Sisters on the Fly Land at Williamsburg KOA

Members of Sisters on the Fly, a national outdoor adventure group for women, met and stayed at the Williamsburg KOA the first weekend in December. They came from as far away as Austin, Texas and as close as our backyard of Williamsburg. They came in all ages and from all walks of life. They came in different size campers and also stayed in lodges. The one thing they all had in common, they came together for one glorious weekend to bond with other “Sisters on the Fly”.

Sisters on the Fly was formed in 1999 by two sisters while fishing in Montana. The concept of bringing other women together for fun in the outdoors grew into the present day organization. Today over 8,000 members periodically get together throughout the United States for a wide variety of outdoor activities. The only rules are “No men, no kids, be nice, and have fun.” For their time in Williamsburg, the Sisters took part in the annual Williamsburg Christmas Parade along with other activities in and around Colonial Williamsburg.

I had a chance to talk with Kathy Miller, one of the Sisters. Kathy has been a member for two years now and says it is lots of fun. She is from Southwest Virginia and although she goes camping with her own family, this is “her time” to meet old and new friends and share some laughs. Her favorite activity with her fellow sisters is sitting around a campfire sharing precious conversation. To quote Kathy on her stay at Williamsburg KOA with the Sisters on the Fly, “I do love it!”

So, if you are a woman that loves outdoor adventures with other women, think about joining Sisters on the Fly. For more information visit their website: https://www.sistersonthefly.com. And if you love camping and having fun, come spend some time with us at Williamsburg KOA!

Proud Hosts of the Freedom Hunters for 9 Years

 

For the 9th year in a row, we were extremely proud to welcome the Freedom Hunters to the campground in November. Freedom Hunters is a nonprofit military outreach program dedicated to honoring the men and women of our Armed Services by connecting them with outdoor adventures. The organization works to boost morale, lift spirits, and offer healing to soldiers returning home, families of those deployed, Gold Star families, and wounded warriors through hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities.

Every year, the Freedom Hunters hosts a hunt in the local area. After a long day in the woods, the hunters return to the campground to enjoy a full hookup camping site for their RV or the comfort of one of our cabins. 

A typical adventure begins here in our pavilion. 

On the night the hunters arrive at the campground, the group gathers to discuss the upcoming hunt, but also to swap stories and share in the camaraderie of fellow soldiers.

The next morning, they enjoy breakfast before the sun rises and head to York River State Park for the hunt. Here you can see them at the safety briefing before heading out into the field.

The group had a great time this year. Several deer were harvested and have since graced many tables providing a delicious meal for the hunters involved.

Talking with individuals after the hunt, however, the real prize was time together with family and friends in the great outdoors.

This program is very important to veterans, active military, and their families. It gives those who fight for our liberties a chance to enjoy what some of us take for granted.

In the words of one of the group staff, the importance “for these Active Duty and Retired Veterans to be able to reconnect with fellow military people and enjoy the outdoors that God created is immeasurable.” 

The owners and staff here at Williamsburg KOA want to personally thank all of our military personnel and their families for their commitment and sacrifice in service to our nation. It is our absolute pleasure to be involved with an important organization like Freedom Hunters. Please take the time to do something special for our veterans, active military, and their families during this Holiday Season.

To learn more about Freedom Hunters and their mission please visit https://freedomhunters.org/

Merry Christmas Camping

Perhaps you are much like us here at Williamsburg KOA. The idea of camping during the holidays simply tickles your fancy.

Whether you chose to camp this holiday with a handful of immediate family. Or the whole family, included Grandma, Grandpa, Cousins, Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, and Nephews!

This is sure to be an exciting and special Christmas. The more people the better of course!

Bringing more people not only means more supplies, but more holiday cheer of course! The kids can play with their cousins, while the adults indulge in deep conversation and drinks.

Having more people means more supplies. It means some members of the family are camping, some have trailers or RV’s.

Some family members have special supplies, like Side-by-Sides, ATV’s, dirt bikes. Maybe Grandpa has a fancy traveling BBQ, or other great camping cooking supply!

Between the whole family, you will be set on plenty of cooking supplies for the trip. Which means more space to cook your large holiday meals!

Perhaps uncle Benny has a horse shoe set he brought? Don’t forget to pack up the corn hole game for the whole family to enjoy!

• Let us forget the past and start anew,
  wishing to see you this Christmas!

Celebrate Veterans Day in Virginia

The men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country are honored on the National Veteran’s Day holiday, since President Woodrow Wilson dedicated November 11 as Armistice Day in 1919.

Armistice Day became a legal Federal holiday in 1938, and in 1954 changed to Veteran’s Day to honor American soldiers who fought in any war, not just World War I and II. There are now ceremonies and parades held across the country to commemorate the holiday, including those in cities all across Virginia.

Check https://www.vetfriends.org/ for more celebrations taking place across Virginia. Visit https://virginiacampgrounds.com/ to find RV camping or cabin rentals nearby any of these celebrations and find more news and events for Virginia Campgrounds.

Start an RV Thanksgiving Tradition

Wanting to switch up your traditional Thanksgiving festivities? This could be your best decision yet! Camping and Thanksgiving just naturally go together. It’s as simple as that. From the beautiful Scenery and relaxing aura, to the family feasts and the most important thing to remember- Feeling thankful and giving thanks. Thanksgiving camping is an awesome way to enjoy this year’s holiday to its fullest!

Thanksgiving Camping Ideas with The Kids:

While Moms busy preparing dinner why not entertain the kids with a few thanksgiving themed campsite activities to get them in the spirit?

Here’s a few awesome ideas for camping activity ideas brought to you by Creative Youth Ideas.

Pumpkin Seed Toss

Need a carnival game for Thanksgiving? Participants toss a Bean Bag into the opening of a pumpkin to win prizes in this Thanksgiving themed game. It also includes a small devotional on either “Goals” or “Wholesome speech”

Thanksgiving Bingo

In this Thanksgiving themed variation of “Bingo”, the first person to get all of a row horizontally, vertically, or diagonally yells out “Gobble, Gobble, Gobble”

Cluck, Cluck, Gobble

This Thanksgiving party game is played similar to the classic children’s game “Duck, Duck, Goose” but with some variations to make it a little more sophisticated for youth and adapt it to the Thanksgiving theme.

Another fun and easy thing to do with the kids is bird watching. All you need is a pair of eyes and some binoculars. Super easy yet fun for the whole family.

Last Minute DIY #HalloweenCostumes

Are you excited for Halloween but does the question: “What should I be for this Halloween?!” pop up in your mind every time you think about it? No stress!

If you’ve waited until the very last moment and you need your costume within a few hours and the stores are closed already, there’s no other option than being creative. But don’t be sad. It’s fun and the possibilities are endless. Just dive into your wardrobe, (or your father’s, mother’s, brother’s, sister’s,) and you’ll find something useful; I promise. For example, use an umbrella and crepe paper to make a jelly fish costume. Or use a cap, a ball and blue dungarees to dress as your Pokemon trainer. Another fun option: grab a striped t-shirt, white gloves and some make-up and you instantly look like a pantomimist. Easy and fun, right? So, you’re sure to make the best of your Halloween this year!

Why Thanksgiving Camping Is The New Favorite Thing:

Some families may wonder why anyone would want to go camping, on a holiday? Aren’t you supposed to be home and tucked in for the day on Thanksgiving or Christmas? 

Here are 3 great reasons to go camping on Thanksgiving.

1.      Time to slow down. Thanksgiving is supposed to be a day we take into account all of the things we have to be thankful for. We slow down our schedules and our commitments, and we just relax together. Whether it’s football, a card game or telling embarrassing family stories that gather us around the table. Camping is the perfect way to gather everyone together and focus on what’s most important in life! 

2.      Family Time! If you’re like any average family, you may find it challenging to get in a word between TV and texting. Getting your gang outdoors and away from all the distractions is a great idea! Go outside in the fresh air to toss a football, go hiking, or tease each other with old tales, is a fun way to connect with your family and closest friends.

3.      Shortened Meal Prep. This could be one of the best reasons of all! Everyone knows how long it takes to prepare the traditional Thanksgiving meal! From desserts to favorite sides, and homemade bread, the work is astounding. Then the cleanup lasts for hours. Campfire meal prep for Thanksgiving ensures a drastically reduced meal prep time and clean up time while still allowing for post-turkey napping and football, live of course.

Do something different this Thanksgiving, Go Camping at Williamsburg KOA!