April 23, 2025 • 60 mins
In this inspiring episode I (Patti Hunt) sit down with Janine Pettit to explore the empowering world of solo female travel and community camping. Broadcasting from Spacious Skies Country Oaks Campground in Dorothy, New Jersey, Janine and I share stories from their weekend among women of all ages embracing the freedom and confidence of RV travel. They’re joined by several members of the Girl Camper community, who share their transformative journeys into the RV lifestyle. From first-time solo campers to seasoned adventurers, this episode is a celebration of courage, connection, and the joy of the open road.
*Please note sound is clear but it is a little echoey as it was recorded on location in a large room.
Janine Pettit: Camper and Chief of Girl Camper
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hi friends, it's Patti.
I'm so excited to bring youthis week's episode all about an
incredible getaway with JaninePettit and the Girl Campers.
Just a heads up while the audiois nice and clear, you might
notice it's a bit echoey.
It was recorded on location ina large hall.
(00:21):
I am always working to bringyou the best quality RVing
podcasts, but when you record onlocation it isn't always
perfect.
Let's dive in Girl care forsolar camping and it is not what
you think.
I'm Patty Hunt and you'relistening to the RV Life Podcast
(00:42):
to the RV Life Podcast.
Speaker 2 (00:49):
Patty, it's so good to see you.
I'm Janine Pettit, founder ofGirl Camper, editor-in-chief of
Girl Camper Magazine and co-hostof the Girl Camper Podcast.
But we're bringing all thisfeminine energy together.
This weekend we are campingdown here in south jersey at
spacious skies, beautifulcampground country oaks and we
got women with stories to tell.
(01:10):
So cut back and we're going tolet you know if you have what it
takes to be a girl camper thiswhole idea of girl camping solo
camping has been very different.
Speaker 1 (01:20):
for me, and just to give both of our listeners a
little backstory, I wasfull-time on the road with my
husband for over three years.
We did a lot of miles togetherso I never thought about the
whole solo camping.
I've got to be honest yeah.
And over the last year, as somepeople know, life's changed for
me and now this idea of solocamping.
So I've been trying to decide.
(01:41):
Do I want to go into a van?
Yeah, so I've been trying todecide.
Speaker 3 (01:43):
Do I want to go into?
Speaker 1 (01:44):
a van, or you know what does that look like?
Well, this past year it hasbeen going to lots of
campgrounds and renting cabins.
This weekend, I'm in a retro RVand learning about Girl Camper.
So tell my listeners about Girl.
Speaker 2 (02:00):
Camper.
So Girl Camper is the largestwomen's camping group in the
whole country.
We have about 450,000 people inour Facebook group.
We have thousands and thousandsof members who are available to
go to Girl Camping events.
We have 20 Girl Camper guidesacross the country just creating
(02:20):
events and mentoring andhelping women get on the road.
Our tagline is we go places andwe do things.
But our secondary tagline isthere is no wrong way to camp
like a girl.
So we don't want people tothink that if you don't have
some cute little tricked outtrailer, you're not one of us.
We've got women here in tents.
We've got women here carcamping.
(02:41):
We've got women here have takenall the seats out of their
minivan and have made a littlebed in there for the weekend.
We've got women in really largetravel trailers and motorhomes.
There is no wrong way to camplike a girl.
We at girl camper want people toknow if you want to make new
friends, if you want tochallenge yourself just a little
bit physically, like let mestay in shape, let me get out
(03:02):
there, let me put myself insituations that you know, if
it's a little scary, that's good, and next time it's a little
more scary, and I think that'show we keep getting too old and
set in our ways.
But girl camper seeks to be thecommunity that helps you and
says don't be afraid, we gotyour back or you know what else.
It's okay to be afraid becausewe all were at one time and we
(03:25):
will have your back and theseyou know what else.
It's okay to be afraid becausewe all were at one time and we
will have your back and thesewomen will circle around you
like mother hens and we're goingto make sure you're okay.
So that's what we do and I'vegot to say my experience.
Speaker 1 (03:35):
I came down and invited me to come.
I just said, yes, I did notknow she didn't hesitate, I just
said she asked.
I said yes, hesitate, I justsaid she asked.
I said yeah, I had no idea.
Well, I also brought my 26 yearold, 27 she'll be 27 next month
daughter along.
She's behind the camera, so Ibrought her to help do video,
(03:58):
but she jumped in as well andshe was so welcomed and it was
just a cool thing to see peopleof all ages, ladies of all ages,
again I didn't haveexpectations, did not know what
to expect and it has just beenso much fun and, like you said,
I feel comfortable.
(04:19):
We went to bed last night andyou know we're in a, like I said
, retro rv.
In this campground we've neverbeen before and among strangers,
among strangers and we justfelt safe yeah because, if
you're out there as as women,yeah you know it's.
It was a great safe feeling.
Yeah, and today I left the rv.
(04:39):
Yeah, lock the door.
Yeah, you were locking ityesterday.
Speaker 2 (04:42):
I'm like you don't have to lock it, yeah don't
bother yeah, you don't have tolike it.
Yeah, but what's, what'sinteresting about this is, um, I
love talking.
We're going to talk to some uh,the girl campers individually
today, because it's alwaysfascinating to me, like what
made you come?
Why did you want to?
What are you seeking?
What problem are we solving atgirl camper?
(05:02):
You know, we really approacheverybody like.
We know that there's just veryvaried reasons people want to
get out here.
You know, for me personally, Iwork at home and when I get out
to the campground it's just newfaces, a fresh place to be.
Somehow, when I'm here, I feeleverything come down, literally.
(05:25):
I drive in here on a weekendand I smell campfire.
I think something happens in mybrain.
I just I get here, so for me, Ialways want to like share that
with people and let people knowthat you can have this
experience too.
And if you've never beencamping before, you know.
So I always like I'm interestedin people's backstory.
(05:46):
Like were you a girl scout?
What did you do when you wereyoung?
Did you grow up family camping?
It's always fascinating to methe women who are like I never
camped before.
I saw you people online and Ithought that looks like so much
fun.
And one woman told me I've beenfollowing you for two years
just because I'm fascinated bywomen who do stuff like this.
And she said early on two yearsago I thought, oh, look at
(06:09):
those ladies, but they're reallybrave.
I mean, those are people likethat's not who I am.
And she said after two years oflistening to your podcast and
following you.
She said I pulled into an RVdealership one day and drove
away with a teardrop.
Speaker 1 (06:23):
So it was all your fault.
Speaker 2 (06:24):
Don't blame me.
So she got courage over time.
Speaker 1 (06:28):
Yes, and I have to say that for me realizing one of
the big things I realized.
So A to answer your questions,I never camped as a kid.
I RVed a total of seven nightsbefore I jumped in with both
feet full time, and it wasduring COVID.
A total of seven nights beforeI jumped in with both feet full
time, and it was during COVID.
I probably would not have doneit if it weren't during COVID.
(06:50):
I was like why not?
And there's the what couldpossibly go wrong.
And I loved it.
I when when we met, we metseveral years ago, you were
actually the first interview onthe podcast.
Speaker 2 (07:04):
I heard that.
I remember that I was the topthree still that episode or
whatever so people obviouslywant to know.
Speaker 1 (07:15):
But what I was most shocked about was these ladies
have husbands and family at homeyeah, I've had it in my head
that solo women met single women.
Speaker 2 (07:27):
Single women yes, you know what.
One of these days we're goingto do a survey and get the
number.
But the majority of womensitting around that campfire are
married and men are up thereand you're raising your family
and they're golfing and they'refishing and they're and they're
having hobbies, and women arekind of doing what women do.
(07:47):
And then we get to an age like55 and it's like, oh you know,
I'm empty nesting, I can dothings.
Now he's got his thing going.
What's for me?
Speaker 1 (07:57):
right, but I have to tell you I have, do you know?
I have five kids between these.
Four of them are married andwhen you look at people who are
married, they have kids.
They're managing the job, thekids grocery shopping.
They don't often have time forthemselves and I'm finding, and
I'm hoping, that women today,while they're raising their kids
(08:20):
, doing the job, doing all thethings they do, that they take
time for themselves.
So I don't want them to waituntil they're 50 and 55 to get
out there and take care ofthemselves, and it was nice to
see women here that are younger,that probably still have their
young kids.
Speaker 2 (08:36):
Oh yeah, we've got women here who still have kids
in high school.
You know, no shade on men, buta lot of, because I'm sure
they're perfectly capable.
A lot of women have the mindsetthat I've got to be there to
make sure it gets done correctlyand we've got to change that.
(08:56):
I'll tell you a funny story.
I still laugh so hard aboutthis.
So my youngest daughter was inlike seventh grade.
I still laugh so hard aboutthis.
So my youngest daughter was inlike seventh grade.
We were down in Gatlinburg,Tennessee, camping all the girls
on the most gorgeous fall dayand I text my husband in the
morning and I said don't forgetthat Monique has confirmation
retreat today.
She has to be at the church at10 am.
(09:18):
Gotcha, I'll get her thereright About 10.30,.
He sends me a text.
You didn't tell me parents hadto stay, okay.
So now I'm in a vineyard, we'reat a winery and we're having
like these juicy, farm-to-tableorganic burgers, glasses of wine
(09:41):
, the sun is shining and he'stexting me.
We're on our way to the church.
Now for section three of ourday.
And I'm just laughing all daylong and I'm like, and I'm just
not writing back, but welcome tomy world right you know, but
guess what?
Speaker 1 (09:56):
it all went off exactly and then it has to
change.
Yeah, one of the first times Iwent away, I went on it was
actually a business trip.
No, I was a teacher.
We were going on someeducational whatever and it
wasn't 12 hours.
Yeah, and I get a text.
Yeah, that he was teachingEmily to play baseball.
Yeah, and she took the ball andhurt me.
Speaker 2 (10:18):
Yeah, yeah, and everybody lived to tell.
Speaker 1 (10:20):
Everybody lived to tell.
I told Dad our younger peopleraising families take time out.
This is an incredible way to dothat and there are different
events hosted in different areas.
Yeah, we've got 20.
Speaker 2 (10:35):
Girl Camper Guides all around the country.
But if you're a Girl Camper andyou're not a guide, you can
approach us anytime and say I'dlove to get everybody together
at my favorite park or myfavorite campground or let's go
for a hike.
So anybody in the communitycome forward and say can I host
an event?
And we'd love you to do that.
But I'm so glad today becausewe're going to get to talk.
You and I are going to take someturns here talking to some of
(10:57):
the women here about what it isthat drove them to be a girl
camper, and I think theirstories are all very different.
So drove them to be a girlcamper, and I think their
stories are all very different.
So we're going to take a break.
We're going to have an ad fromyour sponsor and then one of our
sponsor and we're going to comeback and Patty is going to be
talking to Denise, one of myfavorite girl campers in the
whole wide world, about herevolution as a girl camper and
(11:20):
what she is doing out there.
We'll be right back.
Speaker 1 (11:32):
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Today I'm with Denise Schwartzand we were sitting around last
night having s'mores andchatting and it was just
(13:01):
wonderful.
So I have so much to talk toyou about.
First of all, girl camper.
How long have you been a girlcamper?
Speaker 3 (13:08):
about four years now four years.
Why the question?
So I don't even know.
Janine knows the story.
But, um, I retired four yearsago.
But before I retired I startedlooking around for trailers
because I was going to be myretirement gift to myself.
I grew up camping as a kid,always loved camping and
(13:29):
unfortunately my ex-husband whoI'm not divorced from didn't
like camping at all, so I didn'tcamp all the years I was
married.
But anyway, I started lookingat trailers and I went on a
vacation with my sisters to theOuter Banks.
On our way into the Outer Bankswe went past this RV dealer and
(13:50):
I saw this trailer that I hadbeen interested in online at
this dealership.
So I said to my daughter I said, on our way home, I want to
leave a little early, we'regonna stop at this dealership.
So we went in, we looked at thetrailer and so I was telling
the gentleman, the salesman inthere.
I said, yeah, I'm going to buysomething in about a year when I
retire.
And I said but then I want totravel around, you know?
(14:12):
And he said by yourself.
I said, well, yeah, you know.
And he said well, you know, Ihave a card here for this group.
They're called Girl Campers.
Wow, and it was a business card.
And he said I don't know awhole lot about them, but I know
they sponsor camping trips forwomen you know around the
country.
I said, oh great, yeah.
So I took that card and I putit away.
(14:35):
Well, sure enough.
So then when I retired and Ibought my trailer, I didn't get
that trailer, but I got atouring trailer.
I got that, I um, I got that, Irecovered I had that card and I
got the card out and I wentonline and I looked them up and
then I saw that we had a newjersey chapter, and so then I
was able to register online forgirl campers and saw they were
(14:59):
having an event in north jersey.
So that that was my first eventat Camp Taylor and anyway.
But the nice thing about BroadCampers is that you can go to
any of the events anywhere inthe country, because they have
chapters not every state, but alot of states so any events that
(15:19):
they're sponsoring you can signup and go to.
So I had always wanted to go toNashville, tennessee, and so I
saw that they were having anevent in Nashville, so I drove
myself and my trailer.
It was the first long trip thatI took from New Jersey.
It took me three days to godown From New Jersey.
(15:42):
From New Jersey, yeah, I went toVirginia the first day.
Then I stopped at anothercampground.
It was in Tennessee.
It was about four hours fromNashville, but it would have
been too long of a day to go thewhole way.
So I stopped there at FallCreek Falls, which is a
beautiful state park, and then Iwent to Nashville and I was
(16:04):
there.
I think we were there for fivedays, so that was my first out
of state event with Girl Campersand it was just great.
I didn't know any of the women,but everybody, as Janine was
saying and you said, the womenare just so welcoming, you know,
(16:25):
and you instantly make friendswith people.
A woman who I didn't never metbefore her and I we went on a
tour of Nashville and togetherwe spent the day together and
plus they'll do things togetheras a group, so it was really
great and so, yeah, I just fellin love with girl campers and I
(16:48):
just find you know every eventthat I've ever gone to.
Everybody has been great and nowI've made some good friends
that I've actually taken tripswith.
You know just her and I.
You know just her and I, or youknow, sometimes three or four
of us will get together and,just you know, go camping for a
(17:09):
weekend together or what haveyou.
Speaker 1 (17:10):
So you've been hooked ever since.
Oh yeah, and we sat and talkedfor a while yesterday.
It was great connecting.
I also want to talk to youabout because you came up to me.
I said I was with Harvey Lifeand you said I love the app, so
I wanted you used it in adifferent way, and it's funny
because it's way I'm using itnow.
(17:30):
So let's talk about your RVLife app experience.
Speaker 3 (17:33):
Yeah, so three summers ago my daughter and I I
planned a.
It was actually right after Iretired and this was like my
retirement trip, so we she's aschoolteacher and has the
summers off, so I planned asix-week trip at West and so I
(17:55):
was already a member of RV Lifeand so I saw they had, you know,
this cool program that you goon and plan a trip, so that's RV
Trip.
Speaker 1 (18:06):
Wizard for people Right and there will be Trip
Wizard and it is awesome.
Speaker 3 (18:10):
So, because I didn't know how to plan a camping trip
like that and find campgroundsalong the way.
And so first you know, you putin where you're starting, where
you're going to end up, and thenit shows you an RV safe route
on this little map and you putall the information in about
(18:32):
your camping, whether you have atravel trailer or a motorhome
or whatever you have, and youput the height, the weight, the
length, whether you have propaneon board, because a lot of
places, like a lot of tunnels inBaltimore tunnels, you can't go
through with propane on board.
So the RV app will give you asafe route that you can travel
(18:56):
with your RV, based on yourheight and things like that.
And then you can you put inwhat kind of campgrounds you
want to camp at, whether it'sstate parks, and you can do
multiple ones.
So I usually put in state parks, I like KOAs, corps of
Engineers parks, privatecampgrounds, and then you also
(19:21):
put in how many miles a day youlike to drive, like what your
minimum would be and what yourabsolute max is, and so what the
app will do is it puts circlesaround your starting point
according to your minimum, yourmedium and what your max is.
So then once you see that alongyour route, then there's little
(19:43):
icons on this map that you seethat along your route you can.
Then there's little icons onthis map that you see and they
don't have different icons forthe different campgrounds and
you can click on thosecampgrounds and it'll give you
all the information on thatparticular campground.
And the thing I love is thatthey give you reviews so people
(20:04):
like me or anybody else that hasused RV life can go on and
leave a review on the campground.
So because they have thewebsite on there for the
campground.
Well, I don't know, you haveused websites for campgrounds,
but every campground sounds likeit's the Taj Mahal of camping.
But then when you go on andread the reviews some of the
(20:28):
reviews I was like, oh no, Ithink I want to stay there.
So it was very beneficial.
But once you pick out thecampground and then you make
your reservation, you add it toyour trip and so you do that the
whole route.
So this was a six to your tripand so you do that the whole
route.
So this was a six-week trip.
I had 24 campgrounds reservedand it was just awesome.
(20:54):
And then, once you have enteredeverything in there and you put
the price that each campgroundis going to cost you, you can
even put in, if you want, yourgas mileage.
So like approximately how manymiles per gallon do you get,
like when you're towing yourvehicle or driving your vehicle
(21:15):
and I just had to do an averagegas price per gallon, but it'll
give you your total for thewhole trip of what your gas on
average it can't be obviouslyexact and then it gives you your
cost of all your campgrounds,like how, what your total of
that is.
You can even put in there, likehow much a day do you think
(21:36):
you're going to spend on food?
You know, even though you'recamping, you still got to spend
some money.
So at the end you print outyour whole itinerary, so it has
your campgrounds, how many milesa day you're going to be
driving that day, and then, likeI said at the end, gives you
all your totals.
I loved it because I was ableto print it out and I gave a
(22:01):
copy to each of my sisters sothat they knew, because every
day I would text them at the endof the day and say we made it
to our next destinations andthat's and I was going to talk
about you something I don't have.
Speaker 1 (22:16):
You did my job.
I use the RV light pro suiteproducts.
I have been using it for overfour years.
I promote it.
Anybody that does not have itthat wants to check it out.
There is a link in the shownotes for 25% off, so I want to
put that out there.
You've explained it well Now.
I never printed it out.
(22:36):
I was all digital.
You can share your itinerarywith somebody that either has
the app or does not have the app, so every time I would go from
one place to another.
You know, for safety reasons,if somebody didn't know where I
was, I could just send it tothem in a text or an email and
(22:56):
they knew exactly where I wasgoing to be on what day.
It's easy to change and itwould change the information to
them if you do it electronicallyyeah, I love, or every life,
like I said those.
Speaker 3 (23:08):
I've done two long trips, six week long trips,
using that app and I canhonestly say it's an invaluable
app to use.
It takes a you know it's alittle learning curve learning
it, but once you understand howto do it all and I'm 69 years
old, so I'm not the mosttech-savvy person but I was able
(23:30):
to figure it out and thereforethe price that they charge you,
because then you also get theGPS directions on your phone so
I can hook it right up throughmy truck and so it comes up on
my screen, because I don't havea GPS actually in my truck.
So it goes through from my AppleiPhone and so it gives me the
(23:54):
directions as I'm traveling thatday.
So that's it.
It's like having a free GPS,free trip planning.
I should say free, but I meanfor the price you pay per year,
it's cheap.
Speaker 1 (24:08):
It is very inexpensive and right now it's
$65 a year.
For the first year you get 25%off.
So you're talking less than $50.
And I was talking to someladies last night Like that $65
that you're locked in, they willnever raise the price.
You pay that same price everyyear.
I didn't know, you didn't know,right?
(24:30):
So I think I'm paying 39dollars like 50 yeah, yeah.
Speaker 3 (24:35):
So there's that and they're 65 dollars.
I still think that yes, yes.
Speaker 1 (24:41):
So all you get from that, yes, yes, well, thank you
so much.
I look forward to tonight andthe activities and getting to
know you better and more of thegirl campers.
I appreciate it, thank you.
Speaker 2 (24:54):
Hi friends, we're back and I would love to
introduce you to Mary BethDonnelly Rose, one of our New
Jersey girl campers.
It is good to see you again.
Thanks for coming Our people ofcamp out.
I always like to go a littlebit backwards with people and
ask them what their campinghistory is.
Were you a Girl Scout?
Did you grow up camping, familycamping?
(25:16):
I was a Girl Scout.
I stayed in Girl Scouts throughhigh school because of the
camping.
And then, when I first gotmarried, I had a baby and I
became a cadet leader to takethem camping.
I did that for a few years, andthen nothing until my second
child was old enough to be incadets.
Then I became a co-leader anddid camping again, and then I
(25:38):
went back to school and became ateacher and that was a career.
So camping ended.
My husband wasn't into it, myparents didn't, yeah, and um, I
was listening to bill bradley'sradio program uh, january 2021,
so this was like still part ofthe pandemic, and he was
interviewing grandma joy, okay,her grandson, yes, and if I
(26:01):
wanted to know the rest of thestory.
I could read it in Girl Campermagazine.
Speaker 1 (26:05):
So I went home subscribed.
Speaker 2 (26:08):
I said, this sounds really neat.
I love camping.
It's so interesting to me tohear where people found out
about Girl Camp Grandma Joy, oneof my favorite stories 93 years
old when she started campingwith her grandson, who she had
been estranged from because ofhis parents that are divorced.
But he he wanted to connectwith grandma and she just wants
to do anything with him.
(26:29):
So he took her camping and nowthey've been to every national
park.
I think she's 96 years old nowgrandma joy still going.
yeah, and so to me that meansthat you're never too old.
You know, a lot of times peoplewrite to me and say I'm 70
years old and I'm thinking ofgetting a camper're never too
old.
You know, a lot of times peoplewrite to me and say I'm 70
(26:50):
years old and I'm thinking ofgetting a camper.
Am I too old?
It's a state of mind, right,and you know, if you think
you're too old to hinge up anddo all the things involved with
towing your own camper, you justwant to come along to the
campground, rent a cabin, keepit simple.
You know, you can still join us.
So you found out about girlcamper that way.
But my bigger question to youis what made you want to come
out here and do this?
Well, I was at a lifetransition.
(27:11):
I retired in june 2019 fromteaching.
I took three big trips becausethat's what I was going to do
when I retired, and then, when Icame back from Bali in February
, three weeks later, the countryshut down.
So and I either had friends whowere still working, friends who
retired and moved away, friendswho had grandchildren and
(27:34):
didn't have time Right, and Ineeded to find friends.
So and I'm not afraid to go,step out and try something new.
That's so great.
So I went to a meet and greet.
Then I went.
My name tag says COVID,vacation 2021,.
October 2021 was my firstcamping trip.
Yeah, okay.
(27:55):
And that told me my little puptent needs to be bigger.
I want to be able to walk intomy tent, so I do have a bigger
tent now.
Yes, I don't know if I'll havean RV someday.
Speaker 3 (28:05):
Yes.
Speaker 2 (28:05):
Not off the table, but the tent is working so far.
What I love about the wholeidea of tent camping and we have
quite a few tent campers hereand the forecast was for rain
all weekend and we had a littlesketchy weather and it's been a
little chilly, with spittingonce in a while, but spitting
once in a while, but we haven'thad the downpours that they were
(28:26):
calling for and I love to seethese tents set up with the
eevee up over them, like I'mhere, like I'm doing this.
This weekend I said to one ofmy friends the weather looks
pretty crappy and she said Idon't care, it's a hurricane I
have got to get.
I gotta get out of this house,you know yeah, and so tell us
about your very first pro camperevent.
Yeah, I mean, signed up cold,didn't know a soul, right, when
I went on that camping trip Ididn't know anybody, but
(28:49):
everyone's so friendly.
And then I got tips on you knowwhat's a good tent how to keep
warm, like last November it wasfrigid, yeah, so I now have a
little heater.
Speaker 1 (28:59):
I have an army blanket to come over the top of
my head.
Speaker 2 (29:02):
So people are so willing to share with you and I
made connections.
I met one lady for lunchhalfway between.
Speaker 3 (29:11):
She lives in.
Speaker 2 (29:12):
Pennsylvania.
I'm in New Jersey, right, soit's an opportunity for me to
make new friends, right.
And it's just.
People are so open and I oftensay this when we're busy raising
our children and doing thethings that we're doing there
seems like a lot of women inyour life.
I remember a friend said to mewhen I first joined girl camping
in 2006 I joined every solowoman camping group out there.
(29:37):
It just started going and myfriend said to me oh, you're
going to make so many newfriends.
And I said I've got enoughfriends.
You know, I've got plenty offriends.
I just want to get outdoors.
And yes, the years were where Ithought that was kind of a dumb
thing to think and say, becauseyou could never have enough
friends right but the otherthing is, a lot of the people in
your life, when you're raisingyour children, are transient
(29:58):
people, like all those moms thatwere at the choir with you and
that were on your kid's sportsteam.
You spend all this time sittingaround.
Well, their kids graduate andthey go off.
They're not really friends.
They were luckily acquaintancesat the time, and so when we get
to this like 50th age andmoving forward, meeting new
people becomes harder.
Yes, but not with thisorganization.
(30:21):
Yeah, not with thisorganization.
But it makes me so happy when Ihear you say you're meeting
someone from lunch.
Yeah, because when this spillsover into other areas, like a
bunch of girls were talking herethat you know they were in some
textile fiber club, they allknit and they're all going to
some event together and it makesme so happy that Girl Camper
brought them all together.
(30:42):
Yeah, they find these commoninterests other than camping.
Yes, and last October I went toIreland.
Now we didn't camp in Irelandbut they were Girl Campers.
Speaker 3 (30:51):
So there was that, even though I went by myself,
not knowing anybody.
Speaker 2 (30:55):
I did know it was a safe environment, right.
And then coming camping here,I've been studying a lot about
trauma and how to regulate yournervous system, and we know
being in the outdoors is helpfulfor that it's very helpful.
So I know that there's on myschedule.
I have trips coming up.
Speaker 3 (31:14):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (31:15):
Does it make you feel better to know like I'm at this
trip now, but I got another onealready planned?
Yeah, something to look forwardto.
Yeah, yeah, and a lot of gotanother one already planned.
Yeah, something to look forwardto?
Yeah, yeah, and a lot of it isjust the anticipation.
Yeah, we have fun at the events, but what I find so interesting
is, for each event that we host, there's a Facebook page
dedicated to that event and allthe women are on the page and
(31:38):
they're talking about oh, I'mbringing chips and dip, I'm
bringing my rocks to paint inthe afternoon.
Hey, I found a trail and it's a15 minute ride and it's a five
mile hike.
And who wants in?
So, seeing all that sharing andcaring going on before you even
get here, talking about thefood and your site and where
we're going.
It's so collaborative and fun.
(32:01):
And haven't you come acrosspeople that said, oh, I would
love to do that, but I don'tknow anybody?
All the time.
This is so easy to get out andimmediately you will know people
.
One of the things we do in ourtraining with our girl camper
guides is it's just imperativethat everybody feel like you're
here, like there's.
No, you don't have to have somecool trailer.
(32:23):
You don't have to have somecool trailer.
You don't have to have thisbiggest rig set up.
The thing is to just getyourself here and you know, just
see how you like it.
And I've seen women evolve andend up getting a camper.
And I've seen women who areretired and maybe they're going
to go on two or three growcamper trips here and they don't
want a big trailer and all thatinvestment and they'll just
(32:44):
rent a cabin or do something.
Yeah, you, and they don't wanta big trailer and all that
investment and they'll just renta cabin or do something yeah
you know, you don't have to beimmersed in the rv world in
order to be a girl camper.
It's not about rvs, although youkind of want one.
When you get I bought one onevery trip you're gonna want one
, but that's not my problem,it's yours.
You're like I'm not responsiblefor that.
But, um, marybeth, let me askyou this uh, a lot of times when
(33:07):
I come home from a trip likethis and I'll be driving home
and I'll just be thinking, oh,it was so good to see them, and
I'll just be reliving moments,and I feel like I'm on a little
cloud for a couple of days, likeI got a good shot of all my
girl campers, you know, and I'mlike, what is your takeaway?
Like, what do you gain fromthis?
When you get home, what do youtake?
(33:28):
I think it's the friendships.
I'm a family of three children.
I have two brothers.
I have two brothers.
I'm the only girl, so girlfriendships have always been
important.
Okay, I look at girls as mysisters and, you know, not
everybody is willing to be thatlevel of friend.
So for me, it's meeting womenwho are open to that and being
(33:54):
able to stay in touch.
And, you know, thank goodnessfor Facebook, because that makes
it easy.
But yeah, that's my takeaway.
It's the relationships and beingin nature.
Yeah, I think those are yeahright.
So what would you say tosomeone who's kind of watching
us from the outside going oh,those girls look like they're
having so much fun but they havea little fear about getting in.
(34:16):
Try it, yeah, put yourself outthere and that's an
accomplishment.
You know, when I went to thefirst meet and greet, I had to
drive a distance.
I met like six women and I justfelt like, okay, there are
people out there it's not likeall my friends have gone on
different paths.
You know, like you, I had a lotof friends when the children
(34:37):
were home and we were doingthings, and then suddenly it was
, and then the pandemic wasright after that.
Speaker 1 (34:41):
So suddenly.
Speaker 2 (34:47):
Yeah yeah, the pandemic threw us all for a
little loop there and campingwas a real lifesaver.
I remember we were camping upin North Jersey and at the
beginning of the pandemic,before the vaccine was out,
before there was a lot ofknowledge about it but everyone
was still going a little stircrazy and we had a circle
probably 30 feet wide withchairs, eight feet apart.
Everybody had around with amascot.
(35:08):
But we had to get out, we hadto get outdoors.
So, mary Beth, it is so greatto see you in your own evolution
, you know, coming along here,and it makes me so happy that
you've met friends.
And I don't want to be biased,but the New Jersey and
Pennsylvania girls are prettycool, you know they.
(35:28):
They're very, very welcoming,very, very welcoming.
Nice big group it's a lovely,lovely group and we've got
plenty of places to go andthings to see, and but not just
New Jersey, because there's somany opportunities throughout
the country.
Yes, and like my trip toIreland.
Speaker 3 (35:44):
Yes.
Speaker 2 (35:45):
It wasn't anybody from Jersey.
They were from so many otherstates and I like that exposure.
Speaker 3 (35:49):
Yes.
Speaker 2 (35:51):
And now we have a new program that we're doing at
Girl Camper where there's reallybig bucket list trips coming up
to Hawaii, to Machu Picchu,like we've got some really
exotic travel coming up in 2026.
But I hope to see you aroundthe campfire soon and I'm so
glad that you made it thisweekend.
(36:12):
I'm so glad to see you, dear.
Speaker 1 (36:17):
But I am here now with Carol Thompson and you are
the New Jersey Girl Camper Guy.
Yes, so that means you planthese events.
And you are the New Jersey GirlCamper Guide yes, so that means
you plan these events.
Talk a little bit about whatthat is, what that looks like.
Speaker 2 (36:30):
It's finding other girls that want to go out and
camp and sometimes they don'tknow what route to go.
So Janine Pettit started theGirl Camper and she's got
different guides for differentstates and hopefully they'll
find different camp, camp roundsor different meet and greets
that the girls that want to getout in the outdoors can gather
(36:50):
and feel safe.
So what I'll do is I'll plan acamping trip, I'll put it on the
facebook page, I'll have girlssign up and you know can,
sometimes maybe eight of ten andsometimes we have as many as 40
or 50 girls, 40 and 50,sometimes yes.
And the nice thing is just likeif you've met any of the other
girls.
(37:10):
I never camped.
Growing up, I didn't know a lotabout camping.
Even though I'm the guy fromNew Jersey, I'm still learning.
There's a lot for me to learnand I'm not embarrassed to say I
don't know.
Like, show me.
Speaker 1 (37:24):
And that's what I love about this group and I love
that, because I never wentcamping.
I had no idea.
You know, I didn't like bugsbeing in a tent like none of
that.
Speaker 2 (37:33):
I own a pest control company and I hate bugs.
Speaker 1 (37:36):
Okay, so there it is and what's nice is this is a
great way to get out of yourcomfort zone.
This is for the weekend, sowe're here for the weekend.
We arrived Friday afternoon.
We're leaving tomorrow.
So if you just want to try itout and I guess if people are in
the area they come stop by likewe don't really like to do that
(37:57):
.
Speaker 2 (37:57):
We like it to be because it's a bunch of women
right, we like to be a littleprivate.
Okay, so we don't reallyadvertise where we are, but we
do a lot of women, right, right,we like it to be a little
private.
Okay, so we don't reallyadvertise where we are, right,
but we do a lot of pictures onFacebook and we open it up to
the world to say, oh gosh, whereare these girls?
Look at this beautiful campfire.
And then we've got crockpotsgoing and we've got all kinds of
food tables and get theminterested.
(38:20):
And we're, you know, and we'rein our jeans or our flannel
shirts.
Speaker 1 (38:24):
Looking like this this is campground.
Speaker 2 (38:26):
This is campground attire.
It's what's going on and that's.
Speaker 1 (38:31):
there's so many things I'm thinking all at the
same time.
I love when that happens.
I know, going on to the girlcamper website and people can go
to girlcampercom, there is alimit to what you can find out
until you're signed up andapproved, and that is the safety
part.
Speaker 2 (38:48):
Yes, that is the safety part, and it's very
simple to become a member.
It's only $10.
Just sign up one time.
You sign up for $10 for therest of your life and you can
find out what's going on in NewJersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland.
Speaker 1 (39:01):
So that's some X's.
So somebody who signed up for,say, this event they realized it
was raining, but they wanted tocome me, they signed up for the
event.
They could have come over for acouple hours, absolutely.
So we're just keeping it safe.
People could check it out nowand I've told people already.
I'm here with my daughter, soneither of us knew what to
expect and I didn't really wantto know a whole lot.
(39:24):
I just wanted to jump in seewhat it's like.
Speaker 2 (39:27):
um, again, girls, ladies of all ages, a typical
day in a girl camper event isyes, you sign up, you can see
who's coming.
We usually have some some typeof agenda, like you know.
You can bring the potluck, youcan bring breakfast, you can
bring muffins, coffee.
You have the rest of the day toexplore.
(39:48):
We like to meet at the end ofthe evening for dinner, talk
about what you did during theday, but it's not necessarily
structured.
Speaker 1 (39:59):
It's less structured.
I guess in my mind I thought itwould be a little more
structured.
But what's cool about it is itwas like, okay, breakfast is 9
o'clock, you were doing big O at11.
Some people, I think today, aregoing to a vineyard or winery.
Speaker 2 (40:13):
So it was just a start.
Or they're doing more, they'redoing crafts at the campground.
Speaker 1 (40:18):
So it's kind of nice.
You do your thing at your pace.
If you decide you want to go toAtlantic City and gamble
tonight, I'm sure you could askthe ladies and you'll have some
people.
Speaker 2 (40:29):
Ocean City, New Jersey.
Speaker 1 (40:31):
It's too cold for that Atlantic City Casino.
I haven't been there in a longtime, so that's a road trip.
It's nice that you could doyour thing.
Okay, so you did not start outcamping.
Anyway, what started you andhow did you get involved with?
Speaker 2 (40:49):
I know I've known Janine Pettit for many years.
I knew her before she startedgirl camper and before she even
really started camping with alot of women and she invited me
to go on a trip and she saidwe're going to go on this little
vintage camper and I was likeno, you know, when I go on
(41:09):
vacations I need a hotel, I needsomebody with clean sheets.
Speaker 1 (41:11):
Ready for a five-star .
Speaker 2 (41:13):
I need somebody to take care of everything and I
can just come home and fallasleep and not worry about
anything.
Of course, I didn't realize thebeauty of camping, and this was
what really got me excitedabout camping.
You can spend inexpensive amountof money for the places that
you're staying at thecampgrounds, but I've got my
camper and I've got five storyfive.
(41:34):
My sheets are beautiful, mytowels are pretty and I don't
have to worry about anybodyelse's things.
And uh, but she invited, I gotoff track there.
I'm so sorry no, we.
This is what we're going to doshe invited me on her first trip
and she said okay, cal, I havethis little vintage camper and I
want you to go to tennesseewith me.
Now I was a stay-at-home mom.
I had three children.
(41:55):
I didn't do, and you were newjersey and I was in new jersey
but I didn't do.
And you were in New Jersey andI was in New Jersey but I didn't
do like go out to dinner withmy girlfriends.
I was a mom, I did everythingfor my kids.
And when she said let's go on aroad trip, I went who does that?
Like, really People do that.
So I said alright, I will go onthis trip with you.
We were going to Tennessee andI think we were leaving on
(42:16):
Wednesday and we were going tostay until Sunday.
And heading home I said I'll goon as long as you promise to go
to every antique store.
We have to go on.
You know, stop at every littlesign, little weird sign.
We have to do this.
And she agreed, Of course.
I pull up in her driveway andshe had the cutest little camper
.
It was so adorable.
It had everything you needed.
It had a big feather bedmattress.
(42:37):
It had a big feather bedmattress.
It had a little kitchen with asink and a refrigerator.
I liked coffee back then so Icould have my coffee on the road
and I said, okay, I'm game.
Of course I packed too muchstuff, but I'd never been on a
road trip before, so I didn'tknow.
And as we were getting ready toleave Janine's house of course
(43:01):
this was the first time Janineever did a tow to camp or
anything, so we're driving wekept looking back, going, okay,
it's still there, it's stillthere and we're driving.
We're only two blocks from herhouse and I turn around and go
Janine, do you have a cat?
She goes no, I don't have a cat.
I said well, Janine, there's acat walking back and forth in
front of the camper window.
We went oh my god, the camperwas in front of denise's house
(43:23):
and as we were packing it, youknow, for the trip, she left the
door open and her neighbor'scat.
Oh my goodness.
Now, this was before denise andI even had a backup or car or
anything.
So even though her house wasn'ttoo far behind us, we didn't
have a backup.
So we had to drive like threeblocks around the block to get
it back to her neighborhood sowe could drop the cat off.
Speaker 1 (43:43):
So that was my first introduction, and even with that
you were still willing to dothe trip.
Speaker 2 (43:49):
So we were laughing so much and we hadn't even
started yet.
Speaker 1 (43:54):
And as you're telling the story of how much you
packed and stopping at antiquestores, have you ever seen the
movie Long, long Honeymoon withLucille Ball?
Yes, I love it.
My mother made me watch it forthe third time and that's what I
was thinking about.
Speaker 2 (44:09):
So did you?
No, it's kind of like Janineand I really on the trail
because, the bad thing is whenyou have a camper behind you and
you are going to antique storesor little shops, you don't have
to worry about putting it inyour car.
You got a big camper right andeven though it's a little tiny
camper man, we fit some reallygood things in that camper to
take back home to New Jersey youhave to watch your week to
(44:29):
watch that movie long haul.
We do kind of do that, as amatter of fact, I had a camping
trip in November and somebodybought a big screen and the
movie we watched was lucia balland a long trailer, it was so
much fun.
Speaker 1 (44:42):
It's that that, yes, I want to hear from people, and
whoever has watched this movie,you know what we're talking
about.
You haven't watched it, youneed to watch yes, that is.
Speaker 2 (44:52):
If you want to know anything about camping and stuff
, that is yes, oh, yeah, so okay.
Speaker 1 (44:57):
So you go in the strips of tennessee, you collect
your Antiques, you come back.
Speaker 2 (45:02):
And I think somebody's mentioned Before I
didn't know a lot of people thatcamped, because I wasn't A
camper and when we went toTennessee we didn't know a soul.
These girls met us, took thekeys from us, parked the car,
parked the camper, had a firegoing With some burgers and hot
dogs.
Speaker 1 (45:22):
Well, let's be clear here my experience with camping,
that is not it.
So if you want that kind offive-star camping, make sure the
campgrounds are going toprovide that, because
campgrounds do not park your car.
Or set up the fire.
Now there are campgrounds thatdo oh at the fireplace.
Speaker 2 (45:41):
Now there are campgrounds that do.
Speaker 1 (45:42):
Oh, they do.
Yes, there are campgrounds thatdo.
There are five more five-starcampgrounds, but for the most
part you've got to do that stuffyourself.
But they are the community.
If you had to go into acampground and back that trailer
up and you couldn't do it,there would have been people
coming from all over to help andsupport you and throughout the
years I just realized I thinkI've been camping I thought it
(46:03):
was only seven.
Speaker 2 (46:04):
I've probably been camping now for about 15 years,
which you need, and there havebeen a few scary times.
I pulled into a campsite.
I didn't think I was going tobe able to back it in and I
probably tried six or seven oreight times.
And you know, if somebodywalked up to me and said, can I
help you?
I said please take over.
I was not embarrassed.
Now I can do it, but back thenit didn't bother me that
(46:25):
somebody wanted to come in andhelp me, and that's how the
campers are, and that is thelearning experience.
Speaker 1 (46:31):
So anybody coming in, whether they're just coming
like Emily and I for the weekend, as I said, we're in a retro RV
.
I haven't been in an RV in ayear so it's like, all right, I
got to remember these things.
But there were things I did notknow how to bestow with this
particular RV.
So I asked the maintenance guy,because he takes care of the RV
and it is always a learning.
(46:54):
So anybody that says I knewnothing about it, I want that to
be the message that's out there.
Find your tribe, find yourgroup of people and get out.
Just take a step at a time.
We are all still learning.
Speaker 3 (47:05):
Absolutely.
Speaker 2 (47:06):
And don't hesitate, because what you don't know,
somebody will show you, or whatyou know, somebody's going to
learn from you.
I mean, I never tent camped,but I did start out with vintage
campers so I was used to.
It's really like a tent off theground because you don't have
hot water, you don't have ashower, you don't have a
bathroom, but I felt it was alittle enclosed and I couldn't
(47:28):
do tent camping.
So I probably had three or fourvintage and now I just got a
regular travel trailer.
Oh my gosh, I'm in seventhheaven.
I've got hot water, I've got ashower.
I, I've got water, I've got ashower, I've got a bathroom.
So it's amazing how what Ithink Girl Camper did for me, it
built my confidence.
You know, I felt like I coulddo this and I started out with
(47:49):
no idea, right.
Speaker 1 (47:51):
And find what works for you is what I keep saying.
So, as of last year, we soldthe RV and I'm solo.
As of last year, we sold the RVand I'm solo, and so I was
trying to think do I want to geta van and travel around?
Do I want to get somethingbigger?
And I'm really enjoying goinginto a campground where I'm
staying in a cabin or a yurt orlike this retro RV that does
(48:15):
have running water, had a shower.
It actually has a little tub inthere, oh my gosh, A little
bathtub.
Speaker 2 (48:21):
It's amazing how, like the bed pump has a little
tub in there.
Speaker 1 (48:23):
Oh my gosh a little bit.
It's amazing.
Speaker 3 (48:24):
I was like so the bed has a mouth, yes, the shower
pump, yes.
Speaker 1 (48:26):
So so find what works for you, is the messaging here
yes yes, so that you've got alot of events that you have
planned and I know, in theprevious part of the year even
have that country yes, oh mygosh.
Speaker 2 (48:42):
The new thing with Girl Camp for now is bucket list
trucks.
They have Hawaii set up, theyhave Costa Rica set up, I think
Peru, yes, yes, wow, okay, isn'tthat wonderful you can go
across the world but have yourown little tribe so you'll feel
a little bit safer when you'retraveling across the world, and
I love that.
Speaker 1 (49:03):
And that is a big thing for me.
So for those people you knowthat are listening on Janine's
podcast, or new people to mine,as of a year ago, my husband
went into the hospital and so Iam solo.
He is just for people who don'tknow.
He's cognitively impaired andwill not recover.
(49:23):
So, thinking about this idea ofsolo camping like or traveling
by myself, I'll be honest, Idon't like it.
I want to be with people.
Now there are times you wouldgo back to your, your own bed,
your own space and just checkout, but.
But I keep thinking aboutbecause I want to travel not
only more in the country, butoutside the country.
(49:44):
I have a huge bucket list,right, I don't see doing these
things all alone.
Speaker 2 (49:50):
It's just not my no and.
But what I like here too is youcan travel with a group but
there's so much downtime foryourself, like if you need to
just escape, and, you know, justrelax a little bit.
Speaker 1 (50:02):
Or if there's something you guys are doing.
Speaker 2 (50:03):
You don't have to do everything that's on the table
there.
Speaker 1 (50:07):
You can just choose what you want to do Right, and
that's really, that's the nicepart of it, and then to know
that you're also doing thesehuge trips outside the country.
What am I talking about?
Speaker 2 (50:20):
Plus, what I like is because there's a lot of groups
in different states, like I'vebeen to Tennessee.
I took my camper on the GeorgeWashington Bridge.
I mean I was in the pier.
I'm not sure about that.
It wasn't supposed to be.
Speaker 1 (50:33):
Oh, I did Okay, so you took the camper on the
George Washington Bridge.
I do not recommend this.
You weren't supposed to bethere so you probably didn't ask
the RV Trick Wizard at the RVCat GPS.
Speaker 2 (50:45):
This was probably 11 years ago.
This was 11 years ago, but weall make those mistakes.
Speaker 1 (50:51):
We do and, like I said, it's a learning curve.
Speaker 2 (50:53):
It's a learning curve .
But I've been to Tennessee,I've been to West Virginia, I've
been to so many differentstates, sea, I've been to west
virginia um I've been to so manydifferent states, and sometimes
by myself, because I knew therewas going to be a campground,
there were going to belike-minded people and I could
still be by myself because I hadmy camper to be private, or, if
I had, you can stay in a cabinor like you rented a camper, um,
(51:15):
but if I wanted to explore anddo other things, there would be
other people there to share with.
Speaker 1 (51:21):
This has been such like I've known.
Like I said, janae, for I don'tknow, over two years, two and a
half years.
It was the first episode on thepodcast, it was the first
interview, and I've learned somuch in just the last 24 hours.
So thank you so much, carol,and I'm looking forward to an
amazing night, keri.
Speaker 2 (51:40):
O karaoke tonight.
Speaker 1 (51:41):
And tomorrow.
Speaker 2 (51:43):
Well, thank you for inviting me.
Thank you so much.
You know, it's been so much funtalking with everybody here
this weekend and I'm so gladthey got to meet you and you can
expose your RV Life podcast toa new group of people.
Speaker 1 (51:58):
I am so glad you invited me and, like I said in
the beginning you invited me,you said this is the weekend,
didn't even explain it, I justsaid yes and went for it.
Girls just want to have fun.
When I see a woman who needs a,break.
Speaker 2 (52:11):
I'm on you, I'm on you.
No, this has been a lot of funand I so appreciate the effort
people like Carol make, becauseit is the position of the guides
and the other women here thatyou know we raise up from the
bottom, so that's been reallygreat, and thank you for giving
us the opportunity to talk aboutgirl camper on rv life.
Speaker 1 (52:31):
We really appreciate that and I am so glad to have
you on I know, there are a lotof women out there and, again,
these are not single women forthe most part.
If you're single, single it'sfine.
If you're married, it's fine.
You're whatever, whatever, thisis the group that is totally
accepting, and I'm so glad tohave been part of this and talk
to the ladies.
(52:51):
Well, we were thrilled to haveyou.
Well, before we wrap up, I'm notletting you go yet.
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(53:12):
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Speaker 2 (54:04):
I try to do a bucket list trip per year.
Okay, so I'm 65, proud to saythat, getting younger by the day
, and I feel like there's somuch time that I have left, you
know like.
I don't know we're healthy,we're happy, we're moving along
right.
But so I try to do one bucketlist trip a year.
Last year I went to Alaska, butI also went to Morocco, so I
(54:27):
did two last year.
This year I'm kind of keepingit local and I'm doing a trip
I've wanted to do for so longwhere I'm going down to Kentucky
with the Girl Campers, whereyou can do kayaking in caves
down in Kentucky.
I was just talking about thiswith my daughter.
Oh, you were yes, yes, I wonderif it's the same thing.
I'm sure it is.
I'm going there in August, sothat's my bucket list thing this
(54:50):
year.
Speaker 1 (54:50):
So maybe I'll join you on that trip.
That is a bucket list item forme.
Yep, I'm staying at FireflyHills in Kentucky.
It's Beesville, kentucky.
The place sounds amazing.
Okay, sounds amazing and I amgoing to be.
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (55:07):
Well, I don't remember the exact name of the
organization that we go, but itis in Slade Kentucky, s-l-a-d-e.
Kentucky.
I just remember mapping it likehow am I getting from here to
there?
So somewhere in Slade Kentuckythere's caverns and caves and
you kayak in them and it looksreally cool and I can't wait to
do it.
Put together by Nancy Grant,our Illinois Girl Camper Guide.
Speaker 1 (55:31):
Wow Okay.
Speaker 2 (55:32):
So maybe I'll join you on that.
Speaker 1 (55:33):
Yeah, and anybody who's listening or watching that
wants to join you?
Just go to girlcampercom com.
Speaker 2 (55:41):
Dot com and yeah, so turn up to see the event.
It costs $10 because we need toknow that you are who you say
you are, so we ask you for $10,and then we can match your
credit card and we know you'renot somebody's crazy ex stalking
them.
So we're just like making surethat we don't show all where all
(56:04):
these women are camping bythemselves or in groups.
So you need to put your moneywhere your mouth is if you want
to know where we are.
It's $10, one-time fee, it'snot even an annual fee and then
you're vetted and we can get inand see where all the events are
.
So we'll hope you'll take alook and join us, yes, and
subscribe to Girl Camp withMagazine and follow the podcast
and join us on our Facebookgroup.
Lots of places.
Speaker 1 (56:24):
Yes, yes, and where do people find RV Life?
So they can find me atpodcastrvlifecom.
That website is being revamped,as I understand, but it is
there Comments, questions,anything People you want to see
on the show.
Go to RVv, like podcasts oninstagram and facebook.
I know for both of us, we wantto hear from you and I know I'm
(56:47):
now answering every message.
I might have some people thathelp with that.
Um, but, yes, I'd love to hearyou know, as as a woman, what
does this sound like somethingyou want to do?
Speaker 2 (56:58):
yeah, get on and share and just I think the
takeaway would be like, don'tthink you have to go all in like
, like it's a timeshare orsomething.
Just just sign up, rent a cabinand come to one event, see what
, see how you like it, or justcome to one of our meet and
greets yeah, I do want to give ashout out again to Spacious
Suns guys country boats inDorothy, new Jersey, 30 minutes
(57:23):
from the Jersey Shore.
Speaker 1 (57:25):
They have been amazing.
Yeah, it's such a greatcampground Incredible.
We both highly recommend it.
Yeah, yeah, awesome.
We have to give that shout out,yeah.
Speaker 2 (57:34):
No, I have a seasonal site here, so I'm biased.
Okay, yeah yeah, and it's verychill.
It's very like a little familycampground, but not too big, not
?
You know, they got the thingskids like.
They got a pool, they got abouncy thing.
You know the kids are allriding their bikes, you know,
but it's not a mega, mega likeoverwhelm you.
Speaker 1 (57:53):
Right, you know Warm family camp and people can
actually check out.
I did a review while I was here.
It's a brief review becauseit's cold and cloudy and things
aren't in bloom yet, so peoplecan check that out.
On my new YouTube channel,inspired Travels with Patty,
it's just started.
It's still a little messy, butcheck out the video.
Speaker 2 (58:18):
Patty, it was so great to see you.
We're so glad, so you knowwhere to follow all of us.
We'd like to see you sharingthis, but thank you for joining
us and we'll see you around thecampfire.
Happy trails.
Speaker 1 (58:33):
It's now time for the featured campground brought to
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This is a Thousand Trailscampground, but you do not need
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Thousand Trails Williamsburghas lots to offer.
(58:57):
There are full hookups, haslots to offer.
There are full hookups, pull-insites, a dog park and they have
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There's a lot to do in the areaand it is just a great place to
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(59:24):
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(59:48):
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Thank you to my listeners forlistening to this episode with
(01:00:09):
Janine Pettit.
Remember life's a journey.
Live each day to the fullest,without regrets.
I'm Patti Hunt and you havebeen listening to the RV Life
Podcast.
Hi friends, it's Patti.
I'm so excited to bring youthis week's episode all about an
incredible getaway with JaninePettit and the Girl Campers.
Just a heads up while the audiois nice and clear, you might
notice it's a bit echoey.
It was recorded on location ina large hall.
(00:21):
I am always working to bringyou the best quality RVing
podcasts, but when you record onlocation it isn't always
perfect.
Let's dive in Girl care forsolar camping and it is not what
you think.
I'm Patty Hunt and you'relistening to the RV Life Podcast
(00:42):
to the RV Life Podcast.
Speaker 2 (00:49):
Patty, it's so good to see you.
I'm Janine Pettit, founder ofGirl Camper, editor-in-chief of
Girl Camper Magazine and co-hostof the Girl Camper Podcast.
But we're bringing all thisfeminine energy together.
This weekend we are campingdown here in south jersey at
spacious skies, beautifulcampground country oaks and we
got women with stories to tell.
(01:10):
So cut back and we're going tolet you know if you have what it
takes to be a girl camper thiswhole idea of girl camping solo
camping has been very different.
Speaker 1 (01:20):
for me, and just to give both of our listeners a
little backstory, I wasfull-time on the road with my
husband for over three years.
We did a lot of miles togetherso I never thought about the
whole solo camping.
I've got to be honest yeah.
And over the last year, as somepeople know, life's changed for
me and now this idea of solocamping.
So I've been trying to decide.
(01:41):
Do I want to go into a van?
Yeah, so I've been trying todecide.
Speaker 3 (01:43):
Do I want to go into?
Speaker 1 (01:44):
a van, or you know what does that look like?
Well, this past year it hasbeen going to lots of
campgrounds and renting cabins.
This weekend, I'm in a retro RVand learning about Girl Camper.
So tell my listeners about Girl.
Speaker 2 (02:00):
Camper.
So Girl Camper is the largestwomen's camping group in the
whole country.
We have about 450,000 people inour Facebook group.
We have thousands and thousandsof members who are available to
go to Girl Camping events.
We have 20 Girl Camper guidesacross the country just creating
(02:20):
events and mentoring andhelping women get on the road.
Our tagline is we go places andwe do things.
But our secondary tagline isthere is no wrong way to camp
like a girl.
So we don't want people tothink that if you don't have
some cute little tricked outtrailer, you're not one of us.
We've got women here in tents.
We've got women here carcamping.
(02:41):
We've got women here have takenall the seats out of their
minivan and have made a littlebed in there for the weekend.
We've got women in really largetravel trailers and motorhomes.
There is no wrong way to camplike a girl.
We at girl camper want people toknow if you want to make new
friends, if you want tochallenge yourself just a little
bit physically, like let mestay in shape, let me get out
(03:02):
there, let me put myself insituations that you know, if
it's a little scary, that's good, and next time it's a little
more scary, and I think that'show we keep getting too old and
set in our ways.
But girl camper seeks to be thecommunity that helps you and
says don't be afraid, we gotyour back or you know what else.
It's okay to be afraid becausewe all were at one time and we
(03:25):
will have your back and theseyou know what else.
It's okay to be afraid becausewe all were at one time and we
will have your back and thesewomen will circle around you
like mother hens and we're goingto make sure you're okay.
So that's what we do and I'vegot to say my experience.
Speaker 1 (03:35):
I came down and invited me to come.
I just said, yes, I did notknow she didn't hesitate, I just
said she asked.
I said yes, hesitate, I justsaid she asked.
I said yeah, I had no idea.
Well, I also brought my 26 yearold, 27 she'll be 27 next month
daughter along.
She's behind the camera, so Ibrought her to help do video,
(03:58):
but she jumped in as well andshe was so welcomed and it was
just a cool thing to see peopleof all ages, ladies of all ages,
again I didn't haveexpectations, did not know what
to expect and it has just beenso much fun and, like you said,
I feel comfortable.
(04:19):
We went to bed last night andyou know we're in a, like I said
, retro rv.
In this campground we've neverbeen before and among strangers,
among strangers and we justfelt safe yeah because, if
you're out there as as women,yeah you know it's.
It was a great safe feeling.
Yeah, and today I left the rv.
(04:39):
Yeah, lock the door.
Yeah, you were locking ityesterday.
Speaker 2 (04:42):
I'm like you don't have to lock it, yeah don't
bother yeah, you don't have tolike it.
Yeah, but what's, what'sinteresting about this is, um, I
love talking.
We're going to talk to some uh,the girl campers individually
today, because it's alwaysfascinating to me, like what
made you come?
Why did you want to?
What are you seeking?
What problem are we solving atgirl camper?
(05:02):
You know, we really approacheverybody like.
We know that there's just veryvaried reasons people want to
get out here.
You know, for me personally, Iwork at home and when I get out
to the campground it's just newfaces, a fresh place to be.
Somehow, when I'm here, I feeleverything come down, literally.
(05:25):
I drive in here on a weekendand I smell campfire.
I think something happens in mybrain.
I just I get here, so for me, Ialways want to like share that
with people and let people knowthat you can have this
experience too.
And if you've never beencamping before, you know.
So I always like I'm interestedin people's backstory.
(05:46):
Like were you a girl scout?
What did you do when you wereyoung?
Did you grow up family camping?
It's always fascinating to methe women who are like I never
camped before.
I saw you people online and Ithought that looks like so much
fun.
And one woman told me I've beenfollowing you for two years
just because I'm fascinated bywomen who do stuff like this.
And she said early on two yearsago I thought, oh, look at
(06:09):
those ladies, but they're reallybrave.
I mean, those are people likethat's not who I am.
And she said after two years oflistening to your podcast and
following you.
She said I pulled into an RVdealership one day and drove
away with a teardrop.
Speaker 1 (06:23):
So it was all your fault.
Speaker 2 (06:24):
Don't blame me.
So she got courage over time.
Speaker 1 (06:28):
Yes, and I have to say that for me realizing one of
the big things I realized.
So A to answer your questions,I never camped as a kid.
I RVed a total of seven nightsbefore I jumped in with both
feet full time, and it wasduring COVID.
A total of seven nights beforeI jumped in with both feet full
time, and it was during COVID.
I probably would not have doneit if it weren't during COVID.
(06:50):
I was like why not?
And there's the what couldpossibly go wrong.
And I loved it.
I when when we met, we metseveral years ago, you were
actually the first interview onthe podcast.
Speaker 2 (07:04):
I heard that.
I remember that I was the topthree still that episode or
whatever so people obviouslywant to know.
Speaker 1 (07:15):
But what I was most shocked about was these ladies
have husbands and family at homeyeah, I've had it in my head
that solo women met single women.
Speaker 2 (07:27):
Single women yes, you know what.
One of these days we're goingto do a survey and get the
number.
But the majority of womensitting around that campfire are
married and men are up thereand you're raising your family
and they're golfing and they'refishing and they're and they're
having hobbies, and women arekind of doing what women do.
(07:47):
And then we get to an age like55 and it's like, oh you know,
I'm empty nesting, I can dothings.
Now he's got his thing going.
What's for me?
Speaker 1 (07:57):
right, but I have to tell you I have, do you know?
I have five kids between these.
Four of them are married andwhen you look at people who are
married, they have kids.
They're managing the job, thekids grocery shopping.
They don't often have time forthemselves and I'm finding, and
I'm hoping, that women today,while they're raising their kids
(08:20):
, doing the job, doing all thethings they do, that they take
time for themselves.
So I don't want them to waituntil they're 50 and 55 to get
out there and take care ofthemselves, and it was nice to
see women here that are younger,that probably still have their
young kids.
Speaker 2 (08:36):
Oh yeah, we've got women here who still have kids
in high school.
You know, no shade on men, buta lot of, because I'm sure
they're perfectly capable.
A lot of women have the mindsetthat I've got to be there to
make sure it gets done correctlyand we've got to change that.
(08:56):
I'll tell you a funny story.
I still laugh so hard aboutthis.
So my youngest daughter was inlike seventh grade.
I still laugh so hard aboutthis.
So my youngest daughter was inlike seventh grade.
We were down in Gatlinburg,Tennessee, camping all the girls
on the most gorgeous fall dayand I text my husband in the
morning and I said don't forgetthat Monique has confirmation
retreat today.
She has to be at the church at10 am.
(09:18):
Gotcha, I'll get her thereright About 10.30,.
He sends me a text.
You didn't tell me parents hadto stay, okay.
So now I'm in a vineyard, we'reat a winery and we're having
like these juicy, farm-to-tableorganic burgers, glasses of wine
(09:41):
, the sun is shining and he'stexting me.
We're on our way to the church.
Now for section three of ourday.
And I'm just laughing all daylong and I'm like, and I'm just
not writing back, but welcome tomy world right you know, but
guess what?
Speaker 1 (09:56):
it all went off exactly and then it has to
change.
Yeah, one of the first times Iwent away, I went on it was
actually a business trip.
No, I was a teacher.
We were going on someeducational whatever and it
wasn't 12 hours.
Yeah, and I get a text.
Yeah, that he was teachingEmily to play baseball.
Yeah, and she took the ball andhurt me.
Speaker 2 (10:18):
Yeah, yeah, and everybody lived to tell.
Speaker 1 (10:20):
Everybody lived to tell.
I told Dad our younger peopleraising families take time out.
This is an incredible way to dothat and there are different
events hosted in different areas.
Yeah, we've got 20.
Speaker 2 (10:35):
Girl Camper Guides all around the country.
But if you're a Girl Camper andyou're not a guide, you can
approach us anytime and say I'dlove to get everybody together
at my favorite park or myfavorite campground or let's go
for a hike.
So anybody in the communitycome forward and say can I host
an event?
And we'd love you to do that.
But I'm so glad today becausewe're going to get to talk.
You and I are going to take someturns here talking to some of
(10:57):
the women here about what it isthat drove them to be a girl
camper, and I think theirstories are all very different.
So drove them to be a girlcamper, and I think their
stories are all very different.
So we're going to take a break.
We're going to have an ad fromyour sponsor and then one of our
sponsor and we're going to comeback and Patty is going to be
talking to Denise, one of myfavorite girl campers in the
whole wide world, about herevolution as a girl camper and
(11:20):
what she is doing out there.
We'll be right back.
Speaker 1 (11:32):
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(11:53):
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(12:17):
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Today I'm with Denise Schwartzand we were sitting around last
night having s'mores andchatting and it was just
(13:01):
wonderful.
So I have so much to talk toyou about.
First of all, girl camper.
How long have you been a girlcamper?
Speaker 3 (13:08):
about four years now four years.
Why the question?
So I don't even know.
Janine knows the story.
But, um, I retired four yearsago.
But before I retired I startedlooking around for trailers
because I was going to be myretirement gift to myself.
I grew up camping as a kid,always loved camping and
(13:29):
unfortunately my ex-husband whoI'm not divorced from didn't
like camping at all, so I didn'tcamp all the years I was
married.
But anyway, I started lookingat trailers and I went on a
vacation with my sisters to theOuter Banks.
On our way into the Outer Bankswe went past this RV dealer and
(13:50):
I saw this trailer that I hadbeen interested in online at
this dealership.
So I said to my daughter I said, on our way home, I want to
leave a little early, we'regonna stop at this dealership.
So we went in, we looked at thetrailer and so I was telling
the gentleman, the salesman inthere.
I said, yeah, I'm going to buysomething in about a year when I
retire.
And I said but then I want totravel around, you know?
(14:12):
And he said by yourself.
I said, well, yeah, you know.
And he said well, you know, Ihave a card here for this group.
They're called Girl Campers.
Wow, and it was a business card.
And he said I don't know awhole lot about them, but I know
they sponsor camping trips forwomen you know around the
country.
I said, oh great, yeah.
So I took that card and I putit away.
(14:35):
Well, sure enough.
So then when I retired and Ibought my trailer, I didn't get
that trailer, but I got atouring trailer.
I got that, I um, I got that, Irecovered I had that card and I
got the card out and I wentonline and I looked them up and
then I saw that we had a newjersey chapter, and so then I
was able to register online forgirl campers and saw they were
(14:59):
having an event in north jersey.
So that that was my first eventat Camp Taylor and anyway.
But the nice thing about BroadCampers is that you can go to
any of the events anywhere inthe country, because they have
chapters not every state, but alot of states so any events that
(15:19):
they're sponsoring you can signup and go to.
So I had always wanted to go toNashville, tennessee, and so I
saw that they were having anevent in Nashville, so I drove
myself and my trailer.
It was the first long trip thatI took from New Jersey.
It took me three days to godown From New Jersey.
(15:42):
From New Jersey, yeah, I went toVirginia the first day.
Then I stopped at anothercampground.
It was in Tennessee.
It was about four hours fromNashville, but it would have
been too long of a day to go thewhole way.
So I stopped there at FallCreek Falls, which is a
beautiful state park, and then Iwent to Nashville and I was
(16:04):
there.
I think we were there for fivedays, so that was my first out
of state event with Girl Campersand it was just great.
I didn't know any of the women,but everybody, as Janine was
saying and you said, the womenare just so welcoming, you know,
(16:25):
and you instantly make friendswith people.
A woman who I didn't never metbefore her and I we went on a
tour of Nashville and togetherwe spent the day together and
plus they'll do things togetheras a group, so it was really
great and so, yeah, I just fellin love with girl campers and I
(16:48):
just find you know every eventthat I've ever gone to.
Everybody has been great and nowI've made some good friends
that I've actually taken tripswith.
You know just her and I.
You know just her and I, or youknow, sometimes three or four
of us will get together and,just you know, go camping for a
(17:09):
weekend together or what haveyou.
Speaker 1 (17:10):
So you've been hooked ever since.
Oh yeah, and we sat and talkedfor a while yesterday.
It was great connecting.
I also want to talk to youabout because you came up to me.
I said I was with Harvey Lifeand you said I love the app, so
I wanted you used it in adifferent way, and it's funny
because it's way I'm using itnow.
(17:30):
So let's talk about your RVLife app experience.
Speaker 3 (17:33):
Yeah, so three summers ago my daughter and I I
planned a.
It was actually right after Iretired and this was like my
retirement trip, so we she's aschoolteacher and has the
summers off, so I planned asix-week trip at West and so I
(17:55):
was already a member of RV Lifeand so I saw they had, you know,
this cool program that you goon and plan a trip, so that's RV
Trip.
Speaker 1 (18:06):
Wizard for people Right and there will be Trip
Wizard and it is awesome.
Speaker 3 (18:10):
So, because I didn't know how to plan a camping trip
like that and find campgroundsalong the way.
And so first you know, you putin where you're starting, where
you're going to end up, and thenit shows you an RV safe route
on this little map and you putall the information in about
(18:32):
your camping, whether you have atravel trailer or a motorhome
or whatever you have, and youput the height, the weight, the
length, whether you have propaneon board, because a lot of
places, like a lot of tunnels inBaltimore tunnels, you can't go
through with propane on board.
So the RV app will give you asafe route that you can travel
(18:56):
with your RV, based on yourheight and things like that.
And then you can you put inwhat kind of campgrounds you
want to camp at, whether it'sstate parks, and you can do
multiple ones.
So I usually put in state parks, I like KOAs, corps of
Engineers parks, privatecampgrounds, and then you also
(19:21):
put in how many miles a day youlike to drive, like what your
minimum would be and what yourabsolute max is, and so what the
app will do is it puts circlesaround your starting point
according to your minimum, yourmedium and what your max is.
So then once you see that alongyour route, then there's little
(19:43):
icons on this map that you seethat along your route you can.
Then there's little icons onthis map that you see and they
don't have different icons forthe different campgrounds and
you can click on thosecampgrounds and it'll give you
all the information on thatparticular campground.
And the thing I love is thatthey give you reviews so people
(20:04):
like me or anybody else that hasused RV life can go on and
leave a review on the campground.
So because they have thewebsite on there for the
campground.
Well, I don't know, you haveused websites for campgrounds,
but every campground sounds likeit's the Taj Mahal of camping.
But then when you go on andread the reviews some of the
(20:28):
reviews I was like, oh no, Ithink I want to stay there.
So it was very beneficial.
But once you pick out thecampground and then you make
your reservation, you add it toyour trip and so you do that the
whole route.
So this was a six to your tripand so you do that the whole
route.
So this was a six-week trip.
I had 24 campgrounds reservedand it was just awesome.
(20:54):
And then, once you have enteredeverything in there and you put
the price that each campgroundis going to cost you, you can
even put in, if you want, yourgas mileage.
So like approximately how manymiles per gallon do you get,
like when you're towing yourvehicle or driving your vehicle
(21:15):
and I just had to do an averagegas price per gallon, but it'll
give you your total for thewhole trip of what your gas on
average it can't be obviouslyexact and then it gives you your
cost of all your campgrounds,like how, what your total of
that is.
You can even put in there, likehow much a day do you think
(21:36):
you're going to spend on food?
You know, even though you'recamping, you still got to spend
some money.
So at the end you print outyour whole itinerary, so it has
your campgrounds, how many milesa day you're going to be
driving that day, and then, likeI said at the end, gives you
all your totals.
I loved it because I was ableto print it out and I gave a
(22:01):
copy to each of my sisters sothat they knew, because every
day I would text them at the endof the day and say we made it
to our next destinations andthat's and I was going to talk
about you something I don't have.
Speaker 1 (22:16):
You did my job.
I use the RV light pro suiteproducts.
I have been using it for overfour years.
I promote it.
Anybody that does not have itthat wants to check it out.
There is a link in the shownotes for 25% off, so I want to
put that out there.
You've explained it well Now.
I never printed it out.
(22:36):
I was all digital.
You can share your itinerarywith somebody that either has
the app or does not have the app, so every time I would go from
one place to another.
You know, for safety reasons,if somebody didn't know where I
was, I could just send it tothem in a text or an email and
(22:56):
they knew exactly where I wasgoing to be on what day.
It's easy to change and itwould change the information to
them if you do it electronicallyyeah, I love, or every life,
like I said those.
Speaker 3 (23:08):
I've done two long trips, six week long trips,
using that app and I canhonestly say it's an invaluable
app to use.
It takes a you know it's alittle learning curve learning
it, but once you understand howto do it all and I'm 69 years
old, so I'm not the mosttech-savvy person but I was able
(23:30):
to figure it out and thereforethe price that they charge you,
because then you also get theGPS directions on your phone so
I can hook it right up throughmy truck and so it comes up on
my screen, because I don't havea GPS actually in my truck.
So it goes through from my AppleiPhone and so it gives me the
(23:54):
directions as I'm traveling thatday.
So that's it.
It's like having a free GPS,free trip planning.
I should say free, but I meanfor the price you pay per year,
it's cheap.
Speaker 1 (24:08):
It is very inexpensive and right now it's
$65 a year.
For the first year you get 25%off.
So you're talking less than $50.
And I was talking to someladies last night Like that $65
that you're locked in, they willnever raise the price.
You pay that same price everyyear.
I didn't know, you didn't know,right?
(24:30):
So I think I'm paying 39dollars like 50 yeah, yeah.
Speaker 3 (24:35):
So there's that and they're 65 dollars.
I still think that yes, yes.
Speaker 1 (24:41):
So all you get from that, yes, yes, well, thank you
so much.
I look forward to tonight andthe activities and getting to
know you better and more of thegirl campers.
I appreciate it, thank you.
Speaker 2 (24:54):
Hi friends, we're back and I would love to
introduce you to Mary BethDonnelly Rose, one of our New
Jersey girl campers.
It is good to see you again.
Thanks for coming Our people ofcamp out.
I always like to go a littlebit backwards with people and
ask them what their campinghistory is.
Were you a Girl Scout?
Did you grow up camping, familycamping?
(25:16):
I was a Girl Scout.
I stayed in Girl Scouts throughhigh school because of the
camping.
And then, when I first gotmarried, I had a baby and I
became a cadet leader to takethem camping.
I did that for a few years, andthen nothing until my second
child was old enough to be incadets.
Then I became a co-leader anddid camping again, and then I
(25:38):
went back to school and became ateacher and that was a career.
So camping ended.
My husband wasn't into it, myparents didn't, yeah, and um, I
was listening to bill bradley'sradio program uh, january 2021,
so this was like still part ofthe pandemic, and he was
interviewing grandma joy, okay,her grandson, yes, and if I
(26:01):
wanted to know the rest of thestory.
I could read it in Girl Campermagazine.
Speaker 1 (26:05):
So I went home subscribed.
Speaker 2 (26:08):
I said, this sounds really neat.
I love camping.
It's so interesting to me tohear where people found out
about Girl Camp Grandma Joy, oneof my favorite stories 93 years
old when she started campingwith her grandson, who she had
been estranged from because ofhis parents that are divorced.
But he he wanted to connectwith grandma and she just wants
to do anything with him.
(26:29):
So he took her camping and nowthey've been to every national
park.
I think she's 96 years old nowgrandma joy still going.
yeah, and so to me that meansthat you're never too old.
You know, a lot of times peoplewrite to me and say I'm 70
years old and I'm thinking ofgetting a camper're never too
old.
You know, a lot of times peoplewrite to me and say I'm 70
(26:50):
years old and I'm thinking ofgetting a camper.
Am I too old?
It's a state of mind, right,and you know, if you think
you're too old to hinge up anddo all the things involved with
towing your own camper, you justwant to come along to the
campground, rent a cabin, keepit simple.
You know, you can still join us.
So you found out about girlcamper that way.
But my bigger question to youis what made you want to come
out here and do this?
Well, I was at a lifetransition.
(27:11):
I retired in june 2019 fromteaching.
I took three big trips becausethat's what I was going to do
when I retired, and then, when Icame back from Bali in February
, three weeks later, the countryshut down.
So and I either had friends whowere still working, friends who
retired and moved away, friendswho had grandchildren and
(27:34):
didn't have time Right, and Ineeded to find friends.
So and I'm not afraid to go,step out and try something new.
That's so great.
So I went to a meet and greet.
Then I went.
My name tag says COVID,vacation 2021,.
October 2021 was my firstcamping trip.
Yeah, okay.
(27:55):
And that told me my little puptent needs to be bigger.
I want to be able to walk intomy tent, so I do have a bigger
tent now.
Yes, I don't know if I'll havean RV someday.
Speaker 3 (28:05):
Yes.
Speaker 2 (28:05):
Not off the table, but the tent is working so far.
What I love about the wholeidea of tent camping and we have
quite a few tent campers hereand the forecast was for rain
all weekend and we had a littlesketchy weather and it's been a
little chilly, with spittingonce in a while, but spitting
once in a while, but we haven'thad the downpours that they were
(28:26):
calling for and I love to seethese tents set up with the
eevee up over them, like I'mhere, like I'm doing this.
This weekend I said to one ofmy friends the weather looks
pretty crappy and she said Idon't care, it's a hurricane I
have got to get.
I gotta get out of this house,you know yeah, and so tell us
about your very first pro camperevent.
Yeah, I mean, signed up cold,didn't know a soul, right, when
I went on that camping trip Ididn't know anybody, but
(28:49):
everyone's so friendly.
And then I got tips on you knowwhat's a good tent how to keep
warm, like last November it wasfrigid, yeah, so I now have a
little heater.
Speaker 1 (28:59):
I have an army blanket to come over the top of
my head.
Speaker 2 (29:02):
So people are so willing to share with you and I
made connections.
I met one lady for lunchhalfway between.
Speaker 3 (29:11):
She lives in.
Speaker 2 (29:12):
Pennsylvania.
I'm in New Jersey, right, soit's an opportunity for me to
make new friends, right.
And it's just.
People are so open and I oftensay this when we're busy raising
our children and doing thethings that we're doing there
seems like a lot of women inyour life.
I remember a friend said to mewhen I first joined girl camping
in 2006 I joined every solowoman camping group out there.
(29:37):
It just started going and myfriend said to me oh, you're
going to make so many newfriends.
And I said I've got enoughfriends.
You know, I've got plenty offriends.
I just want to get outdoors.
And yes, the years were where Ithought that was kind of a dumb
thing to think and say, becauseyou could never have enough
friends right but the otherthing is, a lot of the people in
your life, when you're raisingyour children, are transient
(29:58):
people, like all those moms thatwere at the choir with you and
that were on your kid's sportsteam.
You spend all this time sittingaround.
Well, their kids graduate andthey go off.
They're not really friends.
They were luckily acquaintancesat the time, and so when we get
to this like 50th age andmoving forward, meeting new
people becomes harder.
Yes, but not with thisorganization.
(30:21):
Yeah, not with thisorganization.
But it makes me so happy when Ihear you say you're meeting
someone from lunch.
Yeah, because when this spillsover into other areas, like a
bunch of girls were talking herethat you know they were in some
textile fiber club, they allknit and they're all going to
some event together and it makesme so happy that Girl Camper
brought them all together.
(30:42):
Yeah, they find these commoninterests other than camping.
Yes, and last October I went toIreland.
Now we didn't camp in Irelandbut they were Girl Campers.
Speaker 3 (30:51):
So there was that, even though I went by myself,
not knowing anybody.
Speaker 2 (30:55):
I did know it was a safe environment, right.
And then coming camping here,I've been studying a lot about
trauma and how to regulate yournervous system, and we know
being in the outdoors is helpfulfor that it's very helpful.
So I know that there's on myschedule.
I have trips coming up.
Speaker 3 (31:14):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (31:15):
Does it make you feel better to know like I'm at this
trip now, but I got another onealready planned?
Yeah, something to look forwardto.
Yeah, yeah, and a lot of gotanother one already planned.
Yeah, something to look forwardto?
Yeah, yeah, and a lot of it isjust the anticipation.
Yeah, we have fun at the events, but what I find so interesting
is, for each event that we host, there's a Facebook page
dedicated to that event and allthe women are on the page and
(31:38):
they're talking about oh, I'mbringing chips and dip, I'm
bringing my rocks to paint inthe afternoon.
Hey, I found a trail and it's a15 minute ride and it's a five
mile hike.
And who wants in?
So, seeing all that sharing andcaring going on before you even
get here, talking about thefood and your site and where
we're going.
It's so collaborative and fun.
(32:01):
And haven't you come acrosspeople that said, oh, I would
love to do that, but I don'tknow anybody?
All the time.
This is so easy to get out andimmediately you will know people
.
One of the things we do in ourtraining with our girl camper
guides is it's just imperativethat everybody feel like you're
here, like there's.
No, you don't have to have somecool trailer.
(32:23):
You don't have to have somecool trailer.
You don't have to have thisbiggest rig set up.
The thing is to just getyourself here and you know, just
see how you like it.
And I've seen women evolve andend up getting a camper.
And I've seen women who areretired and maybe they're going
to go on two or three growcamper trips here and they don't
want a big trailer and all thatinvestment and they'll just
(32:44):
rent a cabin or do something.
Yeah, you, and they don't wanta big trailer and all that
investment and they'll just renta cabin or do something yeah
you know, you don't have to beimmersed in the rv world in
order to be a girl camper.
It's not about rvs, although youkind of want one.
When you get I bought one onevery trip you're gonna want one
, but that's not my problem,it's yours.
You're like I'm not responsiblefor that.
But, um, marybeth, let me askyou this uh, a lot of times when
(33:07):
I come home from a trip likethis and I'll be driving home
and I'll just be thinking, oh,it was so good to see them, and
I'll just be reliving moments,and I feel like I'm on a little
cloud for a couple of days, likeI got a good shot of all my
girl campers, you know, and I'mlike, what is your takeaway?
Like, what do you gain fromthis?
When you get home, what do youtake?
(33:28):
I think it's the friendships.
I'm a family of three children.
I have two brothers.
I have two brothers.
I'm the only girl, so girlfriendships have always been
important.
Okay, I look at girls as mysisters and, you know, not
everybody is willing to be thatlevel of friend.
So for me, it's meeting womenwho are open to that and being
(33:54):
able to stay in touch.
And, you know, thank goodnessfor Facebook, because that makes
it easy.
But yeah, that's my takeaway.
It's the relationships and beingin nature.
Yeah, I think those are yeahright.
So what would you say tosomeone who's kind of watching
us from the outside going oh,those girls look like they're
having so much fun but they havea little fear about getting in.
(34:16):
Try it, yeah, put yourself outthere and that's an
accomplishment.
You know, when I went to thefirst meet and greet, I had to
drive a distance.
I met like six women and I justfelt like, okay, there are
people out there it's not likeall my friends have gone on
different paths.
You know, like you, I had a lotof friends when the children
(34:37):
were home and we were doingthings, and then suddenly it was
, and then the pandemic wasright after that.
Speaker 1 (34:41):
So suddenly.
Speaker 2 (34:47):
Yeah yeah, the pandemic threw us all for a
little loop there and campingwas a real lifesaver.
I remember we were camping upin North Jersey and at the
beginning of the pandemic,before the vaccine was out,
before there was a lot ofknowledge about it but everyone
was still going a little stircrazy and we had a circle
probably 30 feet wide withchairs, eight feet apart.
Everybody had around with amascot.
(35:08):
But we had to get out, we hadto get outdoors.
So, mary Beth, it is so greatto see you in your own evolution
, you know, coming along here,and it makes me so happy that
you've met friends.
And I don't want to be biased,but the New Jersey and
Pennsylvania girls are prettycool, you know they.
(35:28):
They're very, very welcoming,very, very welcoming.
Nice big group it's a lovely,lovely group and we've got
plenty of places to go andthings to see, and but not just
New Jersey, because there's somany opportunities throughout
the country.
Yes, and like my trip toIreland.
Speaker 3 (35:44):
Yes.
Speaker 2 (35:45):
It wasn't anybody from Jersey.
They were from so many otherstates and I like that exposure.
Speaker 3 (35:49):
Yes.
Speaker 2 (35:51):
And now we have a new program that we're doing at
Girl Camper where there's reallybig bucket list trips coming up
to Hawaii, to Machu Picchu,like we've got some really
exotic travel coming up in 2026.
But I hope to see you aroundthe campfire soon and I'm so
glad that you made it thisweekend.
(36:12):
I'm so glad to see you, dear.
Speaker 1 (36:17):
But I am here now with Carol Thompson and you are
the New Jersey Girl Camper Guy.
Yes, so that means you planthese events.
And you are the New Jersey GirlCamper Guide yes, so that means
you plan these events.
Talk a little bit about whatthat is, what that looks like.
Speaker 2 (36:30):
It's finding other girls that want to go out and
camp and sometimes they don'tknow what route to go.
So Janine Pettit started theGirl Camper and she's got
different guides for differentstates and hopefully they'll
find different camp, camp roundsor different meet and greets
that the girls that want to getout in the outdoors can gather
(36:50):
and feel safe.
So what I'll do is I'll plan acamping trip, I'll put it on the
facebook page, I'll have girlssign up and you know can,
sometimes maybe eight of ten andsometimes we have as many as 40
or 50 girls, 40 and 50,sometimes yes.
And the nice thing is just likeif you've met any of the other
girls.
(37:10):
I never camped.
Growing up, I didn't know a lotabout camping.
Even though I'm the guy fromNew Jersey, I'm still learning.
There's a lot for me to learnand I'm not embarrassed to say I
don't know.
Like, show me.
Speaker 1 (37:24):
And that's what I love about this group and I love
that, because I never wentcamping.
I had no idea.
You know, I didn't like bugsbeing in a tent like none of
that.
Speaker 2 (37:33):
I own a pest control company and I hate bugs.
Speaker 1 (37:36):
Okay, so there it is and what's nice is this is a
great way to get out of yourcomfort zone.
This is for the weekend, sowe're here for the weekend.
We arrived Friday afternoon.
We're leaving tomorrow.
So if you just want to try itout and I guess if people are in
the area they come stop by likewe don't really like to do that
(37:57):
.
Speaker 2 (37:57):
We like it to be because it's a bunch of women
right, we like to be a littleprivate.
Okay, so we don't reallyadvertise where we are, but we
do a lot of women, right, right,we like it to be a little
private.
Okay, so we don't reallyadvertise where we are, right,
but we do a lot of pictures onFacebook and we open it up to
the world to say, oh gosh, whereare these girls?
Look at this beautiful campfire.
And then we've got crockpotsgoing and we've got all kinds of
food tables and get theminterested.
(38:20):
And we're, you know, and we'rein our jeans or our flannel
shirts.
Speaker 1 (38:24):
Looking like this this is campground.
Speaker 2 (38:26):
This is campground attire.
It's what's going on and that's.
Speaker 1 (38:31):
there's so many things I'm thinking all at the
same time.
I love when that happens.
I know, going on to the girlcamper website and people can go
to girlcampercom, there is alimit to what you can find out
until you're signed up andapproved, and that is the safety
part.
Speaker 2 (38:48):
Yes, that is the safety part, and it's very
simple to become a member.
It's only $10.
Just sign up one time.
You sign up for $10 for therest of your life and you can
find out what's going on in NewJersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland.
Speaker 1 (39:01):
So that's some X's.
So somebody who signed up for,say, this event they realized it
was raining, but they wanted tocome me, they signed up for the
event.
They could have come over for acouple hours, absolutely.
So we're just keeping it safe.
People could check it out nowand I've told people already.
I'm here with my daughter, soneither of us knew what to
expect and I didn't really wantto know a whole lot.
(39:24):
I just wanted to jump in seewhat it's like.
Speaker 2 (39:27):
um, again, girls, ladies of all ages, a typical
day in a girl camper event isyes, you sign up, you can see
who's coming.
We usually have some some typeof agenda, like you know.
You can bring the potluck, youcan bring breakfast, you can
bring muffins, coffee.
You have the rest of the day toexplore.
(39:48):
We like to meet at the end ofthe evening for dinner, talk
about what you did during theday, but it's not necessarily
structured.
Speaker 1 (39:59):
It's less structured.
I guess in my mind I thought itwould be a little more
structured.
But what's cool about it is itwas like, okay, breakfast is 9
o'clock, you were doing big O at11.
Some people, I think today, aregoing to a vineyard or winery.
Speaker 2 (40:13):
So it was just a start.
Or they're doing more, they'redoing crafts at the campground.
Speaker 1 (40:18):
So it's kind of nice.
You do your thing at your pace.
If you decide you want to go toAtlantic City and gamble
tonight, I'm sure you could askthe ladies and you'll have some
people.
Speaker 2 (40:29):
Ocean City, New Jersey.
Speaker 1 (40:31):
It's too cold for that Atlantic City Casino.
I haven't been there in a longtime, so that's a road trip.
It's nice that you could doyour thing.
Okay, so you did not start outcamping.
Anyway, what started you andhow did you get involved with?
Speaker 2 (40:49):
I know I've known Janine Pettit for many years.
I knew her before she startedgirl camper and before she even
really started camping with alot of women and she invited me
to go on a trip and she saidwe're going to go on this little
vintage camper and I was likeno, you know, when I go on
(41:09):
vacations I need a hotel, I needsomebody with clean sheets.
Speaker 1 (41:11):
Ready for a five-star .
Speaker 2 (41:13):
I need somebody to take care of everything and I
can just come home and fallasleep and not worry about
anything.
Of course, I didn't realize thebeauty of camping, and this was
what really got me excitedabout camping.
You can spend inexpensive amountof money for the places that
you're staying at thecampgrounds, but I've got my
camper and I've got five storyfive.
(41:34):
My sheets are beautiful, mytowels are pretty and I don't
have to worry about anybodyelse's things.
And uh, but she invited, I gotoff track there.
I'm so sorry no, we.
This is what we're going to doshe invited me on her first trip
and she said okay, cal, I havethis little vintage camper and I
want you to go to tennesseewith me.
Now I was a stay-at-home mom.
I had three children.
(41:55):
I didn't do, and you were newjersey and I was in new jersey
but I didn't do.
And you were in New Jersey andI was in New Jersey but I didn't
do like go out to dinner withmy girlfriends.
I was a mom, I did everythingfor my kids.
And when she said let's go on aroad trip, I went who does that?
Like, really People do that.
So I said alright, I will go onthis trip with you.
We were going to Tennessee andI think we were leaving on
(42:16):
Wednesday and we were going tostay until Sunday.
And heading home I said I'll goon as long as you promise to go
to every antique store.
We have to go on.
You know, stop at every littlesign, little weird sign.
We have to do this.
And she agreed, Of course.
I pull up in her driveway andshe had the cutest little camper
.
It was so adorable.
It had everything you needed.
It had a big feather bedmattress.
(42:37):
It had a big feather bedmattress.
It had a little kitchen with asink and a refrigerator.
I liked coffee back then so Icould have my coffee on the road
and I said, okay, I'm game.
Of course I packed too muchstuff, but I'd never been on a
road trip before, so I didn'tknow.
And as we were getting ready toleave Janine's house of course
(43:01):
this was the first time Janineever did a tow to camp or
anything, so we're driving wekept looking back, going, okay,
it's still there, it's stillthere and we're driving.
We're only two blocks from herhouse and I turn around and go
Janine, do you have a cat?
She goes no, I don't have a cat.
I said well, Janine, there's acat walking back and forth in
front of the camper window.
We went oh my god, the camperwas in front of denise's house
(43:23):
and as we were packing it, youknow, for the trip, she left the
door open and her neighbor'scat.
Oh my goodness.
Now, this was before denise andI even had a backup or car or
anything.
So even though her house wasn'ttoo far behind us, we didn't
have a backup.
So we had to drive like threeblocks around the block to get
it back to her neighborhood sowe could drop the cat off.
Speaker 1 (43:43):
So that was my first introduction, and even with that
you were still willing to dothe trip.
Speaker 2 (43:49):
So we were laughing so much and we hadn't even
started yet.
Speaker 1 (43:54):
And as you're telling the story of how much you
packed and stopping at antiquestores, have you ever seen the
movie Long, long Honeymoon withLucille Ball?
Yes, I love it.
My mother made me watch it forthe third time and that's what I
was thinking about.
Speaker 2 (44:09):
So did you?
No, it's kind of like Janineand I really on the trail
because, the bad thing is whenyou have a camper behind you and
you are going to antique storesor little shops, you don't have
to worry about putting it inyour car.
You got a big camper right andeven though it's a little tiny
camper man, we fit some reallygood things in that camper to
take back home to New Jersey youhave to watch your week to
(44:29):
watch that movie long haul.
We do kind of do that, as amatter of fact, I had a camping
trip in November and somebodybought a big screen and the
movie we watched was lucia balland a long trailer, it was so
much fun.
Speaker 1 (44:42):
It's that that, yes, I want to hear from people, and
whoever has watched this movie,you know what we're talking
about.
You haven't watched it, youneed to watch yes, that is.
Speaker 2 (44:52):
If you want to know anything about camping and stuff
, that is yes, oh, yeah, so okay.
Speaker 1 (44:57):
So you go in the strips of tennessee, you collect
your Antiques, you come back.
Speaker 2 (45:02):
And I think somebody's mentioned Before I
didn't know a lot of people thatcamped, because I wasn't A
camper and when we went toTennessee we didn't know a soul.
These girls met us, took thekeys from us, parked the car,
parked the camper, had a firegoing With some burgers and hot
dogs.
Speaker 1 (45:22):
Well, let's be clear here my experience with camping,
that is not it.
So if you want that kind offive-star camping, make sure the
campgrounds are going toprovide that, because
campgrounds do not park your car.
Or set up the fire.
Now there are campgrounds thatdo oh at the fireplace.
Speaker 2 (45:41):
Now there are campgrounds that do.
Speaker 1 (45:42):
Oh, they do.
Yes, there are campgrounds thatdo.
There are five more five-starcampgrounds, but for the most
part you've got to do that stuffyourself.
But they are the community.
If you had to go into acampground and back that trailer
up and you couldn't do it,there would have been people
coming from all over to help andsupport you and throughout the
years I just realized I thinkI've been camping I thought it
(46:03):
was only seven.
Speaker 2 (46:04):
I've probably been camping now for about 15 years,
which you need, and there havebeen a few scary times.
I pulled into a campsite.
I didn't think I was going tobe able to back it in and I
probably tried six or seven oreight times.
And you know, if somebodywalked up to me and said, can I
help you?
I said please take over.
I was not embarrassed.
Now I can do it, but back thenit didn't bother me that
(46:25):
somebody wanted to come in andhelp me, and that's how the
campers are, and that is thelearning experience.
Speaker 1 (46:31):
So anybody coming in, whether they're just coming
like Emily and I for the weekend, as I said, we're in a retro RV
.
I haven't been in an RV in ayear so it's like, all right, I
got to remember these things.
But there were things I did notknow how to bestow with this
particular RV.
So I asked the maintenance guy,because he takes care of the RV
and it is always a learning.
(46:54):
So anybody that says I knewnothing about it, I want that to
be the message that's out there.
Find your tribe, find yourgroup of people and get out.
Just take a step at a time.
We are all still learning.
Speaker 3 (47:05):
Absolutely.
Speaker 2 (47:06):
And don't hesitate, because what you don't know,
somebody will show you, or whatyou know, somebody's going to
learn from you.
I mean, I never tent camped,but I did start out with vintage
campers so I was used to.
It's really like a tent off theground because you don't have
hot water, you don't have ashower, you don't have a
bathroom, but I felt it was alittle enclosed and I couldn't
(47:28):
do tent camping.
So I probably had three or fourvintage and now I just got a
regular travel trailer.
Oh my gosh, I'm in seventhheaven.
I've got hot water, I've got ashower.
I, I've got water, I've got ashower, I've got a bathroom.
So it's amazing how what Ithink Girl Camper did for me, it
built my confidence.
You know, I felt like I coulddo this and I started out with
(47:49):
no idea, right.
Speaker 1 (47:51):
And find what works for you is what I keep saying.
So, as of last year, we soldthe RV and I'm solo.
As of last year, we sold the RVand I'm solo, and so I was
trying to think do I want to geta van and travel around?
Do I want to get somethingbigger?
And I'm really enjoying goinginto a campground where I'm
staying in a cabin or a yurt orlike this retro RV that does
(48:15):
have running water, had a shower.
It actually has a little tub inthere, oh my gosh, A little
bathtub.
Speaker 2 (48:21):
It's amazing how, like the bed pump has a little
tub in there.
Speaker 1 (48:23):
Oh my gosh a little bit.
It's amazing.
Speaker 3 (48:24):
I was like so the bed has a mouth, yes, the shower
pump, yes.
Speaker 1 (48:26):
So so find what works for you, is the messaging here
yes yes, so that you've got alot of events that you have
planned and I know, in theprevious part of the year even
have that country yes, oh mygosh.
Speaker 2 (48:42):
The new thing with Girl Camp for now is bucket list
trucks.
They have Hawaii set up, theyhave Costa Rica set up, I think
Peru, yes, yes, wow, okay, isn'tthat wonderful you can go
across the world but have yourown little tribe so you'll feel
a little bit safer when you'retraveling across the world, and
I love that.
Speaker 1 (49:03):
And that is a big thing for me.
So for those people you knowthat are listening on Janine's
podcast, or new people to mine,as of a year ago, my husband
went into the hospital and so Iam solo.
He is just for people who don'tknow.
He's cognitively impaired andwill not recover.
(49:23):
So, thinking about this idea ofsolo camping like or traveling
by myself, I'll be honest, Idon't like it.
I want to be with people.
Now there are times you wouldgo back to your, your own bed,
your own space and just checkout, but.
But I keep thinking aboutbecause I want to travel not
only more in the country, butoutside the country.
(49:44):
I have a huge bucket list,right, I don't see doing these
things all alone.
Speaker 2 (49:50):
It's just not my no and.
But what I like here too is youcan travel with a group but
there's so much downtime foryourself, like if you need to
just escape, and, you know, justrelax a little bit.
Speaker 1 (50:02):
Or if there's something you guys are doing.
Speaker 2 (50:03):
You don't have to do everything that's on the table
there.
Speaker 1 (50:07):
You can just choose what you want to do Right, and
that's really, that's the nicepart of it, and then to know
that you're also doing thesehuge trips outside the country.
What am I talking about?
Speaker 2 (50:20):
Plus, what I like is because there's a lot of groups
in different states, like I'vebeen to Tennessee.
I took my camper on the GeorgeWashington Bridge.
I mean I was in the pier.
I'm not sure about that.
It wasn't supposed to be.
Speaker 1 (50:33):
Oh, I did Okay, so you took the camper on the
George Washington Bridge.
I do not recommend this.
You weren't supposed to bethere so you probably didn't ask
the RV Trick Wizard at the RVCat GPS.
Speaker 2 (50:45):
This was probably 11 years ago.
This was 11 years ago, but weall make those mistakes.
Speaker 1 (50:51):
We do and, like I said, it's a learning curve.
Speaker 2 (50:53):
It's a learning curve .
But I've been to Tennessee,I've been to West Virginia, I've
been to so many differentstates, sea, I've been to west
virginia um I've been to so manydifferent states, and sometimes
by myself, because I knew therewas going to be a campground,
there were going to belike-minded people and I could
still be by myself because I hadmy camper to be private, or, if
I had, you can stay in a cabinor like you rented a camper, um,
(51:15):
but if I wanted to explore anddo other things, there would be
other people there to share with.
Speaker 1 (51:21):
This has been such like I've known.
Like I said, janae, for I don'tknow, over two years, two and a
half years.
It was the first episode on thepodcast, it was the first
interview, and I've learned somuch in just the last 24 hours.
So thank you so much, carol,and I'm looking forward to an
amazing night, keri.
Speaker 2 (51:40):
O karaoke tonight.
Speaker 1 (51:41):
And tomorrow.
Speaker 2 (51:43):
Well, thank you for inviting me.
Thank you so much.
You know, it's been so much funtalking with everybody here
this weekend and I'm so gladthey got to meet you and you can
expose your RV Life podcast toa new group of people.
Speaker 1 (51:58):
I am so glad you invited me and, like I said in
the beginning you invited me,you said this is the weekend,
didn't even explain it, I justsaid yes and went for it.
Girls just want to have fun.
When I see a woman who needs a,break.
Speaker 2 (52:11):
I'm on you, I'm on you.
No, this has been a lot of funand I so appreciate the effort
people like Carol make, becauseit is the position of the guides
and the other women here thatyou know we raise up from the
bottom, so that's been reallygreat, and thank you for giving
us the opportunity to talk aboutgirl camper on rv life.
Speaker 1 (52:31):
We really appreciate that and I am so glad to have
you on I know, there are a lotof women out there and, again,
these are not single women forthe most part.
If you're single, single it'sfine.
If you're married, it's fine.
You're whatever, whatever, thisis the group that is totally
accepting, and I'm so glad tohave been part of this and talk
to the ladies.
(52:51):
Well, we were thrilled to haveyou.
Well, before we wrap up, I'm notletting you go yet.
We're going to do the questionof the week, which is brought to
you by Cool RV, the question ofthe week which is brought to
you by Cool RV.
So those RVs that have the airconditioners that need to be
cooler, cool RV is what you need.
I'm going to ask you thequestion.
Give me a minute to think aboutit.
I feel like sometimes thesequestions for people who travel
(53:12):
a lot, is sometimes harder.
I want you to share with both ofour audiences what is on your
bucket list.
Rv adventures should be cooland quiet, not hot and noisy.
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gives you cooler air, moreairflow and whisper, quiet,
(53:33):
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Cool RV stay cool, stay quiet,stay adventuring.
(53:54):
Order now at CoolRVcom.
That is K-O-O-L-R-Vcom.
There is a link in the shownotes.
Speaker 2 (54:04):
I try to do a bucket list trip per year.
Okay, so I'm 65, proud to saythat, getting younger by the day
, and I feel like there's somuch time that I have left, you
know like.
I don't know we're healthy,we're happy, we're moving along
right.
But so I try to do one bucketlist trip a year.
Last year I went to Alaska, butI also went to Morocco, so I
(54:27):
did two last year.
This year I'm kind of keepingit local and I'm doing a trip
I've wanted to do for so longwhere I'm going down to Kentucky
with the Girl Campers, whereyou can do kayaking in caves
down in Kentucky.
I was just talking about thiswith my daughter.
Oh, you were yes, yes, I wonderif it's the same thing.
I'm sure it is.
I'm going there in August, sothat's my bucket list thing this
(54:50):
year.
Speaker 1 (54:50):
So maybe I'll join you on that trip.
That is a bucket list item forme.
Yep, I'm staying at FireflyHills in Kentucky.
It's Beesville, kentucky.
The place sounds amazing.
Okay, sounds amazing and I amgoing to be.
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (55:07):
Well, I don't remember the exact name of the
organization that we go, but itis in Slade Kentucky, s-l-a-d-e.
Kentucky.
I just remember mapping it likehow am I getting from here to
there?
So somewhere in Slade Kentuckythere's caverns and caves and
you kayak in them and it looksreally cool and I can't wait to
do it.
Put together by Nancy Grant,our Illinois Girl Camper Guide.
Speaker 1 (55:31):
Wow Okay.
Speaker 2 (55:32):
So maybe I'll join you on that.
Speaker 1 (55:33):
Yeah, and anybody who's listening or watching that
wants to join you?
Just go to girlcampercom com.
Speaker 2 (55:41):
Dot com and yeah, so turn up to see the event.
It costs $10 because we need toknow that you are who you say
you are, so we ask you for $10,and then we can match your
credit card and we know you'renot somebody's crazy ex stalking
them.
So we're just like making surethat we don't show all where all
(56:04):
these women are camping bythemselves or in groups.
So you need to put your moneywhere your mouth is if you want
to know where we are.
It's $10, one-time fee, it'snot even an annual fee and then
you're vetted and we can get inand see where all the events are
.
So we'll hope you'll take alook and join us, yes, and
subscribe to Girl Camp withMagazine and follow the podcast
and join us on our Facebookgroup.
Lots of places.
Speaker 1 (56:24):
Yes, yes, and where do people find RV Life?
So they can find me atpodcastrvlifecom.
That website is being revamped,as I understand, but it is
there Comments, questions,anything People you want to see
on the show.
Go to RVv, like podcasts oninstagram and facebook.
I know for both of us, we wantto hear from you and I know I'm
(56:47):
now answering every message.
I might have some people thathelp with that.
Um, but, yes, I'd love to hearyou know, as as a woman, what
does this sound like somethingyou want to do?
Speaker 2 (56:58):
yeah, get on and share and just I think the
takeaway would be like, don'tthink you have to go all in like
, like it's a timeshare orsomething.
Just just sign up, rent a cabinand come to one event, see what
, see how you like it, or justcome to one of our meet and
greets yeah, I do want to give ashout out again to Spacious
Suns guys country boats inDorothy, new Jersey, 30 minutes
(57:23):
from the Jersey Shore.
Speaker 1 (57:25):
They have been amazing.
Yeah, it's such a greatcampground Incredible.
We both highly recommend it.
Yeah, yeah, awesome.
We have to give that shout out,yeah.
Speaker 2 (57:34):
No, I have a seasonal site here, so I'm biased.
Okay, yeah yeah, and it's verychill.
It's very like a little familycampground, but not too big, not
?
You know, they got the thingskids like.
They got a pool, they got abouncy thing.
You know the kids are allriding their bikes, you know,
but it's not a mega, mega likeoverwhelm you.
Speaker 1 (57:53):
Right, you know Warm family camp and people can
actually check out.
I did a review while I was here.
It's a brief review becauseit's cold and cloudy and things
aren't in bloom yet, so peoplecan check that out.
On my new YouTube channel,inspired Travels with Patty,
it's just started.
It's still a little messy, butcheck out the video.
Speaker 2 (58:18):
Patty, it was so great to see you.
We're so glad, so you knowwhere to follow all of us.
We'd like to see you sharingthis, but thank you for joining
us and we'll see you around thecampfire.
Happy trails.
Speaker 1 (58:33):
It's now time for the featured campground brought to
you by RV Life.
This week's campground isThousand Trails Williamsburg in
Williamsburg, virginia.
This is a Thousand Trailscampground, but you do not need
to be a member to stay at thiscampground.
Thousand Trails Williamsburghas lots to offer.
(58:57):
There are full hookups, haslots to offer.
There are full hookups, pull-insites, a dog park and they have
cabin rentals, which is afavorite of mine.
There's a lot to do in the areaand it is just a great place to
stay, with a solid 7.5 ratingon the RV Life Campground site
with 111 reviews, go tocampgroundsrvlifecom and enter
(59:24):
Thousand Trails Williamsburg andyou can see all the pictures,
the tips, the full list ofamenities about this property
and you can book right from thissite.
Rv Life Campgrounds is part ofthe RV Life Pro suite of
products and it is the mostcomprehensive source of RV parks
.
Campgrounds is part of theRVLife Pro Suite of products and
it is the most comprehensivesource of RV parks, campgrounds,
resorts, as well as city, stateand national parks, cores of
(59:48):
engineer properties and so muchmore.
Visit campgroundsrvlifecom tofind out everything you need to
know and, if you're not alreadyan RV Life member, go to the
link in the show notes for 25%off.
Thank you to my listeners forlistening to this episode with
(01:00:09):
Janine Pettit.
Remember life's a journey.
Live each day to the fullest,without regrets.
I'm Patti Hunt and you havebeen listening to the RV Life
Podcast.
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