The owners of nearly 1,500 land yachts docked in Perry, Georgia, this past March and spent several days enjoying shopping, seminars, entertainment, and socializing — plus pirate shenanigans to boot!
National President
Paul Mitchell, F165576
pmitchell@frva.com
Ahoy, mateys! We have just wrapped up a fun-filled event at the Georgia National Fairgrounds in Perry that proved not all treasure is silver or gold. Me timbers are still shivering from all the good times we had at Family RV Association’s 110th International Convention & RV Expo. With the theme of “Return To Perry: Lafitte’s Lost Treasure,” we enjoyed lighthearted fun at events such as the “Drop Anchor” meet and greet, the “Buccaneer Boomfest” fireworks show, and the “Walk the Plank” parade. Attendees were seen wearing their best swashbuckling attire.
One of the really special things that took place during the gathering was that Kevin and Patrice McCabe, hosts and producers of Discovery Channel’s “RV There Yet?” travel series, filmed a future “RV There Yet?” episode at the convention. The fairgrounds’ Georgia Grown building was transformed into the “RV There Yet?” Discovery Zone, an interactive RV marketplace with product demos, educational seminars, Winnebago RVs, and an area for screening episodes of the TV show.
The “RV There Yet?” episode filmed during the Perry event will air on the Discovery Channel on Saturday, May 10, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern and Pacific time. Those who miss the viewing that Saturday can see this and other episodes of the show at youtube.com/@rvthereyettv.
Attendees also had the opportunity to get their learning on, with more than 100 seminars taking place. And they could shop, shop, shop, with RV displays lined up along the lakes, plus indoor exhibits filling the Miller-Murphy-Howard building in addition to the Georgia Grown building. We also were treated to some fabulous entertainment during the daytime and evenings.
You can read more about the event in an article that begins on page 34 of this issue.
I want to extend a great big thank-you to all the volunteers who helped to make the Perry convention possible. Thanks also to the exhibitors for your support. And I’d also like to express appreciation to the Family RV Association staff who worked so hard before and during the event to make sure it was a success.
Next Up: Rock & Roll High School In Wyoming
Don’t be late to class! Sign up now for “Rock & Roll High School,” Family RV Association’s 111th International Convention & RV Expo, at the CAM-PLEX Multi-Event Facilities in Gillette, Wyoming. We’ll be reliving our glory days and having a great time with our RVing friends, July 16 through 19, 2025. Registration is taking place now. The registration form appears on page 39 of this issue, or visit frva.com/frva-gillette-2025-learn-more to sign up. And for a sneak peek of the coming fun, check out the article that begins on page 41 of this issue.
Future Convention Plans
If you missed out on the Perry event this year, don’t despair. Mark your calendars now for March 18 through 21, 2026. We’ll be making a return visit to the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter next year.
Stay Connected With Family RV Association
Emails: The main way Family RV Association communicates with members is via email. To stay informed about all the goings-on, make sure your current email address is on file and that you are opted in to receive messages. You’re in control of what you receive. To manage your preferences, log into your member account and visit the member Dashboard. Click on My Email to find a list of the categories. While there, check the email address that’s listed for your account. You can update your email address anytime by logging into your member account and clicking on My Profile; or send an email to membership@frva.com. The same goes for your postal mailing address.
Social media: You’ll find Family RV Association friends on all the popular social media platforms. Here’s a list of where we’re hanging out:
Facebook: main page, facebook.com/fmcafans; RVs and Camping: On the Road with FRVA, facebook.com/groups/fmcarvclub/
Instagram: instagram.com/fmcarvclub/
Pinterest: pinterest.com/fmcarvclub/
X: x.com/fmca_
TikTok: tiktok.com/@fmcarvclub
YouTube: youtube.com/user/fmcaonline
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/family-rv-association/
Forums: Have you visited the Family RV Association Forums? Endless information is available at community.fmca.com, with topics ranging from buying an RV to electrical issues, tires, destinations, and tips for towing a vehicle behind a motorhome. Anyone can read the comments, but to post a comment or question, you need to be a Family RV Association member and to sign in using your member account info.
Community: Even better than connecting with fellow RVers online are in-person gatherings. That’s where Family RV Association shines! One of the best ways to get to know other RV enthusiasts is to join a chapter. With nearly 300 chapters organized on the basis of RV brand, geographic area, or special interest, Family RV Association has a group for everyone. And if you can’t find a chapter that meets your needs, Family RV Association staff will help you to start one! In addition to chapter rallies, members can gather in person at area rallies and international conventions. There’s always somewhere fun to be and great people to connect with.
Check out the Association Events list that starts on page 88 of this issue, or visit frva.com/fmca-events anytime for a more extensive list of rallies.
Hope to see you down the road!
Medical & Travel Assist In Action
Our Medical & Travel Assist Story
Chapter Members Receive Help
Our Family RV Association 4-Wheelers chapter turned 30 years old this year, and we’ve enjoyed many wonderful miles of travel with chapter members out on the trails. While our chapter events are adventurous and at times risky, we rest more assured knowing we have the benefit of medical evacuation and travel assistance if we get into a situation that requires help.
Members of our chapter who’ve used FMCAssist (now Medical & Travel Assist) include a man who suffered a heart attack while at an event in New Mexico and could not drive home. FMCAssist arranged for his wife and daughter to fly in and accompany him on his plane trip back home to Montana. The agents also arranged for a driver to transport his motorhome and Jeep home. I’m happy to report this member is doing fine now and still using his Jeep out on the trails.
Another member, who travels solo, stepped off a large boulder while out spotting vehicles and broke his right ankle. He was unable to drive, and FMCAssist sent someone to Arizona to take his motorhome back to California.
In another case, a member suffered a heart attack and tragically passed away out on a trail. At this time, we needed nearly every service offered. I asked his wife’s permission to initiate the claim, as she was in no condition to make such a call. The customer service agent was kind, compassionate, and very calming. I did not have all the information necessary, but the agent opened a claim, and I called back after I gathered the rest. A family friend drove the motorhome and trailered Jeep back to their home, which allowed the wife and her dog to ride along. All the driver’s expenses were covered for that trip, including meals and a full tank of fuel. The member’s mortal remains were shipped home after cremation. This tragic time was made much easier with benefits offered to all members of Family RV Association.
Please put the Medical & Travel Assist phone numbers (along with your FRVA membership number) in your phone for instant access. Be sure to let your friends and family know about this benefit whenever you travel outside 75 miles from home, whether on a road trip or a cruise or anywhere. All this is included with your membership. Such a deal!
– Betty Brewer, F189790
Have a Medical & Travel Assist story to share? Send it to us at magazine@frva.com.
Since October 1, 2020, the Medical & Travel Assist benefit has helped at least
500 Family RV Association members, with claims totaling more than $2 million.
To learn more about the coverages provided by this plan, visit FRVA.com/medical-and-travel-assist.
Annual Membership Meeting Notice
The annual membership meeting of the Family RV Association will take place on Saturday, July 19, 2025, during the 111th International Convention & RV Expo in Gillette, Wyoming.