Reported in the Buffalo NY Times: One camper said furnished tents saved her marriage. A grandmother brought her six grandchildren to sleep in two tents under the stars. But for motorcyclists Donovan and Bonnie Wilson of Brantford, Ont., camping in well-appointed white canvas became a necessity.
gear,” said Bonnie Wilson, 51. “That’s what’s so good about Contentment Camping. It has everything for you: bed, linens. You have a table and chairs. You’ve got the tent. That’s all the stuff you don’t have to pack on your motorcycle. That gives you more room, so when you come back to Canada, you can bring more clothing.”
“When you’re on a motorcycle, you just don’t have the room to bring
The camping industry has called it glamping, this 2year-old trend toward luxury that can transform
campgrounds into camp resorts with theme weekends, flat-screen TVs—and furnished tents. Today’s campers can still roast marshmallows, but after singing around the fire pit they also can curl up in a comfortable bed. Even better for vacationers, camping –tent, recreational vehicle or cabin— remains a bargain when compared with staying in a hotel or a resort with, you know, Continued page 2
Continued from Page 1 walls. For people without an RV, or for those new to camping who may not yet want to invest in gear, the furnished tents also offer an affordable alternative. “Who says camping is roughing it?,” said Pat Jenson, president of Contentment Camping, who has pitched her furnished white safari tents in three local state parks. “I thought I would strictly get families, but it’s been so mixed, with young couples and seniors. The tents are kind of like little hotel rooms.” The struggling economy appears to not have diminished the demand for campsites. In the first six months of 2009, ReserveAmerica.com — which books campsites in most national parks — reported campground reservations up 8 percent over 2008. Outdoor Foundation, a nonprofit
group that promotes outdoor activities, estimated there were 33.7 million campers age 6 and older in 2008, an increase of 7.4 percent over the previous year. RV camping, meanwhile, attracted 16.6 million people in 2008, up from 16.2 million in 2007. “Camping appears to be recession-proof,” said David L. Berg, chairman of the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds and owner of Red Apple Campground in Kennebunkport, Maine. “People may not return to a $300-a-night waterfront hotel room, but they will go back to look for a campsite nearby.” “The camper of today wants it all, and if you have it they will come,” said Berg. “People expect Wi-Fi, but they still come to a campground for the experience. You can’t roast marshmallows in a motel room.”
The standard Contentment www.contentmentcamping.com
campsites feature one 10x14 canvas tent that contains two single beds with pillows, sheets and blankets; a bedside table; and a sitting area with a 30-inch round bamboo table and matching chairs. A large cooler, two ground pads for sleepingbag campers, a picnic table and fire pit/grill complete the accommodations. The furnished tents are available from Memorial
Day to Labor Day. Reservations ($60 per night/one tent; $90/two tents; plus $9 reservation fee) are made through the state park system, www.nysparks.state.ny.us The signature white tents repel water and heat. And as far as the Wilsons are concerned, the only elements missing are a cast-iron frying pan, lawn chairs—and maybe a John Grisham novel. Continued
Continued
weekend,” he explained. ‘Kids Get Even —
Hot showers, restrooms and laundry facilities are on site, according to Angela Bertie, Western District marketing and public affairs coordinator for the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. “Contentment Camping provides a service to patrons who might not otherwise camp,” said Bertie. “Get that first experience where everything is provided, and then build up your camping gear over time.” “Campers usually stay close to home, traveling just one to three hours to their destinations,” said Jenson, whose tents also will be at the upcoming Bonnaroo music festival in Manchester, Tenn. “My campers are coming from farther away, including Holland and Germany.” Camping resorts Many of today’s privately owned campgrounds could make Martha Stewart squeal in delight with their food delivery, concierge service and chocolate theme weekends. “We’re certainly not Disney,” said Scott
Slimefest’ weekend offers slime kickball and slime tug of war. “We have a pet park, pedal-cart track, and a track for the kids to ride their bicycles,” Compton said.
ARVC Chairman David L. Berg
"You can't roast marshmellows in a motel room" Crompton, owner of Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park of Western New York in North Java, “but we’re shooting for that as an ideal. Our ‘Death by Chocolate and Ice Cream Lovers’ weekend in July is our most popular.” Crompton moved his family from Michigan when he purchased Jellystone six years ago. Since then he has funneled millions of dollars into improvements, including a 16,000square-foot water park, new cabins and premium RV sites that include parking pads and stamped concrete patios. Crompton’s focus is on family entertainment. “We wouldn’t do wine tasting, but we will do a 200-foot-long chocolate slip and slide during our ‘Death by Chocolate’
“We want to be the best at one thing, and that’s young families, who don’t feel nickel and dimed after they have arrived.” Deluxe cabins (ranging from $100 to $209 per night) feature fireplaces,
screened-in porches, full kitchens and televisions with DVD players. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the 100-acre park, where young guests can exchange emails with Yogi Bear. “We are seeing trends toward ‘togethering,’ ” Crompton noted. “About two-thirds of our bookings are group-related, whether family reunions, fire departments or hospital departments getting together for a weekend.” Full Article: By Jane Kwiatkowski www.buffalonews.com
We are very sad to announce that our Founder and President of Southeast Publications USA, Inc., Peter Warrick, passed away Monday, May 17th, 2010. His services were recently held at St. Benedict’s Episcopal Church on Wednesday, May the 26th. In all that he did for the campground and printing industries, he did with passion and integrity. He was a great mentor, colleague and friend and will surely be missed by all that knew him. Peter was born in Detroit Michigan in 1947 and has been a resident of Fort Lauderdale since 1949. He was a graduate of Fort Lauderdale High School, class of `66 and attended Broward Community College. Peter started his business career with Burger King Corporation in 1965 as an hourly employee and left Burger King in 1973 as Regional Manager to start his own Business. In 1986 Peter started an advertising agency, Southeast Publications USA, Inc. of Fort Lauderdale. This business services many different types of business industries with printed products and other needs on a nationwide basis.
Guides and Campus Guides for major universities, community colleges and private schools. Also providing Real Estate Guides, Shopping Center Directories, Chamber of Commerce Maps and Golf Guides. Peter had also opened Warrick Custom Hobbies in 1972. Warrick Custom Hobbies of Plantation “The Hobby Super Store” is one of the leading Hobby Retailers in the USA with sales world wide.
Southeast Publications will now be under the leadership of Peter’s son, Wally. Wally has been involved with Southeast Publications, as well as his fathers other businesses, for many years. Along with the expertise of Southeast Publication’s V.P.s, Wayne and Carlene Morris who have been with the company since 1990 and have 40+ years combined experience in the site map industry, Southeast Publications will continue
to lead, continue to grow and continue to create “The Best” quality products for it’s customers. In its 24 years Southeast Publications USA, Inc. has become the leader in the site map and area guide industry servicing over 1300 accounts every year. Some other products include Marinas, Fairground Interim Directories, Hotel/Motel Room Guides, Guest
Peter started Vespa of Fort Lauderdale in 1974 and was a major dealer for Vespa of America. In 1983 he became a Yamaha Motor Scooter dealer. He got re-involved in the scooter business in 2006 and opened what is now The Scooter Superstore of America with ten locations in two states. Artilcle supplied by Southeast Publications
New York State Parks attracted more than 1.7 million visitors statewide during the past Memorial Day weekend, a 17 percent increase over the 2009 holiday weekend, State Parks Commissioner Carol Ash said.
"The strong holiday attendance is proof that New Yorkers love their state parks," Ash said. "I'm happy that the citizens across the state who have been expressing their support for state parks are getting out and enjoying them. All
of our magnificent parks are open, and I encourage all New Yorkers to fully enjoy all that our state parks have to offer. From swimming to hiking to camping, our parks and historic sites offer something for everyone."
DON'T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY!
1/4 Page ad- $150 per ad per issue OR $1200 per year plus $600 in equivalent site or accommodation night give aways. 1/2 Page $300 per issue OR $2400 per year plus $1200 in equivalent site or accommodation night give aways. Full Page $600 per issue OR $4800 per year plus $2400 in equivalent site or accommodation night give aways. DEADLINE: JUNE 18
Each ad can be repeated in as many relevant categories on our Links Page. All for the one monthly price of $150.
INVOICED MONTHLY All ads full color, prices quoted from art supplied to our specifications. Art production cost if required $70. All ads will have links to your website.
MAINE Convinced that their businesses are relatively recession proof, campgrounds are investing in capital improvement projects and, in some cases, expansions this year, according to park operators and industry officials.
horseshoe pits and 25-foot boat, which it is converting into a pirate ship with water cannons. The park is also adding a kitchen to its pavilion and plans to complete a basketball area by season’s end. The total cost of improvements is expected to be about $250,000.
“Private campgrounds, RV parks and resorts know they are the most affordable vacation option. They also know they can retain their competitive edge against other travel and tourism options by investing in improvements and, in some cases, expansions,” said Rick Abare, executive director of the Maine Campground Owners Association in Lewiston.
Beaver Brook Campground in North Monmouth: This 207-site park just completed installing a $250,000 waterpark, which includes two 26-foot-tall slides with over 100 feet of combined tube runs. The 10,000square foot waterpark also includes a zero entry splash pad with fountains, water jets and a warming pool. Additional sprayground features, including a mushroom and an umbrella, will be installed later this summer. The waterpark area is designed in the shape of a clover to provide for separate areas for parents and children. The park has also made improvements to several of its electrical hookups and plans to unveil a new website later this month.
Here’s a sampling of several parks across Maine that are making improvements this year: Balsam Cove Campground in Orland: This park, which expanded from 64 to 77 sites last year, has received permission to expand to 125 sites. “For this season we will have 98 sites and we will add the other 27 in 2011,” said Michelle Letts, the park’s owner. The park is also adding more family activities this year, including three additional
Magic Falls Rafting Co. and Campground in West Forks: This park is upgrading its canvas cabin tents with metal roofs and plywood sidewalls. Red Apple Campground in
Kennebunkport: Improvements at this park include a new dog run area with chain link fencing; new exercise equipment; a new 20- by 24-foot relaxation deck made out of permawood decking with vinyl railings and cruise ship style lounge chairs; a new relaxation hut with hammocks and picnic tables under a metal roof; and several new picnic tables. The park also upgraded five more of its campsites to 50 amp electrical service. Timberland Acres RV Park in Trenton: This family owned park, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, has just completed several improvements, such as completing a new laundry facility, retiling its shower stalls, building a new playground for children, grading and re-grassing many of its campsites and replacing its road front sign. Last year, the park remodeled its front office, replaced its pool liner and built recycle bins to encourage its guests to recycle. Troll Valley Campground and Resort near Farmington: This park plans to add 10 more campsites, most of which will be pull-through sites.
The park also plans to add another septic system and add sewer service to 10 of its existing campsites. Some of the park’s electrical hookups are also being replaced. In addition, the park is making landscaping improvements and improved drainage to eliminate areas with standing water.
WISCONSIN “Most parks are reporting that their reservations are running ahead of last year’s figures.” Lori Severson, Wisconsin Association of Campground Owners Several campgrounds across Wisconsin have invested in new park model cabin accommodations, supersize inflatable water toys and other improvements in preparation for a busy summer camping season. “I need two Julys,” said Rose Schaper, co-owner of Lost Falls Campground, a 40-site campground with seven log cabins in Black River Falls. She said many of her summer weekends have been booked for months. “Our Wisconsin people don’t wait,” she said. Continued
Continued “They’re busy making reservations in January and February. Most of our family reunions book a year in advance.” Lori Severson, executive director of the Wisconsin Campground Owners Association, said most of her association’s members expect their parks to be even busier this summer than they were last summer. “Most parks are reporting that their reservations are running ahead of last year’s figures,” she said. The campground business has already proven itself to be the most resilient segment of the travel and tourism business, and many parks have been investing in park model cabins and other accommodations in an effort to further expand their business base beyond tents and RV campers.
Numerous parks have recently added rental accommodations in preparation for the upcoming camping season, Severson said, including Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp Resorts in Fremont and the Wisconsin Dells, Holiday Shores Camp Resort, also in The Dells, as well as Vista Royalle Campground in Bancroft, Smokey Hollow Campground in Lodi, Green Lake Campground in Green Lake and Pride of America RV Resort in Pardeeville. Wisconsin campgrounds are also investing in a variety of other improvements, which range from upgrading electrical and Wi-Fi service to remodeling bathhouses, laundry facilities and camp stores. Some parks have also invested in large inflatable water toys. Here’s a sampling of the types of improvements several Wisconsin park operators have made in preparation for this year’s camping season:
Arrowhead Resort Campground in the Wisconsin Dells: This Equity LifeStyle Properties park has made several improvements this year, including installing new carpeting on the primary areas of its miniature golf course and adding ornamental steel fencing around its pool. The park has also made various improvements to its hay wagon walking trail. Door County Camping Retreat in Egg Harbor: The latest improvements at this park include remodeling its main bathhouse at a cost of $37,000. The park also plans to renovate a second bathhouse at a cost of $42,000. Other improvements including installing a “solar attic” pool heating system, which also cools the attic above the park’s office and game room, thus reducing air conditioning expenses during the summertime. The campground has also extended Wi-Fi coverage throughout the park.
Hixton / Alma Center KOA in Alma Center: This park has made several improvements this year, which include lengthening some of its back-in campsites, replacing existing water lines and creating two campsites for winter use. Lynn Ann’s Campground in St. Germain: Numerous improvements have been made at this park, including retiling the shower houses, and adding a dog park and dog waste stations throughout the campground. The park is also upgrading its laundry facility and expanding some of its sites to accommodate larger rigs. The park has also purchased three new pedal carts, a new lake playground toy and new bikes, which guests can use on a nearby bike trail. Pineland Camping Park in Arkdale: This park just installed PineZilla, the world’s largest inflatable Continued
Continued waterslide, which stands over four stories tall and features a 175-foot-long slide with a 45-degree descent at the drop zone. Wilderness Campground in Montello: This park has invested roughly $250,000 in improvements during the past year, which include a jumping pillow and skateboard park as well as large inflatable aquatic toys in the park’s swimming lake. The park has also renovated its main office and store, which now has a full snack bar. Wisconsin Dells KOA in the Wisconsin Dells: This park has just completed a three-year effort to transform its original restroom and shower building into a much needed lounge, complete with a gas fireplace and 55-inch flat screen TV. “We’re ready for those Packer games come fall,” said park owner Jill Brennan. “It’s a huge relief knowing we have a backup plan for small groups should the weather deteriorate during their stay with us.” Other park improvements, based on guest feedback, include building a new, 24-hour laundry facility, which includes its own seating area with a 22-inch flat screen TV. “We’ve put special emphasis on making the laundry an inviting place to be since the time spent in there is still part of the vacation,” Brennan said. The new
lounge facility and laundry areas both have radiant floor heating as well as airconditioning. Wisconsin Riverside Resort in Spring Green: Terry and Suzanne Shifflet have invested more than $1.2 million in improvements in this park since they purchased the property in 2006. Recent improvements include the addition of 28 new RV sites, 10 new family tent sites, two new cabins, new restroom and laundry facilities as well as a swimming pool and splash pad. NEW JERSEY Several campgrounds across New Jersey have invested in new park model cabin rentals, swimming pools and other improvements in preparation for a busy summer camping season. “Several park operators are telling us that their reservations are running ahead of last year’s figures,” said Jay Otto, coexecutive director of the New Jersey Campground Owners Association. The campground business has already proven itself to be the most resilient segment of the travel and tourism business, and many parks are investing in improvements in an effort to attract even more guests. These improvements range from upgrading electrical and Wi-Fi service to remodeling
bathhouses, laundry facilities, swimming pools and camp stores. Some parks are also investing in park model cabins and other accommodations, which they offer as rental units. Here’s a sampling of the types of improvements several New Jersey park operators have made in preparation for this year’s camping season: Avalon Campground in Cape May Court House: This park has made improvements to its bathhouses and showers; replaced two aging trailer rentals with new rental units and purchased new playground equipment. The park has also replaced the surface areas around its pools with pavers. Baker’s Acres Campground in Little Egg Harbor Township: This park has improved its electrical service to more than 100 campsites and added cable TV service as well. The park has also widened several its roads and campsites to accommodate big rigs. Holly Shores Camp and Resort in Cape May: This park is rebuilding its swimming pool and decorating its pool area with a waterfall, lights and new decking at a cost of $125,000. The park is also spending $30,000 to improve its campsites with new landscaping. Camp Taylor Campground in Columbia: This park, which is also the home of
the Lakota Wolf Preserve, is well known for providing its guests with educational talks on wolves, bobcats and foxes in addition to a natural setting that includes lake swimming. But realizing that many of its guests can’t leave their Internet connections for long, the park has expanded its Wi-Fi coverage this year. Wi-Fi service was previously only available at the camp office. Cedar Creek Campground in Bayville: This park has spent more than $100,000 on improvements this year, including $27,000 on a new rental cabin; $60,000 worth of improvements this year, including upgrading its electrical hookups to include 30 and 50 amp service; plus another $37,000 to upgrade the park’s sewer system. Colonial Meadows Family Campground in Egg Harbor Township: Bill and Barbara Hare, who have owned this campground for 35 years, are installing two new well pumps this year. MICHIGAN Several campgrounds across Michigan have invested in new park model cabin rentals and other improvements in preparation for a busy summer camping season. “Most park operators are telling us that their reservations are running ahead of last year’s figures,” said Wayne Purchase, executive Continued
Continued director of the Michigan Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds. The campground business has already proven itself to be the most resilient segment of the travel and tourism business, and many parks have been investing in park model cabins and other accommodations in an effort to further expand their business base beyond tents and RV campers. Michigan campgrounds are also investing in a variety of other improvements, which range from upgrading electrical and Wi-Fi service to remodeling bathhouses, laundry facilities and camp stores. Some parks have also invested in large inflatable water toys. Here’s a sampling of the types of improvements several Michigan park operators have made in preparation for this year’s camping season: Apple Creek Campground and RV Park in Grass Lake: This park’s latest improvements include three new rental cabins and a rental trailer. Gammy Woods Campground in Weidman: This park’s improvements include a new camping cabin and an expanded children’s play area. Gaylord KOA in Gaylord: This park has installed cable TV service at all of its full-hookup sites. The park also has a new park model cabin for rent.
Hearthside Grove Motorcoach Resort in Petoskey: This park is close to completing a $5 million expansion that will add 43 deluxe motorcoach lots to the resort. Overnight guests and lot purchasers can choose from a variety of lots up to one half acre in size, many of which are adorned with brick paver pads and patios, outdoor kitchens and bungalows. Irons RV Park and Campground in Irons: This park has just added 12 more campsites with water and electricity service for tenters and popup campers. The park also has pull-through sites. Kampvilla RV Park in Bear Lake: This park has invested in nearly $40,000 worth of improvements this year, which include new decking around the pool area, new western red cedar siding on the clubhouse and pavilion and two new electric golf carts, which replace the gasolinepowered golf carts the park used to use. Lake of Dreams Campground in Merrill: This park, whose lake features floating climbing structures, added another 45 campsites in preparation for this summer, and plans to continue its expansion next year with another 45 sites next year, said Jim Ortiz, the park’s office manager. The par, which Petoskey KOA RV & Cabin Resort in Petoskey: This park has added several
new park model cabins, which it markets as Kamping Lodges, more cable TV and full hookup campsites as well as upgraded wireless Internet service. “We are very bullish on our industry and continue to upgrade our property so that we can stay among the elite camping resorts in the nation,” said park owner Wayne Rose.
Traverse City KOA in Traverse City: This park has spent roughly $100,000 on improvements this year, which include two new studio lodges, cable TV service for 60 campsites, a new high output-high efficiency water heater for the bathhouse, and seven new patio campsites.
BURLESON, Texas, June 8, 2010 – One of the biggest trends in the campground business is the move by park operators to provide their guests with rental accommodations in addition to RV and tent sites. But while most parks are investing in factory built park model cabins and cottages, the Burleson / South Fort Worth Jellystone Park CampResort has built its cottages the old fashioned way – from the ground up.
Brian Schaeffer “We have 37 cottages, and each one is unique and very upscale,” said Steve Stafford, the park’s manager. So upscale, in fact, that the Texas Association of
Campground Owners recently awarded the park its first “Best Accommodations” Award, reflecting the cottages’ innovative architectural designs and furnishings. “The park really has beautiful cottages,” said Brian Schaeffer, the association’s executive director and CEO, adding that the Jellystone Park were named best in the state by an independent panel of judges. All of the cottages have unique handmade pine and
oil-rubbed bronze furnishings from Mexico and east Texas. Most of the 37 cottages also have their own private, twoperson Jacuzzis, as well as separate showers and stone fireplaces with handmade wood mantles. “Our guests have been overwhelmed by how inviting and comforting these rooms are,” Stafford said, adding, “People even call us back after they’ve stayed here asking where we bought our mattresses because they’re so comfortable.”
Perhaps not surprisingly, the cottages are in high demand and are booked every weekend through most of the summer. “Once people see these cottages, they’re sold,” Stafford said. The cottages, however, are only one facet of the 248site park, which joined the Jellystone Park chain earlier this year. Formerly known as Rustic Creek Ranch, the park has nearly doubled in size and had numerous improvements since Ronnie Bowyer acquired the property nine years ago. Bowyer plans to continue
investing in additional amenities over the next year, including a pedal kart track, arcade, and laser tag. A waterpark and sprayground are also expected to open by the summer of 2011. The park is also investing in inflatable climbing structures for children and is ramping up its slate of campground activities to include daily craft classes, family games, hayrides as well as rides on the park’s fire truck, which the park recently purchased. Of course, all these activities have an extra element of fun with Yogi Bear participating.
LUBBOCK, TX (KCBD) Just days after Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast, the government purchased travel trailers and mobile homes for temporary shelter. Now, four and a half years later, the government agreed to sell thousands of FEMA trailers for pennies on the dollar, and one local business owner is jumping in on what he is calling good business. The government auctioned 103,000 temporary units back in January. Lance Inderman owns Mustang Homes and Land, and spent $9.1 million for 9,100 trailers. "We believe they wanted to be out of the trailer storage business, and
saw no other way to do it, and then make a mass liquidation," says Mustang Homes and Land owner Lance Inderman. The government put 103,000 trailers on the auction block. It cost the government nearly $220 million to store them for three years, a bid Inderman couldn't pass up. "If there is an opportunity to buy a product for less then what it's worth then hopefully the profit potential is there and we can pass some good deals on to our customers," says Inderman. He spent $9,120,000 for 9,104 FEMA units, a random mix which
included units in different conditions, some he says are better than others."The government spent $12,000 to $30,000 a piece and I've yet to sell one for $12,000. We've got them from $3,000 to $10,000, so it's a great opportunity for customers and our business." Many of the units he bought, the government originally purchased from Gulf Coast RV dealers, used by FEMA for temporary housing after Hurricanes Rita and Katrina."If I hadn't bought from FEMA and didn't have disclaimer on it, you wouldn't know would be the same unit you would buy at local RV dealership."
That disclaimer, the government discovered formaldehyde in many of the more than 100,000 FEMA trailers, a chemical used in wood products. "They are the same RVs the government is selling; they just come with a warning label and documentation. They aren't to be used for housing. Commercial recreation purposes are permitted and they are RVs and we have to make notification to consumers." Full Article: www.kcbd.com Editors Note: Readers interested in purchasing a FEMA trailer should first check with Bill Garpow at the RPTIA office 770 251 2672
ELKHART -- Under sunny skies, a crowd topping 1,000 celebrated the centennial anniversary of the RV industry Monday evening at the RV/MH Hall of Fame.
Museum, heard short chats about the history of RVs, sat around a campfire and made s'mores, met industry's mascot Centennial Charlie, watched a fireworks show.
The centerpiece of the party was a salute to the RV workers, who, according to Richard Coon, president of the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association, are the heart and soul to the industry and provide the elbow grease.
Commemoration: A special plaque recognizing the value of RV workers to the industry was presented during the party and will be on permanent display at the RV/MH Hall of Fame.
What guests did at the party: talked and laughed with friends and colleagues, toured the RV/MH Hall of Fame and
Evergreen USA RRG, Inc. is pleased to announce that it has renewed its agreement to remain the “Official Insurance Provider” for National ARVC. Evergreen has been the official insurance provider for the past ten years, and this agreement will extend that relationship another five years.
Statehouse action: Proclamations in recognition of the RV Centennial were passed in Indiana, Oklahoma, Missouri, Michigan, Iowa, Oregon, Kentucky, Florida and Pennsylvania.
Lucas Hartford, President of Evergreen, stated “We are very pleased that ARVC is willing to extend this agreement for another five year period. This agreement gives us recognition as an industry leader and provides ARVC with funding for their many worthwhile efforts. We are very pleased with this longterm relationship, as it supports one of our key values which is to help support camping industry associations.” The Evergreen program has been insuring campgrounds, RV parks and resorts for over 35
Lucas Hartford
Time capsule: The industry sealed the assorted RV paraphernalia into a large wooden chest made and donated by Ary Custom Cabinetry. Contents of the capsule included industry brochures, baseball caps, mini Airstream trailer, trade magazines, and a bumper sticker with the famous quote: "You can't take sex, booze or weekends away from the American people."
The capsule will be kept at the RV/MH Hall of Fame and will not be opened until the industry turns 125 years old. "The industry isn't just the guy who owns the company but the people who make this product. We're a team." -- Gary LaBella, RVIA. Full Article: www.etruth.com
received from Evergreen have meant so much to the industry over the years. ARVC is pleased that Evergreen has found the agreement beneficial to its business and has agreed to extend the relationship.”
Linda Profaizer years. Evergreen provides long-term stable insurance solutions while supporting the camping industry. Ms. Profaizer, CEO of National ARVC, said that “the relationship and support ARVC and all the state associations have
“While we insure over one-thousand members of National ARVC we are always looking for more member RV parks and campgrounds to insure.” says Guy Gagnon, Senior Account Executive for Evergreen.
New Berlin, PA – The International Virtual Outdoor Hospitality Expo, which is slated for November 1-3 of this year, has announced a list of the participating Sponsors, Associations and Exhibitors who are participating in this year’s event. “There are several dozen more who have said that they would participate,” said Art Lieberman, the event’s Producer, “but we don’t have written confirmation to that effect”. “All of our promotional emphasis has been on the industry participants so far,” Lieberman said, “but at the end of the summer our focus will shift to attendees”. Attendee registration for the Expo and all of the Webinars and Open Forums is free. SPONSORS Gold Sponsors Best Parks of America Check Box Systems David Gorin Associates Leisure Interactive Merchants’ Choice Payment Solutions Pelland Advertising Silver Sponsors Evergreen Insurance Leavitt Recreation & HospitalityInsurance RV Tripsetter
MediaSponsors Campground & RV Park E News Parks & Rec & Ask Turf Woodall’s Campground Management TRADE ASSOCIATIONS Camping in Ontario Carolinas Association of RV Campgrounds (CARVC) Iowa Campground Association Minnesota Resort & Campground Association New Jersey Campground Association Tennessee Campground Association EXHIBITORS AGS Athens Park Homes CA World Wi-Fi Inc Campground Automation Campground Manager Campground Manager Today Campground Master Centrum Systems Guest Reviews/MacKinnon Consultants Kings Supply Company Leisure Systems National School of RV Park and Campground Management Pinnacle Park Homes, Inc. Trailer Life & Good Sam Clubs Woodalls Producers can be contacted at 877-901EXPO (3976) or at www.outdoorhospitalityexpo.com
Evanne Schmarder will put her dynamic recipes and thoughts on cooking as well as her RV lifestyle in the pages of the new consumer online magazine GetawayUSA which is planned for release late this month. Evanne is excited to be a regular columnist in the magazine which will reach over 66 million each month. "Evanne's vitality and her knowledge of the industry made her a perfect fit for
the cooking enthusiasts who I am sure will enjoy not only her column but the video cooking show production" said Publisher Dennis Macready.
Where are the bears? The deer? The rabbits? Just as with other activities such as hiking, golfing, swimming or boating, there will be people interested to observe wild animals and birds. To the extent practical provide vantage points or guide your customers and patrons to such places. For many people Bugs Bunny, Rudolph and Smoky are real. That makes rabbits, deer and bears friendly and more like people than animals. It seems logical to assume they are grateful and trustworthy when being fed. In spite of all the warnings even adults often still think it is a good thing and a safe thing to feed the bears. It would be wise to post relevant warnings and directions. No need to post “Do Not Feed the Bears” signs if there are no bears. But if you have bears, posting such signs is both a warning and educational opportunity. If you have deer, safety may demand that you post “No Hunting”
By Larry
signs. Generally it is not a good idea to feed wild animals, not a good idea to touch or pet wild animals and a terrible idea to hunt anywhere close to people. Bird watchers will appreciate knowing where birds can be observed, what kind of birds to expect and at what times of year they can be expected. Birdwatchers need safety from hunters, legal access, a place to park vehicles if the site is not within easy walking distance, and sanitation facilities. Of course they also need quiet. Remind your guests about the basic safety rules: don’t feed or touch wild animals and birds, report all dead animals and birds as well as any that are acting strange, and be vigilant for hunters.
The award gives industrywide recognition to the New Braunfels resort, which has undergone $1.5 million in improvements in the past two years
The judges were particularly impressed with Hill Country RV Resort’s easy-tonavigate website layout, abundance of photos as well as its narrated video tours of the resort’s park model cottages.
NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas, June 8, 2010 – The campground industry has made great strides in recent years when it comes to Internet marketing.
Partner Bryan Kastleman said the website videos have been very well received by guests who want to know as much as possible about the park and its cottages before they book their reservations. “I want our guests to know what they are getting,” Kastleman said. “We give full descriptions and show the size and the floorplan of each unit. We even show each unit from outside, so they can see its surroundings.”
Most of the nation’s privately owned campgrounds have websites that include photos, descriptions of activities and rate information for RVs, tent sites and rental accommodations. But when it comes to effective Internet marketing, Hill Country RV Resort & Cottage Rentals in New Braunfels is clearly leading the pack. The 396site park, located online at www.hillcountryrvresortnb.c om, received the 2010 Website of the Year Award from the Texas Association of Campground Owners, which operates TexasCampgrounds.com and TexasCabinRentals.net. “We used an outside panel of judges and they determined that Hill Country RV Resort’s website was among the best in the campground industry,” said Brian Schaeffer, the Texas association’s executive director and CEO.
But while Hill County RV Resort’s website is highly regarded in the campground industry, Kastleman said his website work is never done. “I go over it all the time,” he said. “I’m constantly in touch with Texas Advertising, my website developers, making changes and updating the site.” The online updates, in fact, are only the latest improvements taking place at the New Braunfels resort, which has undergone a $1.5 million facelift during the past two years. Kastleman has overseen the replacement of several mobile homes with upscale park model rentals, electrical upgrades, the installation of new washers
and dryers, the construction of new pet walking areas, construction of a new park store, and the addition of more activities for children, including a horseshoe pit, a Jumping Pillow, a shuffleboard table, a bumper pool table and more games. With the addition of 13 more park models earlier
this year, Hill Country RV Resort now has 33 park model cottage rentals, all of which were added after Hill Country Hillside Ltd., an Austin-based investment group, acquired the park in December 2007. The park also has 283 RV sites and 80 mobile home sites, Kastleman said.
UK CARAVAN insurance provider Safeguard has released statistics showing a 62 percent rise in 20 to 30-year-olds wanting to take out caravan and motorhome cover. MOTORHOMERS in New Zealand recently went on a litter-gathering morning, blaming freedom campers in non self-contained RVs for a rise in complaints about human waste and rubbish at parking spots. LAOIS Co Council in Ireland is clamping down after caravans filled to overflowing with garbage were dumped or set alight. Its new policy will see
offenders named and shamed in the local media. THE Spanish tourist office in Berlin has warned that caravanners in Spain are only allowed to overnight in specially signposted areas ... and everywhere else is forbidden. EFFORTS to set up a caravan park in the very centre of England have met angry opposition. Villagers prevented a group of travellers with mechanical diggers from starting work on a parcel of green-belt land at Meriden south of Birmingham.
Alamo River RV Ranch Resort, one of the most unique parks in Texas is in the process of doubling its' size. Located in the peaceful country, Alamo River has chosen "City Close, Country Quiet" as their mantra. Covering nearly 100 acres and a mile of the Medina River this park is a destination resort for RVers who live but a few miles away in San Antonio. However the short drive to the Alamo, River Walk, Lackland & Kelly AFB and the new Texas A&M campus makes it a favorite of those just visiting the River City for fun or graduation from basic training at Lackland Air force Base
Now they are seeking a couple for manager’s position with a start next week. Need good references, people, construction skills, strong in Campground Master, Internet marketing knowledge. CPO training a plus. Seeking long term managers, space plus salary, plus bonus. Please send complete resume salary history and references to Charlie Brown Alamo River RV Resort www.AlamoRiver.com info@alamoriver.com 1 800 RV Ranch office 1 210 379 5022 cell