Holiday Trails Resort News - Holiday Trails RV Resorts

Holiday Trails
RV Resorts
An early spring greeting to all. Some of you might still be
down south but I’m thinking most of you are getting ready
for another great camping season. This newsletter will be a
little different in that I have asked my Operation’s Managers,
Steve Demers and Shaun Barbon, to report to you on
changes, activities and new things etc. of “all” of our Resorts.
I have also asked George Goddard, my General Manger of
Holiday Trails, to update you on membership related news. I
will try to stay out of their respective areas.
Donna and I are still down south right now and have spent a
good part of this past winter in the Casa Grande area (it’s just
a little southeast of Phoenix). For those of you that winter
in the Mesa area, you know that it’s
more desert like over here vs. the Palm
Springs area. A number of years ago
down here, the talk was about all the
Canadians that were buying houses
down here (one out of three houses
sold in the Palm Springs area was
bought by a Canadian). It’s interesting
now they are talking about the exact
opposite, Canadians selling their house
to reap the huge windfall of what they
get when they convert the US money
back to Canadian. Paying a $1.40 for a
US dollar has certainly kept some snow
birds home this past winter. On the
positive side, gas and diesel are less
than half here in Arizona from last year’s prices. Insurance,
of course, gets more expensive as we walk further into those
“Golden Years”.
The RV Show in Seattle in February was interesting in that
many more of our American friends are planning to visit BC
this year and cash in on the current power of their dollar.
Before we know it, spring will be upon us and another great
camping season right in front of us. I, along with all of you,
look forward to that time of
the year...
Cheers and Happy Camping.
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ails RV Re
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33
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The R.V. Park/Resort situation in BC and Alberta has not
improved any in the past year with respect to availability.
There are about 2500 “new” RV Families in the lower
mainland that purchase an RV and still no new parks are
being built. I know of only one new park in BC and Alberta
that has been built in the past year. Until cheap land is made
available to built parks, I don’t see any change in that area.
Each year, it will become increasingly more difficult for nonmembers to find availability in RV Parks. We continue our
discussions with BC Parks with respect to building a full
facility (sewer, power, water) park up at Manning Park. A
series of meetings were held last year on potential sites and
layouts. BC Parks and I both strongly feel that many more
campers would come camping at Manning if there were
hook-ups. As you know, we manage four Provincial Parks
with Manning Park on behalf of BC Parks and although they
are beautiful, it is dry camping. You get a large site with a
beautiful picnic table and fire pit....thats it. It appears that this
will be a joint project with Holiday Trails and BC Parks. The
sites will be large with lots of privacy between them, “but”,
will have sewer, 50 amp. power and water. We are talking
about a completion/opening day late 2017 or the spring of
2018. The reason I am telling you this is that I will try to seek
approval for some HTR access to this new park. We will be
managing it and, I believe, taking our own reservations. I am
optimistic that something can be worked out. It will also be
open year round which will be attractive
to RVer’s that ski during the winter
months. BC Parks wants to do this as a
pilot project and in coming years, I believe
you will start to see more Provincial Parks
with hook-ups. I may have more updates
on this at the member meetings in May
and June. Although I will still be there and
will open the meeting and be somewhat
involved, I will be asking Steve, Shaun and
George to do parts of the meeting. I still,
and always will, enjoy the opportunity to
chat with members on those weekends.
I haven’t missed one yet in 33 years and
don’t intend to for the foreseeable future.
Holida
living the dream...
Resort
News
Spring 2016
Membership Appreciation Dates
Phone number for each park is listed in your directory or on our website.
Activity information for each weekend will be available upon check in at the registration office.
CAMPERLAND
COUNTRY MAPLES
May 20 / 21 / 22
June 10 / 11 / 12
Non-retired Members only.
Call now
Call now
PS Photography
CEDARS
DINOSAUR TRAIL
Call now
Call in starting April 4th
CAMPERLAND RETIRED
BRIDGEVIEW
Retired Members & those who cannot
make the first Camperland weekend.
Call in now
June 17 / 18 / 19
May 27 / 28 / 29
PS Photography
June 17 / 18 / 19
June 3 / 4 / 5
PS Photography
Call now
*Due to the limited number of sites at Sunshine Valley RV Resort and it’s close proximity to Camperland, SVR will not be hosting a
separate Membership Appreciation weekend.
8th Annual Show & Shine
Sunday May 22, 2016 – Camperland RV Resort
Time: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
2015 Peoples Choice Award Winners...
Everyone Welcome: Bring your Stock
Cars, Modified Cars, Muscle Cars, Hotrods,
Trucks and British Antiques.
1st Place Flower Power
You may apply online at - www.htr.ca
Starting
© Penny Swanson Photography
Cost: $10.00 per entry – payable at
sign-up at the park
© Penny Swanson Photography
2nd Place Superbird
HTR Choice
Studebaker
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Park Updates & Whats Going On!
Another winter has come and gone (almost) and all of us at Holiday Trails are beginning to prepare for the coming spring and
the return of our Holiday Trails guests. As Holiday Trails Resorts enters our 33rd year we continue to set the standard for top
quality RV Resorts in Canada. Looking back on 2015 we are proud of our RV West Readers Choice Award collection. Dinosaur
Trail took Platinum for Private RV Park Alberta followed immediately by Bridgeview with Gold in the same category. It is no
small feat to operate the two top resorts in Alberta and we thank all of our staff for their energy and dedication to our members
and guests. Headed West, Camperland took Platinum in the RV Destination Vancouver Coast, and Bronze in Private RV Park BC.
In addition to these wonderful accolades, Holiday Trails continues to maintain the highest guide rating standards by our affiliate
organizations. As Kevin would be quick to point out, Holiday Trails wouldn’t be the company it is today simply by resting on its
laurels. We continue to look to the future of RVing and have some exciting projects and events upcoming for 2016.
Holiday Trails Resorts is going green! Starting next Spring we will be sending the Newsletter and Directory to you
via email if you have your email address on file with the HTR Head Office. As of now, you may view them online
at www.htr.ca under the Members’ Area any time.
Sunshine Valley RV Resort and Cabins
The newest resort in the system is entering it’s fifth year
of operation in total with Joanne Taylor as manager for
the last three years. Her and her husband Brian live year
round at the resort and call it home. Under her fantastic
direction this beautiful resort nestled between Mt Potter
and Johnson Peak has been enjoyed by members and
continuing guests alike. Those that frequent the resort
know that it provides access to recreational vehicle trails
in excess of 300 km. Being able to enjoy access right from
your camp site has been taken advantage of by both
summer and winter riders.
the stars on evening when the weather is cooperating to
place the screen.
Bridgeview RV Resort
I’m delighted to report that for the second year Velvet
Hughes and Brett Ainey will be managing Bridgeview RV
Resort. The two of them have proved to be an extremely
valuable addition to this park and are making friends
everywhere they go with a professional friendly outlook, as
confirmed by the Gold rating awarded by RV West readers
• With all of the resorts we are committed to providing
the best possible internet service provider speed that
is available. This presents some unique challenges as
that some of the resorts are in what could be considered
remote locations. Nonetheless it pleases me to say that the
speeds obtainable at SVR will be improved this season to
make surfing an enhanced experience.
• Friday night outdoor movies have been a giant hit at
Camperland. It is because of this popularity that Sunshine
Valley will be getting its own screen and sound system this
season! Come and enjoy delight in the movie night under
for 2015. Bridgeview is fortunate to be placed next to the
beautiful Old Man River with spectacular views of the water
available from some areas of the park. Regretfully this also
comes along with the chance of water being high enough
to cover the entire park. Last season was a privileged year
with no high water after two in a row from the previous
years. We all are keeping our fingers crossed for another
prosperous and water free year at Bridgeview!
living the dream...
Park Updates & Whats Going On!
• Everyone who camps knows how important it is to have
heat on those cooler nights, and the ability to cook food.
Many of us rely upon propane to take care of these needs.
This season we are pleased to make the refilling of those
...continued
• Last year Country Maples began hosting Movies under
the stars. This has proved to be a very popular activity and
we look forward to sharing a bowl of popcorn under the
night sky while watching our favorite movies again in 2016.
• Corrine and her maintenance crew have been very busy
in the clubhouse replacing the flooring with a more modern
and stylish look. We think you will be very impressed this
season at one of the many social events held in this stylish
building.
• We continue to explore options to bolster our internet
service at Country Maples however at this time we are limited to Xplornet Satellite internet as our only available ISP
option. While this does satisfy basic connectivity demands,
meeting video streaming and VOIP calling bandwidth requirements throughout the park remain beyond our ability to provide at this time. Be assured we are committed to
being on the front line, leading the charge for fast, reliable
internet at all HTR locations.
heavy bottles that much easier. Bridgeview now has a filling
station on site where you can have one of the qualified
staff fill your portable bottle, or if you pull your unit close
enough they can even fill your on board tank. No more
lugging tanks into town and back!
• You can be assured that we are constantly looking at
upgrades to the internet service provider at Bridgeview,
however at this time the best that is available is still through
satellite coverage – which means that it is on site but not at
the speeds of which you are used to at your home through
a wired connection. As with all the resorts, a free use Wifi
hotspot is available for those that simply wish to keep in
Cedars RV Resort
Our sole resort south of the border will be again cheerfully
managed by none other than Rich and Kathy! They have
agreed to come back for an eighth successful season under
their supervision. This being one of our busiest resorts
we couldn’t be more proud of the beauty it holds and the
appreciation that the guests have for it. With the recent
dip in the dollar we hope to still see the guests that loved
Cedars over the years return. Having a membership when
the dollar is low couldn’t be more valuable because every
stay is the same price of zero dollars!
• Last year the internet service provider as well the
transmitting capability were upgraded and we are happy to
report it was a success that will continue to be appreciated
by those that need connection beyond the hotspot at the
office.
Country Maples RV Resort
Country Maples continues to be the home away from home
for our Island members and loyal guests. This wonderful
park has all the natural beauty one could wish for without
sacrificing the comforts Holiday Trails is known for.
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Park Updates & Whats Going On!
Dinosaur Trail RV Resort
Doug and Betty Callbeck return to Dinosaur Trail for their 3rd
year as management team at one of our most popular and
busiest resorts. A huge kudos goes out to them for the previously
mentioned Platinum rating awarded by RV West readers. We have
no doubt that this award is based on their exemplary leadership
and attention to customer service.
...continued
• Our second cabin; Hawks Nest, has been put in place
next to Eagle Lookout and is available this season. Watch for
more of these cabins in our resorts going forward.
• Last season we upgraded sites 1 – 10 from un-serviced to
having 30-amp power and water. The addition of these river side
sites has allowed us to accommodate more guest reservations
during our peak season.
• Our first fully serviced Camping Cabin at Dinosaur Trail RV
Resort was completed late last fall and moved into location for
the 2016 season. This will likely be the first of many at this location
and are being affectionately referred to as Dino Dens.
• Watch for a revitalization to the pool deck area to improve the
enjoyment and atmosphere for our swimmers trying to beat the
Alberta summer heat.
• Ziggy and the other maintenance guys continue
to ensure Camperland is a beautifully landscaped and
maintained resort for all our guests. Their dedication to
quality is apparent every time a guest arrives.
Coquihalla Campground
• We are ecstatic to announce we were able to find a reliable
high speed internet service provider for this remote location
resort last year. Keeping with our commitment to provide the best
available internet access to out guests, we will be upgrading the
hardware throughout the property. This new hardware coupled
with the high speed connection should be a welcome change for
our guests who want to keep in the loop while on the go.
2016 marks our 6th season operating Coquihalla
Campground under a management contract with the
District of Hope. While Coquihalla Campground is not a
Holiday Trails Resort, HTR members do receive 10% off the
nightly rates if they choose to visit this beautiful location.
Cathy Bruggeman has shown herself to be an excellent
leader and ambassador to this busy campground during
her first season and will be at the helm of this park again
in 2016.
Camperland RV Resort
The first Holiday Trails RV Resort in the system, Camperland
continues to be a fixture for families in BC. With almost
300 sites and only 2 hours from Vancouver the population
of Bridal Falls triples every weekend over the summer.
Congratulation to Kristina and her staff on the two RV West
award mentioned above
• The derelict mini golf course located at Bridal Falls
Waterpark was revitalized last season and handed over to
Camperland for the enjoyment of our guests. With new turf,
decorations and lights this very quickly became a popular
family activity.
Country Kitchen
We welcome Axel and Brigitte Wiegreff back for another
season with their great culinary skills and menu for all to
enjoy. Watch for the menu specials and hours of operation
over the summer months. Great to have you back!
living the dream...
Park Updates & Whats Going On!
Host Parks
...continued
Manning Park Resort
Holiday Trails RV Resorts continues our Host Park
Agreements with Alberta Beach and Seal Bay. As a Holiday
Trails member you must make an advanced reservation
in order to both ensure a spot is available to you and to
ensure you will not incur nightly fees. Rules in these parks
may differ from those in HTR parks. Please make sure you
are aware of campground rules and are respectful of other
guests.
Bridal Falls Water Park
Enjoy staying cool at the Bridal Falls Waterpark this summer!
For those that have loved the park before because of the
family friendly atmosphere you will be happy to hear of
the upgrades added for the coming seasons. The park
continues to offer exciting features for the young in spirit
and at heart.
• New rubber surfacing has been applied to a huge portion of the park, in replacement of the previous carpet.
More to come…
The resort and vacation destination is about to enter its
second year of operation under the ownership of Kevin. The
previous season was a success under the leadership of Mike
Barker, whom I am confident you remember from his days
working as VP of HTR.
Manning Park operates as a separate business from Holiday
Trails RV Resorts, similar to Bridal Falls Waterpark. Although
there is no camping available under the HTR system
specifically, the resort can be enjoyed by individuals as
much as any of the beautiful provincial parks that are in
British Columbia. However akin to the previous year Kevin
has arranged some special deals for HTR members when
wishing to use the facilities at Manning such as the Lodge
or Ski Resort.
Attendance is on the rise from the numbers last year, despite
the warm winter and lack of snow at many local mountains.
Manning Park is fortunate to receive its snow base from
interior weather and has provided for some outstanding
skiing conditions since the middle of December.
• Families love our stair-free accessible grounds! All areas
are easy to get to without having to navigate a single
staircase.
• Outside food and liquid refreshment are welcome, or
stay the day and bring only your swim suit and towel by
enjoying our delicious and convenient concession.
• Out of all our heated slides you’ll find our 4 advanced
slides exciting as well as the 2 intermediate slides delightfully fun.
• The unique river tube ride delivers a thrilling simulation
of rushing rapids.
• Young families will appreciate the toddler friendly area
to wade through the shallow water taking advantage of
the 4 children’s slides available.
• The giant round hot tub provides a place to relax and rejuvenate.
• With the free viewing area available above the office the
all of the above attractions can be observed.
HTR members can get an additional discount off our
already attractive day slide rate. Alternatively there are 10
admission “Frequent Slider” cards available to maximize
your fun while minimizing your expenses.
Waterpark Events
• • • • Season opener (June 1st)
Cops for Cancer Fundraiser (TBA)
Star FM End of Summer Sliding Bash (TBA)
Last day of the season (Sept 5th)
Manning Park Resort
Bridal Falls Motel
HTR members receive a 10% discount on Bridal Falls Motel room rates. Located only two minutes up the path from
Camperland, this is a great option for guests of HTR members
with limited RV sleeping space. Motel guests get access to
all Camperland
amenities during their stay.
We would like
to thank Dave &
Monica King, as
this is their second year as the
management
team at Bridal
Falls Motel.
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George’s Letter
The Friendly Approach
How many of you have watched the program “Say Yes To the
Dress”? This author has sat through many episodes. Now it
would not be my first choice of programs to watch, but my
wife will sit and watch sports with me, so in fairness, I watch
the programs that she enjoys. I may catch a nap during the
programming, but at times it is more interesting than UFC.
guests and visa versa. We all believe it is justified, maybe
because we have been stuck in traffic or, on our side, a couple
of water lines have cracked and caused problems. Think of us
watching a tree fall across the two cabins at Camperland in the
fall. Instead of anger we realized what a blessing it was that
nobody was hurt or that the damage was not more severe.
There is a good demonstration of people with a negative
approach to a young lady’s most exciting life experience that
should be happy and leading her to create new memories.
As we head into our 33 rd year, let’s all work together making
it a camping season to remember. It is going to be a little
work on all of our parts to greet one another with a smile, a
handshake, a soft greeting or even a hug.
The unhappy approach to the dress decision by sisters,
bridesmaids, mothers and grandmothers is amazing. The
“zillas” attached to these young brides is quite shocking. Their
negative attitude has the ability to make a young bride feel
miserable and just beat up.
We all understand the various park protocols and membership
rules which govern us all. Let’s do our best not to take a “zilla”
approach and allow camping to be what it is intended to
be…..FUN, frustration free, relaxing and enjoyable.
Why do we have that approach to such great occasions like
a bull in a china shop? I find that the negative or defensive
position that we can carry over from work and home, to the
joys of camping can be similar.
Have a great camping season with loads of memories that
we all create together. In other words, we all need to leave
any shoulder chips at home or remove them while we are at
Holiday Trails Resorts.
Now this can roll both ways. From us as the staff towards
George
Events and Fun Weekends
The only thing better than spending a weekend at Holiday Trails
Resorts is spending a Special Event Theme weekend at Holiday
Trails Resorts. Here is a quick summary of upcoming events.
Watch for event dates on the Holiday Trails website.
Movies Under the Stars
Enjoy HD movies with surround sound the way the pioneers did,
on a blanket under the night sky. Watch for this activity at all HTR
BC resorts in 2016.
Membership Appreciation Weekends
Kevin Demers, President and Owner of Holiday Trails RV Resorts
prides himself on being available and accessible to all HTR
members. As such he began hosting annual meetings and BBQs
at all HTR parks over 30 years ago and this tradition continues
today. Every year the boys from head office visit each park to
update guests on news and updates, grill some burgers and
maybe even join the crowd in a dance. Remember a Maximum
2-day reservation for Membership Appreciation weekends can
be made in addition to the two pending reservations allowed.
Dates will be outlined in this newsletter and online.
Christmas in July
Christmas carols, Santa, Decorated sites and campfires. Book early
to get a site for this popular theme weekend.
Canada Day and Independence Day
Various events from face painting to parades make these long
weekends seem too short. Come show your national pride with
us at all Holiday Trails Resorts.
Weekend Sundaes
Build your own ice cream sundae, toppings and sauces provided.
BINGO!
No not the farmers dog but the long standing activity at most
Holiday Trails Resorts every weekend.
Halloween in August
Ghouls and Goblins (and more than a few Elsas) dress up in their
most creative costumes for trick or treating, site decorating, and
kids craft activities. One of our most popular theme weekends, be
sure to book early.
Classic Car Shows
Our resorts continue be host to some amazing rolling iron during
these very fun activities every year. Be sure to check our website if
you wish to register your classic car for an upcoming show.
And so much more – Between bike rodeos, pet parades, dances,
Frisbee golf tournaments, craft fairs, canoe rides, pot lucks,
coloring contests, mini golf tournaments and more, there is always
something unique and memorable going on at Holiday Trails.
If you would like to assist with an event while staying with us please
let the Resort Manager know while making your reservation.
living the dream...
Members’ Corner
Member Referral Program
In 2015 HTR had 19 new members join the system through the member referral program.
Two members acquired the No Dues For Life status in 2015.....Congratulations to Adrian & Darlene Bowman and Doug & Elizabeth
Gillcash! and thank you for your continued support to Holiday Trails Resorts.
The program as we have been accustomed to for Membership Referrals has been withdrawn. There are many reasons for this change.
Going forward the new coupon offer will have one major rule attached to it. You, as the member, must be in the park with the party
you are inviting in. This will qualify you for the point needed for the NDFL status.
We will do our best to have you and your guest next to each other or very close. Of course it depends on the availability with-in each
park.
The new arrangement will be that your invited guest (prospective new members) will receive 50% off the current nightly rate, up to
a maximum of 4 nights.
In addition, the qualifying for your NO DUES FOR LIFE was revised on April 1, 2015. For those of you not yet aware of the changes, I
will explain it to you as follows:
1. Members who had 2 completed referrals under their membership on or before March 31, 2015 will be grandfathered in
to the past program where only 3 referrals are needed in order to receive the No Dues for Life status. The process to invite
the referrals to the resorts will follow under the new program.
2. The new program allows your guests to stay at one of our Resorts for up to 4 nights at 50% off the nightly rate. Coupon
must be referred to at time of reservation AND presented upon check-in to receive the discount.
3. You, as the referring member, must be in the park with the party you are inviting in. This will qualify you for the point
needed for the NDFL status.
4. Reservations under this revised program must be made in advance at the Resort directly for both the member and the
referral. Referrals cannot be applied retroactively once they have checked in.
5. One guest per member visit.
6. Please contact the head office at 604-745-7876 if you have any questions or concerns.
Join the Team! - Employment!
Job Opportunities!
Holiday Trails RV Resorts
Seasonal full time and part time positions are available at all of our RV Resorts including • office administration •
grounds maintenance • janitorial • activities director.
• Positions start as early as
May and often go until the
September long weekend.
• Please forward your resume
to [email protected] or directly to
the resort that you are most
interested in.
Sales Professionals
Holiday Trails Resorts has immediate openings
for membership consultants. If you rank
among the top in the vacation industry, then
this could be for you. Company offers in-house
financing. This is a great opportunity for some
seasonal work.
et
resum
your
t
i
m
Sub
o: [email protected] or call 1-8
00-6
63-2
265
Holiday Trails
living the dream...
RV Resorts
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The “NO DUES FOR LIFE” Matrix
Referred
Membership
Types
Holiday – 21
Membership
Full HTR Mbshp.
Island Mbshp.
Zone Mbshp.
each referral
1/2 year’s dues
1 full year’s dues
1/2 credit *
1 full credit *
In addition to
every referral, the
referring member
receives credit
equal to:
Total points
needed to earn
“No Dues For Life”
* if accompanying the
referred guest to the resort
4 (may be a combination of the
referred membership types)
Referral
compensation
after earning
“No Dues For Life”
Holiday – 21
Membership
Full HTR Mbshp.
Island Mbshp.
Zone Mbshp.
1st referral
$200
$400
2nd referral
$225
$450
3rd referral
$250
$500
Subsequent
referrals
Increase of $25 per
Increase of $50
referral up to
per referral up to
Holiday – 21
Full HTR current
current annual
annual dues
dues