Nearly 150 member families of the Ontario Provincial Association
of the Family Campers and Rvers gathered in Blyth, Ontario for their annual Spring OPA Campout.

Photos by Harold Merton

Hosted by the ladies of OPA, the campout was an introduction into the location of this year's FCRV National CampVention which will be held in Canada.

While the weather did not co-operate the fabulous Blyth and District Community Center worked out very well allowing most of the functions to take place indoors on the upstairs floor of the Community Centre. There was even an elevator to take those who could not manage the stairs to the upper floor.

Registration took place on Friday of the May long weekend and members were parked by chapters according to pre-registration. The evening entertainment program was hosted by "Sweet Wilhemina" a colorful character that looked remarkably similar to one of our long-time camping friends.

The " sweet lady" (who had apparently come out of retirement for the event) acted as MC in place of Melanie McKellar the regular MC who was detained and was not able to make the Friday night show. It is remarkable at what extent some people will go to keep the show on the road. The performance was enjoyed by many and "she" received a lot of personal comments. In the evening hospitality was held upstairs hosted by the Oxford Rovers. Early Saturday morning the day started off with a walk and a bike ride by the Self-propelled Campers group. At 9:30 opening ceremonies were held along with hospitality by the Steering Committee Adult games had to be postponed due to the rain but the youth activities got underway inside. Campers dropped off chapter scrapbooks and individual youngsters dropped off their posters - both for competitions. (Pictures of some of the winning posters are featured in this issue). Again FCRV members brought their pop can pull-tabs to raise money for Ronald McDonald House. At noon a number of chapter representatives were busy setting up for project sales and campout organizers prepared articles of the Penny Auction.
A half hour later the doors were opened and the huge room was a hive of activity as chapters attempted to raise funds and people put their draw tickets on the Penny Auction items that interested them. This is one of the most popular activities at the OPA events and it does a
good job of raising funds for special projects.

At supper time the hall filled quickly as campers sat down to an absolutely fabulous roast beef dinner put on by the local legion. There was plenty of food and it was absolutely delicious. I can't remember having better roast beef anywhere else.. After supper presentations were made3 to a number of chapters as well as anniversary and year certificates for OPA members who had belonged to the group for milestone year marks. Entertainment followed the official program and hospitality was provided by the Ausable River Nomads.

Sunday morning again started with an SPC walk and bike ride followed by door prizes and a Disaster training program. A Poor Person lunch of hot dogs, hamburgers etc. Fed many just prior to the annual OPA meeting for the adults. A number of important pieces of business were presented.

At the same time the youth were having their own activities. Another tradition took place mid afternoon as the SPC people presented
their ice cream sundae project. For just a dollar they receive a good
serving of ice cream (purchased locally) and trimmed off with a huge
selection of toppings. This is a popular function and continued for some
time.

Sunday evening campers headed to the Community Center again for the church service. At 8 p.m. Awards were presented for conservation, OPA and youth. Many people were honored including those who won the chapter scrapbook awards and the youngsters who won the conservation poster contest. Winners posters will be entered in the national competition at CampVention in July. Entertainment followed with hospitality by the Ontario Fireflies.On Monday the weather had improved considerably and campers enjoyed a coffee compliments of the Steering Committee. It was then time to begin preparations for the trip home. It has been some time since we had the pleasure of attending an OPA spring or fall campout and we thoroughly enjoyed it this year. "The Calm Before The Storm" campout as it was billed (because it was prior to the annual CampVention to be held on the same site) was hosted by the ladies of FCRV/OPA. Marilyn Stobbart, chairperson and Linda Deline, co chairperson were assisted by a number of other members including: Debbie Black, Ralph Deline, Mabel & Lorne Douglas, Lisette Kemp, Connie Skillings, Grace Roszel, Elsie Grant, Jean Bedford, Paula Dodd, Melanie McKellar, Sharon Sandau, Marg Henderson, Mary and Mark Haig, Rob and Diane Proper, Dave Skillings, Edith Bradshaw, Terry-Lyn Deline, Darlene Wiltsie, Jim Stobbart, Carl Wood, Harry Hebbourn, Ian Jamieson, Sylvia Powers, Camy Hicks, Faye and Terry Swanburg and Ruth Robins.