A fantastic group of RVFTA podcast listeners gathered last weekend at the Philadelphia/West Chester KOA for our second go around at this whole rally thing.

Rallies aren’t so popular with our generation, so we felt like we were taking a risk last spring when we decided to host one for the first time. In short, it was a smashing success and everyone refused to wait an entire year to gather again.

Enter the RVFTA 2015 Fall Rally.

We are pretty convinced that the heart of a successful family camping rally is lots of free time for kids to run around and play together, while parents get to sit around and talk. Keeping the schedule loose and flexible worked like a charm once again, and while we offered plenty of suggestions for activities, families were free to figure it out as they went.

Some went fishing, while others walked the nature trails. And someone loved his afternoon canoe ride on the Brandywine.

While some enjoyed the fine arts…

Others appreciated life’s simpler pleasures.

Rally attendees–and area locals–Bill and Karen led a class trip to The Market at Liberty Place in Kennett Square where we enjoyed ridiculously good fare at Buddy’s Burgers. The kids claimed a table for themselves and we were happy to oblige.

Then there was coffee (of course) at the local craft roaster, Philter Coffee.

And the organized festivities…

We celebrated our podcast’s 1st birthday with an adorable craft organized by listeners Leslie and Philip.

And then they put hats on our heads, lit candles, and sang Happy Birthday because our listeners are just that awesome.

A White Elephant game followed with some serious trading and back room deals. The Toas Tite was a popular pick, but a dark horse favorite was a Camp Casual t-shirt that all the men seemed to want.

And Darryl won the grand prize of a two-night stay at any KOA by knowing virtually everything there is to know about our podcast.

Potluck dinner, our own special craft brew, movies under the stars, trick or treating, and (of course) roaring campfires.

The activities were fun. The food was delicious. The weather was mostly spectacular. But ultimately, the magic is because of the people.

Maybe we have just been super duper lucky to gather some of the chillest folks around who happen to dig camping podcasts. We left both rallies amazed at what a wonderful time we had with a bunch of families that barely knew each other and yet were united by a common commitment to venturing out and connecting with their kids in the great outdoors.

We have decided there is something to be said for this old-fashioned rally tradition. Social media may help us connect and find people who share similar interests and passions. But relationships really develop when you share a meal…and some s’mores.

We can’t wait to hang with old friends and new at the RVFTA 2016 Spring Rally at Lake in Wood Campground in Narvon, PA. Hope to see you at the potluck!

To hear more about our rally, and to hear some great interviews with rally attendees, listen to podcast episode #60: Fall Rally Roundup!