Safari International

Safari motorhome owners get together for fun, fellowship, and technical support.

By Ralph Cerney, F249507

It's been 20 years since the Safari International chapter was formed for FMCA members who own Safari coaches. Time certainly flies by! We are celebrating with special events this year, including an anniversary rally July 1 through 5 in Iowa's Amana Colonies. During the gathering attendees can visit with new and old friends; take tours; play games; attend seminars; and enjoy great food. Contact rally masters Jim and Carol Avallone at cjavallone@juno.com or (321) 431-1943 for further details.

After two decades, Safari International's main mission is still the same: to give Safari owners an opportunity to meet. And we do. From Mount Hood, Oregon, to Orlando, Florida, and everywhere in between, we hold rallies year-round. We have seven geographical regions, each of which hosts a four- to five-day rally each year. Breakfasts and dinners are always a highlight of a rally, and the catering of those meals meets with everyone’s approval. During the day, seminars and craft sessions give members a chance to learn a new hobby or discover new products. Glass etching and wood turning are two examples of the many hobbies demonstrated by chapter members.

Sharing is also what SI members do the best. Many evenings, after entertainment, small groups can be seen meeting under an awning visiting and talking with friends. Perhaps they’re discussing the tour they will take the following day, or the golf course where the rally master has set up tee times. Sometimes members feel there isn’t enough time to do everything, and they are right. But the wide-ranging variety of things to do allows everyone to participate in something they enjoy.

In addition to these seven rallies, we meet prior to each FMCA international convention. We also meet twice a year at "homecoming" rallies put on by Monaco Coach Corporation. Safari International is sponsored by Monaco, and company technicians, in many cases, provide parts, service, and support during the homecoming rallies. Seminars presented by Monaco representatives, various vendors, and fellow chapter members all help solve those big and small issues that sometimes arise with coaches. No matter your Safari's age or size, you can benefit from the vast resources available to all members.

If you currently own a Safari motorhome or are a former chapter member who now owns another brand, we welcome you to join us. Dues are $12 per year and include a quarterly newsletter and access to the chapter’s Web site and discussion forum at www.Safari-International.org. Chapter information and applications can be found on the Web site; or, you may contact chapter membership director Mary Cerney at dowmac11@aol.com or (352) 787-3026. Rebecca Farset at Monaco also can provide info; e-mail Rebecca.farset@monacocoach.com; (800) 634-0855, ext. 8336. For general information about FMCA chapters, contact the Chapter Services Department at (800) 543-3622.

If you would like to have your chapter featured in "Chapter Spotlight," contact FMC associate editor Peggy Jordan at (800) 543-3622, ext. 212; or e-mail pjordan@fmca.com.