Roll’n Rebels

The sunny state of Florida can lay claim to one of FMCA’s first chapters — the Roll’n Rebels, which was chartered in July 1968. Thirty-six years later, it’s still a strong group that stays active by rallying at least once a month, from September to May.

Roll’n Rebels rallies have a fairly regular structure. Most rallies are held on weekends, officially starting on Friday night with a happy hour, which later is followed by a relaxing communal dinner. It is not uncommon for members to arrive on Thursday for an extra evening of togetherness. Saturday is filled with games such as beanbag baseball, dominoes, bocce, or cards. “We like to play cards — never for money, just for fun,” said chapter vice president Frank Colletti, F255442. For most games, they usually form teams consisting of either couples or women versus men. After a day of friendly competition, chapter members enjoy formal entertainment, or they have a special themed evening. On Sunday the rally wraps up with a continental breakfast and farewells until next time.

Frank and his wife, Sheila, chapter secretary and treasurer, always look forward to Roll’n Rebels rallies, Frank said. The more involved members are in a chapter, the more opportunities they have for fun, as they know firsthand from holding officers’ positions and participating in chapter activities.

An important avenue for involvement includes volunteering, which, according to Frank, is an essential part of rallies. “It’s so much more fun to be a part of it,” he said. He remembered one rally in particular at which he and Sheila participated in a parade. They got more out of their experience than if they had just been watching it, he said.

“Volunteering is a very important part of the aspect of motorhoming,” Frank added. And the Roll’n Rebels are no strangers to volunteering, as many members volunteer at chapter and area rallies, and at FMCA’s international conventions. The chapter currently has 44 member families.

As many FMCA members know, fellow chapter members can quickly become close friends, because they share common interests in their RVing lifestyles. After Frank and Sheila switched from trailer camping to motorhoming about five years ago, they didn’t waste too much time on their own. “We immediately joined a chapter, because we realized how important chapters are,” Frank said. “The chapter becomes another family for you.” He said they made friends along the trail while camping, but not like they have with the Roll’n Rebels. “It just opened up a whole new world for us.”

The Roll’n Rebels chapter is open to any FMCA member who can make it to the rallies, which are held within central Florida, the chapter's scope. This chapter welcomes new members, and is open to their different ideas as well. The membership believes that new people with new ideas are key to a successful chapter, Frank said. Dues are $10, and members receive a chapter newsletter monthly before each rally.

For more information about the Roll’n Rebels, contact FMCA’s Chapter Services Department at (800) 543-3622.