Xscapers Friendsgiving 2024
Nov 23 - Dec 1 | Twentynine Palms, CA
Join Xscapers for an unforgettable Thanksgiving experience in Twentynine Palms, CA near Joshua Tree National Park. This event combines the joy of exploring nature’s wonders with the warmth of spending the holiday surrounded by like-minded adventurers. Embark on thrilling adventures, from hiking iconic trails to climbing breathtaking rock formations. Immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of the desert landscape, all while forging lifelong friendships and celebrating a delicious Friendsgiving potluck. Escape the ordinary and create cherished memories this Thanksgiving at the Xscapers Joshua Tree Friendsgiving Convergence!
Meet Your Host
Carla Geyer
Carla has been an avid member and attendee of Xscapers events since coming in hot at the 2022 Annual Bash. With numerous years on the road as a solo traveler, she has covered a lot of miles while visiting almost every western national park, friends, and family. She is thrilled to invite her road family to Joshua Tree and share the strange and unique allure of the area for the holiday.
Venue Details
Twentynine Palms Motorsports Complex
Snuggled against the Pinto Mountains Wilderness, this venue is only five minutes from the amenities of Twentynine Palms, CA and ten minutes from the northeastern entrance to Joshua Tree National Park. An abundance of BLM camping, hiking, 4×4 trails, and desert art is available nearby, as well as the big city culture of Palm Springs within an hour The Mojave Desert is home to sweeping vistas and a LOT of culture! We’ll have official and community organized outings to explore the area:
- Hike Joshua Tree National Park
- Take a day drive to experience the art of Slab City, East Jesus, Salvation Mountain, and Bombay Beach
- Dip a toe into classic Western film history in Pioneertown
- Relax with sound bathing at the Integratron
- Tour the weird desert art scene, including the Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Art Museum, the Crochet Museum, the Desert Christ Sculpture Park in Yucca Valley, and the numerous outdoor sculptures around Joshua Tree and Palm Springs
Event Highlights
Fun & Games Lot Crawl
The Xscapers Lot Crawl is the ultimate RV party! Think of it like a progressive snack table, but so much more fun! As a group, we travel from section to section giving everyone the opportunity to share a snack and/or beverage with fellow Xscapers. This is an excellent time to open your rig for tours, if you’d like. Our lot crawl theme is Fun & Games! Put out a food or drink inspired by your favorite hobby or game. Bonus if you can make it a participatory experience! Following the theme is not required, but costumes are highly encouraged!
Rock-Papper-Scissors Tournament
Join us for Xscapers first ever Rock-Paper-Scissors Tournament! Compete in fast-paced, best-of-three matches and advance through double-elimination brackets. Whether you’re a seasoned paper pro or new to slinging scissors, bring your best game face and strategy to become the champion!
Drag BINGO & Drinkstravaganza
Get ready for a BINGO night like no other with Xscapers! We’re thrilled to host one of the area’s most talented local queens for an unforgettable evening of fun and entertainment. We’ll keep the good times rolling with the Drinkstravaganza. This unique event invites you to showcase your creativity with a glass adorned with elaborate garnishes. While you supply your own alcohol, we’ll provide a fantastic assortment of mixers and plenty of ice to keep your drinks cool and refreshing. Bring your most fabulously garnished glass and get ready to enjoy a night of fun, laughter, and delicious drinks.
shARTs & Crafts Night
It’s time to make some good memories and bad art, no talent required! Join us for a fun-filled crafting session where creativity and laughter are the main ingredients. We’re providing all the supplies you need to enjoy a variety of RV-friendly crafts, perfect for all skill levels. Whether you’re an experienced crafter or just looking to try something new, this event is all about having fun and making memorable art. So come along, get creative, and let’s make some sh(*tty)art together!
Group Explorations
Experience captivating group trips to cool locations in the area! Explore the Old West charm of Pioneertown, discover the surreal beauty of Bombay Beach, be inspired by the vibrant Salvation Mountain, and immerse yourself in the offbeat community of Slab City. These adventures offer a glimpse into the diverse and fascinating facets of this remarkable region. Get ready to be captivated by the magic and wonder of each destination!
Friendsgiving Potluck
Happy Thanksgiving! Let’s celebrate friendship and gratitude with a Friendsgiving Potluck Buffet. Bring your favorite dish or Nana’s special recipe to share. We’ll also put out the yard games and enjoy some football on a big screen.
Stargazing & Hot Coco Bar
Immerse yourself in the wonders of the night sky as we celebrate life away from the city lights! Break out your comfy chairs and hammock as we tour the night sky with John Watkins, Adjunct Professor of Physics and Astronomy at Copper Mountain College. Bring your cup for a hot cocoa bar to keep you warm and leave your earthly cares behind as you learn about constellations and the cosmos in this evening of guided stargazing.
Costume Mash-Up Party
No Xscapers convergence is complete without an epic end-of-week party! Have you been hauling around pieces of a costume or a full ensemble that you’ve never had the chance to show off? Now’s your moment! Dust off that crazy costume and get ready to rock the night away. Regular costumes are welcome, but boring costumes need not apply! Let’s make this a night to remember with creativity, fun, and unforgettable attire!
Schedule Update
We’re excited to share the schedule for all the youngest Xscapers attending the event! Kids can look forward to an array of fun activities, including:
- Candy Corn BINGO
- Nerf Gun Wars
- Movie Night with Popcorn
- Turkey Olympics
- Bounce House
- Turkey Egg Hunt
- Arts and Crafts
Plus, for our Xscapers teens, we’ll set up a designated hangout space where they can relax and make it their own! Let the fun begin!
Optional Event Add-Ons
Late Departure
Does the thought of traveling the Sunday after Thanksgiving fill you with dread? Craving just one more night to recover from the end-of-week dance party? We have great news for you! You have the option to extend your stay for one additional night and join us for the Sunday Night Afterparty. Don’t worry, it will be a relaxed evening of lounging in camp chairs and unwinding with good company. Cost: $15 per RV
Turkey Trot For CARE
You’re about to eat the biggest meal of the year, might as well earn it! This is a fun walk/run with no real steaks except the fun you’ll have the dongle you’ll get for finishing. Proceeds will go to benefiting CARE.
Event Schedule*
Saturday
Arrival Day
Welcome Dance Party w/ Live DJ
Fire Cauldron
Sunday
Scavenger Hunt
Fun & Games Lot Crawl
Rock-Paper-Scissor Tournament
Block Parties
Monday
Drag BINGO
Drinkstravaganza
Fire Caludron
Tuesday
Sharts & Crafts Night
Fire Cauldron
Wednesday
Free Night
Thursday
Turkey Trot for CARE
Friendsgiving Potluck
Lawn Games
Fire Caludron
Friday
Group Explorations
Guided Stargazing
Hot Cocoa Bar
Bounce House
Fire Cauldron
Saturday
Group Explorations
Costume Party
Live DJ & Dance Party
Bounce House
Fire Cauldron
Sunday
GTFO
*Event schedule is subject to change without notice. A more detailed schedule will be provided to attendees prior to the start of the event
FAQs & WTHs
There will be ports-johns on site near center camp. There are no showers.
Yes! Pets must be on leash when outside of your RV. You must pick up after your pets.
Absolutely! See above for the great kids activities we have planned!
We will have dumpsters and a recycling bin on site. Please break down all trash as small as possible, especially boxes!
RESPECT THE RECYCLING BINS!
There will be no early arrival or late departure available for this event.
This is a dry camping event. The parking surface is dirt and gravel.
Many sites may be uneven, so be prepared to level your RV when parking.
All sites will be first come, first served. If you would like to park next to someone specific, you should all arrive at the same time AND BE REGISTERED FOR THE SAME TYPE OF SITE.
There is no dump station available at this location. It is IMPERATIVE that you arrive with your black tanks empty and your water tank full.
Cell phone signal is strong for all major carriers.
Satellite User: There are no obstructions.
There will be no mailing address available for this event.
Convergences are long and can be physically, mentally, and emotionally draining. It is important to practice self-care throughout the entire event. Here are some things to remember:
PRACTICE SELF-CARE
- Always be hydrating. Bring your own water wherever you go and be sure to get enough electrolytes.
- Get enough sleep.
- Eat healthy, nourishing food.
- If you don’t know what’s in something, it’s best not to drink or eat it.
- Drink responsibly. It is easy to overindulge when you know your RV is just a few steps away but becoming overly intoxicated can be dangerous for numerous reasons.
- Don’t hesitate to take a day off. Check out the event schedule and consider choosing a day to sit out and allow yourself to recover.
- Dress comfortably. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear that will keep you comfortable throughout the event. Consider the weather conditions and dress in layers if necessary.
- Make a plan. Stick with friends throughout the event. Establish meeting points in case you get separated and keep others informed of your whereabouts.
- Be aware of your surroundings: Be observant of the people around you and any potential hazards. Report any suspicious activity to event staff or security volunteers.
- Keep an eye on your beverage at all times. Additionally, lidded cups and bottles help keep dust and other unwanted items out of your drink.
TIPS FOR ASSESSING A POTENTIALLY UNSAFE SITUATION:
As much as we would like to believe that all attendees are good and have our best interests in mind, Xscapers are not immune to the presence of sh*tty people. Additionally, we are not immune to the potential dangers of drug and alcohol use and misuse.
If it’s an emergency call 911!
- If you suddenly feel like you’re becoming extremely intoxicated and/or suspect that your drink may have been tampered with, immediately inform event staff, or an event volunteer, or ask people to help you by calling the attention of one of these team members. Do not go off alone with anyone. Stay in or get to a group area if possible.
- If you see someone who appears to be overly intoxicated, ask them if they need help. Particularly if they are being led away by someone who doesn’t appear intoxicated. Even if you are unsure of the situation, we recommend checking in. Simply walking up and saying “Hey! How’s it going?” gives you a chance to offer help if you think it’s needed.
- If you or someone around you needs help, seek out event staff, a bash buddy, or a safety officer. They are there to ensure your safety and will assist you.
CONSENT
Consent is the cornerstone of a healthy community. It’s simple: whether it’s a potential sexual encounter, physical touch of any kind, something requiring permission that will radically alter the experience of another person, or involves recording someone’s image or voice, you are responsible for getting verbal consent before engaging. It is neither ethical nor acceptable to proceed without that person’s awareness and clear consent. An impaired person cannot give consent. Children (anyone under 18) cannot give consent, you must speak with their parent/ guardian. Be aware: Silence does not equal consent. Coercion does not equal consent.
It is a felony to give drugs to a person without their knowledge or consent (even if it is meant in ‘good fun’). Don’t do it. Ever!
If you see someone who needs help, offer it. If you see someone being treated any way but wonderfully, step in and be an advocate or contact a staff member or safety volunteer. We are all in this together.
IT’S A ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY!
The Escapees RV Club will not hesitate to involve law enforcement. At the very least, you can kiss your club membership goodbye for any violation of our event rules and membership code of conduct.
CRISIS SUPPORT AND RESOURCES
If it’s an emergency call 911
List of non-emergency crisis numbers to call (available 24/7)
- National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
988 - National Sexual Assault Hotline
1.800.656.4673 - National Domestic Violence Hotline
1.800.799.7233 or TTY 1.800.787.3224 - Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor
The main reasons for you to attend a convergence should be to have fun and meet other like-minded RVers. Networking and making potential business leads is a natural result of being part of an awesome community. We don’t want the Xscapers community to be bombarded or feel like they are a commodity. If the main reason you are wanting to attend an Xscapers event is to sell something, market to attendees, or simply to generate content we would ask that you contact us directly for corporate sponsorship.
If tickets for this event are sold out, you can fill out THIS FORM to be added to the waitlist.
If we must cancel the event, or your attendance at the event for any reason, including due to local health department restrictions, such as those restricting the size of gatherings, you will receive a full refund of your registration fees.
Cancellations 60+ days prior to the event: You may cancel your registration for a full refund minus a $50 administrative fee any time before 11:59pm ET on 09/24/2024. Cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to registration@escapees.com
Cancellations 59-30 days prior to the event: You may cancel your registration for a 50% refund of purchase price before 11:59pm ET on 10/24/2024. Cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to registration@escapees.com
No refunds will be given for cancellations after 11:59pm ET on 10/24/2024. All ticket sales on and after 10/25/2024 are final.
THIS CANCELLATION POLICY IS FIRM. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS.
No problem! Just email convergences@escapees.com with your question, and we’ll do our best to get you an answer.
Is an Xscapers Convergence Right for Me?
Xscapers was formed to bring Escapees RV Club back to its original roots of supporting RVers who are working from the road. At Convergences, you will find a community of active and free-spirited individuals with a passion for travel and adventure.
About 80% of Xscapers have full-time jobs they do remotely or seasonally. This means we typically don’t hold activities during standard work hours (with the exception of Annual Bash). Starting later in the day also means later nights. We have found that this can be a factor in deciding what event program people attend.
We try to give the most fun and entertainment value at an affordable price. One way we do that is by boondocking as much as possible. Our events are also a great way for newbie boondockers to learn from experienced ones. We try to divide our camping areas into those who have solar and those who want to run generators when possible.
Xscapers is an inclusive community, connected through the bond of RVing. This means we welcome people from all walks of life, no matter race, sexual orientation, political/religious views, lifestyle or RV type. Discrimination of any type will not be tolerated.
Registration Includes
- 8 Nights of Dry Camping
- Fun & Games Lot Crawl
- Drag BINGO
- Drinkstravaganza Mixer Bar
- Arts & Crafts Night
- Friendsgiving Celebration
- Guided Stargazing
- Hot Cocoa Bar
- Organized Games/ Tournaments
- Collectors Event Sticker
- Event Host
Standard Ticket Pricing
You must be a member of Escapees RV Club to attend this Convergence.
Tickets are SOLD OUT
*Prices are subject to change.
*Tickets must be purchased online through this website.
*Tickets are non-transferable.
After Registering
You will receive confirmation of your registration to your given email address within a few minutes of purchase. It will include a link to the event Facebook group. Also, be on the look out for additional e-mails as the event draws closer.
Cancellation Policy & Fees
If we must cancel the event, or your attendance at the event for any reason, including due to local health department restrictions, such as those restricting the size of gatherings, you will receive a full refund of your registration fees.
Cancellations 60+ days prior to the event: You may cancel your registration for a full refund minus a $50 administrative fee any time before 11:59pm ET on 09/24/2024. Cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to registration@escapees.com
Cancellations 59-30 days prior to the event: You may cancel your registration for a 50% refund of purchase price before 11:59pm ET on 10/24/2024. Cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to registration@escapees.com
No refunds will be given for cancellations after 11:59pm ET on 10/24/2024. All ticket sales on and after 10/25/2024 are final.
THIS CANCELLATION POLICY IS FIRM. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS.
By registering for this event, you are agreeing to the following:
- As an attendee, you assume all risk and danger relating to your personal property, RV and attendance at the event, whether occurring prior to, during, or after the event. In the event of loss or theft, no claim will be made upon Harvest Hosts Opco LLC, its volunteers, employees or agents.
- Volunteers may be directing and assisting you in your parking areas. However, it is the driver of the vehicle who is ultimately responsible for avoiding obstacles or dangerous situations and is solely responsible for any damage to one’s property or the property of others.
- As an attendee at this event, you are granting your permission to be filmed, videotaped, audiotaped, or photographed, and granting to Harvest Hosts Opco LLC the full use of any such recordings or images without compensation.
- By registering, you will also receive occasional email notifications of future Convergences; however, you can opt-out of these notifications at any time.
In addition to the above, during registration you will be required to agree that you will help provide a safe environment for everyone by complying with our health and safety rules, and to release Harvest Hosts Opco LLC from liability should you become ill or injured during the event.
