We are now approaching our second "Christmas in Camp" and looking forward to the quiet season that goes along with RV Life during this time of year. While we enjoy the business of the regular season and the wonderful guests that frequent our RV Park, Winter is just as special in a different sort of way. Our Full Time RV Life didn't begin with really any planning or forethought. It began with the purchase of an RV Park where we decided to live for a short time in the existing owners apartment residence. After a year and the hiring of a full time Park Manager, we suddenly had placed ourselves in a rapidly approaching "homeless" situation. Since our manager and her husband would be moving into the apartment we had been occupying, we needed to find a solution quick!
During the stress of trying to figure out do we buy or rent something, Shelley suggested, "We own a campground, lets get a camper and just pick a nice spot until we figure something else out." A week later, we were full time RVer's.
Part of what made the decision easy was being near other full timers in our camp and seeing their easy going, simple lifestyle. Many were full time Workampers for us and others were just living the Full Time RV life and, seemingly, enjoying it immensely.
I think the most appealing part of the life was perhaps the sense of community that develops in a campground among the full timers. The typical "large" RV may only be a couple hundred square feet of living space. This naturally results in finding ways to extend the living beyond the walls of the camper. The immediate space of the site is the first "expansion living space." After that, the central fire pit, the office coffee and pastry station, The pool area and then the pavilion all make up part of the connection to the Camp Community.
When that much outside interaction is taking place, a sense of family develops very naturally. In our camp, the full timers have decided that it is important to gather for meals on a monthly basis and take in the local shows, attractions and entertainment together. (Did I mention that we are situated just on the outskirts of Branson MO with it's hundreds of tourist destinations) The frequent meals and gatherings typically include invitations that are extended to the many part timers and even many of our nightly guests. This extends the camp family experience to others. Often times the food part of the experience is accompanied by a music gathering as well!
But back to the Christmas Season. This year there seems to have been an extra effort in camp to adorn the campers, many of the buildings, the treehouses and cabins, random trees and other unsuspecting structures with Christmas lights. When driving through camp this season, there is definitely a festive atmosphere on display.
This morning I made my way to the office for coffee and a donut. Randy already had a nice warm fire going in the community fire ring. Kim, his wife who is also our office manger arrived soon as did my wife Shelley. A couple of our workampers stopped by as they were preparing to travel back home to Michigan for Christmas with their family.
Others drifted in and out of the warmth of the campfire either out for a walk or tending to camp business. Today, the fire even included some of the show ticket people from town who were bringing this weeks show specials to the office. Soon we will be hearing the Saturday version of the two Silver Dollar City Steam Trains as they carry guests in the colorfully lighted Christmas Train rides. Once evening arrives the sound of Christmas Carols will echo through the woods and into camp from the giant musical Christmas tree there.
Do I like Christmas in Camp?
I like Camp period!
Christmas is just a special time in camp and an experience that one should not miss! Even if it's just a weekend.
You are welcome by our fire and welcome to a cup of hot coffee.
Come and See us Sometime. Share some of our Christmas Joy.
If you do not have a camper OR if it's already winterized for the year, we have cabins and treehouse cabins that are available all year.
www.bransontreehouseadventures.com
417-338-2500
