In 1976, a couple from Montgomery, Alabama, C. T. and Emma Donaldson, placed an ad in the Montgomery Advertiser stating that they were interested in forming a Good Sam Camping Chapter, requesting that those interested in forming a chapter, to meet them in their home. After that initial meeting, the chapter was chartered by the Good Sam Club and the name chosen was “Heart of Dixie Ramblers.” Since that date, the chapter membership has fluctuated in numbers, but never more than 30 couples. We are a group of adults who have a love for camping “smoothly,” loving the outdoors, enjoying good food, fellowship, and a touch of competition in our various games.
The Heart of Dixie Ramblers camp each month on the second Thursday, Friday and Saturday of the month. Each campout is hosted by one or two couples, who select the location of the meeting site; select activities and games appropriate for the area that might be enjoyed; plan a covered dish (pot luck) dinner, usually on Friday night, and usually a meal at a local restaurant. In the month of an Alabama Good Sam Samboree, our meeting is held in conjunction with the Samboree (where all the chapters in the state can meet together and enjoy an expanded meeting, with entertainment, seminars, and various vendors, as well as games). In the month of December, we forego our usual campout and have a Christmas party. As our Good Sam name indicates, we are to be good Samaritans; consequently, our chapter supports and participates in charitable projects throughout the year, such as: Dogs for the Deaf; Children’s Hospital; Local hospitals; The Sunshine Center; The Chisholm Toy Center and Food Bank. If you wish to have additional information as relates to becoming a member of our chapter, contact our Membership Chairman, at (334) 277-7459; email: [email protected], or our President, at (770) 487-9340; email: [email protected].