History of the Saco River Ramblers

     After attending a New Hampshire Samboree as a member-at- large, it was the vision of Judith Botsford to organize a Good Sam Chapter in the Mount Washington Valley area. In September advertising went out to local newspapers and television stations to encourage membership in a new Good Sam Chapter. In October an informal formation meeting was held at Shannon Door Pub in Jackson with a few possible members in attendance.

     Officers were elected as follows: Judith Botsford, President; Dorothy Wood, Vice President; Elinor Quint, Secretary; Robert Scolamiero, Treasurer; and Carl Hydren, Wagon Master. Possibilities of projects and camping trips were discussed. The necessary papers were filed with national to form a chapter as was named at this meeting: “Saco River Ramblers”.

     A Christmas meeting was held at the Red Fox Restaurant in Jackson in early December. At this meeting we had twenty members present from Jackson to Meredith and Alton, NH and Lovell, Maine. At that time the chapter Constitution and by-laws were drawn up and a patch contest was held. The winning patch was drawn by Chris Fournier with Mount Washington, hills, pine trees and the Saco River with the Good Sam in the lower corner.

     The Constitution, By-laws and patch were submitted to National for approval. On February 4, 2005 the Saco River Ramblers were accepted as a Chapter from New Hampshire. The Charter was presented to President, Botsford at the New Hampshire State Samboree in June, 2005. The Chapter was chartered with 13 rigs.

    The Chapter has a monthly newsletter to inform members of meetings and events of the chapter. The chapter also has a Web Page for all to enjoy. Our Aim is for the Saco River Ramblers to be an organization for all age levels to camp together and have great friendships and camping experiences.

    The Saco River Ramblers now have expanded with a very active schedule. In the off season they meet nearly every month at Jakes Restaurant in Chocorua. The chapter camping season begins in May and continues thru mid October as well as the Good Sam Samborees.

    The latest project for the chapter is Food Pantries and each month a box of food and a check is given to a different food pantry corresponding to towns where members live. 

    As our chapter continues to grow we are versatile in ages although we would like more families to join our group. The young people are our future!