Owners news - KOA Owners Association

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OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE KAMPGROUND OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC.
Volume 28
Issue 2
April/May/June
2008
President’s Corner............... 2
KOA U Spring Class 2008... 4
Do It For Your RVers........... 5
Standby Power.................... 8
Owner to Owner: Denver
Work Day...................... 10
Owner to Owner: New
Product......................... 11
Federal Safety Law.............. 12
Network Management......... 14
Funnies................................ 15
Meetings.............................. 16
News & Announcements..... 22
www.koaowners.org
www.koaowners.org
April/May/June 2008
• Contents •
11
Volume 28, Issue 2
President’s Corner
I
t’s hard to believe that by the time you receive
this issue our season will be nearly one-half
complete. From the feedback I have been receiving
I hope most of you are having a good year. We
are facing some tough challenges this year what
with high gas prices, the sluggish economy and
the many concerns we all have with energy
prices. Some of the changes we have made in
the system are no doubt helping us get through
these seemingly hard times with a great deal of
success. The VKR program seems
to have gotten off to a great start.
We hope in our next issue we will
have some unique stories to share
on what some of our members are
doing to make the VKR program
an experience to remember. If you
would like to share some of your
experiences please contact Bill
Ranieri at our headquarters office,
and share your news.
Your OA board has been busy working on new
ideas and trying to provide additional value and
benefits to your membership. We are very excited
to announce that we have endorsed a group
major medical program. This is something we
have had so many requests for over the past few
years, that we believe it will be a great value to
your membership in the OA. Please review the
information in this newsletter about the program.
You can get all the information you need by just
going on line to our OA website. You can also call
our headquarters’ office in Birmingham, or you can
call our insurance representative, Heather Chapple,
for more information.
2
Please note that we have included the Lifelines
newsletter into the OA newsletter. The last section
of our newsletter will be devoted to the Care Camps
program. We have done this to cut down on our printing
and mailing costs and to better coordinate the news on
the OA and the Care Camps program. Speaking of
Care Camps it looks like we had another great camping
weekend. Please be sure to get your contributions for
the Come Camp and Care With Us Weekend in as soon
as possible to enable us to get our matching funds from
KOA-H. We hope to have more details
on the weekend in our next issue.
Finally, I would like to call your attention
to the fact that the OA will be having its
annual meeting and election of officers and
directors at the Mrytle Beach Jamboree.
Please note that every member will be
able to vote either in person if they are
attending the Mrytle Beach meeting or
by proxy if they aren’t. More information
will be forthcoming. We will have a town meeting at
the Pomona Jamboree to bring everyone up to date on
happenings with the Owners Association. Also, we
will have an auction for Care Camps at both Jamborees,
and hope that this will increase participation and
contributions for the Care Camps program. Thanks
again to all of you for your continued support and
participation. Have a great camping year.
Jeff Stovold
Owners News
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April/May/June 2008
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3
Volume 28, Issue 2
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KOA U Spring
TOP ROW (Left to Right)
Dave Huybregts - Clearwater/Wells Gray,
BC KOA, 52166
Patrick McDonald - Santa Cruz North/Costanoa,
CA KOA, 5446
Rex Nance – Asheville West, NC KOA, 33175
Dennis Meek - Yosemite South/Coarsegold,
CA KOA, 5449
John Schwemler - Myrtle Beach, SC KOA, 40139
Robert Huddleston, Sr. - Ilwaco/Long Beach,
WA KOA, 47143
Rob Huddleston, Jr. - Ilwaco/Long Beach,
WA KOA, 47143
Ray Polasky - Asheville West, NC KOA, 33175
Ryan Crismore - Bluffton/Fort Wayne South,
IN KOA, 14156
Aaron Williamson - Albuquerque Central,
NM KOA, 31135
Charlie Reaser - Topeka/Capital City,
KS KOA, 16128
MIDDLE ROW (Left to Right)
Ron Remund - Waldport/Newport, OR KOA, 37190
Linda Evans – Mystic, CT KOA, 7119
4
Anna Huybregts - Clearwater/Wells Gray,
BC KOA, 52166
Ann Marie Chrismore - Bluffton/Fort Wayne South,
IN KOA, 14156
Heather Speziali - Jonestown/I-81, PA KOA, 38105
Lynette Renyo - Jonestown/I-81, PA KOA, 38105
Kay Speziali-Holman - Jonestown/I-81,
PA KOA, 38105
Barb Stanze - Fort Myers/Pine Island, FL KOA,
9326
Pat Childers - Concrete/Grandy Creek,
WA KOA, 47146
BOTTOM ROW (Left to Right)
Ronnie Remund - Waldport/Newport,
OR KOA, 37190
Jill Currier – Home Office Staff
Heidi Webber - Kissimmee/Orlando, FL KOA, 9329
Les Hartzog – Bozeman, MT KOA, 26105
Dillon Spezaili - Jonestown/I-81, PA KOA, 38105
Dustin Spezaili - Jonestown/I-81, PA KOA, 38105
Whitney McCulloch - Concrete/Grandy Creek,
WA KOA, 47146
Owners News
Do It for Your RVers
Paul R. Friesen
Watkins Glen KOA
T
he year was 1964; I was 11 years old and living
in Missoula, Montana. That was when I first
became aware of a fascinating new (I think) and novel
technology…. cable TV. But shortly thereafter, my
family moved to North Dakota and that ended my
early exposure to cable TV. In fact, I didn’t actually
experience cable TV myself again until 1980 when my
neighborhood in Illinois was wired for it.
Twenty years ago, cell phones were very expensive and
coverage was spotty at best. Today, almost everyone
has a cell phone and coverage is almost universal.
Statistically, I recently heard that cell phone revenue
nationally is now greater than land line revenue.
According to a recent USA Today article, 67% of the
U.S. population uses the internet. In 2008, laptop sales
are expected to surpass desktop computer sales. And
today’s laptop computers almost universally feature
WiFi.
For several years now, the camping and RVing
industry has marveled at its good fortune of being in
an expanding market. Yet to my knowledge, no one
has come up with a really good reason as to why the
industry keeps expanding. Certainly high fuel prices
and an unremarkable economy aren’t contributing to
that growth. The only consistent reason I have heard
is the assumption that baby boomers are driving the
market. That certainly has to be a factor, but is that all
there is to it? I don’t think so. Let me explain:
RVing today is not only fun but it is easier that ever to
experience. A generation ago, RVing was a lot harder.
RVs were small and very basic, setting them up wasn’t
as easy as pushing a few buttons, sites weren’t as
convenient and full-featured, and campgrounds didn’t
offer nearly as many services and amenities. By having
to give up some of the conveniences of home, going
www.koaowners.org
RVing back then was a lot closer to “roughing it”…
and that meant that RVing wasn’t an attractive choice
for nearly as many people.
Today, RVs are big and easy to use, and they are
equipped with nearly all the conveniences of home.
Most RVers also carry cell phones and many bring
laptop computers as well to stay connected to their
world. That means that people today can enjoy RVing
with little or no disruption to their lives.
I would suggest that baby boomers are indeed getting
into RVing, but that a significant reason for this is
because they feel that they can. I would also suggest that
technologies such as cell phones, the internet accessed
through wifi, and cable TV likely are prime enablers
of the expanding RVing market. These features aren’t
just amenities… they are enablers, meaning that they
are growing our industry. The key word is enabler…
don’t forget it!
So what does this mean for us?
All of us in the KOA system need to understand that
enablers are more important that many other amenities
and services we offer. If we don’t provide these enablers,
we miss out of a lot of business. In other words, if
you’re not offering (free) WiFi, you’re missing out! If
you not offering cable (or satellite-based) TV, you’re
missing out! RVers today will simply drive past those
campgrounds that don’t provide these services.
April/May/June 2008
Today, cable TV is in 58% of the homes in the U.S.
and cable-based broadband is available to about
80% of those homes. Cable TV is BIG business as
revenues in the U.S. exceed $75 billion annually.
(These statistics are published by the National Cable
and Communications Association.)
As a KOA Marketing Partner, we are always trying to
come up with ways to differentiate ourselves from the
competition. I believe that we should set our sights
on “full system implementation” of critical enabling
5
Volume 28, Issue 2
technologies. Full system implementation would
provide us a very powerful edge over our competition.
If you don’t offer WiFi yet, just do it! It is not expensive,
and it can be installed anywhere. Cable or satellitebased TV is more costly, but it is also worthwhile. If
you don’t offer it today, put it in your budget for next
year!
I don’t know what the next key enabler will be, but
if we are the industry leaders we claim to be, we will
need to identify it early and implement it aggressively.
Otherwise we realistically cannot be viewed as
leaders.
Paul R. Friesen
Watkins Glen KOA
6
Owners News
www.koaowners.org
7
April/May/June 2008
Volume 28, Issue 2
Understanding Standby Power Consumption
Steve Linde
S
tandby Power is also known as Vampire Power
Consumption. The easiest way to understand it
is that things that use remote controls when turned
off actually aren’t, they are still using a miniscule
amount of power keeping the unit ready to turn on
whenever you decide. It’s waiting to receive the
infrared signal from the remote. Battery chargers
are vampires and so are power adapters with no off
switches. A whopping 99% of a microwave oven’s
power consumption is not from cooking your food,
it’s the miliwatts it eats powering the little digital
clock on the front. Your coffee machine doesn’t
look like a vampire but it is. It’s got a timer that
is sucking electricity little by little as it displays
the time or clicks away until it wakes up the coffee
maker to start making your brew.
It all adds up. The average American home
consumes 7 to 13% of its power consumption from
electronics in standby power mode. According
to the Department of Energy, national residential
electricity consumption in 2004 was 1.29 billion
megawatt hours (MWh)—5% of which is 64m MWh.
The wasted energy, in other words, is equivalent to
the output of 18 typical power stations. The best way
to be sure you’re not being vampired away is to pull
the plug from the wall or have it attached to a power
strip with an off button. There are adaptors for sale
that also sense when the unit goes into standby mode
8
and will bypass the standby and stop the power.
However, there are many things that we just don’t
want to shut off. It would be a pain to have your
satellite receiver go through it’s warm up and setup
every time I push the plug back into the wall. My
DirectTV unit takes about 5 minutes to reboot. But
what if you were loading an RV and taking a month
long trip? That might make sense to unplug that
satellite receiver and TV set, etc.
I live in Billings in the off-season but I move my
family up to West Yellowstone each summer and
we are gone about 3-5 months at a time. I have a
checklist where I turn off my water heater, lock my
windows, turn off my A/C and I unplug everything
I can. Basically I unplug everything but the alarm
system. How much electricity could be saved if
we could suggest to our camping guests that there
is no one at home watching their TV set? Their
coffee maker is not going to be used until they get
home. You get the idea. I’d love to see this kind
of a checklist suggestion printed in the 2009 KOA
Directory that would address standby/vampire
electricity consumption. Our guests could then be
educated enough to limit this before heading out
for an extended RV vacation. You never know
collectively it could add up to something big.
Owners News
Contact Aaron Linden toll-free at
1-800-300-4370 or via email at
[email protected]
P.O. Box 6006, Sheridan, WY 82801
www.koaowners.org
April/May/June 2008
Aaron Linden with HUB International has
specialized in the proper insuring of KOA
Kampgrounds and their unique needs for
many years. Aaron, along with his dedicated staff are ready and willing to handle
your Kampground insurance with the care
and attention that you deserve. Please
contact Aaron today for a free, no obligation quote. We look forward to hearing
from you!
9
Volume 28, Issue 2
OWNER TO OWNER: DENVER WORK DAY
O
n April 7 & 8th - the KOA family
came together to help one of its
own. From KOA owners to the home
office, they all worked side by side
to help Tracy get the Denver East/
Strasburg KOA ready for the camping
season. With many owners from CO, NE
& KOA home office helping many of the
projects were completed. Jeff Hasting
is fighting cancer. Please keep Jeff and
Tracy in your prayers.
TOP Tracy Hasting, Denver East/Strasburg & Carolyn Stowe, Pueblo KOA
MIDDLE (From Left to Right) KneelingCarolyn Stowe, Pueblo KOA; kneelingTracy Hasting, Denver/East Strasburg
KOA; kneeling-Guenter Kippschull,
Ft. Collins/Poudre KOA; standing Paul
Steiner, Limon KOA; in front of Paul
-Jane Snyder, Field Rep. for KOA Inc;
Craig Sisco, Ft. Collins/Lakeside KOA;
Carrol Murray, West Omaha, NE KOA;
Jane Bachman, Royal Gorge & Cripple
Creek KOA; Theresa Kippschull, Ft.
Collins/Wellington KOA; on ladder Ruth
Turner, Estes Park KOA; Mike Stowe,
Pueblo KOA; Eric Murray, West Omaha,
NE KOA; Jim Turner, Estes Park KOA;
on roof Tommy Martin, Buena Vista
KOA; Jim Burnahm, Cotopaxi KOA.
Not picutured; Max Bachman, Cripple
Creek KOA (running for supplies);
Steve Snyder, KOA Field Rep (taking
the picture)
BOTTOM Craig Sisco, Ft. Collins/
Lakeside KOA,
10
Owners News
OWNER TO OWNER: NEW PRODUCT
Pamela Mendala, Area 6 Director
P
Plane? Remember the “mystery meals”
served on planes that caused most of us to bring
fruit, sandwiches or trail mix to munch on during flights?
Since I don’t get excited about a small bag of nuts and a
thimble full of water I had just given up expecting much.
Often overcome with the sounds and odors of fast food I
wondered if there wasn’t a better way.
icnic on a
On a recent flight the I noticed my aisle mate being
handed a colorful box for which he exchanged $5.00 curiously I wanted one too and asked for “whatever he
was having” and whoa what a surprise.
The integrity of the product is important too - mostly
organic, no transfat and an assortment for children and
vegetarians too. Do note there are sell by dates on these
products. This could be an attractive and enjoyable add
to your stores and the company will ship assortments.
Excuse me now - it is time to choose between a Sweet
Georgia Brownie or an Oatmeal Raisin Doohickey midmorning picnic break. Enjoy.
My seatmate got interested and bought one so did the
two people in front of me and soon we were chattering
away about this unexpected and happy surprise.
Without thinking much about it I kept a couple of the
wrappers of the best tasting items and the top of the
box and as soon as I hit the campground called the
company in charge of producing my lunch.
I was so impressed with the product and the collateral
material I had a sample box sent to your OA Board
Meeting for a reaction and we all poked and sorted
through the boxes sampling and commenting. We are
introducing the idea to those of who get weary of the
food waste and the confusion of how much and what
to stock in the line of fresh snacks.
www.koaowners.org
April/May/June 2008
It was like Christmas without the ribbons and music; I
peeked in to find a slice of white cheddar cheese, thin
wafer crackers, fresh apricots, salami and a three bean
salad with delicious chocolate cookies. A picnic you
say, you bet - checkered napkin, utensils and a toilette.
Oh and there was an energy packet to be mixed with
water to complete the occasion.
11
Volume 28, Issue 2
12
Federal Pool and Spa Safety Law (Abbreviated version)
(ed’s. Note: Dan Goad, Area1 director has provided this article for everyone to review)
H.R. 6-303 TO 309 TITLE XIV-POOL AND SPA
SAFETY
(b) DRAIN COVER STANDARD- Effective 1 year after
the date of enactment of this title, each swimming pool
or spa drain cover manufactured, distributed, or entered
into commerce in the United States shall conform to the
entrapment protection standards of the ASME/ANSI
A112.19.8 performance standard, or any successor
standard regulating such swimming pool or drain cover.
(A) IN GENERAL- Beginning 1 year after the date of
enactment of this title- (B) (i) each public pool and spa in
the United States shall be equipped with anti-entrapment
devices or systems that comply with the single main drain
other than an unblockable drain shall be equipped, at a
minimum, with 1 or more of the following devices or
systems designed to prevent entrapment by pool or spa
drains that meets the requirements of subparagraph (B):
(I) SAFETY VACUUM RELEASE SYSTEM- A safety
vacuum release system which ceases operation of
H.R. 6-305 the pump, reverses the circulation flow, or
otherwise provides a vacuum release at a suction outlet
when a blockage is detected, that has been tested by an
independent third party and found to conform to ASME/
ANSI standard A112.19.17 or STM standard F2387.
(II) SUCTION-LIMITING VENT SYSTEM-A suctionlimiting vent system with a tamper-resistant atmospheric
opening.
(III) GRAVITY DRAINAGE SYSTEM-A gravity
drainage system that utilizes a collector tank.
(IV) AUTOMATIC PUMP SHUT-OFF SYSTEM-An
automatic pump shut-off system.
(V) DRAIN DISABLEMENT-A device or system that
disables the drain
(3) ENFORCEMENT-Violation of paragraph (1) shall
be considered to be a violation of section 19(a) (1) of
the Consumer Product Safety Act (15 U.S.C.2068 (a) (1)
and may also be enforced under section 17 of the Act (15
U.S.C.2066).
SEC.1406. MINIMUM STATE LAW REQUIREMENTS
(a) IN GENERAL- (1) SAFETY STANDARDS- A State
meets the minimum State law requirements of this section
if-(A) the State requires by statute-( i ) the enclosure of
all outdoor residential pools and spas by barriers to entry
that will effectively prevent small children from gaining
unsupervised and unfettered access to the pool or spa;
( ii) that all pools and spas be equipped with devices and
systems designed to prevent entrapment by pool or spa
drains;
(iii) that pools and spas built more than 1 year after the
date of the enactment of such statute have-(I) more than 1
drain; (II) 1 or more unblockable drains; or (III) no main
drain;
(iv) every swimming pool and spa that has a main drain,
other than an unblockable drain, be equipped with a drain
cover that meets the consumer product safety standard
established by section 1404; and
(4) REQUIREMENTS TO REFLECT NATIONAL
PERFORMANCE STANDARDS AND COMMISSION
GUIDELINES-In establishing minimum State law
requirements under paragraph (1), the Commission shall(A) Consider current or revised national performance
standards on pool and spa barrier protection and entrapment
prevention; and
(B) ensure that any such requirements are consistent with
the guidelines contained in the Commission’s publication
362, entitled “Safety Barrier Guidelines for Home Pools”,
are the Commissions publication entitled “ Guidelines
for Entrapment Hazards: Making Pools and Spas Safer”,
and any other pool safety guidelines established by the
Commission.
(b) STANDARDS- Nothing in this section prevents the
commission from promulgating standards regulating pool
and spa safety or from relying on an applicable national
performance standard.
( C) BASIC ACCESS-RELATED SAFETY DEVICES
AND EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS TO BE
CONSIDERED- In establishing minimum State law
requirements for swimming pools and spas under
subsection (a) (1), the Commission shall consider the
following requirements;
(1) COVERS-A safety pool cover
(2) GATES-A gate with direct access to the swimming
pool or spa that is equipped with a self-closing, selflatching device.
(3) DOORS-Any door with direct access to the swimming
pool or spa that is equipped with an audible alert device or
alarm which sounds when the door the door is opened.
(4) POOL ALARM- A device designed to provide rapid
detection of an entry into the water of a swimming pool
or spa.
(d)
ENTRAPMENT,
ENTANGLEMENT, AND
EVISCERATION PREVENTION STANDARDS TO BE
REQUIRED(1) IN GENERAL- In establishing additional minimum
State law requirements for swimming pools and spas
under subsection (a) (1), the Commission shall require, at
a minimum, 1 or more of the following (except for pools
constructed without a single main drain):
(A) SAFETY VACUUM RELEASE SYSTEM- A safety
vacuum release system which ceases operation of the
pump, reverses the circulation flow, or otherwise provides
Owners News
a vacuum release at a suction outlet when a blockage is
detected, that has been tested by an independent third party
and found to conform to ASME/ANSI standard A112.19.17
or ASTM standard F2387. or any successor standard.
(B) SUCTION-LIMITING VENT SYSTEM-A suctionlimiting vent system with a tamper-resistant atmospheric
opening.
(C) GRAVITY DRAINAGE SYSTEM- A gravity drainage
system that utilizes a collector tank
(D) AUTOMATIC PUMP SHUT-OFF SYSTEM-An
automatic pump shut-off system
(E) DRAIN DISABLEMENT – A device or system that
disables the drain.
(F) OTHER SYSTEMS- Any other system determined by
the Commission to be equally effective as, or better than,
the systems described in subparagraphs (A) through (E)
at preventing or eliminating the risk of injury or death
associated with pool drainage systems.
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www.koaowners.org
13
Volume 28, Issue 2
Effectively Using Network Management
for Your WiFi Enabled Property
David Gould
O
ne of the problems we hear about most
often from our RV Park and Resort Property
customers is how the network has continued to “bog
down” or how long it is now taking to load a web
page. This happens for a few reasons that can easily
be corrected.
First, now that the location has proudly told their
guests that “We have Wireless Internet Access
available”, more and more folks are taking advantage
of that service and connecting to the web to either
get email, chat online with friends/family, get
financial information from their stockbroker to see
if they can actually afford this wonderful lifestyle, or
simply entertain themselves with music, movies or
other forms of diversion. More guests on-line means
more bandwidth is needed. This might require you
to increase the amount of bandwidth you purchased
from your Internet Service Provider.
Second, your park may have an increase in the
number of guests this year. The number of guests
simultaneously on line (that means actively
downloading a web page or uploading an email to
send, for example) all consume some amount of
bandwidth. A good internet experience can be in the
range of 100 kbps - 150 kbps (that is kilobytes per
second and 100 kbps is about 4 times the speed of
dial-up, or 1 tenth of a Megabyte).
Most often, we use an estimate of 25%-30% of the
guests could be online simultaneously. So, if you
go on the internet and search for “DSL Speed Test”,
you will find a number of sites to visit so that you
can see the download and upload speed you are
getting from your Internet Service Provider. Take
this number and divide it by that percentage of users
that might be on line. The result is the bandwidth
that each user will have - IF the network is Load
Balanced! If the network is not balanced, any one
14
particular user might be “hogging the bandwidth”
by downloading large files while the rest of your
guests sit and watch the grass grow waiting to get
their email.
Effective use of a Network Access Manager will
give every user the same amount of bandwidth
regardless of what they are trying to download. This
can be set to any number you choose. It’s the best
way to be sure that a slowdown is not resulting from
an aggressive user.
Third, with the economic situation today, more of
your guests are getting their nightly entertainment
from the internet instead of going into town to rent
a movie and more of your guests are conducting a
small business from their coach. Their children are
also downloading games, movies, etc. So, you may
have as many as 3 computers in 1 coach. Using a
Network Access Manager with your WiFi system
can control this by issuing 1 user name and password
for each coach so that only 1 user can be on line at
a time.
Of course, the least expensive solution, and least
invasive, is to tell your guests that “internet access
is for all of our guests, so please keep your neighbor
in mind when accessing the internet”.
N.B. – CellAmericas Enterprises, Inc. has provided
WiFi equipment to RV Parks, Marinas and Hotels
at a rate of 1 new client per week over the past 2
years. We are always willing to share information
and expertise with any KOA owner that requests it.
Contact:
David@ cellamericas.com or call 954-966-4515
Owners News
Funnies
Reporters interviewing a 104-year-old woman:
“And what do you think is the best thing about
being 104?” the reporter asked.
I’ve sure gotten old!
I’ve had two bypass surgeries, a hip replacement, new knees, fought prostate cancer and
diabetes. I’m half blind, can’t hear anything
quieter than a jet engine, take 40 different
medications that make me dizzy, winded, and
subject to blackouts. Have bouts with dementia. Have poor circulation; hardly feel my
hands and feet anymore.
She simply replied, “No peer pressure.”
A recent study found the average American
walks about 900 miles year.
Just before the funeral services, the undertaker
came up to the very elderly widow and asked,
“How old was your husband?”
“98,” she replied. “Two years older than me”
“So you’re 96,” the undertaker commented.
That means, on average, Americans get about
41 miles to the gallon.
Kind of makes you proud to be an American.
April/May/June 2008
She responded, “Hardly worth going home, is it?
Another study found Americans drink, on
average, 22 gallons of beer a year
www.koaowners.org
15
Volume 28, Issue 2
Spring Marketing/Tech Partners Meeting
March 10 and 11 ~ Lake Conroe/ Houston North KOA
D
ay one we reviewed the early reporting in
regard to Value Kard Rewards. Having just
been released on March 2 it was still early in the
process and Jef Sutherlund and Loren Armer gave
us a play by play of how things were going. Richard
Allen from Las Vegas shared his in the trenches
experience. I’m sure by the time this is printed we
will well into this thing and have it all figured out.
In the afternoon we had a marketing principals and
strategies presentation from Thomas Dotzel from
Texas A&M University. That evening we shared a
BBQ dinner with Winter Texans and some long term
campers and a few folks fresh off the road. The food
was great and we were able to get some perspective
about how these folks thought about the new Value
Kard program.
Day two was again mostly marketing related topics
like defining what Great Camping is? Who knew
marketeers were so philosophical? It is surely
important for our system to be grasping the next phase
of our slogan. In my opinion we are developing the
Great People part nicely so I think we’re up to showing
off what Great Camping is. Sammy’s RV Park can
watch our dust as we zoom off with the camper
nights. After the morning of Zen KOA stuff we were
treated to lunch and a presentation by a guest speaker
from Ecos. Ecos is developing strategies for KOA
to become more “Green”. I like Yellow but green is
good too. Our Canadian partners in attendance were
very vocal in regard to how important this is to our
guests and they have been making changes ahead of
the USA.
After lunch we finally broke into our respective
groups and the Tech Partners were moved to a more
contained location for a presentation from the fellas
from Campground Automation Systems. They
were the guys at convention displaying the nifty
kiosk. Basically there stuff will work with ours but
it is extremely pricey and the list is long in regard
to enhancements that are coming for Kampsight. I
guy can dream of someday having a campground
with fewer employees perhaps. We got a snapshot
of some simplifications to Kampsight that coming
and now that VKR is active KOA should be able to
press ahead with things. Later we reconnected with
the Marketing folks and took an abbreviated dinner
cruise on a paddlewheel boat on Lake
Conroe. The boat had lost power so we
had to head to shore. It was fine with me
as I’m not a boat lover.
All in all it was a productive two days.
It’s always nice to see a campground
other than your own. It gives you some
ideas about how to improve or how
others do things. I was very excited
to see the Lake Conroe KOA. It is a
very unique campground from the very
deluxe cottages to the enormous meeting
hall that will easily contain our needs
for the 2009 KOA Convention. It will
be a great opportunity to have a hands
on convention like we had years ago in
Okeechobee.
Steve Linde
Yellowstone Park KOA
16
Owners News
Ohio KOA Owners Association
Spring Meeting
Attendees:
Buckeye Lake
Canton
Dayton
Shelby/Mansfield
Butler/Mohican
Stoney Ridge
Streetsboro
Mike & Shirley Groseclose
Leo & Carol Soehnlen
Joe & Rhonda Landis
Garry & Vickie Cole
Garry & Vickie Cole
Bill & Carolyn Miller
Cathy Sonner
Guests: Bob & Paige Massey, FSR Business
Development Consultants, KOA Corporate
Meeting called to order at 1:30 by President Shirley
Groseclose
Minutes from the last meeting were presented.
After correcting the minutes to indicate that Butler/
Mohican Koa was represented at the last meeting,
Joe Landis moved and Mike Groseclose 2nd to
accept the minutes. The minutes were accepted.
decided.
• She explained that the jamborees that will be held
in two different locations in the fall will both have
an auction (to support OA and Care Camps) and
trade show.
• Also at the jamborees there will more variety in the
sessions, the general session will be shortened, there
will be more hands on training and more learning
sessions.
•
Customer service will continue to be stressed
at the jamborees.
• The Owner’s Association will have their meeting
at the Myrtle Beach location.
• KOA Inc. is looking to find items that they can buy
in bulk to help save the franchisees money. First
example is mattresses for our lodging facilities.
Also discussed was creating an award for the Most
Improved KOA in addition to the awards KOA
currently has.
Financial Report was presented. Rhonda Landis
moved and Joe Landis 2nd to accept them
report as presented. Report was accepted.
New Business: There was discussion about
how specialty lodging is depicted in the
KOA Directory. We believe that there is
confusion in the minds of our campers
about what constitutes a Kabin, Cottage,
Lodge etc. We wondered if there could be
an article in the next directory explaining
the differences and what amenities can be
expected in each type of lodging.
Vickie Cole presented information on what
is happening at the National Level with our
Owner’s Association.
• She discussed the changes to the way the
President’s and Founder’s Awards will be
www.koaowners.org
April/May/June 2008
Old Business: RV Shows Attendance at the
RV shows was mixed. Dayton show was
slow and the Cincinnati show was busy.
Cleveland attendance was steady.
17
Volume 28, Issue 2
Ohio KOA Owners Association Spring Meeting (continued)
ARVC Report:
Reminder: Dues of $200 are due by August 1 each
The Falls Church building is almost sold and plans
year.
are moving ahead to relocate in the Denver area.
Date and place of next meeting:
Election of Officers was held.
Dayton KOA September 21, Sunday at Noon
Rhonda Landis (nominated by Garry Cole) is
elected President.
Garry Cole moved and Bill Miller 2nd to adjourn
Cathy Sonner (nominated by Rhonda Landis) is
the meeting. Meeting adjourned at 2:45.
elected Vice-President.
Garry Cole volunteered to be Secretary/Treasurer.
Minutes written by Cathy Sonner.
Summary of California/ Nevada April 8-9
2008 Meeting
The California/Nevada OA has provided this
summary of topics discussed at their last meeting:
A few of the ‘hot topics’ at this meeting included:
*The cost of fuel and how it is going to affect our
business.
*Marketing: what do we need to do to attract
local-area campers. It was decided that we
would devote a lot of time to this issue in our
Fall meeting.
*Human resource issues and workampers: some
physically challenged workers have been trying
to “set-up” California campgrounds for potential
lawsuits. We will research this issue in depth.
Louise Everett and Lorne Armer from KOA, Inc.,
attended our meeting and gave an up-to-date report
on what is happening with the new VKR program
and other current changes happening at the corporate
level.
There was some discussion about a recycling
program that is offered by Anhauser- Busch. It was
agreed that we would investigate this further and
pass along any information.
Our next meeting will be in Parumph, Nevada,
October 6, 7, & 8.
Illinois KOA Owners Meeting Minutes
MARCH 20, 2008 ~ LENA KOA ~ MINUTES
• Welcome and introductions
o John Downing introduced and welcomed to the meeting:
- Dave Waszak, LaSalle, Glenn Klinkman, Casey; Joe & Diane Long, Lena; John & Carole Downing,
Rock Island and Bob and Page Massey, representing KOA Inc. Thanks Joe and Diane for arranging the
great evening meal the night before it was a wonderful restaurant.
• Minutes of prior meeting
o None presented
18
Owners News
• Financial Report
o The organization has no dues structure
and there was no rebate check from Owners
Association for 2007. The checking account
has a balance of $712.67. It was agreed to use
$173.88 to pay for shipping of owner’s new
brochure to the tourist information centers in
Illinois.
• Old Business
o Marketing (brochures)
- Joe presented our new owners brochure
that will go to visitor information centers
and be distributed at member parks and
RV shows. It is a great looking piece
and everyone thanked Joe for the great
job. We have 20,000 pieces and all parks
will receive about 1,200 for on site
distribution. It was also suggested that
members take the tri fold to any local
CVC for public distribution.
o ICA Directory
- Next discussion was on the full page ad
in the Illinois Campground Association
(ICA) directory. This is the third year and
we currently have only 4 KOAs in Illinois
participating. This directory is distributed
at all TIC and 7 RV shows, plus numerous
RV dealers, RV parks and visitor bureaus.
This ad has great bang for the buck
costing less per piece than the brochures.
In addition to the ad, participating parks
are allowed at no cost to have their
individual park rack card mailed out
with each directory that ICA sends to
requesting campers. Another benefit for
ICA member/advertisers is the distribution
of rack cards at 7 Illinois and one
Missouri RV show again at no cost. For
2009 three parks at the meeting agreed
to fund the ad again in the directory but
would like to encourage those who did not
participate in 2008 to reconsider. If all the
Illinois KOAs came on board our facing
inside front cover ad would cost us each
the nominal amount of $365 a real bargain
for over 75.000 exposures.
www.koaowners.org
o Solar hot water
- John Downing brought pictures of the
new solar hot water system for his satellite
bathhouse and laundry. John explained
the system had a cost of $12,000 with
the state of Illinois picking up $3,500 of
the cost. It is estimated that payback on
the system would be less than 8 years at
stable fuel prices and less if the cost of
natural gas, LP and electric should go up.
John said he did not take on the project
so much to save energy but rather to
support a more green effort in his park
and community. John raised the concern
that camping has become a very energy
wasteful activity and he feels that it is in
park owner’s best interest to begin to look
at any number of ways to conserve energy
or to use alternative energy. John went
on to say that a new satellite bathhouse
to be constructed in 2008 is planned
to have solar for heating water and the
building as well as photo voltaic panels
to provide some of the electrical energy.
The new building will also be planned for
the future addition of a wind generator.
The camping is industry is not considered
a critical business and should energy be
in short supply many of us may find our
parks cut off from traditional supplies
so self-sufficiency could be the deciding
factor for our survival. Maybe that’s a
little dark, but it never hurts to be green.
• New Business
o KOA field staff report
- Bob and Page gave the owners a briefing
on several topics:
• Quality Inspection teams vs.
Business Development Teams. KOA
has decided to split the functions and
all parks will receive a visit from
an inspection team. Parks will be
required to score a minimum of 350
points to qualify for any awards. Plus
there are thirteen critical areas that
cannot be failed. The teams have
been instructed to be very strict on
April/May/June 2008
Illinois KOA Owners Meeting Minutes (continued)
19
Volume 28, Issue 2
Illinois KOA Owners Meeting Minutes (continued)
the inspections.
• The KOA quality assurance inspection
booklet will not be mailed to parks. If
you would like a copy please download
the 41 pages from ekamp.
• The Business Development teams
are responsible for meeting and work/
consulting with new owners, parks that
request their help and parks that have
not met minimum inspection standards.
These teams will help owners find ways
to improve their businesses and the over
all quality of parks in the system.
- There was next a discussion of the new VKR
card and a general level of support for the
new card. One area of confusion concerned
the use of the certificates; registration and
store or registration only as the training
material left some doubt in people’s minds.
Bob and Page stated the certificates can be
used only for registration and a certificate
value in excess of the cost of stay cannot be
redeemed for cash. There was some concern
for the problems that might cause at the
registration desk but a proposal was made that
we should just ask the guest to stay a little
longer to use up the excess value.
- Next there was a discussion of the new
Jamboree/convention plan and there seem to
be general consensus that it was a good idea.
Several of the parks indicated they planned to
attend a jamboree this year.
- A long discussion was held on 20 groups.
Several of the members desired to be involved
in a 20 group but frustrated with the lack of
support or direction from KOA concerning
the groups. Bob and Page explained that KOA
had a concern with privacy issues so had
pulled back a little on these groups. We asked
if KOA could at least be a clearing house to
get people together and to provide maybe
basic information on the establishment and
operation of a group. Bob and Page indicated
they would take these concerns back to KOA
Inc.
o Park tour Lena KOA
- Joe and Diane lead the group on a tour of
their park. It was a sunny crisp spring day and
even with snow and winter debris the park
looked great. The general store remodel gave
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Owners News
Illinois KOA Owners Meeting Minutes (continued)
o Organization of KOA owners
- It was agreed to leave our current
structure as informal as possible. For now
with only 9 potential members we have
found ways to meet and work together
without any formal structure. For the last
several meetings we have had five or six
member parks represented and holding the
meetings at different locations was a plus.
o Wireless internet
- Brief discussion on securing and
providing wireless internet in our parks.
• Next Meeting and location
o Dave offered his park for our next meeting on
October 28, 2008. Details to come later.
o Glenn offered his park for the spring 2009
meeting pending approval from Kathy. It is the
same way in my park.
April/May/June 2008
those in attendance some super ideas.
o Activity Program
- Diane made a presentation to all about
the activity program they have initiated at
their park. She explained how she plans out
the year with theme weekends. How they
promote the activities with information
presented to guests at check in.
o Care Camps
- John, being a member of the Care Camps
board, spoke about some of the current
changes with Care Camps. John solicited
and found that all attending members at the
meeting were participating in the support
of Care Camps and he thanked them. He
explained that a new web site was being
developed, that a possible seminar was in
the works for the jamboree and that the
Care Camps board had high goals for the
future of Care Camps.
www.koaowners.org
21
Volume 28, Issue 2
An Exciting Announcement
from Outdoor Insurance Group & KOA OA
It is with great excitement that we announce
a brand new Health Insurance Program
sponsored by the KOA OA. The KOA OA
ValuePlus Health Plan!
Over the past several months, I have worked
closely with Bill Ranieri and the OA Board to
customize a group rated major medical program
along with a limited benefit supplement program
for members of the KOA OA. The program has
come together and we will be working hard to
send out as much informative material in the
coming weeks.
The KOA OA Health Plan provides cost effective
health benefit options for part-time, hourly, and
traditional employees. The plans are underwritten
by Trustmark Insurance Company, an A Rated
carrier.
22
Highlights of the program include*:
• Physician office visit co-pays
• 100% outpatient lab coverage
• No plan deductibles, provides immediate
coverage
• Annual Wellness Benefit
• Prescription drug coverage
• Catastrophic Benefit Options
• Hospital/Facility coverage to a maximum
amount per day
• PPO provider networks
• Competitive rate structure
• Friendly customer service
With healthcare cost consistently listed as a top
five concern for business leaders today, the KOA
OA ValuePlus program will be a tremendous
benefit for all KOA OA members.
Owners News
April/May/June 2008
www.koaowners.org
23
24
Owners News
Volume 28, Issue 2
"*$""+
Proposal by: Southeast Publications USA, Inc.
S
outheast Publications performs numerous
services for its clientele, which consists of the
Campgrounds as well as the independent advertisers
(sponsors) in the business community.
Southeast ties the Campground to the advertiser
and the community by door to door business calls,
offering an opportunity for a business to sponsor an
ad.
In doing door to door visits, Southeast is acting as a
walking Chamber of Commerce and KOA goodwill
ambassador, introducing the business community
to the camping industry; its benefits; its impact on
the local economy; and the Campground, which is
a public gathering place for families and their needs
while visiting an area.
The recent Southeast Company Meeting produced
an idea from one of our sales associates, which is
a door sticker to go into the window or door of the
local merchant or mobile service. These businesses
are recommended by the Campground through the
approval form or suggested vendors to the Southeast
Sales Associate upon arrival for the opening interview
with the establishment owner or manager.
This idea is to mount a sticker promoting KOA and
the business. Several samples of suggested sticker
are attached.
The overall effect is that it tells the campground
customer that they are at the right sponsor’s
establishment and promotes the name in the
community.
Short term effect is that the more KOA stickers, the
better it is for the KOA system and the local KOA
Kampground, because it is a subliminal impression
as well as a conscious image that local people will
tell visiting relatives, friends, etc. about the KOA.
www.koaowners.org
-
ERCH
+/
!
KOA Community
Marketing Opportunity
PO
$"
ANT3
PO
"*$""+
For: KOA, Inc.
This will also provide the KOA owner public
exposure for the owners that are not well connected
in the community, as well as bolster an already
working relationship for the owners that are known.
This takes the KOA Partnering to a new dimension!
Long term effects include providing local community
members an opportunity to learn more about the
KOA experience and the possibilities existing by
the use of travel trailers and motor homes, but more
importantly, the KAMPING CABIN and LODGE
concept of vacationing and travel.
Many of the Southeast advertisers (sponsors) are RV
dealers. By utilizing the Sponsor sticker program,
this would introduce the new buyer and entry level
campers to KOA before they even buy.
One consideration would be a tie in with these
types of advertisers (sponsors) allowing them to
put a sticker on their literature, stating that they are
a KOA Kampground Sponsor. This would have
an overwhelmingly positive exposure to the KOA
System.
There are a few obstacles to overcome such as
commencing the program and providing the stickers
to do so, and making sure they are in conformance
with KOA standards established for trade mark etc.
The stickers will be provided by Southeast to the
sales associate to put on the door of the business
establishment upon visiting the merchant. By dating
the sticker by the year, Southeast can update the
stickers annually. The stickers can also be mailed
to the merchant along with the thank you letter that
goes out, or with a preprinted KOA letter as well.
There are times that a sponsor will not renew their
sponsor ad. By leaving the old sticker in place, it still
promotes the KOA name and the local KOA.
April/May/June 2008
$"
ANT3
OR
NS
+/
!
ERCH
OR
NS
-
25
Volume 28, Issue 2
KOA Community Marketing Opportunity (continued)
It may also bring the sponsor back into the product
the following year.
In addition many KOA’s offer club houses and family
fun. This idea can also develop into a plan where
the owner could have a weekend activity for local
merchants and citizens by providing a community
source for local functions. One such function could
be to bring the local community into the KOA Kids
Kare Kamp program. This should be considered a
business building program.
It is our belief that KOA should give this proposal
careful consideration and a legal review of any
downsides in liability, etc.
Overall the positives far outweigh any negatives.
For Immediate Release
For More Information, Contact:
Mike Gast
Vice President of Communications
Kampgrounds of America, Inc.
406-254-7409
[email protected]
All KOAs Now
On KampSight System
Industry-Leading Software a Boon To
Campground Management
BILLINGS, MT (May 6, 2008) - The world’s premiere
computerized campground operating system is
now standard equipment at every Kampgrounds of
America park in North America.
Although the KampSight system has been available
to KOA owners since 2000, not all KOAs had
adopted the technology.
KOA President and Chief Operating Officer Shane
Ott set a target of May 1, 2008 for total adoption for
the system, and KOA franchisees stepped up to the
challenge, bringing the proper hardware and training
to their campgrounds to “close the loop” and bring
100 percent of the KOA system to KampSight. KOA
now has nearly 460 campgrounds across North
America.
“It became obvious last fall that we had to close the
loop and get 100 percent participation on KampSight
26
by all KOA campgrounds,” said Ott. “We’ve had to
say goodbye to some campgrounds that just weren’t
willing to make the change. KampSight is now an
integral part of being a KOA, and it allows us to
continue to set the pace for the rest of the camping
industry.”
Seven campgrounds chose not to convert to
KampSight and have left the KOA system in the past
few months. But, 11 existing KOA campgrounds
have made the switch to KampSight in 2008, along
with 12 new campgrounds just added to the KOA
system.
The benefits of having every KOA on KampSight
are huge, including:
• All KOA campers will now have the same,
expedited KampSight-driven check-in experience at
every KOA because front desk staff will be able to
know who each camper is and what their camping
preferences are.
• Full utilization of KOA’s new Value Kard Rewards
program. With KampSight, campgrounds are able
to assign Value Kard Rewards points in a timely
manner; offer Value Kard Rewards certificates that
can be validated at the time of check in; verify that
a Value Kard Rewards card is valid; and offer Value
Kard Reward cards for sale online.
• All KOA campgrounds are now networked to
take advantage of Kampground-to-Kampground
reservations and Realtime Internet reservations,
Owners News
For Immediate Release (continued)
which gives campers accurate online rate quotes
and completes the credit card transaction for
reservations.
• KampSight allows for more accurate data from
KOA’s annual Kamper Satisfaction Survey, which
provides campground owners with scientifically
collected information from their own campers.
KOA Campgrounds Make
List of Top U.S. Parks
ReserveAmerica Picks Top Campgrounds
From Among 4,000 Parks
For more on KOA, visit the KOA Pressroom at www.
koapressroom.com.
The list included 15 separate categories and is
intended as a guide to help consumers plan their
visits to North America’s “hidden gem” locations,
according to Seth Rosenberg, president of
ReserveAmerica.
“Our sixth annual list of campground awards
continues our commitment to creating a resource
for the camping consumer looking to plan and
reserve a camping trip for this spring and summer,”
Rosenberg said. “We are proud to honor these
outstanding public outdoor recreation facilities that
provide such a high level of service and dedication
April/May/June 2008
BILLINGS, MT (May 7, 2008) - Thirty
Kampgrounds of America parks in North America
were named Tuesday, May 6 to a list of top
campgrounds in North America prepared by
ReserveAmerica, one of the leading recreation
reservation services in the nation.
• KOA owners will not only get up-to-the-minute
reports on the performance of their campground, but
also more accurate reports on the performance of the
entire KOA system.
www.koaowners.org
27
Volume 28, Issue 2
For Immediate Release (continued)
while protecting our beautiful natural areas for
future generations.”
The campgrounds were selected based on
testimonials, campground ratings and feedback
provided by park rangers, regional park
management and campers throughout the year.
Nearly 4,000 parks were reviewed and the winners
were determined based on specific family-friendly
criteria ranging from educational programs
and visitor centers to camping amenities and
overall beauty and scenery. Factors including the
quality and availability of hot showers, laundry
facilities, hiking trails, family beaches, radio-free
zones, children’s events and location were also
considered, Rosenberg said.
“We’re thrilled and proud that 30 of our best
campgrounds were included in ReserveAmerica’s
list of premiere parks in North America,” said KOA
President and Chief Operating Officer Shane Ott.
“We also have more than 400 other great KOAs
around the country that may not have made this
list, but have certainly met our own stringent
standards in order to fly the yellow KOA flag.”
KOA campgrounds making the ReserveAmerica
list of Top Parks for 2008 include:
2008 TOP FAMILY CAMPGROUNDS
Bristol/Kingsport, TN KOA
Hot Springs National Park, AR KOA
Petoskey, MI KOA
Shelby/Mansfield, OH KOA
St. Augustine Beach, FL KOA
Wisconsin Dells, WI KOA
TOP AMAZING SPOTS
Devils Tower, WY KOA
St. Mary/East Glacier, MT KOA
TOP BIKING TRAILS
Crescent City/Redwoods, CA KOA
Harpers Ferry, WVA KOA
Mt. Rushmore/Hill City, SD KOA
TOP CANOEING SPOTS
Bar Harbor, ME KOA
St. Mary/East Glacier, MT KOA
Stanton/Meramac, MO KOA
28
TOP EDUCATIONAL & HISTORICAL FACILITIES
Gettysburg/Battlefield, PA KOA
Washington DC/Capitol, MD KOA
Yellowstone Park/West Entrance, WY KOA
TOP FISHING SPOTS
Madison/Pittsburgh, PA KOA
Okeechobee, FL KOA
South Padre Island, TX KOA
TOP HIKING TRAILS
Cannonville/Bryce Valley, UT KOA
Winthrop/North Cascades National Park, WA KOA
Yellowstone Park/West Entrance, WY KOA
TOP KID-FRIENDLY PARKS
Bristol/Kingsport, TN KOA
Port Huron, MI KOA
Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay, CA KOA
TOP 25 PARK BEACHES
Cape Hatteras, NC KOA
Sugarloaf Key/Key West, FL KOA
TOP ROMANTIC SPOTS
St. Mary/East Glacier, MT KOA
TOP SCENIC VIEWS
Bar Harbor, ME KOA
Hinton/Jasper, AB CANADA KOA
Waldport/Newport, OR KOA
TOP TOURS & EVENTS
Mt. Rushmore/Hill City, SD KOA
San Francisco North/Petaluma, CA KOA
Washington DC/Capitol, MD KOA
UNIQUE CABINS
Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain, NY KOA
South Padre Island, TX KOA
Twin Mountain, NH KOA
ReserveAmerica manages the largest reservable
campsite inventory in North America, including
hundreds of great Kampgrounds of America
locations.
For more information on KOA campgrounds, visit
www.KOA.com or the KOA Pressroom at www.
koapressroom.com.
Owners News
R
News from Albertsons!
emember the Albertsons’ Community Partners
Program that our KOA Care Camps use? You
buy your groceries and 2% of the sales merchandise is
donated to Care Camps.
Well, there have been a couple of changes with this
program. There are 7 states that have an Albertsons
that require the use of their “Preferred Card” rather than
just the Community Partner card which our office gives
out. In order for KOA Care Camps to get credit for your
purchases, you need to register your Albertsons Preferred
Savings card and the Community Partner Number with
their office.
The following 6 States can use the Community Partner
cards that are mailed from the KOA Owners Association
Office. Those States are: Colorado, Arizona, New
Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, and Florida. Any KOA
Campgrounds who would like to participate in the
Albertsons’ Community Partners Program to assist KOA
Care Camps with your purchases can request a card from
our office. Just call 800-678-9976.
We would also like to contact other organizations that
have a similar program. If any of you know of such a
group please let our office know so that we may contact
them.
The States that need a Preferred Albertsons’ card to tie
in with the Community Partners card are: Washington,
Oregon, California, Nevada, Utah, Idaho and Montana.
If you do not have a preferred card, you are in one of
these States and want to help KOA Care Camps, please
apply for it.
Thank you for all of your support for the KOA Care
Camps Program and we hope that you will continue to
use your Albertsons Community Partner Program for
these children.
You can fill out the form with your Preferred Card number
and mail it into the Albertson’s office at: Community
Partners Program Headquarters, PO Box 193, Bethel
Park, PA 15102-0193. Or, go on line at www.albertsons.
com, click on “In the Community”, and then click on the
Community Partners logo link. Then you log in and click
on “Sign me up.”
Sincerely,
April/May/June 2008
Bill Ranieri
Executive Director
KOA Care Camps Program
www.koaowners.org
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Owners News
Volume 28, Issue 2
Some Ideas For The Care Camps Program
Amy Raposo
Happy Come Camp and Care With Us Weekend: I hope
you will get a chance to share this information with
fellow owners. Have a great weekend everyone.
KOA will be matching funds for KOA Care Camps
AGAIN THIS YEAR ‘Dollar for Dollar’ provided they
are submitted to the charity prior to June 11th, 2008.
With the Come Camp and Care With US Weekend almost
upon us I wanted to send you a sign that we will display
to encourage donations.
We hope it will help increase our camper’s donations for
cancer camps for children this weekend. We will display
this sign in prominent places like our front counter,
in the washrooms, laundry etc. to encourage greater
donations.
As for the ROUND UP portion of the sign, this was
a terrific idea shared at our 20 Group, thanks to Mike
and Shirley Groseclose, Buckeye Lake. It allowed us to
generate more than $400 on CC&CWUW last year.
And more importantly, please remember to send your
donations in prior to the June 11th deadline. (You can
also submit your donations through Kampsight with your
royalties- from the main menu 50, then 21, followed by
F8- it’s that simple).
We wish everyone a very successful weekend. Thank you
for supporting a wonderful charity. We know it requires
an extra effort at a very busy time but there are many
children and families that will benefit and are extremely
grateful for your support.
Amy
Barrie KOA Kampground, Ontario, Canada
“2007 KOA President’s Award Recipient”
April/May/June 2008
With the ease of Kampsight and willing staff try asking
campers during a sale (registration and Kampstore) if
they wish to round up their sale to the next dollar, with
the change being plugged into KCC via Kamsight. The
camper’s purchase or registration then becomes an even
dollar amount. For example, a $1.37 sale for the camper
becomes a $2.00 sale with .63 cent donation to KOA
Care Camps. A new Item Code in Kampstore e.g. ‘CC’ is
designated KOA Care Camps Donations. It is very simple
and a Kampstore report at the end of the day shows the
donations collected. It works with great success—many
campers round up in $5 increments! Try this for a special
themed weekend (Western Theme) or all summer long.
www.koaowners.org
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Owners News
Volume 28, Issue 2
April/May/June 2008
www.koaowners.org
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Volume 28, Issue 2
Camp UkandU 2007
Suzanne Paroulex and Kari Van Hoof
E
very summer, the American Cancer Society
welcomes about 100 children to Camp Ukandu,
held at the Camp Magruder campground just north of
Tillamook on the Oregon coast. These are kids who,
though young, have spent their short lives dealing
with issues and decisions well beyond their young
years because of cancer. These are kids who may
never before have been able to experience anything
like summer camp, because of endless medical
appointments, debilitating treatment regimens,
surgeries and physical limitations. For these children,
who have cancer themselves or whose siblings have
cancer, Camp Ukandu is a magical place where they
can spend a week “just being kids,” having fun and
trying new things, surrounded and supported by others
who share similar experiences with cancer.
This past summer, Camp Ukandu was held from August
12 – 18, 2007, attended by 100 campers between the
ages of 8 and 17 and assisted by 89 specially-trained
volunteers, including cabin counselors, activity
personnel, and medical staff. Suzanne Paroulek, a
long-time Camp Ukandu volunteer, stepped in as a
temporary American Cancer Society staff member
to oversee Camp Ukandu this summer while Emily
Satterlee, staff Camp Director, was on maternity leave.
From her new perspective running Camp Ukandu,
Suzanne said this year’s camp made more of an impact
on her than ever before.
“There are so many great stories, so many successes,
these children serve as an example of what’s truly
important in life and keeps everything in perspective
for me all year long.” Suzanne said.
This year, kids participated in traditional summer
camp activities like arts and crafts, fishing, rock wall
climbing, boating, archery, swimming, campfire and
outdoor games, as well as a dance and a carnival called
“The Extravaganza.”
Camp Ukandu volunteers strive to ensure that all
campers can participate in the activities, even kids
with physical limitations. The Circuit Gym, a climbing
club in Portland, Oregon, donated the use of a portable
climbing wall to Camp Ukandu along with the services
of a certified safety person to oversee the rock wall
climbing activity. “That activity is a huge challenge
for our kids because there are a number of them with
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wheelchairs and prosthetics,” said Suzanne. She
described one young girl who was determined to climb
the wall this summer: “She has very little use of her
arms and legs because of brain cancer. For her to get
out of her wheelchair, get harnessed up and climb
halfway up that wall was incredible! All of her cabin
mates were on the ground cheering her for every little
step she made up the wall.”
Archery is one of the most popular activities at Camp
Ukandu, in part because all of the kids can do it. “It
doesn’t matter if they’re in a wheelchair or fatigued
and can’t do other activities,” Suzanne said. “Archery
is a very quiet activity and meets the needs for some
kids whose needs otherwise might not be met.”
Another popular camp activity is fishing. The Oregon
Department of Fish and Wildlife donated trout to
stock the lake on the campground and the Tillamook
Bay Boat Club donated a pen to drop in the lake to
contain the trout in a manageable area for the kids
to fish. Campers got to keep their catch, which was
cleaned, filleted, labeled and frozen to be sent home
with campers at the end of camp.
For Suzanne and the other volunteers, their week-long
experience at Camp Ukandu 2007 was life-changing
and unforgettable because of the enthusiasm, strength
and grace exhibited by the campers. At the conclusion
of camp, Suzanne wrote about one situation that
particularly touched her:
“Each camper has a story of value and this year, the
story of a 10-year-old girl recently diagnosed with an
Owners News
basketball court!’ There were tears inside and outside the
departing car.
“On the last day of camp, a letter came to the cabin from
this brave girl. In the letter, she spoke of the courage
each young woman from her cabin had given to her.
She described very specifically something that she
appreciated and admired about each girl and the four
counselors in her cabin. She thanked them for being her
very good friends and noted how important each one of
them had become to her. The bonds established at Camp
Ukandu were the strength and courage she needed to
make such a terrible and difficult decision.”
Suzanne said it was also very powerful for this girl’s
four cabin counselors to see how effective peer-topeer relationships can be in helping children deal with
difficult issues. “When kids empower and help other
kids, it has a bigger impact than when adults try to do it.
It’s more lasting and valuable and has more integrity, as
well-meaning as we are as adults,” she said.
“On the second night she began to share with her
cabin mates the fears she had concerning her cancer.
She was going to have to leave camp early to go to
the hospital for a consultation with her doctors about
amputating her leg, in order to prevent the cancer
from moving on to her other bones. The girls in her
cabin also shared about their cancer diagnoses and
those of their siblings, and all the fears associated
with cancer. It was at that point the bonds between
these girls began to form. Over the next two days,
the girls did everything together. Their friendship
and respect for each other continued to grow and their
bonds strengthened.
“On the day she left camp to go to the hospital, each
cabin mate gave her a personal letter of encouragement
and friendship. They surrounded her car and sang a
sweet song of good-bye as she was leaving. She had
confided to her cabin mates that she was so afraid
she’d never play basketball again. As she prepared
to leave camp, the girls called, ‘We’ll see you on the
www.koaowners.org
As one of the American Cancer Society’s most important
patient service programs, Camp Ukandu directly fulfills
our mission of improving quality of life for cancer
patients, their family members and caregivers.
April/May/June 2008
aggressive form of bone cancer particularly stands
out. Like many of the kids, she came to camp not
knowing anyone. She was bald and at the time,
feeling very nauseated. She was emotionally closed
off both to her counselors and her cabin mates for the
first 24 hours of camp.
From the kids who started camp anxious about being
separated from their parents and end camp crying,
saying, “I don’t want to go home. I want to stay forever,”
to the parents who arrived to pick up their kids and said,
“Thank you, thank you, thank you,” to the volunteers
who selflessly used their vacation time from work to staff
camp, it’s apparent that Camp Ukandu had a profound
effect on all who participated this year.
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Volume 28, Issue 2
KOA Owners Association
3416 Primm Lane
Birmingham, AL 35216
KOA Owners Association Owners News
3416 Primm Lane
Birmingham, AL 35216
To submit articles or request advertising
information, write to the above address or
use the following contact information:
c/o Jim Ranieri
Telephone: 800-678-9976 or
205-824-0022
Fax: 205-823-2760
Email: [email protected]
Email other than newsletter information:
[email protected]
Publication: Owners News is published
six times per year by the KOA Owners
Association.
Printing services are donated by
Southeast Publications USA, Inc.
Telephone: 800-832-3292
36
Owners News