The Lewis & Clark TT Chapter

By Peggy Jordan
FMC Associate Editor

Does the Lewis & Clark TT chapter participate in buckskin-clad rendezvous and camp in teepees? Are its members historical experts who can tell you the tiniest of details about the journey of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark?

These questions have been posed by outsiders curious about the group's name. Longtime chapter member and current treasurer Vivian Bernhard, F70468, admitted that it's kind of funny that the name evokes such curiosity, but said the chapter is "just like any of the chapters" in FMCA. Chapter national director and past president Jonathan "Duke" Snyder, F256578, recalled that serious Lewis and Clark trail students stayed at a chapter rally with them once. "We wound up gaining more information from them than they did from us," he added with a laugh.

What really distinguishes the chapter is that its members belong to Thousand Trails, a membership-based campground group, which is where the "TT" in the name comes from. The "Lewis & Clark" part was chosen when the chapter formed in 1986, because, like Lewis and Clark, these motorhomers are travelers, too.

The group is one of four FMCA chapters for those who belong to Thousand Trails/NACO/Leisure Time, a system of membership campgrounds — called "preserves" — in 16 states and British Columbia, Canada. The Lewis & Clark TT chapter is geared toward members who live in British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon, and its rallies take place at preserves in that region.

Since chapter members already belong to the system, they can enjoy get-togethers at a very low cost. Rally fees are usually $5, which pays strictly for the food. "It's great for us," Duke said. "That's why we try and support the TT preserves and hope they support us as well in return."

The salespeople who work at the preserves are used to seeing groups of RVers coming in to learn more about the facilities — and possibly join the system. So it's not surprising that when Lewis & Clark TT members contact a facility, they are sometimes thought of as a group of prospective customers. But Vivian said that once the staff learns what's going on, "It always works out great."

As a form of appreciation, and to keep the goodwill going, the chapter awards a recognition plaque each year to the TT preserve that has offered the chapter the greatest amount of support. The honor is voted by chapter members at the end of the rally season, after the group has visited several different facilities. "It's really difficult, because most of the preserves are going to rate up there at the top," Duke said.

The number of rallies each year was increased, a suggestion that came from newer members. This year rallies are set for April through October. In addition to these get-togethers, two meets are traditionally held on the same date in February: one for chapter members who spend the cold-weather months in Southern California, and the other for those who remain up north.

Rallies during the warmer months typically involve 20 coaches, sometimes more. Altogether, the chapter has approximately 70 member families. Vivian said that rally activities include plenty of outdoor games, weather permitting. Duke invented one of the chapter games, a variation of horseshoes. "Then we play cards in the evening," Vivian said. "We have potlucks, or eat at the preserve."

They also share information with each other about the best places to eat; where to get good mechanical help; and other tips that can be useful for motorhome travelers. These facts also can find their way into the chapter newsletter, which members receive every few months.

Lewis & Clark TT members share with others in more ways than one. Leftover rally funds are collected and donated to local, FMCA, and national causes. Chapter members also donate their time and energy by volunteering at FMCA conventions. They worked on the trams during the 2001 summer convention in Redmond, Oregon, and will do so again this summer when FMCA returns to Redmond for its 72nd international convention in August.

"We love it," Vivian said. "That tram thing is really fun." She added with a laugh, "That was the only time I got to tell my husband when to go and when to stop."

More information about the Lewis & Clark TT chapter is available from FMCA's Chapter Services Department at (800) 543-3622.