Escapees July-August 2024

By KIRSTY HALLIDAY #115499, Hangouts Director

ees have invested in solar technology and, consequently, can successfully dry-camp for long periods of time. It is also easier to fi nd larger-scale parking for boondocking which permits larger group gatherings. Convergence schedules will be quiet during the day so attendees can work without much distraction. They can meet up in the evenings for local social activities, and then go all out on weekends when they have the availability and energy to party hard! ESCAPEES HANGOUTS Escapees Hangouts are structured for those active RVers who have the availability to participate during the day, with activities starting in the morning and continuing throughout the evening. All activities are optional so you can take a timeout whenever needed. They are usually based in a full-hookup campground and hosted by club members, so a Hangout timing is based on both the hosts and the campgrounds availability to accommodate 30 RVs. The mostly week-long events are to achieve a campground discount, as well as fi t in a busy schedule with sights that the host wants to share with you, as well as community events both in and out of camp, to encourage camaraderie and fellowship amongst attendees. Some events will be included in the registration price when group rates are preferable, while some may remain optional to allow for choice. Both Convergences and Hangout events make use of attendees’ own vehicles to get around, plus car pooling serves as an opportunity for meeting others at the event. ESCAPEES HOP EVENTS Escapees HOP events (Director, Lisa Koca) are the club’s premier events that target unique locations, special events and theme-related activities. You might stay in your own RV or the HOP may feature more far-off travels by plane with a hotel stay. There can be a lot more packed into a HOP schedule: motorcoach transportation, guided tours, admission tickets, lodging reservations and some catered meals. Some of the most popular HOP events focus on events and activities that would be more dif fi cult to plan on your own, such as the Rose Parade, in California; Mardi Gras, in New Orleans; the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, in New Mexico and international tours and cruises.

A great time was had “hanging out” at Escapade where many new RVers got to learn about our club community events. Then, they mingled at a Hangouts Happy Hour, converging with friends from past events and meeting others whose paths will cross at the upcoming Hangouts in Oregon, Tennessee and Florida. It was clear from the Hang outs presentation that many members still get confused between the various community o ff erings within the club. I mean, there’s so much choice, where does one start? O ur intention is never to confuse you or tell you which event you can or can’t go to! You are always welcome to attend any and every club event that meets your interest, budget and schedule; however, we aspire to clearly communicate the differences, because some events may be more appeal ing to your interests, your availability and your budget than others. We try to put as much information into the event websites as possible in order to assist with your decision-making. There are logistical differences, such as the following, and there can always be slight depar tures from these details. XSCAPERS CONVERGENCES Xscapers Convergences (Director, Hollie Parks) help provide RVers who are working on the road, the oppor tunity to meet up in person. These events are usually at a lower price-point as they mostly utilize boondocking locations. This is because many of the working attend

Escapees Events Comparison

Active, adventurous, working age RVers

Target Audience

Active RVers

Premier Events

Camping Type

Dry

Full Hookups/Dry

Full Hookups

Size

50-200 rigs

30rigs

30-60rigs

More (all day/evening)

Activities included

Few (evenings/weekends)

All

Meals included

No

Few

Many

Personal vehicles and carpooling

Transportation

Mostly onsite activities

Motorcoach

Price

$0-400

$400-900

$900-2600

MEMBER SECTION

64

ESCAPEES Magazine July/August 2024