o How have you built community while being on the road?
RVers are awesomely friendly, but if you land at a park and hide away inside your rig the whole time, you’d never know it. The first trick is to be outgoing and gregarious – talk to your neighbors, host a potluck at the picnic tables, join in when they’re doing the “lawn-chairs-and-beer” social hour or the campfire-debate thing. If you can make it to a rally here or there, I highly recommend it – talk about concentrated community, all in one location! And once you get to know these folks, connect with them either via social networking or by getting their contact info. It helps you both keep in touch and meet up again when your paths cross the next time.
This is a lesson I’ve learned to use, not just with RVers but my whole community. I work hard to stay connected with my long-term tribe, and when I travel, I do my best to plan routes that allow me to spend time with family, friends, and others from varying points in my past. Make new friends, but keep the old – once a Girl Scout, always a Girl Scout!
o Are there many community events, clubs or organizations you have gotten involved with?
I’m always joining meetups, volunteer efforts, outdoor groups, and artistic endeavors as I travel. I’ve attended book club meetings and helped put on theater productions. By staying connected to my community I’ve joined caving grottos, herds of hikers and schools of scuba divers. I’ve played in community bands and sung with amateur choruses. I’ve connected with a wide range of demographics and I’ve hung out with painters and creative writers, spent time with wine-tasters and dive-bar detectives. I’ve participated in craft shows, volunteered at scout events, served meals at soup kitchens, and repainted schools. There is no reason to NOT get involved when you’re an RVer!
o What is your best advice to someone trying to build a community of friends while traveling?
It’s just like building a community anywhere else – you have to invest some time and effort, and get involved. You can’t sit home and expect a whole support network to fall in your lap!
