Introducing Superhero Summer!

Look…up in the sky! It's a bird, it's a plane, it’s the announcement that everyone has been waiting for: The new 2011 theme for the Family Vacation Center! This year, get ready to celebrate…A Superhero Summer!

Grab your capes, tights, and little sidekicks as we embark on a family vacation that will include a Superhero Training Camp at the Family Carnival, Secret Identities from your kid’s group counselors, and your favorite villains lurking around every corner from the Water Show to the Campfire.

In addition to all the amazing activities and events that we have planned this summer, keep your eyes peeled for Superhero Derby Cars and the newly-released Adult Activity Series – the FVC’s grown-up side of fun. The Superhero Summer at the Family Vacation Center will be one for the record books!

Introducing the New FVC Director: Sheri Fruhwirth

The UC Santa Barbara Family Vacation Center is proud to welcome aboard a new Director! Sheri Rae Fruhwirth has enthusiastically accepted the FVC Director position. Sheri is a San Diego State graduate with a degree in Recreation Service, and extensive experience in resort and recreation management. She has worked with Mickey and the gang on Disney Cruises, served as the Assistant Director for The Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in Pennsylvania and most recently was a recreation specialist for a Community Recreation and Park District. With a passion for family activities and guest services, Sheri will undoubtedly be an excellent addition to the FVC managerial team. Join us this summer in welcoming Sheri to the FVC family!

The FVC Starfish (FVCS) sat down for an interview with our new director to discuss some important topics:

FVCS: What is your favorite camp memory?
Sheri: I grew up going to Girl Scout Camp in Arizona and I remember the long drive home singing every new camp song I had learned to my parents. So my favorite part of camp was the songs and skits!

FVCS: You must be friends with a few Disney characters, which are your favorite?
Sheri: I LOVE Chip and Dale because they can get away with anything! I spent two years working on the Disney Wonder Cruise Ship and those two were always up to something suspicious.

FVCS: Do you have any special talents?
Sheri: I can speak whale… just like Dory from Finding Nemo! And I’m the fastest Chicken Dancer you have ever seen. Side note: The VC Starfish would like her to prove these talents this summer.

Get to know Sheri this summer at the Family Vacation Center!

Theme Suggestions Needed

We are 7 months away from week 1 and we are already excited about summer 2011. Each summer the theme helps develop the FVC environment. From Gilligan's Island (2007) to Around the World (2010), this summers theme can be broad or defined. The theme has to be well thought out and exciting. In February, the theme suggestions will be presented to and voted on by a select group of your favorite FVC staffers.

Each year we ask vacationers and staff to provide us with their suggestions for the theme for the upcoming summer; creativity is encouraged. We are ready to start compiling a new list of theme ideas and we can't wait to hear from all of you. Email your theme suggestion(s) to vacation@familyvacationcenter.com.

Watch clips from past FVC shows on YouTube. http://www.youtube.com/user/FamilyVacationCenter

Meet the FVC Pet!

Profile
Name: Jordan Jr.
Type of Fish: Siamese Fighting Fish (Betta splendens)
Background: Jordan Jr. was abandoned by his original owner (an FVC staffer who will remain unnamed.)
Favorite Color: Purple
Hobbies: Starring at People
Reading underwater novels
Swimming in circles
Favorite Quote: “Our offense is like the Pythagorean Theorem. There is no answer.” -Shaquille O'Neal
Favorite Activity at the FVC: The Water Show!

"Come visit me this summer at the FVC!" -Jordan Jr.

Photo Contest Announced!

Send me your favorite photo from summer 2010. The winning photo will be featured in the Winter Scenes (our quarterly newsletter.) Email photo to vacation@familyvacationcenter.com

*This has to be my favorite picture from summer 2010. The magic of the FVC captured in a photo... amazing!

Photo by our fabulous photographer, Pierce Larick. http://www.newrevolutionphotography.com/

Registration for Summer 2011

Registration has started! We are now accepting reservations from all 2010 FVC guests. We have made a lot of changes to our registration process and I want to break down the details to eliminate the confusion. Happy November!

Visit http://familyvacationcenter.com/rates.html to register!

Important Registration Dates
November 1st- Registration for 2010 Vacationers
November 15th- Registration for all former FVC guests
December 1st- Open Registration
December 31st- End of Early Bird Special Rates and Last Chance to have a 2011 $200 Space Reservation Refunded

New Payment Plan
Day of Registration- Deposit of 10% of Final Balance Due
January 15- 50% of Final Balance is Due
April 1- 100% of Final Balance is Due (final payment)

New Cancellation Policy
1. Cancellations received before January 15, 2011 are charged a $50 cancellation fee per suite.
2. Cancellations received between January 16, 2011 and 30 days before the start of your vacation are charged a $100 cancellation fee.
3. Cancellations within 30 days of vacation will be assessed a 25% cancellation fee if the week is fully booked. If the week is not fully booked there will be a $100 cancellation fee.
4. Canceling one individual from your party will result in a full refund for that individual, up until the start of your vacation, unless as a result you do not meet the minimum number for your suite, at which point the $450 surcharge will be assessed or you will be moved to a smaller suite, if available. If you cancel an individual after the start of your vacation, a 50% refund for that individual will be issued.

Questions?
Call the main office at 805-893-3123 or email info@familyvacationcenter.com.

Halloween Costume Ideas from the FVC Staff

Need a last minute costume for your kid(s)? Or yourself? The FVC staff wants to share with you some of their favorite costumes that they have worn in the past.

David Silva (Front Desk Supervisor 2010):
Yoda: At the age of 3, David was a toddler version of Yoda. His family dressed up as the rest of the Star Wars cast. Great idea for the whole family!
Cousin It: In Kindergarten, David was dressed up as Cousin It. He wore a full body fur suit and enjoyed every second of it.

Monique Ledesma (Kids Group Assistant 2010)
For Siblings or Couples
Flower and Bumble Bee: In kindergarten, Monique was a flower and her brother was a bumble bee. Cute!
Christmas Tree and Present: As children, Monique and her brother dressed up as a Christmas Tree and a present. Original and festive.

Megan Souleles (Assistant Director)
Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum: In 4th grade, Megan and her best friend dressed up as Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee and won their school's costume contest.
Bear: In college (yes, in college), Megan dressed up as a bear. She wore a full brown and furry body suit and bear ears. It was a hit!