Travel Resorts of America E-Traveler Newsletter
May, 2010
In this edition:
GET ACTIVE!
Want to be in the E-Traveler? Reply with a photo of you and your family enjoying the resort and you could be in the next Newsletter!
Don't forget to join in on our Meet the Manager get together - Saturday Mornings at 10 AM!
Welcome to the new E-Traveler - our online newsletter.
Our goal is to communicate more frequently with you and let you know about all of the new and exciting things happening at Travel Resorts of America - Sycamore Lodge and Gettysburg Battlefield Resort. Enjoy!
FREE STUFF FOR ALL TRA MEMBERS!
Just by sending a Member Referral Guest to visit our Sycamore Lodge or Gettysburg Battlefield Resort Properties, you will begin earning Roscoe Rewards Points, cool prizes or CASH immediately!
Roscoe Referral has been spotted giving away FREE t-shirts, hats, coffee cups, TV’s, cabin vacation weeks and now he is giving away FREE Golf Cart rentals with his brand new Super Roscoe Limo Carts. He has 5 limo carts at each resort.
Debbie Coleman is our new Member Referral Manager at the Sycamore Lodge Resort. You can email her at ncroscoe@travelresorts.com.
Tiffany Topci is our Member Referral Manager at Gettysburg Battlefield Resort. You can email her at gbroscoe@travelresorts.com.
Or you can call 1-800-370-1645 ext. 1630.
See you at the Resort!
Roscoe Referral
» return to top
GREETINGS FROM GETTYSBURG
Hello All! In the last newsletter I mentioned that the snow was just starting to fade away and indeed it has and spring has finally arrived. The much desired weather has really given a much needed boost in several projects that are happening at the resort. We’ve been refurbishing the pool, adding Wi-Fi, renovating a new game room, and making many changes in the General Store. However, we wouldn’t be able to do all of this without your and our great staff’s support and help. I’d like to say thank you to all of you who have worked hard at these projects and at our recent spring cleaning weekend. We’ve had an amazing jump start for the season! Until next time, Happy Camping!
Richard Kellermann, Resort Manager
RECENT HAPPENINGS
Additions, Refurbishing and Renovations
One of the biggest projects at Gettysburg this spring is the refurbishing our 40+ year old swimming pool. Also, members will have a new Game Room to hang out in very soon! Volunteers and staff have been hard at work renovating the old shop by the pool. Lastly, we will soon have Internet service! You will be able to get online and check out Gettysburg Battlefield Resort on Facebook!
Gettysburg will soon have Wireless Internet service!
The "master system", pictured below, has been installed with 7 repeaters to be installed soon. We currently expect our Wi-Fi to be working by the end of May. So, don’t forget your computer on your next visit!
Wireless Internet - Master System
Gettysburg Battlefield is on Facebook!
Good news! Gettysburg Battlefield Resort is now on Facebook! This is a great place for you to keep informed about special events, general resort information and so forth. We can be found by searching, “Gettysburg Battlefield Resort”. Information specific to activities is listed under the Events tab. This is the best location to find out exact times for upcoming events. Currently, we have approximately 120 fans! Join us!
Gettysburg Battlefield Resort Pool Upgrade
One of the biggest projects TRG is undertaking this spring is the refurbishing our 40+ year old swimming pool. New brick coping has been installed; the old lining of the pool has been completely stripped away for installation of new tile and plaster. All lighting is being fixed and new handrails are being added at all four corners of the steps.
Goodbye old. Hello new.
Hard at work.
Blasting!
Getting there...
The New Game Room
Thanks to Mike Lam, ‘Peanut’ Shifflett and many others, Gettysburg members will have a new Game Room to hang out in very soon! They have been hard at work renovating the old shop by the pool. The garage door has been done away with, while a new doorway, new windows, electrical, and dry wall have been added. All that’s left is a whole lot of painting and bringing in of the fun and games! Come check it out on your next visit!
Outside
Inside - Making progress
Almost there
Work Kamper Program and Security Changes
Our Work Kamper program is made up of TRG members. Members who are part of this program are now on payroll and considered employees of the resort. They pay to live on their site whenever they are here. Work Kampers help with many diverse jobs throughout the resort, from landscaping to cooking. David and Carol Spangler are our first members to join the Gettysburg Work Kamper program and have already made huge contributions to our resort. If you are interested in joining this program, please talk to one of our staff at the general store, but if you’d just like to keep up with the ever growing Work Kamper staff, check out the bulletin board in the lodge!
Gettysburg’s First Work Kampers - Members, David and Carol
In addition to changes in our Work Kamper program, we’ve made some changes to our Security. We now have ‘Hosts and Hostesses’, rather than ‘Security’. They’ll sometimes be at the greeting station to say hello, but they’ll also be around the resort completing tasks and generally helping to welcome you while keeping an eye out on the resort.
ACTIVITIES and EVENTS
We have had several fantastic weekends already and look forward to many more this year!
Spring Cleaning was, as always, a busy but successful undertaking this year! Many thanks to all members who helped! It was an amazing and much needed jump start for the season! We washed pool furniture, painted the fence by the main entrance, planted flowers, installed speed limit signs, and much more. After all the hard work was finished, everyone enjoyed a relaxing meal and companionship with each other. The evening was completed with the telling of ghost stories by the bonfire and because we enjoyed it so much, we’ve arranged for a Ghostly Images storyteller to visit the resort on a monthly basis to entertain us.
Member Beverly Phiel-Burkett planting beautiful flower baskets for your enjoyment
Enjoying a beautiful day while cleaning pool furniture
Clearing the way for new spring growth.
New flower boxes at the Lodge.
Member, Jeff Naftzinger and staff member Linda helping out.
Michaela Naftzinger helping out with spring cleaning.
We started the fun with Saint Patrick’s during which we played games and held our annual corned beef and cabbage dinner. Our “How green can you go” contest was won by the children of the Beam family. They won at $10 gift certificate to the General Store.
The Beam Family - St. Patrick's Day Contest Winners
Hot Potato on St. Patty's Day!
Easter celebration came with fabulous weather! The kiddies scrambled their hearts out during the egg and candy hunt, as well as other games. Our most inspired egg hunters won an Easter basket filled with all sorts of goodies! Peter Cottontail visited with us and graciously sat for many photo opportunities. After all that playing we simply had to refuel with Easter dinner. Then it was back out for more fun. Bunny magnets were completed during craft time with the evening being topped off by a hayride with Peter Cottontail! The turnout was wonderful. Hope to see more of you at the hayrides throughout the season.
Egg Scramble
Look at them go!
Easter Egg Scramble Hunt!
Easter Egg Scramble Hunt Winners
Egg Painting
Arts and Crafts - Making Bunny Magnets
Easter Bunny Hugs
And more hugs
Smile
Peter Cottontail and Olivia.
Lucky Ray Keiser was April's Raffle Winner. Thanks to all who participated as we raised $365.00 for a donation to Adams County S.P.C.A. Money raised for May's raffle will go to the American Heart Association! So, stop by the General Store and purchase your raffle ticket today! It's for a great cause.
Gettysburg Raffle Gift
» return to top
GREETINGS FROM SYCAMORE LODGE
Howdy from Sycamore Lodge! The camping season is in full swing, the resort is in prime condition and we hope you have had a chance to escape to Sycamore Lodge. It has been a pleasure to meet the members over the past couple of months. For those of you I haven’t met, I have an open door policy and I encourage all members to stop by my office on the first floor of the Lodge. You are welcome whether you need assistance, have a suggestion or just want to say hello. Thank you for being a part of our Travel Resorts family; I hope to see you soon at the Lodge!
Ron Williams, Resort Manager
RECENT HAPPENINGS
Additions, Refurbishing and Renovations
Look for new chaise lounges, chairs, tables and umbrellas at the pool. As well as a new nine-hole miniature golf course, construction on the course should begin in mid summer. Also in the works at Sycamore:
- Our number one priority continues to be the addition of sewer sites. In March we had a long and productive meeting with officials from the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources. At the meeting we were able put together a plan that will allow us to move forward with permits. Unfortunately the process is not as quick as we would like, our best estimate is that we could begin the permitting process for additional sewer sites in September. I understand this has been a long and difficult process, but I can assure you we are doing everything possible to add more sewer sites for your enjoyment.
- We have selected a contractor to design and construct a new nine hole miniature golf course. Look for the design to be posted in the Lodge very soon. Construction on the course should begin in mid summer. The new course will be a contemporary design using natural structures that will be fun for kids and challenging for adults.
- We had some technical issues on the design of our new Wi-Fi system which has delayed installation; however I am pleased to report we have resolved those issues. Our new Wi-Fi system should be operational in six weeks. So get ready to surf the internet in the comfort of your own RV real soon.
- Just in time for summer we are more than doubling the furniture at the pool. Look for new chaise lounges, tables, chairs and umbrellas at the pool.
Activities and Events
We have had great weather and good times, and there is only more to come! Get excited and get involved!
50's week was April 30- May 2 at Sycamore Lodge and "Happy Days" were had by all! Check out the great costumes and the Elvis impersonator. "Thank you, thank you very much!"
Gee Gosh they are cute!
Dancing Shoes.
Uh Huh. I’m all shook up!
Elvis…
…The King
» return to top
Check Out Roscoe's New Ride
Participate in TRA's Roscoe Referral program and you could be cruising your resort in style! Contact Debbie Coleman at Sycamore Lodge at ncroscoe@travelresorts.com and Tiffany Topci at Gettysburg Battlefield Resort at gbroscoe@travelresorts.com for more information or call 1800.370.1645 ex. 1630.
» return to top
DID YOU KNOW?
General Custer was known as being the youngest
most highly ranked officer in the Federal army at 22.
Born December 5, 1839, General Custer died June 25, 1876 in battle.
» return to top
CAMPFIRE BANANA SPLITS
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Ingredients:
- 6 large bananas, unpeeled, stems removed
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 (10.5 ounce) package miniature marshmallows
Directions:
- Preheat the grill for high heat.
- Spray 4 sheets of aluminum foil, large enough to wrap bananas, with cooking spray.
- Slice the peel of the banana from stem to bottom, while slicing the banana inside lengthwise. The bananas can be cut into slices instead if you like, (while still in the peel) for easier handling later.
- Carefully open the banana just wide enough to place the chocolate chips and marshmallows inside the peel with the banana. Stuff with as much of the chocolate chips and marshmallows as desired.
- Wrap the bananas with the aluminum foil and place on the grill or directly in the coals of a fire. Leave in long enough to melt the chips and the marshmallows, about 5 minutes. Unwrap bananas, open the peels wide, and eat with a spoon.
» return to top
Looking For a New Way To Get Around Your Resort?
Rent a Pedal Kart! Pedal Karts are a unique cross between a bicycle and a go-cart, fun for all ages and they are now available for rental at Sycamore Lodge and Gettysburg Battlefield Resort. Stop by the General Store for more information and rates.
» return to top
PROMOTIONS AND NEW HIRES
Bryana Nelson was recently promoted to Assistant Manager of Gettysburg Battlefield Resort! Bryana has been with us since September 2008 when she was hired to work in Member Services. She went into the “Manager in Training” program shortly before the end of 2009 and has emerged as an extremely resourceful and valuable leader. Congratulations Bryana on your new position and many thanks for a job well done!
Congratulations Amanda!
The staff of Gettysburg Battlefield Resort wants to congratulate Amanda Jones for her graduation from the University of Pittsburgh this year! Amanda is quite the academic as she received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Philosophy. She also graduated Summa Cum Laude with a 3.75 GPA, Pi Sigma Alpha (Political Science Honor Society), and Phi Kappa Phi (Senior Honor Society), Da Vinci Scholar. Amanda has worked in our General Store during her summers for 6 years and is an asset to us. We wish luck to Amanda as she is now pursuing a Masters of Public Policy with a focus on International Security and Economic Policy from the University of Maryland. Keep up all the hard work Amanda!!
New Recreation Director at Sycamore Lodge. We are excited to announce that Kelly Fritz has joined the Travel Resort's Team. Kelly Joined in early April and is bringing a new energy, excitement, and creativity to our recreation and activity program. Look for some new events in the future and be sure to check out our revised events calendar in this newsletter.
Kelly Fritz, New Sycamore Lodge Recreation Director.
» return to top
Upcoming Events and Activities at Gettysburg
NEW this YEAR!
Monthly flea markets. This will provide crafters and other vendors with a ‘marketplace’ to offer their wares. These events will be held in the pavilion and will kick off during Memorial Day weekend and will be held on the last Saturday of each month thereafter, up through October.
POW-WOWs. POW-WOW fans, rest assured – Native American weekend will be held this year. We were able to connect with a Cherokee heritage group that has agreed to partner with us and provide us with a POW-WOW! Mark your calendars for July 24th!
MAY
May 28-31 Memorial Day
Join us for a day of remembrance for those that have served in the armed forces. Entertainment for Saturday will be Together – Don & Roxie and caricatures by Kent Roberts. Sunday entertainment will be Make ‘n’ Changes. Sunday will also kick off the first of our monthly Flea Markets – bring your wares!
JUNE
June 4 – 6 Wild, Wild West
Calling all cowboys and Indians! Show us how the West was won, participate in Cowboy Camp. Bring your boots for some dancing and our best dressed western ware contest. This is also a re-enactment weekend. Entertainment will be provided by the Dixie HIWAY band.
June 11 – 13 Death by Chocolate
Calling all fellow chocoholics! Enter your favorite chocolate recipe into our Sweet Treat Tasting contest. It may be a winner! Participate in chocolate themed games. Come play Chocolate Campo – Hershey’s Miniatures or fun size bars are the price per game. You could walk away with the mother lode! This is also a re-enactment weekend. Entertainment will be provided by Tall in the Saddle.
June 18 – 20 Father’s Day
It’s Dad’s day so let’s make him feel loved! Compete with Dad or Grandpa in our fishing tournament. Create your own gift for dad during crafts. Then enjoy dinner with “Dear Ole Dad”, during our Father’s Day Meal (Dad eats free). Entertainment will be provided by Robbing Knoll.
June 25 – 27 Wet & Wild
Come enjoy our pool games, Big Daddy Splash and many more. Kids, bring your water guns for the shoot out, staff members are open game. But watch out, we will have our own water guns and may return WATER! Join us for music and games during our pool party. As this weekend has the last Saturday of the month, there’ll be a FLEA MARKET – vendors bring on the good stuff!
Finally, one small reminder; the pavilion is available for rent on Sunday afternoons. The fee is nominal compared to other venues. Several members have used the pavilion for wedding receptions following lovely ceremonies at our Gazebo. If you are interested, please let Joy Naftzinger know. Contact info below.
Full list Gettysburg Battlefield Weekend Activities
If you have any comments or suggestions for TRG activities, please let Joy Naftzinger know. She can be reached via telephone, toll free at 1-888-431-9581, extension 1704, or via email at gbractivities@travelresorts.com.
» return to top
Upcoming Events and Activities at Sycamore Lodge
MAY
21 - 23 Flea Market/Auction Weekend
Members are able to bring their own items and set up at their campsite. The flea market will start at 8am and conclude at 2pm. Any unwanted items you didn’t sell in the Flea Market you may donate to the Auction starting at 3 pm. The auction will raise money for our Adopt a Family Christmas project.
May 28 – 30 Memorial Day Weekend
This weekend we will have a petting zoo, pony rides, an evening Ice Cream Social and the Special Occasions Band! Then on Sunday we will have a Memorial Day Parade!
JUNE
June 4 - 6 Spring Golf Tournament
We will be leaving the resort at 9:15am to make our 10:20am tee time at Beacon Ridge Golf Resort in Seven Lakes. The game will be Captain’s Choice. The cost will be $45.00 and this will include an evening meal.
June 11 - 13 Teen Pizza Challenge
This weekend is all about kids and teens! We will have a pizza dinner and games in the Game Room will be available free of charge!
June 18 - 20 Father's Day Weekend
Come celebrate your Dad! We will have a fishing tournament that morning, and then kids will have a chance to create a special Father’s Day gift!
June 25 - 27 Gospel Weekend
The Captain's Crew Band will be performing LIVE under the tent Saturday night! We will also have crafts, and plenty of outdoor fun!
JULY
July 2 – 4 Independence Day Celebration
Get outside and wear your RED, WHITE and BLUE! We’ll be celebrating all weekend.
July 9 – 11 Mardi Gras Weekend
Come design your own Mardi Gras mask! Then put on your green, purple and gold and participate in our Mardi Gras Parade!
July 16 – 18 Seventies Weekend
Tie Dye a shirt, go GLAM ROCK with face painting and boogie down all night under the tent!
July 23 - 25 is now Island Weekend
Come try your luck in the Limbo Contest, design your own flip-flops, and enjoy frozen drinks as we listen to live beach music!
AUGUST
Jul 30 - Aug 1 Hollywood Weekend
Lights, Camera, Action! The week prior to this weekend, we will be making our OWN Hollywood Film! On Saturday night, all of our film stars will take a walk down the red carpet as we hold the World Premier of their feature film!
August 13 – 15 Wet n’ Wild Weekend
Do you enjoy pool relays, water balloon tosses, and creating your own ice cream sundaes? Then this is the weekend for you! Come join us for all these fun activities and more!
Full List of Sycamore Lodge Activities
If you have any comments or suggestions for TNC activities, please let Kelly Fritz. She can be reached via telephone, toll free at 1-888-431-9582, extension 1704, or via email at kfritz@travelresorts.com.
» return to top
Contact Us
RESERVATIONS NUMBERS:
Reservations System Questions:
800-843-0445 Mon - Sat 9 AM - 9 PM EST
Gettysburg Reservations:
888-568-7641
Sycamore Lodge Reservations:
800-370-1645 Ext. 1412
Resort Reservations Hours of Operation:
Sun-Sat, 9 AM - 5 PM EST
Or visit: www.travelresorts.com
CLICK REPLY FOR SUGGESTIONS/COMMENTS ON E-TRAVELER EMAIL! LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK!
Maintenance fees may be increased by the percentage of incresase, if any, in the Consumer Price Index (1967's 100) specified for "All Items"for "All Urban Consumers, south Region" which is published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor. All resorts must rely on membership fees to maintain and operate their facilities. This is the same with Travel Resorts.
www.travelresorts.com or call 800-318-2945
340 Commerce Avenue
Suite 20
Southern Pines, NC 28374
1-888-417-0297
» return to top