N. Exit 2-Ararat St. MA 122A into Rutland center. R at Rte.56. Immediate L in front of church. Library past 2nd church. Entrance in back

Lunch at the Mass. Coord and NAFCA Full Board Meetings If you are planning to come to the Jan. 8, 2017 MA Co-ord meeting and (or) the NAFCA Full Board the MA Co-ord will serve lunch in between the two meetings. The lunch will consist of American Chop Suey, Bread & Butter, and Dessert for only $4.00. We will have coffee but if you wish another beverage (remember we are in the Public Library) please do. No reservations are needed. This way you will not have to scout around for something to eat. We know that usually we have several “meetings” going on in between and feel that this is a help. Thanks, Linda

NAFCA Spring Safari 2017 The Spring Safari 2017 committee is planning a fun filled exciting event so get your calendars out and make your plans to attend this NAFCA spring event. Spring Safari 2017 will be held at the Spencer Fairgrounds in Spencer Massachusetts on May 11th to the 14th. May 11th is the early arrival date for those wishing to camp an extra day. The cost is $60 for Friday & Saturday and an extra $30 if you arrive on Thursday, May 11th. A second family in a rig will cost $30 and an extra single adult in a rig will be $15. Registration material will be sent to Chapter Presidents and non-chapter members will find registration information in the Campfire Chatter. Booths will cost $20 for NAFCA members and $40 for non-members. You need to Bring Your Own Tables for your booths. Tables will not be supplied so plan in advance and put your tables in your rig before traveling to this event. Registration information regarding Booths will appear in the Campfire Chatter with a registration deadline of May 1st. The theme for the Spring Safari 2017 is “A Blooming Spring Affair.” Events will include The Parade of Colors, NAFCA Games, Children and Teen activities, a large Chinese Auction and special raffles. Additional information and event updates will appear in the Campfire Chatter. By Jim Hurley

NAFCAREE 2017 Come join us for the “Lazy Days of Summer”, July 15-July 22, 2017 at Nelson’s Campground East Hampton Ct. All sites are water and electric with a grey water outlet, so included in your camping fee is a free mid-week dump. For those of you who don’t want to bring your camper, or don’t have one, there are 2-3 new (2016) trailers for rent. Nelson’s has all the amenities that you would expect at a campground including a stocked fishing pond and mini golf. Should we say fishing derby anyone? The Nafcaree group will have exclusive use of the pavilion which makes it convenient for all those card games campers seem to enjoy. There is Lake Pocotopaug located a ½ mile away for those who enjoy canoeing or kayaking; Nelson’s has a dock on the lake that we will have access to. In addition there are pontoon boat rentals on the lake for anyone who feels adventurous. The committee has been hard at work planning activities and trips. While we are still confirming pricing we did want everyone to know that we will be taking a ride on the Essex Steam train and Riverboat cruise. Also we will be going to the Connecticut Science Museum located in Hartford. Since both of these locations are within 45 minutes of the campground will be using school buses for transportation to help keep the cost down. In addition, we are still trying to arrange a trip to one of the casino’s for all those gamblers out there (including us). In keeping with the Lazy Days of Summer theme we promise to give you enough free time to enjoy the campground. Some of the activities we are considering an outdoor movie night with popcorn, Nafca games, mini golf etc.

RESERVATION FORM

2017 NAFCAree NELSON’S FAMILY CAMPGROUND EAST HAMPTON, CT JULY 15 – 22, 2017 Name __________________________________ Address ________________________________ City,State,Zip ____________________________ Phone ______________Cell ________________ E-mail__________________________________ Chapter to Camp With _____________________ # Adults __________ # Children __________ Children/Teens Names Age(s) ______________________________ ________ ______________________________ ________ ______________________________ ________ Pets: Yes____ No____ If yes, # of pets ______ Breed of Dog_____________________________ Type of Rig_________________Length________ Handicap Yes_____ No____ If yes, please provide list of special needs. Camping Fee @ $260.00

$ _________

Friday (Early) Arrival @ $25.00

$ _________

TOTAL ENCLOSED

$ _________

Include $50.00 Deposit to hold your site. 50% of the total fee due by April 1, 2017 Final payment due by June 1st 2017 Make check payable to: NAFCA Mail to: NAFCA P.O. Box 345 Billerica, MA 01821 Please direct inquiries to Bill Neeb, Treasurer [email protected] (978) 667-3565

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Your reservation form is in this month’s Chatter; the cost for the week is $260 for a family of 4 (2 adults & 2 children), early arrival on Friday is only $25. If you are interested in renting a trailer please contact Nelson’s directly. However we do ask that you also submit the reservation form to the Nafcaree committee with a note that you are renting a trailer from Nelson’s. This will allow us to have an accurate head count and make sure to include you in any mailings that we might do. Stay tuned next month for more information on trips and activities… Your 2017 Nafcaree Committee, Dan & Maureen Pelletier, chairman Rose & Bill Neeb Millie & Joe Lavalley Brian & Michelle Lavalley Walter & Donna James Linda & Jim Ostiguy, ex-officio

NAFCA CARES DIED Mary White, 79, member of NAFCA since 1972, died Nov. 27th after a sudden illness. She and her late husband, Lew (Who) had belonged to Chapters 11, 30, 114 and Idle-Not over the years and always managed to be active in each of them. Lew was 1st VP back in the 80’s and they always attended and supported their Chapters, State of Massachusetts and NAFCA. The booths at the Spring Safari and Mass. Fall Frolic will miss Mary shopping, but not as much as we’ll miss her Just a short list of Mary’s loves, of course, family was #1, she leaves two daughters, Cindy and her husband, John, who belong to NAFCA, Donna and her husband, Paul, who used to belong to Ch. 30 and two sons, Kevin and his wife, Elizabeth and Brian and his wife Jenn. She leaves behind 11 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren of which she was very proud. After family comes, sending cards to so many friends at all special occasions, working in her flower garden, riding the 3 wheel trike motorcycle with Lew, feeding the wildlife, spending time at Cape Cod and Rhode Island at the beach, entertaining their many friends, a good cosmo and so much more. Mary loved life and we loved her. Cards may be sent to the White family at 6 Jefferson Rd., Princeton, MA. 01541 or Cindy, John and Tracey O’Leary at PO Box 116, So. Barre, MA. 01074. SICK LIST Carol Santos, Ch.31, has finished her first round of treatments and waiting to see what comes next. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers, her address is in last month’s NAFCA Cares. Bob Asselin, Ch.8, has been in the hospital again, hopefully he is doing better now. His address is 26 Lorimer St., Chicopee, MA., 01013 Dennis Floyd, Ch.49, was hospitalized with with knee surgery recently. His address is 252 Newbury St., Peabody, MA 01960, if you’d like to send a card. HAPPY NEWS Happy 50th wedding anniversary wishes go out to Hervey and Sandy Constantine, Ch. 8!! IN THE SERVICE Please keep the men and women in the US Armed Forces in your thoughts and prayers, especially during the Christmas season and for the New Year. Please send info on to me concerning our NAFCA friends so we can keep in touch. Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas or what ever holidays you celebrate and a fantastic New Year!! Doris Lewis 978-433-3168 [email protected] 124 Jewett St., Pepperell, MA 01463

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We have until Dec.10 to send any MA Fall Frolic proposals in to the Muster for listing. We can accept proposals off the floor but it makes it easier for the delegates to poll their chapters if they know ahead of time. Voting for the 2017 MA Fall Frolic will take place on Jan.8.

from the campground. Our Face Book page make it easy to stay in touch will our fellow camper be they snow bird & travelers or local it is so nice to be able to keep up to date on what’s going on. Well where ever you are going I wish you safe travels. I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and have a Merry Christmas & Nappy New Year! Janet Bagley

Pine Tree #33 Hi everyone, wishing you a Happy and prosperous New Year. I hope your winter is going by fast. As I write this at the end of November we had our first snow luckily it only really coated the ground. We had a little snow for Thanksgiving. We can start counting down until our next camping season. Hopefully it will be a little more then three months until we can camp again. The 2017 activities calendar was in the December newsletter and will be in the March newsletter. So please mark your calendars and attend as many of our activities as possible. If you have any ideas for activities for 2017 just let me know and we can work on putting them on the calendar. Our November activities were just the board meeting, bring your own brown bag lunch and our last chapter meeting of 2016 all held on the 6th. We had a good turnout of members for the lunch & chapter meeting. It was discussed where and if we wanted to have our winter socials this year. Members present showed little interest but we will try and still have them. Hopefully I had the date and location for January’s social in the December’s newsletter. As I write this I have no information regarding our winter social for January. Please look for any updates in the newsletter, on the website or facebook page. I guess that is it for now until next month. Jim, Newsletter Editor/Webmaster.

Penobscot Valley Acres #37 As Thanksgiving approaches I have been thinking of all the things I am thankful for: my husband and family of course top my list. The fact that the elections and their commercials are over certainly are up there on my list as well. Seriously though, we have so much to be thankful for. We have a wonderful country to live in and freedoms that many can only dream of. Then the race is on to get ready for Christmas. Many will be hitting the stores early for that Black Friday shopping. Bless them all, there is no part of that that sounds like a good time to me. I have only once braved the stores on black Friday and swore I’d never do that again. I thought I’d be trampled. I gladly work this day! Our P.V.A. family will be gathering December 3rd at the Season’s Restaurant and as usual there will be the food donation and brown bag auction with all the money and food going to a local food pantry. There is so much need and it feels good to be able to help but then the folks of P.V.A. have always been a very generous group. This is always a fun filled event and a good time to catch up. I’m sure there will be a few who will head to the casino after the lunch as it is just down the road. We have had a few campers that have gone out to check on the campground and as usual everything is being well looked after by the deer and other wildlife. They are very good care takers while we are absent

On the weekend of Jan.13-15 the MA Dinner Dance "Celebrate the New Year" takes place at the Holiday Inn in Mansfield, MA. Chairlady-Kathy Lena has been doing a great job with write-ups in Chatter, but if you need more info or have questions, don't hesitate to ask. Come for the whole weekend or only for the "party". It is always a great time. Also, at the Jan. 8 meeting it will be the last time you will be able to sign up to work for NAFCA at the Springfield RV Camping & Outdoor Show on the Eastern States Exposition Grounds in W. Springfield, MA. It takes place Feb. 17-20, 2017. NAFCA will have a booth here and look forward to having an opportunity along with other NAFCA volunteers (YOU) to welcome campers to join our group. For only a two hour shift you get to see the show for free! Look in this Chatter for info on lunch at the Jan. joint meeting. Till then, I'll put the coffee pot on and pick up the donuts and see you on Jan.8!!!!! Linda Ostiguy Massachusetts State Director

Pioneer Valley #8 Happy New Year!!

Massachusetts State Director Here is you chance to start off the New Year in a positive way…..why not come to the MA. Co-ord meeting to be held Jan. 8, 2017 back at the Rutland Public Library right on Main Street in Rutland, MA. (Directions will be listed separately in Chatter). The MA Co-ord is at 10:00AM with the NAFCA Full Board at 1:30PM.

The following Chapters have submitted Smoke Signals every month for the years indicated. Congratulations for keeping everyone informed. Canvasback #157 ‘07-’10 Fortyniners #49 ‘05, 07-’08 Maine State Director ‘10, ‘12 Mass. State Director ‘07 -’16 Matabesset #86 ‘08, ‘10 Palm Tree #27 ‘04 - ‘12 Penobscot Valley #37 ‘04 - ‘09, ‘12-’16 Pine Tree #33 ‘04 -‘16 Pioneer Valley #8 ‘10, ‘13,‘16 Orlando #183 ‘12 - ‘13 Quahaug #48 ‘04-‘06,’08-’09 Rhody Rovers #84 ‘07 Squaw-No-Cook #30 ‘05 - ‘16 Wolf Den #103 ‘05 - ‘14,’16

Smoke Signals Honor Roll

These Chapters have submitted Smoke Signals during the year. The number following their name is the number of months they have submitted articles. If your Chapter is not listed please bring it up at your next meeting. It only takes a few minutes to let everyone in NAFCAland know what your Chapter is doing!!! Canvasback #157 - 1 Forty Niners #49 - 1 Mass. State Director - 1 Palm Tree #27 - 1 Penobscot Valley #37 - 1 Pine Tree #33 -1 Pioneer Valley #8 - 1 Squaw-No-Cook #30 - 1 Wolf Den #103 - 1

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. Many thanks to Alicia Duquette and Karen Gatto and their committee for hosting a festive Adult Christmas Party. We also hear Santa dropped off presents for all the youngsters at the Children’s Christmas Party. Thanks to the Heims and the Hansons for chairing the celebration. This month we are having our Winter Carnival. Hopefully we have tons of snow. Then coming up in February is our Springfield RV Camping and Outdoor Show. Please join us during President’s Day Weekend at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield. Gary & Julie Nadeau and the “wicked” good committee have been hard at work since March to bring you the biggest, oldest and best camping show. Hope to see you there! Until next time. Angelo & Karen Zeni

Squaw-No-Cook #30 Hello everyone, Hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving. It has been a quiet month (if you don’t count the noise from the leaf blowers), but with a sad note this time. Mary White passed away over the weekend. What a sweet lady she was, always taking pictures and handing them out the next time she saw you. She will be missed very much, but as people have commented, she’s dancing with Lew again. I’ve got no pictures this month, not even of Jim’s camper all covered up (because it’s not covered up yet!!). He has to find a decent day to do it. When he has time, it’s not a good day. When it’s a good day, he doesn’t have time. Oh well, it will get done soon. There is no snow on the ground either. Yet. (I haven’t jinxed us, have I?) I’m sure it will come soon enough and some of us will be grumbling, some of us will be happy (Jim!). We’re having our Christmas party on 11 December, at Elise and Harry Schofield’s house. We’ll have a potluck meal, along with the gift exchange. I just bought my gift the other day too. I hope to have pictures for next month, along with comments about the fun. Sharing a meal with friends and all the laughter during the gift exchange is always a good time. All the best, Barbara Starr

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49ers #49

In case you’ve been wondering whatever happened to the 49ers, we’re alive and well. We just haven’t written in a while. Our year started off as it normally does, with meetings at the Sylvan St. Grill in Danvers, and John Ryan’s pub in Billerica. In March, we gave our support to the NH RV and Camping Show. The 49ers began our camping season in April at the NAFCA Annual Meeting at Circle CG Farm in Bellingham with 8 families camping for the weekend. May found us at the Spring Safari in Spencer, where we had 10 families camping and working our traditional Ice Cream Booth. At this meeting we welcomed new members Jim and Kathy Clicquennoi. June was a busy month. You could find us at Salisbury Beach State Park where we hold our now annual Lobster and Clam Bake. Some of us also made it to the Cape at Scusset Beach for dry camping at the Mass. Coord. Committee weekend. We started July off at the home of our member Bill and Debbie Higgins, or what we affectionally call the Higgins Resort in Newbury MA. Bill and Debbie made room for 5 of us to camp. When you add in day/ evening visitors, 22 forty niners’ enjoyed a weekend of food, good company, and more socializing around the evening campfires. The weather was a little cool for the pool, but the kids enjoyed it. From there, it was off to Apple Island Resort for NAFCAree. Eight families from the 49ers made the trip this year enjoying the resort, the NAFCA activities, and the many sites in the surrounding areas. After NAFCAree, a few of us still had enough energy to travel to Oak Haven for the July Full Board. We started the month of August at Mi-Te-Jo’s campground in Milton NH. Mi-Te-Jo’s had a beautiful safari field and pavilion, which worked out great for George and Bettie Brown who spearheaded our pot luck breakfast. The campground really made an impression on us, so we rebooked it for 2017. Everyone went in different directions from there. A few of us closed out the month with a number of NAFCA friends at the quilting weekend at Country Aire in Charlemont. In September, Rose and I made our first visit to a gem of a campground, River Meadow in North Hampton NH, at the NH/VT Fall Frolic. It was a joy to spend a weekend in a small country town with our friends from NH, VT, and Canada. The following weekend found us selling ice cream again at the Mass Fall Frolic. At this event we got to welcome our new members Bill Rundgren and Betty LeBlanc. We closed out the month at Nelson’s Family Campground in E. Hampton CT at the Council of Chapters weekend. Like Mi-Te-Jos’, we found Nelson’s to be a family and children friendly campground.

Larry Converse. Janice and Larry have pointed a new camping family toward our chapter and this family could very well become a new NAFCA and Canvasback member. This new family lives close to our home base and they once lived one town over from me. There is still time to get to the Mass. Dinner Dance weekend. You must get your reservation in to Kathy Lena. This fun filled weekend will be held in Mansfield, MA at the Holiday Inn (hotel reservations: 508339-2200). Room prices are $75/night and the function is on Saturday evening January 14th at $41/person for a wonderful buffet meal. Check out Campfire Chatter for all the details and reservation form. I hope you will join us in Mansfield, MA.

Please don’t forget 2017 is NAFCA’s 60th year and outings have been planned. The first will coincide with the April Annual Meeting and it is in Sturbridge, MA. The second is a weekend of campfires, lots of great meals and camping together as one Association. We’ll be camping at Mineral Springs Family Campground in Stafford Springs, CT. These two weekends should no be missed. See Chatter for the Connecticut write-up and I’m sure Paula Bradley will have her write up in Chatter as well on the Sturbridge weekend. Canvasback chapter wants to wish everyone a very happy holiday with all of the joy of the season. Don Daniel Correspondent

I want to say a very big thank you to Janice and

HAPPY NEW YEAR! We have our Christmas Holiday Party planned at Pat Henault’s club house on December 11, 2016. It’s always so nice to have it at Pat’s since it feels so homey. We’ve gone out to restaurants in the past but it’s a little awkward when we try to do our Santa Swap, and you can’t really talk because you always feel like they want their tip and get out. We we’re all looking forward to having it there. Bruce Bressette is making a ham, and the rest of us will bring sides and/or dessert. I will give you an update next month how our party goes.

Submitted by Arlene Goodwin, Secretary

Palm Tree #29

Bring games if you so desire or just enjoy each others company. If you have any questions you can call me at 508868-7152.

Greetings to all in NAFCA land. The winter is upon us all in New England and our indoor meetings are in full swing. One very good thing and something to look forward to is, if winter has started, then spring and camping season is soon to follow.

Wolf Den #103

Meanwhile, Wolf Den wishes you all a wonderful 2017 New Year filled with health, happiness, and lots of humor to keep you healthy and happy.

All in all, it was a busy and fun year for the 49ers. We sure enjoyed camping with our extended families in NAFCA, and look forward to seeing you all again in 2017.

Canvasback #157

If coming down US 98, go under I-4, turn left onto Knights Griffin Rd, then right onto Rt. 33 (Lakeland Hills Blvd) and then left onto Granada.

I, along with Wolf Den members want to thank Dick Basha for all that he has done organizing and compiling the Campfire Chatter. You always do a wonderful job! Thank you for your fabulous work Dick.

I hear that a couple of 49ers had a November trip in them, but most of us started settling in for our off season meetings. Our first indoor meeting in November was at the Great Wall Restaurant in Bedford MA, followed by dessert and coffee at Bud and Sharon’s. By the time this article hits the newsstand, we’ll have had our Holiday party at Mark and Denise’s.

Bill and Rose Neeb

If coming from the East on US 92, turn right onto Lakeshore Drive which becomes Lake Parker Drive, follow along the lake and the park will be in front of you.

Those of you who went to the NAFCA Conservation weekend at Otter River State Forest had a fun time. Our Saturday evening chicken in a can meal was absolutely delicious if I do say so myself. Four chapter members were participants along with NAFCA members. We were a smaller than normal crowd but we got all our tasks done in short order and had such a fun and rewarding weekend together. We even had two members who had never been to Otter River and I’m sure they will be coming back again. I have always found the more you camp with other NAFCA families the more you get out of your membership.

Hello all you NAFCA “SNOWBIRDS”, I hope you are enjoying the nice warm Florida weather again this season. Our February get-together is only a few short weeks away. February 22nd, 2017 we will meet for our annual Palm Tree social. It will be at Lake Parker Recreation area in Lakeland, Florida, and I hope you will plan to attend. It is a nice, informal gathering, just the fun and fellowship of NAFCA in a nice warm setting. Bring our own lunch and beverage and we will again provide the dessert. Arrive anytime you want (most of come just before noon)and stay as late as you want. We meet in a pavilion so even if the weather isn’t to our liking, we will at least be dry. You are welcome to bring friends with you as well. The more the merrier so to speak.

While some wrapped up their camping season in September, you could still find a few of us in October at Salisbury State Park, and out leaf peeping in Charlemont.

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If coming from Tampa on I-4 take exit 33 to State Rd 33. Turn right and head south on 33 and follow above directions. You may also take exit 32, turn right onto US 98, turn left at lights onto Knights Griffin Rd, turn right onto Lakeland Hills Blvd, and left onto Granada.

See you there, Marty Moore Directions to Lake Parker: If coming from Orlando on I-4 take exit 33, turn left, go under I-4. Go south on State Rd 33 (Lakeland Hills Blvd) for approximately 1.5 miles. See the Post Office on your right and turn left at the light onto Granada St. – Park is on your left – ENTER THROUGH GATE ONE.

Campfire Chatter / 6

NAFCA 60th Anniversary Weekend Celebration Mineral Springs Campground Stafford Springs, CT 06076

What are you doing on the weekend of June 8, 9, 10 & 11, 2017? Well, I hope you’ll join other NAFCA Families at Mineral Springs Family Campground in Connecticut for the long awaited Sixty Year Anniversary Celebration of NAFCA. Yes, we will be camping at this long time Sustaining Member campground. Each camp site will have water and 30 amp electric hookups. The campsites will all be within easy walking distance of the fully enclosed hall which we will all use over the weekend. The campground owners and staff are very friendly and eager to host our celebration at their campground. The hall we will be using is accessible to all including those who have wheelchairs and the like. Easy level entrance area for all to use. The hall also has restrooms accessible from inside. There are tables and chairs for our use in the hall as well. This hall is large and can hold around one hundred people seated at tables. There will be a Saturday morning French Toast and sausage breakfast. Also included for breakfast will be tea, coffee and juice. All this for a moderate cost of $4.00 per meal. This will give us a time to be together and help set the tone of fun for our weekend. After the Saturday breakfast we’ll play some NAFCA games just for fun and enjoyment of ALL! We’ll play potty, bean bag baseball, bocce, grunt and dominoes. Cribbage will also be played. We’ll need your help to bring game equipment and help out with organizing each game. No pressure games, just fun to play and fun to watch and cheer on all your friends. There may even be some hidden game event yet to be named! Still fun for all ages. Now you’ll be on your own for lunch but save some room for the cake and ice cream social for Saturday, early afternoon. All NAFCA members will be welcome and encouraged to attend whether or not you’re camping with us for the weekend. There will be no additional charge for this social gathering. We want all of NAFCA to attend if you are able. Your Saturday evening catered meal will consist of the following items but may be subject to some adjustments: chicken parmesan, pot roast (beef), red bliss potatoes, veggie medley and world famous, mouth watering, Whiskey Bread Pudding. This meal will be catered by the Steaming Tender Restaurant of Palmer, MA. The serving of this meal will be done by the committee and helpers. The cost of this meal will be $30.00 per meal and subject to change as the date draws near. Also those who preorder their meals and show up for this meal may be reimbursed for their meal cost. Again this is our Board of Directors giving back to the membership. Remember only those who prepay and also come to the meal will be eligible for any meal reimbursement.

NAFCA on this great occasion. Yours in NAFCA, Don Daniel, Chairman

Proposal for Annual Meeting Weekend 2017 NAFCA’s 60 Anniversary Here I am again, reminding members of the proposal I wrote about in Chatter a couple months ago. This event is separate from the weekend being planned by Don Daniel for a summer campout and banquet. Please understand, this would be on the April Annual Meeting weekend, and would be a totally different experience. It’s called, “A Bounty Dinner at Sturbridge Village”. Picture this: you arrive at the Visitor’s Center, are picked up by a horse-drawn “cab” and taken to a 16th Century tavern. There you would have hot, mulled cider prepared over an open fire, and learn about Colonial life as it was actually lived. Then you move on to the “Banquet Room” where your dinner (Prime Rib of Beef) is being prepared in the huge hearth, along with potatoes and vegetables, exactly as it was done in 1600’s—a fascinating and complicated method. But—it does smell oh, so good! The time flies, under candlelight, until your dinner is ready to bring to our tables, served family style. There is even a delicious dessert, cooked the same way. Your horses will be waiting to return you to the Visitor’s Center with memories that will stay with you for a very long time. I know because I was privileged to have had this wonderful experience. Believe me, it stays with you. The whole area is completely Handicapped Accessible; any motorized device can get around. Because this is an extra event and is a bit costly, the NAFCA Board will need to know how much interest there is in it. The cost will be somewhere around $50.00 per person; with a minimum of 35 and a maximum of 80 capacity. So, you see, we will have to know how many are interested. Please let you chapter president know if you would like to go, or better still, call an officer (phone numbers listed in Chatter). We’d love to hear from you. Thank you for listening, Paula Bradley

Come and Get It!

Email your recipes to [email protected]

PLEASE NOTE!

There will be a group campfire Friday and Saturday evening. There will also be coffee and tea available for all. The location of the central group campfire will be announced in the program.

We have no more recipes. Please dig out those recipe boxes and sent your best to Dena. Hre address is listed on the last page of this Chatter. If we don’t get them we can’t publish them. It’s up to you!

Day visitors will be welcome on Saturday and may participate in all activities of the day. There may be a small visitor’s fee charged. The visitor’s fee will have to be worked out with the campground and the committee.

“CRISP’N SWEET” PICKLES

The cost to camp per one rig per one campsite will be $40.00 per day. Subject to change in the camping rate of the campground. As of this writing there are thirty eight campsites available. There will be reservation deadline for campsites and meals. We may be able to get more sites if the first group of 38 sites sells out early. Every effort will be made to get all the sites needed. Reserve early so you won’t have to be concerned over having your spot for this wonderful NAFCA celebration. Watch upcoming Campfire Chatter’s for more weekend info and that all important reservation form. I do hope you will set this weekend aside to be with

Submitted by Dianne Gauthier

3/4 cup sugar 2/3 cup white vinegar 1/2 tsp. celery seeds 1/2 tsp. mustard seeds 1/4 tsp. salt Dash ground turmeric Put all of the above in bowl, mix and microwave for three (3) minutes on high. Add mixture to: 3 cups thin sliced cucumbers (skin on) 1 small thinly sliced onion Refrigerate. Shake every few hours. Ready to eat in

JANUART/17

24 hours

AU GRATIN POTATOES Submitted by Dena Rickson

1 can (10 ¾ oz) condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted 1 (8 oz) sour cream ¾ cup butter or margarine, melted divided 3 tbsp dried minced onion ½ tsp salt 1 (32oz) package frozen southern-style hash browns potatoes, thawed 2 ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese 2 ½ cup crushed cornflakes In a large bowl, combine soup, sour cream, ½ cup butter, onion and salt. Stir in potatoes and cheese. Transfer to a greased 13 x 9 pan. Toss corn flakes and remaining butter; sprinkle over potatoes. Bake uncovered, at 350 ° for 50-60 minutes or until heated through.

Cinnamon Apple Pull-Apart Bread

Submitted by Dena Rickson Filling: 4 Tbsp butter ¾ cup dark brown sugar 1 Tbsp corn starch 1 Tbsp cinnamon ½ tsp vanilla 4 (about 1 ½ lbs) medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced ½ cup raisins Dough: ¼ cup Butter, melted 1/3 cup Warm milk ¼ warm water 2 large eggs 1 tsp vanilla 1 ½ cups flour 1 ½ cups whole wheat pastry flour 1/4 cup sugar 1 tsp cinnamon Pinch of salt 2 ½ tsp yeast In a heavy saucepan, heat the butter over medium heat. Toss the apples, with brown sugar, raisins, corn starch, cinnamon, and vanilla, then add to the butter and mix well. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir to make a dough. Dump the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 2 or 3 minutes until you have a smooth dough. Lightly grease a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let the dough Rise until doubled in a warm spot in your kitchen. (takes about an hour). Lightly grease a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan. Deflate the dough, then roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface into a 12 x 20 rectangle. Spread the apples evenly over the dough. Cut the dough into strips about 3” wide and 12” long and stack one on top of the other. Next cut the dough crosswise into 3 inch squares. Take each square stack of dough and turn it sideways and place into the loaf pan. Place the remaining stacks into the pan in the same manner, squeezing them to fit. Cover the pan and let rise until doubled in size. While the dough is rising for the second time, preheat oven to 350°. Bake the apple loaf for about 45-55 minutes, covering it with foil to prevent burning after about 30 minutes. Cool in pan for 15 minutes before carefully turning out the bread onto a platter. Serve warm.

LAZY CABBAGE ROLLS Submitted by Dena Rickson

1 1/2 to 2 pounds lean ground beef or turkey Continued on page 8

Campfire Chatter / 7

$$ Indicates campgrounds that offer a 10% discount off their regular daily rate. $$$ Indicates a 15% discount (GR) Indicates Group Rates are available.

Connecticut

$$ Hide-A-Way Cove

1060 North Road PO Box 129 East Killingly, CT 06243 860-774-1128 hideawaycovecampground.com

Mineral Springs Family Campground 135 Leonard Rd. Stafford Springs, CT 06076 860-684-2993 Fax 1-860-684-2993 www.mineralspringscampground.com Groups receive 10% discount

Nelson’s Family Campground 71 Mott Hill Rd East Hampton, CT 06424 860-267-5300 nelsonscampground.com 10% discount not including holiday or discounted weekends

Ross Hill Campground 170 Ross Hill Rd Lisbon, CT 06351-2922 860-376-9606 www.rosshillpark.com [email protected]

$$ RV Parts & Electric 2385 S Leonard St. Waterbury, Ct. 06706 203-754-5962 [email protected]

$$ Seaport RV Resort & Campground 45 Campground Road Old Mystic, CT 06372 860-245-6041 sunrvresorts.com

Van’s RV Center

417 John Fitch Blvd. South Windsor, CT 06074 800-298-7280 vansrv.com

Wolfs Den Family Campground 256 Town St East Haddam, CT 06434 860-873-9681 wolfsdencampground.com 10% discount not including holiday or discounted weekends

Massachusetts

JANUART/17

Lamb City Campground 85 Royalston Road Phillipston, MA 01331 978-249-2049 800-292-5262 www.lambcity.com [email protected]

$$$ Mann’s RV

52 Barre Paxton Rd. Rutland, MA 01543 (800) 677-4476 [email protected]

$$ Oak Haven Family Campground 22 Main St. PO Box 166 Wales MA 01081 413-245-7148 www.OakHavenCampground.com 169 Grant St. Plainfield, MA 01070 413-634-5385 www.peppermintpark.net

Pout & Trout Campground 94 River Road Rutland, MA 01543 508-886-6677

$$ Prospect Lake Park 50 Prospect Lake Road No. Egremont, MA 01230 877-860-4757 413-528-4158 prospectlakepark.com

Prospect Mountain Campground 1349 Main Rd, /Rt. 57 (PO Box 323) Granville, MA 01034 413-357-6494 www.prospectmountaincampground.com

Spencer Agricultural Association PO Box 46 Spencer, MA 01562 508-885-5814 www.spencerfair.org

Village Green Family Campground 228 Sturbridge Rd, Route 20 Brimfield, MA 01010-9641 413-245-3504 Fax 413-245-0115 Villagegreencampground.com

Walker Island Campground 27 Rt. 20 Chester, MA 01011 413-354-2295 www.walkerislandcamping.com

Maine &$ Lee’s Family Trailer Sales & Service 480 Roosevelt Tr. Windham, ME 04062 207-892-8308 www.leesfamilytrailersales+service.com

$$ Old Orchard Beach Campground

$$ Camping USA RV Service Center

Powder Horn Family Camping

$$ Circle CG Family Campground 131 N Main St Bellingham MA 02019 508-966-1136 www.circlecgfarm.com

Country Aire Campground

1753 Mohawk Trail Charlemont, MA 01339 413-625-2996 www.Country-Aire.com Discount for groups of 12 or larger

Flagg RV Center

66 W. Boylston St W. Boylston, MA 01583 800-678-9278 www.flaggrv.com

Grand View Camping Area 51 Four Rod Rd Rochester NH 03867 603-332-1263 www.grandviewcamping.com

Pennsylvania Drummer Boy Camping Resort 1300 Hanover Rd. Gettysburg, Pa 17325 800-293-2808 www.drummerboycampresort.com [email protected]

Seven Maples Campground 24 Longview Road Hancock, NH 03449 603-525-3321 www.sevenmaples.com

$$* Shir-Roy Camping Area 100 Athol Road

59 Main St., PO Box 417 Becket, MA 01223 413-623-5366 bonnyriggcampground.com

815 Bedford St E. Bridgewater, MA 02333 508-378-3640 http://www.campingusasuperstore.com/

529 South Main Street Newport, NH 03773 603-863-6170 www.crowsnestcampground.com

$$ Peppermint Park Camping Resort Richmond, NH 03470

27 Ocean Park Road Old Orchard Beach, ME 04064 207-934-4477 gocamping.com 10% discount Spring and Fall rates only Not valid on weekly rates

$$ Bonny Rigg Camping Club, Inc

$$ Crow’s Nest Campground

48 Cascade Rd Old Orchard Beach, Me. 04064 207-934-4733 www.mainecampgrounds.com

Saco/Old Orchard Beach KOA Kampground 814 Portland Road Saco, ME 04072 207-282-0502 oldorchardbeachkoa.com [email protected]

New Hampshire $$ Chocorua Camping Village KOA 893 White Mountain Highway Chocorua, NH 03817 603-323-8536 www.chocoruacamping.com

603-239-4768 www.shir-roy.com *10 or more rigs (no holiday weekends)

$$ The Beach Camping Area 776 White Mountain Highway Conway, NH 03818 603-447-2723 www.thebeachcampingarea.com/

Rhode Island Arlington R.V. Supercenter, Inc 966 Quaker Lane (Rt #2) East Greenwich, RI 02819 888-787-8737 www.arlingtonrv.com

Long Cove Marina Campsites 325 Point Judith Rd. Narragansett RI 02882 401-783-4902

$$ Oak Embers Campground 219 Escoheag Hill Road West Greenwich, RI 02817 401-397-4042 www.oakembers.com

Vermont Abel Mountain Campground

354 Mobile Acres Road Braintree, VT 05060 802-728-5548 [email protected] www.abelmountain.com

$$ Apple Island Resort P.O. Box 183 71 US Rt. 2 South Hero, VT 05486 802-372-3800 www.appleislandresort.com

Bald Mountain Campground 1760 State Forest Road Townshend, VT 05353 802-365-7510 baldmountaincampground.com

$$ Horseshoe Acres Campground 1978 Weston-Andover Rd. Andover VT 05143 802-875-2960 www.horseshoeacrescampground.com

Pete’s RV Center

4016 Williston Rd. So. Burlington, VT 05403 802-864-9350 [email protected]

$$ Rest n Nest Campground PO Box 258 300 Latham Road East Thetford, VT 05043 802-785-2997 [email protected] www.restnnest.com

New York

For more information on becoming a Sustaining Member please contact: $$ KOA 1000 Islands at Association Rose Neeb Is. 3 Copley Place PO Box 525 Billerica, MA 01821 Henderson Harbor, NY 13651 315-955-6522 or 800-393-4189 978-667-3565 www.associationislandkoa.com [email protected]

Campfire Chatter/8

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2017 January 8 Mass. Co-ord. Comm. Meeting Rutland Public Library 10AM Main St. Rutland, MA January 8 NAFCA Full Board Meeting Rutland Public Library 1:30PM Main St. Rutland, MA

May 11-14 NAFCA Spring Safari Spencer Fairgrounds Spencer Ma June 8-11 NAFCA Anniversary Weekend Mineral Springs Campground Stafford Springs, CT July 15-22 NAFCAree Nelson’s Family Campground East Hampton Ct

January 14-17 Massachusetts Dinner Dance Holiday Inn Mansfiels MA February 17-20 Springfield RV, Camping and Outdoor Show Eastern States Exibition Grounds Springfield MA

Campfire Chatter Committee Editor: Dick Basha 1571 Doyle Rd Box 129 Deltona FL, 32725 603-566-8470 [email protected] Typists: Dena Rickson 7 Cypress Lane Wilbraham, MA 01095 413-596-2386 413-237-1258 Food Editors: Dena Rickson 7 Cypress Lane Wilbraham, MA 01095 413-596-2386 [email protected] Staff Reporter: Bob Wright 184 Mountainview St. Chicopee, MA 01020 413-593-3840

Where to send your news. The deadline for submitting information to all members of the Campfire Chatter staff is the first day of the month preceding the month it is to be published. As an example, the deadline for the February issue will be January 1, 2013. Information that is sent by e-mail should go directly to the Dick Basha.

1 tablespoon oil 1 large onion, chopped 1 clove garlic, minced 1 small cabbage, chopped 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce 1/2 cup water 1 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 teaspoon sea salt Heat the Olive oil in a Big Skillet (use medium heat) Sauté the onions until tender, and then add the ground beef (or turkey) until the meat is browned. Add the garlic, cook an additional minute before adding the remaining ingredients. (This is the point you would add the rice Bring them to a boil, Cover, reduce the heat and simmer about 25 minutes (or until the cabbage is quite fork tender) Yield: Serves 6 to 8

Order Form NAFCA Name Badge The badge will be dark green with white letters, and will measure approximately 2 1/2 by 2 inches. The top will have “NAFCA” engraved and the bottom line will have your name. Each badge will cost $4.00 and will be delivered at NAFCA functions. If you wish to have your badges mailed to you, please add one dollar for postage. Please print. NAME ___________________________________ Address __________________________________

Check it out You’ll be glad you did! www.NAFCA.org

Yes, we’d like to join NAFCA and enclosed you’ll find our dues for the membership we’ve selected below, 1, 2, or 3 years. We understand that our membership covers all the benefits listed, which includes a subscription to Campfire Chatter. We will receive our membership material and privilege to NAFCA activities, services and benefits by return mail. ______________________________________________ Last name, First Name ______________________________________________ Last name, First Name ______________________________________________ Address

Telephone # ______________________________ Print name as you wish it to be engraved on the badge.

__________________ _________________________ Phone Email

Enclose a check in the amount of $4.00, payable to NAFCA. Mail To: Dale Bradley 122 Viking Drive

Portsmouth, RI 02871

Articles that need to be typed should be mailed to Dena Rickson. Bob Wright is our Staff Reporter. Contact him if you have a camping related article. Do not send him articles to type or articles about NAFCA .

CAMP WITH NAFCA

______________________________________________ City State Zip

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Pictures and graphics should be sent to Dick Basha.

______________________________________________ How did you hear about NAFCA New_______

Renew______

Chapter #_________

Make checks payable to NAFCA and mail to: NAFCA OFFICE P.O. Box 345, Billerica, MA 01821



FAMILY MEMBERSHIP $25 one year $40 two years $50 three years

(From Canada please remit in U.S. dollars)

$8.00 of dues each year goes toward subscription to Campfire Chatter

JOIN NAFCA TODAY AND GET MORE OUT OF CAMPING 12 Monthly issues of NAFCA’s own publication Campfire Chatter Membership Identification Kit Campground information service Year-round fun and fellowship through chapter state and regional rallies education conferences, and more. Participation in NAFCA’s conservation and legislative alertness programs Group Camping Discounts and other money saving benefits.