Owners news - KOA Owners Association

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OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE KAMPGROUND OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC.
Volume 29
Issue 1
January/February/March
2009
• Contents •
President’s Corner.......................................................2
2009 Owners Association Board.................................4
Death of a Member......................................................5
Disaster Relief Fund Announcement...........................6
State/Provincial News..................................................8
Beautify Your Campground.......................................11
Executive Summary: Workampers Surveys..............12
The Bed Bug Solution................................................13
Funnies......................................................................16
News Releases..........................................................18
2009 Associate Member Listing................................24
Care Camps Message – Mike Kuper.........................26
Care Camps 2008 Auction Update............................28
www.koaowners.org
www.koaowners.org
1
Volume 29, Issue 1
President’s Message for OA
Newsletter Issue 1, 2009
It’s hard to believe our
2009 camping year
is here and as you are
all aware, it will be a
very challenging one.
Your OA Board had
their spring meeting
February 19th and
20th and discussed the
need to try to be better
prepared for increased
marketing, cost cutting opportunities, and ideas
for increasing revenue. Everyone agreed we need to
keep a positive attitude and communicate with each
other to help us seek creative ideas and suggestions
to get campers on to our campgrounds.
We recognize that the OA board is committed to
enhance communications between your association
and our members, as well as the state/provincial
associations. We will try to have an area director
or an OA representative at every state/provincial
meeting. Our plan is to keep us all informed of
new efforts to increase camper nights, to discuss
local or area problems and to work together to
find solutions. Please share with us your problems
or ideas for growth in these trying times.
We have taken several steps to improve our
communications with each and every one of
our members. The board authorized a complete
revamping of the OA website. We are developing
a custom professional design that will be more
robust and user friendly with a member’s only
section. It will be 100% database driven, and
will allow for blogs and featured content. We
will develop specialty forums for our members to
communicate on specific topic areas to help each
2
other address issues in a professional and positive
manner. We hope to have the new site on line by
June of this year. We are also making modifications
in the OA newsletter. We will be adding some new
columns including a “letter to the President section”.
All letters will be subject to review by the Systems
Communication Committee and can be edited in
relationship to space and accuracy.
This new feature will give all of you an opportunity
to share your thoughts with the entire system. We
had a tremendous response to the work camper
survey that was sent out earlier this month. We
will be publishing throughout the year some of the
comments we received in the “Best Practices” and
“General Comments” sections in each of our issues
this year.
We are also adding more information in the Care
Camps section of the news to highlight fund raising
opportunities for each campground to use. Please
share your fundraising ideas with us through the
newsletter.
I want to take this opportunity to welcome Hope
Perkins of Elkhart/Middlebury KOA to the Board for
Area 3. Hope will be finishing out her husband Peter’s
term and we are very pleased to have her on board. I
also want to welcome our new board members: Jerry
Dale from Area 1; Karl Schmidt from Area 2; Carol
Preble from Area 3; and, David Witt from Area 5.
Thank you all again for your tremendous support and
dedication to the OA and to the KOA system. Let’s
work together to build on the strength of our system
to make this an exciting and profitable year.
Owners News
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3
Volume 29, Issue 1
KOA Owners Association Board of Directors 2009
AREA 1
4
AREA 2
AREA 3
AREA 4
Tennessee, North Carolina,
South Carolina, Alabama,
Georgia, Florida, Kentucky,
Virginia, West Virginia
Ohio, Delaware, New
Jersey, New York,
Pennsylvania, Maine,
Vermont, Massachusetts,
New Hampshire, Maryland,
Connecticut, Rhode Island
Michigan, Illinois, Indiana,
Louisiana, Mississippi,
North Dakota, South Dakota, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma,
Nebraska, Minnesota,
Texas, Arkansas
Wisconsin, Iowa
Danny Goad 17139
Vicki Cole 35164
Carrol Murray 27104
Carol Preble 43233
Bowling Green KOA
1960 Three Springs Rd
Bowling Green, KY 42104
Phone: (270) 843-1919
Fax: (270) 843-1909
dan@bgkoa.com
Shelby/Mansfield KOA
6787 Baker 47
Shelby, OH 44875-9103
Phone: (419) 347-1392
Fax: (419) 342-5353
camp@shelbymansfieldkoa.
com
Treasurer
West Omaha KOA
14601 Hwy 6
Gretna, NE 68028 Phone: (402) 332-3010
Fax: (402) 332-0246
carrol@sisna.com
Rusk KOA
PO BOX 691
Rusk, TX 75785
Phone:(903) 683-6641
ruskkoa@mykoa.com
Jerry Dale 42102
Karl Schmidt 38181
Manchester TN KOA
586 Kampground Rd
Manchester, TN 37355
Phone: (931) 728-9750
Fax: (931) 728-9777
manchesterkoa@earthlink.net
Elizabethtown/Hershey KOA
1980 Turnpike Rd
Elizabethtown, PA 17022
Phone: (717) 367-7718
Fax: (717) 367-3412
karl.hersheykoa@live.com
Hope Perkins 14133
Elkhart/Middlebury KOA
52867 State Rd 13
Middlebury, IN 46540
Phone: (574) 825-5932
Fax: (574) 825-1080
kamp@middleburykoa.com
Tina Haith 36133
President
Oklahoma City East KOA
6200 South Choctaw Rd
Choctaw, OK 73020
Phone: (405) 391-5000
Fax: (405) 391-5004
tinaskoadesk@yahoo.com
AREA 5
AREA 6
AREA 7
Alaska, Washington, Oregon,
Idaho, Montana, Wyoming
Hawaii, California, Nevada,
CANADA
Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New
Mexico
David Witt 47103
Pamela Mendala 5275
Michael Kuper V. 55120
KOA INC. LIAISON
Jeff Sutherland
Leavenworth KOA
11401 River Bend DR. US 2
Leavenworth, WA 98826
Phone: (509) 548-7709
Fax: (509) 548-7709
pkoa@hotmail.com
Cloverdale KOA
1166 ASTI Ridge RD,
PO BOX 600
Cloverdale, CA 95425
Phone: (707) 894-3337
Fax: (707) 894-9206
clovkoa@sonic.net
President
Thunder Bay KOA
162 Spruce River RD.
Thunder Bay, ON P7B5E4
Phone: (807) 683-6221
Fax(: (807) 683-6222
tbaykoa@tbaytel.net
Steve Linde 26122
Secretary
Yellowstone Park KOA
PO BOX 348
Westyellowstone, MT 59758
Phone: (406) 646-7606
Fax: (406) 896-8449
yellowstonekoa@aol.com
Sarah Martin 6103
Buena Vista KOA
27700 County RD 303
Buena Vista, CO 81211
Phone: (719) 395-8313
Fax: w(719) 395-3103
bvkoa@msn.com
Jeff Stovold 55252
Toronto North/Cookstown
139 Reive Blvd
Cookstown, ON L0L 1L0
Phone:(705) 456-2120
Fax: (705) 458-1389
jeffslhri@rogers.com
VP of Franchisee Service
PO BOX 3055
Billings, MT 59114
Phone: (800) 548-7104
jsutherlandt@koa.net
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
William Ranieri
3416 Primm Lane
Birmingham, AL 35216
Phone: (800) 678- 9976
Fax: (205) 823-2760
info@koaowners.org
Owners News
In Memory of
Peter Perkins
It is with great sadness that we announce the
passing of one of our KOA Campground owners
and an OA Board member—Peter Perkins of
Middlebury KOA. After a year long battle with
cancer he passed away at 45, on December 20,
2008, at his residence. We offer our sincere
sympathy and prayers for his family in their
time of sorrow.
January/February/March 2009
We have also established a special memorial
fund for the family of Peter and Hope
Perkins.  If anyone would like to contribute
to the fund please send your check to the
KOA Owners Association and mark it for the
“Peter & Hope Perkins memorial fund.”
www.koaowners.org
5
Volume 29, Issue 1
DISASTER RELIEF FUND ANNOUNCEMENT
WE ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THAT THE MAXIMUM SUPPORT FOR DISASTER
RELIEF FOR 2009 WILL BE $12,000. AN OVERVIEW OF THE DISASTER RELIEF POLICY AND
GUIDELINES IS SHOWN BELOW
Disaster Relief Policy
Major Loss
Loss of Income caused by the destruction of buildings, roads or other facilities that close the campground for
a period of thirty days or longer. The maximum benefit available for members is 12,000 dollars or 10% of the
January 1st balance of the Disaster Relief Fund, and not to exceed the amount of the actual damage incurred.
Intermediate Loss
Loss of Income caused by minor damage to a building, pumps, waste treatment facility causing the closing of the
facility for 30 days or less. The maximum benefit available for members is 7,200 dollars or 6% of the January 1st
balance of the Disaster Relief Fund, and not to exceed the actual amount of the damage incurred.
Minor Loss
No damage to the campground, but closing is required due to uncontrollable circumstances. The maximum
benefit available for members is 4800 dollars or 4% of the January 1st balance of the Disaster Relief Fund, and
not to exceed the actual amount of the damage incurred.
Other Conditions and Requirements:
1) Any disaster, which occurs on an ongoing basis, such as flooding, will be eligible only once every five
years.
2) The Disaster Relief Committee Chairman, together with two committee members, will review and
determine the amount of cash request.
3) If no government assistance is available to campgrounds suffering a major loss, they shall be eligible for
low interest loans, based on need and availability of funding.
4) Loan requests must be approved by the Board of Directors as well as by the Disaster Relief Committee.
Procedure for Receiving Aid:
1) Call the Association office and request a claim form (1-800-678-9976).
2) Return request via mail, fax or email, within four months of the occurrence.
3) Committee will by phone call or email determine amount of funding and write check for such amount.
4) Check will be mailed from office to committee chair for his/her signature, and then be forwarded to the
applying campground. A copy of sent check should then be sent to Association office for the files.
5) It is the intent of this committee to have the check in the hands of the applicant in not less than ten
working days.
Eligibility:
1) Only members are eligible for the above losses.
2) There shall be a grace period of one-year for all new owners that are not members of the Association.
3) At the discretion of the Disaster Relief Committee and with the approval of the Board of Directors, nonmembers may be considered for funds not to exceed 1,500 dollars.
6
Owners News
www.koaowners.org
7
January/February/March 2009
Volume 29, Issue 1
2009 State/Provincial Presidents News
We have three new State Presidents so far this year. For the Kentucky/Tennessee area it’s now Danny Goad of
Bowling Green KY KOA, for the Virginia Area it’s Denna Fout of Williamsburg KOA and for Wisconsin, Jeff Irwin
of Madison WI KOA. They are replacing Susan Hart of Fredericksburg/Washington DC S KOA, Jerry Dale of
Manchester Beach KOA and Ed Brennan of Wisconsin Dells KOA. We are very grateful for the work that Susan, Ed
and Jerry have done with the State Associations and welcome Danny, Denna and Jeff to their new positions.
Several of the Associations have sent in their meeting dates for 2009
Florida State Association will meet at Okeechobee KOA on April 27-28, 2009 at 9AM
Illinois State Association will meet at Casey KOA on March 11, 2009 at 9AM
Heartland State Association will meet at Branson KOA in March with the dates to be announced later
Virginia State Association will meet in April with the dates, time and place to be announced later.
California/Nevada State Association will meet at Stockton/Delta KOA on March 9-11, 2009.
F PLEASE REMEMBER TO LET THE OA KNOW OF YOUR MEETING DATES FOR 2009
8
Owners News
Minutes
California/Nevada KOA Owners Association
Fall 2008 Meeting – Stockton/Delta KOA
The meeting was called to order at 9:06 am October 7, 2008 by president Darol Blunt
Attendees:
Terry Shade Vice President COP, Ryan Baker Stockton KOA, Scott Haar Trinity Lake, Erik Gothberg-Regional
Vice President of COP, Mike Bell & Clint Bell-San Diego KOA, Chuck Church- Reno KOA, Brian Cushman Lake
Isabella, Eric Smith at Feather Falls KOA, Greg Dunagan Las Vegas KOA Corporate- Terry Shay, Lori Regele,
John and Cindy Simoneau, Placerville KOA
Treasure Report: About $5,000. In bank, only outstanding bill is a refund to Feather Falls KOA.
•
Stockton – cabin groups are up due to family reunions, dollar flat, growth in lodging, daily even, monthly down,
Stockton benefited from other marinas running out of water and that bump got in best case a flat summer.
Shoulder season is slim no water skiing and fishing no people. Terry- in spite of lodges and adding lodges
we came out with the idea that “lodges are good!” Cabins came to be due to 1970s oil embargo. KOA feels
this is a similar movement. Cabins were easily maintained lodges, will require more skilled workers. Sally, in
Santa Cruz, now has 13 lodges- doing very well and has linen packages at $10 per person per stay; loft units
most popular near playground, 73 nights per unit, groups love them, busy weekends she held open houses in
available lodges. People are now aware for next year. Terry reports that Cape Hataras has 8 new units each
88 nights. General consensus is everyone is adding more lodges
•
Trinity Lake – Many challenges this year: economic issues, remote location combined with gas prices, many
fires in area. Camper nights down 37%, the good news is that the structures were improved and consistency to
program so that clientele are much happier. Scott has focused on making campers feel like VIP. Bathhouses
renovated, docks being rebuilt.
Fun year with Summer Shiners recreation program that had positive success. Got the right people working
at campground and is very excited for the future. Trinity has older lodges and has been making improvement
to existing lodges. They do make beds; put towels in bath like a hotel. Do a night hike with a snipe hike and
they have a big foot costume. Overall A’s up 30 points on KSS. Summer Shiners are a ministry of college age
recreation staff and fill positions at front desk and housekeeping staff. Trinity Lake has 240 sites (100 rv, 80
tent, 20 cottages), 46 boat slips.
•
Placerville – major construction projects converting 8 back-in sites to 50 Amp water and electric. Up through
June then summer went down overall camper nights 10.3% down money up do to raising prices. Put in swing
set and got lots of use. Put in little tykes for the little bitty kids being used a bunch. Indian casino next door that
was closed is reopening in December. They hope the patrons of casino will use large sites.
El Dorado fair was booming and need additional flyers from campgrounds. 30-40 cases of quick guides and
3,000 – 4,000 bags. Need additional rack cards from all campgrounds by June 2009. Attendance was about
70,000. John and Cindy have been doing this show for a very long time. Had 3 great workampers this season
both outside and inside. Getting frustrated with KSS. Wish their happy campers were better represented in
KSS. Darol- European market not represented-30% of his market. Darol KSS is a good tool that he can use but
should not be the end rating product.
www.koaowners.org
January/February/March 2009
Opening Discussion: How do we get more people to come to these meetings?
Ideas:
• Have a topic such as pool systems/laws
• Timing of meeting- fall meeting at jamboree?
• One day meeting?
• Web cams—probably not viable
Campground Reviews:
9
Volume 29, Issue 1
This spring storm tree fell from neighboring property took out all refrigerated items, light bulbs ect—$18,000
in damages. New Philadelphia insurance company for about $100 has a program to cover off premise items
falling onto your property and causing damage.
•
San Diego – Mike San Diego celebrates 40 years this year, Ted is still working on the
grounds, Carol has retired. Campground sale will probably fall through do to economy. Just opened RV
storage lot, 120 units. Grand Canyon finally permitted and finally building ginormous septic system, and
buildings. Has cost $600,000 more than estimated on this 100-site campground. Will be a great little
campground but who knows if it will ever be profitable. Clint-operationally down 7.0% in campernights 1.2% up
$. PCN up. Lodge will end with 175 nights at $225.00/night. Coffee cart great for socialization and tell camper
stories but when costs are factored in not as profitable as hoped. Drip coffee is more profitable than high-end
mochas. Segway program- units durable, mainly an experience $5.00 for 5 laps, but the full hour rental not
as popular. Ages 8-18 could only ride during “activity”. New lodges will be ADA and loft units. Mike- green
initiative recycling program money goes to care camps.
• Visalia – Darol: down 9% campernights. News- Judy and Darol very happy with
business and have bought out his sister and brother-in-law. Independence bank processed the loan to do buy
out. So as of September 10th Darol and Judy no longer have partners. Good staff for this winter. Darol putting
in Lodges. Spoke to housing person for military families with animals, looking forward to these guests. Club
market for cabins and tent sites are up. Clubs made up of professional people.
•
Reno – Chuck: Reno as a city down 20-30%. Park about 27% down camper nights. Versus competition feel
they are getting their share. Deluxe patio site running 90% occupancy and booking for following year. Looking
into different market- Changing some back into sites into tenting sites.
•
Lake Isabella – 2 Lodges went over extremely well, added 3 cabins. Both new lodging did very well. Gas
prices are actually helping to get campers. Working with rafting companies to do cross promotion. Did 2
theme weekends luau and ho down and both weekend were up. Ho down square dancing was a hit. Darol
comments that he is hearing great feedback of improvement of this campground.
•
Santa Cruz – Sally: Easter time flat, year to date
down 9% down and money .1% up. Patio sites
are going for $20.00 more per night. Average stay
3.2 to 6 nights on patio sites. Summer shiners
did a great job and recreation up 10% Tie dye
was up. Now offering pillowcases, bandanas and
tank tops. Coffee up; food revenue down. Good
shoulder season churches, schools. Come Camp
with us was up. Raised $10,000 for care camps.
• Feather Falls – Income up; 17% camper nights
up 27% ( numbers due to 2 for 1 promotions)
fires were great for camper nights, they were
booked solid for 2 weeks. He is concerned that
his class A business will be effected by economy.
Lots of marketing being done. September
business record low due to economy/stock
market. This November class A groups will yield
a 50-60% increase over last year.
•
10
Las Vegas – Rough summer, spring and fall.
Camper nights down 18% and income down
14%. Vegas as a whole down but not as much
campground. International has been a shining
star. Trying to find creative ways to draw people to
Vegas. Discretionary income down and therefore
the casino is down. High-end market fine in
Vegas low end market is struggling greatly.
Owners News
Beautify Your Campground
Loren Smith, Prairie Kraft Specialties
The challenge becomes, “How do I water and
fertilize them?” You spend $3-5 on a pretty
hanging basket at your local nursery or Home
Depot thinking “this will be an inexpensive way to
beautify my store, cabins and campground”, and
then you spend hundreds of dollars in labor
keeping them watered and alive. Or worse--they
die! (This happened more times than Loren will
admit during the early years at the Great Falls
KOA.) Following is an easy and inexpensive
solution—drip irrigation.
ì
Adding flowers to your campground
makes you MONEY!î
www.koaowners.org
Installation of a drip irrigation system may seem
daunting, but it’s really not difficult. Thanks to lots
of experience, Prairie Kraft Specialties and the
Great Falls KOA have found a great way to water
isolated flower pots and planters like you see in
these photos.
January/February/March 2009
We all agree that adding flowers greatly improves
your campground; more importantly, adding
flowers allows you to make more money with
increased site rates.
11
Volume 29, Issue 1
Executive Summary to Owners Association Workampers Survey
We have included below the summary of the findings from our recent Workampers Survey. We have also included
with this summary some of the many General Comments and Best Practices comments we received from owners who
completed the survey. We will continue to print other comments from these two sections of the survey in following
issues of the newsletter. If any of you would like to include your thoughts or suggestions please send them to the
association office at info@koaowners.org
The survey was mailed to 400 KOA Owners or managers and 149 replied. This is a 37% rate of return, with over 89%
of the respondents completing the survey. This is a very strong response, especially when you take into consideration
the time of the year the survey was sent out. The survey was broken into four sections:
1)
2)
3)
4)
Hiring
Retention
Impact
Profile of Your Campground (Demographic)
The demographic section shows a very equal distribution of respondents across categories. In terms of the number of
years of experience by respondents the breakdowns were as follows:
1)
2)
3)
4)
40% were 1 to 5 years
25% were 6 to 10 years
20% were 11 to 20 years
15% were 21 years and over
There were 39 states that were represented
in the responses and 3 Canadian provinces,
Ontario, Quebec and Alberta
The size distribution of respondents was also
evenly distributed between campgrounds that
were 51 to over 151 sites, as follows:
1)
2)
3)
4)
4% were 0 to 50
44% were 51 to 100
30% were 101 to 150
22% were over 150
The average staff size also distributed fairly
evenly, taking into account many campgrounds
vary in staff size between winter and summer.
The breakdowns were:
1)
2)
3)
4)
27% had 1 to 5
30% had 6 to 10
26% had 11-15
17 % had 16 or more
Hiring Section
A very high percentage (89%), check reference and over 86% have work agreements with their workampers, and over
75% have written details for them. Those who indicated the workampers do not misuse their KOA vouchers is very high
at 89%, but no shows did show a problem with 47% indicating this is a problem. Those who have had problems with
workampers accepting more than one position, or leaving without notice, or leaving after the first week were all 36%.
12
Owners News
Retention Section
Over 90 % of the campgrounds provide training for workampers and extend offers for the following season. In addition,
58% conduct staff meetings, and over 60% give an end of the season bonus. Fewer than 45% are satisfied with the
current rating system, and over 70% have lost or fired a workamper either because they were unable to perform their
duties (71%), or unable to get along (66%), or gave poor customer service (60%).
Impact Section
There was very strong agreement among respondents on the impact of workampers to the campground. Over 94% felt
they have a strong impact on KSS scores and a direct impact on revenue. There is apparently no problem with increasing
unemployment claims. There does appear to be a problem with commitment of workampers to the campground. There is
a very strong response (over 97%), who are interested in a single database of employment history and hiring eligibility.
Conclusions And Recommendations
There is no doubt that there is a great deal of interest in the Workamper area and recognition of the importance of the
workampers to the success of the campground’s revenue base. There appears to be a common practice, and a good sense
of the importance of written agreements, orientation and training sessions, and the advantage of incentives such as end
of the season bonuses to keep them on site and motivated. There are problems in screening applicants, obtaining real
commitments, and continuing motivation through the season. There is very wide spread agreement on the impact they
have on the success or failure of the campground season. And finally, there is almost unanimous agreement that owners are
looking for help in being able to correctly identify past workamper experiences.
Recommendations:
The Bed Bug Solution
By Jim Turner
We regretfully ended up with some bed bug infestation last summer. We heard that bed bugs can be killed at a sustained
heat of 135 degrees. We tried heating the cabin with electric space heaters, but they all seemed to have built in maximum
temperature thermostats that kicked off around 115 to 125 degrees. We then switched and put an infrared propane
15,000 btu heater in the cabin (we did not remove anything from the cabin), we put an inside/outside thermometer
with outside probe inside the cabin. We then closed the door and cooked the inside of the cabin to 135 degrees for a
day. That did the job and it was easy. The heat kills all living bugs and also kills the eggs. After a day, we went back in
and cleaned up the dozens and dozens of dead bugs laying around the floor, cleaned up their blood splotches and eggs
with disinfectant. All in all an infested cabin can be totally and reliably debugged and back online in 2 days.
www.koaowners.org
January/February/March 2009
1) The committee be kept in tact and continue to review and research areas where the OA can provide guidance,
training, and information.
2) The OA work to develop a single database or other information vehicle to provide employment history and
hiring eligibility.
3) There are some positive comments in both the Best Practices section and the General comments section which
need to be explored, edited and made available to the system;
4) We utilize the OA website to create forums for information exchange on this subject and methods to help owners
evaluate references and work experiences
5) We develop a system of communication among and between members that are educational in nature raising the
understanding level for selecting, training and motivating workampers during the camping season.
6) We feature through the newsletter and on the website continuing information some of the experiences and
comments received in the survey by respondents.
13
Volume 29, Issue 1
Some Comments from Fellow
Owners on Best Practices from
our survey on Workampers
1. Really check out your work kampers. Ask the other
kampgrounds they used to work for with an honest answer.
2. Talk with your prospective workkamper in depth, ask a lot of
questions and tell them everything about your campground.
let them know your expectations and your goals for the up
and coming season. Make them feel like they’re part of a big
family.
3. Good, honest contract. Don’t be cheap. Good training up
front about being professional without personal conflicts.
Good customer service training. Team Building. Good staff
meetings.
4. We have not hired Work Kampers before. 2009 is the first
year that we plan to hire. So far the applicants that have
responded to our work at KOA job posting have not really
read our posting, if they had they would have not applied
because they did not fit the request. We are still hoping to
find 2 couples for part-time work for the 2009 season.
5. We are going to start personality testing our applicants so we
can be more informed about their strengths and weaknesses
and how to best utilize them on our campground.
14
Some General Comments from
our Workampers Survey
We need work campers during the summer months
and have a very hard time getting anyone to commit to
the summer months.
Many campground owners know little about personnel
management. Add a session on this issue at KOA U,
and at annual jamborees/conferences.
We do not find commitment to be as big a problem as
the more stars Work Kampers get, the more they want
more pay and benefits but those stars do not mean
better quality employees. Some sort of data base with
allowable information regarding performance or rehire
ability would be very helpful.
One of the things we have encountered is that many
prospective employees don’t really want or need to
work. Many of them are retired, don’t really need the
income and only want to work one or two days a week.
That may work in big parks but not for us.
Being a year round campground, I am beginning to
favor local employees over workampers. I find it costly
to continually train and roll over employees every 4-6
months.
Owners News
Almost 50 All Star Work Kampers gathered at our first ever All Star Work Kamper University in Myrtle Beach,
SC.  We held forums to discuss relationships with and responsibilities to owners, younger workers, and the home
office.  Conversations were spirited and enthusiasm for KOA was infectious!  Dr. Ron Hill, Ph.D. and Senior
Associate Dean of Intellectual Strategy at Villanova School of Business, was asked to facilitate these discussions.  His
summary is provided below as a proposed set of ethical commitments to KOA.
 
Work Kamper Code of Professional Conduct
Regardless of titles or experience, all KOA work kampers must:  
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
Recognize that they represent KOA to people inside as well as outside the kampgrounds.
Respect the right of all persons to make the most of their experiences at the kampgrounds.
Present a positive attitude to everyone associated with the kampground at all times.
Perform duties to the best of their abilities and provide support to others when needed.
Communicate honestly with others and seek to learn about their lives and aspirations.
Develop a set of common goals with others that seek to have everyone be successful.
Exhibit loyalty to KOA and its employees and expect the same support in return.
Demonstrate a commitment to KOA to help the company thrive so that we may thrive.
Spirit of Fun! Remember we have the best job in the world and it is our good fortune to be with KOA!
 
We hope to further develop these statements over time and continuously receive input.  If we keep them in mind as
we go about our lives and jobs, what a wonderful world it will be!
NATIONWIDE DISTRIBUTORS
A N D S U P P L I E R S T O R V PA R K S & C A M P G R O U N D S
Plan-IT Green
P R OD U C TS TO R E D U C E
USAGE OF RESOURCES
�
�
�
�
�
High Efficiency Hand Dryers
Electric Meter Kits
Water Meters
Timer Boxes
Photocell Controllers
800-800-2811
(8am EASTERN to 5pm PACIFIC)
www.koaowners.org
XLERATOR
HAND DRYER
GREENSPEC
APPROVED.
Qualified for
LEED CREDIT
www.go-usg.com
January/February/March 2009
8
/200
2007 nal
Natio C
ARV of
lier
Supp ear
the Y
15
Volume 29, Issue 1
Funnies
U don’t have to be Catholic to enjoy this one.
This is something to think about when negative people are doing their best to rain on your parade.  So remember
this story the next time someone who knows nothing and cares less tries to make your life miserable.
A woman was at her hairdresser’s getting her hair styled for a trip to Rome with her husband.  She mentioned
the trip to the hairdresser, who responded, “Rome?  Why would anyone want to go there?  It’s crowded and
dirty. You’re crazy to go to Rome.  So, how are you getting there?”
We’re taking Continental,” was the reply. “We got a great rate!”
“Continental?” exclaimed the hairdresser.  “That’s a terrible airline. Their planes are old, their flight attendants
are ugly, and they’re always late.  So, where are you staying in Rome?”
“We’ll be at this exclusive little place over on Rome’s Tiber River called Teste.”
“Don’t go any further. I know that place. Everybody thinks it’s gonna be something special and exclusive, but it’s
really a dump, the worst hotel in the city! The rooms are small, the service is surly, and they’re overpriced. So,
whatcha’ doing when you get there?”
“We’re going to go to see the Vatican and we hope to see the Pope.”
“That’s rich,” laughed the hairdresser. “You and a million other people trying to see him—he’ll look the size of
an ant. Boy, good luck on this lousy trip of yours. You’re going to need it.”
A month later, the woman again came in for a hairdo. The hairdresser asked her about her trip to Rome. “It
was wonderful,” explained the woman, “not only were we on time in one of Continental’s brand new planes,
but it was overbooked and they bumped us up to first class. The food and wine were wonderful, and I had a
handsome 28-year-old steward who waited on me hand and foot. And the hotel was great!  They’d just finished
a $5 million remodeling job and now it’s a jewel, the finest hotel in the city. They, too, were overbooked, so they
apologized and gave us their owner’s suite at no extra charge!”
“Well,” muttered the hairdresser, “that’s all well and good, but I know you, you didn’t get to see the Pope.”
“Actually, we were quite lucky, because as we toured the Vatican, a SwissGuard tapped me on the shoulder,
and explained that the Pope likes to meet some of the visitors, and if I’d be so kind as to step into his private
room and wait, the Pope would personally greet me. Sure enough, five minutes later, the Pope walked through
the door and shook my hand! I knelt down and he spoke a few words to me.”
“Oh, really! What’d he say?”
He said, “Where’d you get the LOUSY hairdo?
16
Owners News
To Maintain a Healthy
Level of Insanity
1) At lunch time, sit in your park
ed car with sunglasses on
and point a hair dryer at passing
cars. See if they slow
down.
2) Page yourself over the inte
rcom. Don’t disguise your
voice!
3) Every time someone asks you
to do something, ask if they
want fries with that.
4) Put decaf in the coffee maker
for 3 weeks. Once everyone
has gotten over their caffeine
addictions, switch to
espresso.
5) In the memo field of all your che
cks, write ‘for marijuana.’
6) Skip down the hall rather than
walk and see how many
looks you get.
7) Order a diet water whenever
you go out to eat, with a
serious face.
8) Specify that your drive-throug
h order is ‘to go’.
9) Sing along at the opera.
10) Five days in advance, tell you
r friends you can’t attend
their party because you have a hea
dache.
11) When the money comes out
the ATM, scream ‘I won! I
won!’
Who knew these tips?
Eliminate ear mites. All it takes is a few drops of Wesson Corn Oil in your cat’s ear... massage it in, then clean with a
cotton ball. Repeat daily for 3 days. The oil soothes the cat’s skin, smothers the mites, and accelerates healing.
Kills fleas instantly... Dawn Dishwashing Liquid does the trick. Add a few drops to your dog’s bath and shampoo the
animal thoroughly. Rinse well to avoid skin irritations. Good-bye fleas.
Rainy day cure for dog odor: Next time your dog comes in from the rain, simply wipe down the animal with Bounce or
any dryer sheet, instantly making your dog smell springtime fresh.
Did you know that drinking two glasses of Gatorade can relieve headache pain almost immediately-without the
unpleasant side effects caused by traditional pain relievers?
Did you know that Colgate Toothpaste makes an excellent salve for burns?
www.koaowners.org
January/February/March 2009
12) When leaving the zoo, start runn
ing towards the parking
lot, yelling’ run for your lives! They’re
loose!’
13) Tell your children over dinner,
‘due to the economy, we are
going to have to let one of you go.’
17
Volume 29, Issue 1
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Darlene Murphy
608.268.6275/608.234.7424
darlene@dmmkt.com
COMMERCIAL RECREATION SPECIALISTS INTRODUCES AQUAGLIDE PLATINUM
New product line includes inflatable aquatic play station, slides and bouncers
Verona, Wis., (February, 9, 2009) – Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) proudly announces
availability of the Aquaglide Platinum product line, according to Ron Romens, president of Commercial
Recreation Specialists. The Platinum products were designed with a focus on quality and innovation
and are ideal for a variety of commercial uses including camps, resort communities, municipalities and
campgrounds. “One of the top features of the Platinum line is its patented Interlock system, which
allows multiple elements to be connected in a nearly endless series of configurations. Interlock also
allows customers to purchase elements at their own pace, with the ability to easily expand as guest
demand or budget allows,” said Romens.
A few highlights of the Platinum line include the Summit Express playstation, Revolution rocker/slide,
SuperTramp trampoline, Rebound bounce platform, Plunge Slide, Blast Bag launch bag and Airport
raft. Several products have multiple uses, such as the Revolution which can be used as a climb-andslide challenge or turned over and used as a rocker. Each product in the Platinum line is innovative,
such as trampolines designed with an octagonal shape that provides superior bounce, while expanding
surface area to reduce force toward the middle. Access platforms, pumps and other accessories are
available to maximize comfort and safety.
Commercial Recreation Specialists is headquartered in Verona, Wis., with representatives in New
Jersey, and serves customers across the United States and the Caribbean. Founded in 1999, CRS
performs a careful analysis of each client’s facility and business goals to provide recreation solutions
based on the unique needs of each client. With over 40 years of combined industry experience, CRS is
not only an equipment supplier for select vendors, but also offers design, planning, installation and
operations services. CRS delivers unparalleled industry knowledge and proven success in the
commercial recreation market with clients including campgrounds, resorts, summer camps, amusement
parks, water parks, schools, municipalities, and zoos.
###
18
Owners News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: James Green
February 17, 2009 TengoInternet
512.767.7513
jgreen@tengointernet.com
Tengointernet Grows To Over 400 Wifi Locations
 Top RV Resort WiFi provider announces new service
at 15 locations across 8 states
AUSTIN, TX - February 17, 2009 -- TengoInternet, the oldest and largest wireless Internet provider for the outdoor
hospitality industry, today announced it has added 15 new customers in 8 states. With more than 400 wireless networks
installed across 38 states, Canada and Mexico, TengoInternet remains the industry’s largest provider with significant
experience installing and managing wireless networks in the challenging outdoor environment.
TengoInternet’s new locations include the following RV parks and locations: All Star RV (Houston, TX), American RV
Park (Anthony, TX), Auburn Gold Country RV Park (Auburn, CA), Gateway Ranch RV Resort (Salome AZ), Geneseo
Campground (Geneseo, IL), Golden Shore RV Resort (Long Beach, CA), Hamilton County Park District (Cincinnati,
OH), Holiday Cove RV Resort (Cortez, FL), Horseshoe Cove RV Resort (Bradenton, FL), Lakeside RV Resort and
Marina (Onalaska, TX), Lakeview (Houston, TX), Raccoon Valley RV Park (Heiskell, TN), Ride Royal Blue Resort
(Pioneer, TN), Shady Acres RV Travel Park (Ft. Myers, FL), and Silvercreek RV Resort (Mears, MI).  
“Internet amenities remain an important guest selection and satisfaction criteria, making it even more important in
these times for operators to get it right,” said Eric Stumberg, CEO and Co-Founder, TengoInternet. “Campgrounds
trust TengoInternet to help them increase guest satisfaction,
drive occupancy and improve operations. We are honored
and pleased to welcome these new locations into the
TengoInternet family.”
About Tengo Internet
TengoInternet is the largest high-speed wireless internet
managed service provider to the outdoor hospitality
delivers turnkey WiFi solutions for hospitality operators and
the guests they serve through its award winning network
design, installation, management and guest support
services. TengoInternet currently manages high speed
wired and wireless networks for more than 400 RV resorts,
campgrounds, hotels and marinas throughout North America.
For additional information, visit www.tengointernet.com or
call (512) 469-7660.
www.koaowners.org
January/February/March 2009
industry. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, TengoInternet
19
Volume 29, Issue 1
Press Release
Fireman’s Fund Teams Up W ith Leavitt Recreation & Hospitality To
Offer Comprehensive Campground Coverages
Campground Ow ners Get Help M anaging Their Unique Risks
NOVATO, Calif., (Oct. 20, 2008) – In an effort to offer campground owners the
protection they need, Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company has teamed with Leavitt
Recreation & Hospitality Insurance to offer a comprehensive program of risk
management and coverages.
According to the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds, total
campground and RV bookings were up 23 percent from January to May 2008 versus
the same period last year. Moreover, campgrounds have expanded services
including boat and bicycle rentals, general stores, concession stands, gas sales,
playgrounds, RV storage, camping cabins, lodges, cottage rentals, self service
laundries and restrooms. Owners often have multiple locations in more than one
state. As a result, campgrounds present a variety of insurance needs.
“We are pleased to work with Leavitt Recreation to provide specialized coverage for
campgrounds,” said Mike Halvey, vice president of commercial insurance programs
for Fireman’s Fund. “Our combined experience and understanding of the recreation
and hospitality industry makes it a logical partnership.”
Campground coverages include:
i
Property coverage for buildings, restrooms, community centers, out buildings,
camping cabins, laundry facilities, etc.
i
General Liability coverage in case of bodily injury or property damage.
i
Inland Marine coverage for equipment such as tractors, maintenance equipment,
etc.
i
Auto coverage for the vehicles owned by the campground owners.
“I have been involved with insuring RV parks and campgrounds for over 20 years,”
said Jimmy Tumblin, Vice President of Leavitt Recreation & Hospitality Insurance.
“Fireman’s Fund, The Leavitt Group and Leavitt Recreation and Hospitality Insurance
Agency are an experienced group of people working to insure and protect
campgrounds and I am proud to be a member of this team.”
©2008 Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company, Novato, CA
20
All rights reserved.
Owners News
For Immediate Release
CAMPGROUND OWNERS: DIRECT A $10,000
DONATION TO YOUR LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT
Contest Open to all Campgrounds in United States
NOVATO, Calif. (Oct. 16, 2008) – The statistics are alarming. According to the United States
Fire Administration, 60 percent of fire departments do not have enough self-contained breathing
apparatus (SCBA) units to equip all firefighters on a shift. Another 63 percent of departments
involved in wildland firefighting have not provided its firefighters with formal training to respond
to such incidents. And the facts go on and on, all of which show fire departments are struggling to
find the money needed to purchase expensive equipment and provide critical training.
Leavitt Recreation & Hospitality Insurance and Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company are
announcing a unique opportunity for campgrounds across the United States to help make a
difference in their communities and nominate their local fire department for a $10,000 grant
donation.
“This is a unique opportunity for campground owners to help make their community a safer place
to live, work and play,” said Jimmy Tumblin with Leavitt Recreation & Hospitality Insurance.
“The entire amount will be given to one department, enabling it to fill a gap to better respond and
protect its community,” said Tumblin.
For more information and to obtain a nomination form for this contest, visit
www.lrhinsurance.com.
Participation in the contest is voluntary and designed solely to foster charitable community
support. There is no requirement to purchase insurance in order to participate in the contest.
-MORE-
©2008 Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company, Novato, CA
www.koaowners.org
All rights reserved.
January/February/March 2009
Through this program, campground owners are able to nominate any fire department in their
community. Nominations will be accepted through May 31, 2009. Leavitt will then hold a
drawing to select one department to receive the $10,000 donation, of which the money can be
used for needed equipment, firefighter training, or a community education program.
21
Volume 29, Issue 1
Pet Waste Problems?
The complete pet waste solution...
from check-in to check-out!
Park Stations
Keep your pet area
clean and enjoyable.
• Signs
• Dispensers
• Waste Cans
• Posts
• Carded Refills
Great camping
demands the best!
Keep camping
with pets great!
Available in Yellow
We are
pleased to
announce
that yellow
Mutt Mitt
dispensers
are now
available in
limited
quantities.
1-800-697-6084
www.MuttMitt.com • mail@MuttMitt.com
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1FEFTUBMT■4VSGBDF#PYFT
1PXFS%JTUSJCVUJPO■8JSF$BCMF
"DDFTTPSJFT■-JHIU'JYUVSFT
&MFDUSJD.FUFST■8BUFS.FUFST
'SFF'BTU&MFDUSJDBM-BZPVU4FSWJDF
Xc ¼bbX\_[TaTP[[h
5PMMGSFF
GBY
XXXCCFMFDDPN
4FSWJOH375SBWFM1BSLTOBUJPOXJEFGPSPWFSZFBST
22
Owners News
Custom-Fit Tablecovers
811 Ridge
t Rd., Suite 100, Webster, NY 14580
585-787-9620 ñ Fax 585-787-9666
Kwik-Can Cover Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact Person: Bernie Puglisi
Company Name: Kwik Covers
Phone: 866-586-9620
FAX: 585-787-9666
Email Address: info2@kwikcovers.com
Website URL: www.kwikcovers.com
ì COVER YOUR CANî
Now Available for 33 Gallon Garbage Cans!
Rochester, NY - The Kwik-Can Cover is an innovative new way to cover 33 and 55 gallon
barrels. Most metal barrels quickly become dented and rusty requiring continuous maintenance
to re-paint them year-after-year... if it even gets done at all. Even the newer plastic drums become
an eye-sore after a short period of time. The Kwik-Can Cover is simply a plastic sleeve which
utilizes elastic at the top and bottom to hold the cover on the can. You simply slide the cover
down over the can and you’re left with a clean, pleated look. Kwik-Can Covers are packaged 50
per carton and are stocked in white, black, royal blue, black& white check and their new patriotic
design for 55 gallon cans. Their new 33 gallon covers are available in white or black only.
Kwik-Covers warehouse and ship from their fulfillment centers in Syracuse, NY and Carson, CA.
For more information about Kwik-Can Covers or a free sample, call toll-free 866-586-9620 or
visit us at www.kwikcovers.com
55 Gallon
55 Gallon- BLK/W Check
33 Gallon
January/February/March 2009
###
Version C
www.koaowners.org
23
Volume 29, Issue 1
2009 Associate Members List
These companies pay $200 a year to support our association. Please remember to purchase their products and
patronize their businesses.
Anderson’s Brochure Distributor 2
Skip & Judy Deegans
PO Drawer 467
Lewisburg, WV 24901
breochurservice@mac.com
Athens Park Homes
Dick Gaymonprez
PO BOX 1270
Athens, TX 75751
dgrymonprez@athensparkhomes.com
B & B Electrical
Margaret Linnell
2737 Browning Drive
Lake Orion, MI 48360
sales@bbelec.com
Electrical products for RV parks
Campbell Insurance Agency Craig and Kirk Campbell PO Box 1695   Harrison, AR 72602
http://www.insuretheoutdoors.com ciagency@alltel.net
Camper Reservation Center
Billie Getman
PO Box 295
Hill City, SD 57745
palmergroups@aol.com
An inbound reservation center providing
telephone support to campground vacation
support for your guests.
Chadwick Mfg. Co
Allen Smith
224 N. Main St./ PO Box 85
Chadwick, IL 61014
http://www.chadwickmfg.com
sales@chadwickmfg.com
Picnic Tables & Grills
Checkbox System LLC
Jim Ganley
PO Box 113
Gray, ME 04039
jganley@checkboxsystems.net
24
Commercial Recreation Specialists
Ron Romens/ Rich Wills
415 Investment Court
Verona, WI 53593
contact@crs4rec.com
provider of water-based and land-based
recreation and safety solutions. Lightning
detection, dock systems, pool slides, pedal
boats, waterfront inflatables, playgrounds,
splashpads, mini golf and more
Darrell Hess & Associates
Mr. Darrel Hess
367 Dellwood Rd. Bldg E Suite 2
Waynesville, NC 28786
http://www.CampgroundsForSale.com
hess@campgroundsforsale.com
Real Estate - RV parks & campgrounds
Eaton Corporation-RV Park Hook Ups
Kathleen Kullberg; Greg Storck
149 Warwick Court
Williamsburg VA 23185
rvsales@eaton.com
Electrical power hookups, digital
electronic meters, and light bollards.
We also custom build power substations
and we sell transformers, wire, and panels.
Complementary electrical layout design is also
available.
Gerber Manufacturing
Chuck Gerber
2917 Latham Drive
Madison, WI 53713-3232
chuck@gerbertables.com
Picnic Tables, Benches, Grills
HUB International Mountain
States LTD
Aaron Linden
PO Box 6006
Sheridan, WY 82801
aaron.linden@hubinternational.com
Offering a myriad of insurance
products on a national scale
Independence Bank
Miles Hamilton/Mym Cichosz
PO Box 2090
Havre, MT 59501
mymc@ibyourbank.com
Loan Development Program
Kwik-Covers Joe Puglisi 5110 Velasko Rd, Suite 1100   Syracuse, NY 13215
jpuglisi@KwiKcovers
Picnic table covers of all types
Leavitt Recreation & Hospitality
Insurance
Stacy Torneten
1001 Lazelle Street
Sturgis, SD 57785
stacy-torneten@leavitt.com
Property and casualty insurance
for RV parks & campgrounds
Outdoor Insurance Group
Heather Chapple
400 N. Woodlawn, Ste 100
Wichita, KS 67208
hchapple@oigcorp.com
OA endorsed Property and Casualty
Insurance
Pacific Yurts Inc.
Pete Dolan
77456 Hwy 99 South
Cottage Grove, OR 97427
info@yurts.com
The original designer & manufacturer of
the modern yurt, offers a uniqe alternative
to cabins & meeting halls for generating
revenue. The highest quality design,
materials & customer service backed by the
industry leader.
Phelps Honey Wagon
Jaylene Shannon
158 Whiskey Spring Rd
Dillsburg, PA 17019
www.phelpshoneywagon.com
Make full service sites available
without the expense of an in-ground
sewage system. Pump your own
portapotties or holding tanks
Popcorn Movie Poster Company
David Graveen
PO Box 1121
Glastonbury, CT 06033
david@popcornposters.ocom
Owners News
R.J. Thomas Mfg. Co. Inc. Customer Service Dept. PO Box 946
5648 Hwy 59 South
Cherokee, IA 51012-0946
pilotrock@rjthomas.com
Picnic Tables, Benches, Charcoal Grills,
Campfire Rings, Trash and Recycling
Receptacles and Lids, Lantern Poles, Flag
Poles, Bike Racks, Pet Waste Stations,
Picnic Table Covers, Fire Starters, More.
Since 1959.
Southeast Publications USA, Inc.
Peter Warrick
4360 Peters Road
Fort Lauderdale FL 33317
kurtis@sepub.com
site maps, publishing, printing
January/February/March 2009
Texas Meter & Device Co.
Mr. Steve Swenke
PO Box 154099
Waco, TX 76715
info@texasmeter.com
Remanufactured and new electric
meters and metering equipment
www.koaowners.org
25
Volume 29, Issue 1
A Message From Michael Kuper, Chairman
KOA Care Camps Trust and Thunder Bay KOA, Ontario
Once again it is the time of year to sign up for the Come Kamp and Care With Us Weekend, May 8 and 9. Have you
made your New Years resolution? How about making participating in this years CKCWUW your 2009 resolution! Take a
little time to do some fundraising and have tons of fun! There are no expectations of how many dollars you need to raise.
Again this year every dollar raised will be matched dollar for dollar by KOA Holdings! Enjoy ice cream socials, a bar-b-que,
pancake breakfast, or bingo, just to name a few.
NEW this year—we have “I CARE” pins available! Have them at your front desk and available at your events. Make them
a fundraiser. Ask for a $5 donation. To order some contact the Care camps main office in Birmingham 1-800-678-9976 or
info@koaowners.org and Heidi will be glad to fill your order. I believe they will sell themselves.
WOW, it would be grand to have 100% of our kampground owners join in CKCWUW 2009!!! Each year we have many
more children that would love to enjoy spending time at a KOA Care Camp. We need to generate more dollars to make
this happen! This is your chance to jumpstart your 2009 Care Camps fundraising!
Its better to aim for the stars and hit the moon, than to aim for the moon and hit the barn.
Together we thrive!
Kristie and Michael Kuper, owners of the Thunder Bay, Ontario KOA.
Go to eKamp for all the information you need to register your kampground to participate inCome Kamp & Care With Us
Weekend; find out more about the event; get ideas for fundraising activities and much more!
In the new 2009 logo and materials, “kamp” is spelled with a “k,” as part of our invigorated brand message: “Remember.
It’s not camping. It’s Kamping.” “KOA Care Camps” is spelled with “C,” because it is the registered name of a separate
organization.
Round Up your change for KOA Care Camps
By Mike and Shirley Groseclose
When a camper comes in to register for his site or purchase something in the store we ask him if he wants to round up
to the next dollar and give the change to KOA Care Camps, kids with cancer. If they ask what it is or look puzzled, we
explain what KOA Care Camps is and 99% of the time they say yes. Most of the time they know what it is. Lots of times
they add more to it out of their pocket or we do this on the transaction.
Example: Transaction Total = 46.68
Round-Up Cents = .32
Total
= 47.00
When we are in the registration transaction and the camper says “yes” to round up, we press F2 and go to kampstore. We
have an item setup as “cc”. (Something simple to remember) We also have a category set up in Kampstore for KOA Care
Camps that this item calculates to. The clerk types “cc” and enters the .32 and press enter, then F10 to go back to the
payment screen. Then we complete the transaction with the camper’s form of payment.
About once a month or however often you want to, you can cut a check for the amount in the category KOA Care Camps
and send to the Owners Association in Birmingham, Al. When campers get used to the rounding up program and they
return to the store to purchase items, they automatically say “round me up again”. The campers like it and feel good about
giving that small bit to kids with cancer. All the small change throughout the season adds up to lots of dollars in the end.
26
Owners News
www.koaowners.org
27
January/February/March 2009
Volume 29, Issue 1
Care Camps 2008 Auction Update
I apologize for not getting this out in our last newsletter. We didn’t have the exact totals for the auction in time.
We do have them now and the total was $81,817.37 plus the $10,000 from our auction sponsor Peter Warrick
of Southeast Publications. We also received a cheque from Ray Crots of Monroe County KOA for $1,804.00.
That makes a grand total for the 2008 auction night to $93,117.37. WOW!!!! On behalf of the Care Camps
trust I would like to thank all that participated in the auction, as well as all the contributors. Again, a big
thank-you to Shane Ott and KOA home office for the FJ Cruiser! Also, a special thanks to Jennifer Ross and
her dad Elliot Smith of St. Augustine KOA for their entertaining head to head bidding war for the FJ Cruiser…
Congratulations Jennifer! A BIG thank you to the Bell family for once again making the auction run like
clockwork. It was GR8 to have a couple of the directors and families of Camp Happy Days to share their video
and stories. It is already that time of year…time to get involved with the 2009 CK&CWUW. It is my hope to
get 100% kampground participation!
Visions are made by individuals….
Accomplishments are made by teamwork….
Sincerely,
Michael Kuper
Chairman Care Camps Trust
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Owners News
Gravenhurst KOA and Care Camps.
Our campground, Gravenhurst/Muskoka KOA has been
supporting the KOA Care Camps for 28 years. We started
with a one day golf tournament which has grown to two
days. In 1990 we organized a horseshoe tournament and
it has also become an annual event. Our seasonal campers
decided to do a Thanksgiving Pot-Luck Chili dinner in 2005
and as an added fundraiser; we donated a seasonal campsite
fee. The campers sold tickets and ran an elimination draw
for this prize. It was so popular that is has also become an
annual event.
This past summer two young girls made bracelets and sold
them in support of one of their mother’s who has been
battling cancer.
We could not do this without the hard work of a group of our
long-time seasonal campers. They do most of the work and
we help out where we can. We are proud of them and very
glad to be able to support such a worthy charity as the KOA
Care Camps.
January/February/March 2009
Sincerely,
Paul Cook
Gravenhurst KOA
Ontario, Canada
www.koaowners.org
29
Volume 29, Issue 1
Help your employees purchase
affordable health coverage.
Through this exclusive arrangement with Trustmark
Life Insurance Company and the Kampground
Owners Association, premiums include access to the
Private Health Care System (PHCS) national Preferred
Provider Organization network.
As a member of the KOA family, you
may be able to enroll in these signilcant
coverages:
Tier
Employee
$129.21 $152.01
$410.44
ï Oflce visits
Also includes:
ï Prescriptions
ï Choice of provider
ï Emergency care ï Friendly customer
ï Maternity care
service
ï Inpatient benelts
Employee +
Spouse
$290.73 $342.03
$923.49
Employee + Child
$245.50 $288.83
$779.83
Family
$381.17 $448.44 $1,210.79
<35
35-49
50-64
Final premium rates based on individual health statements.
Major medical benefits underwritten by Trustmark, currently rated A+ by A.M. Best Company for financial strength and operating performance. Plans may not be available in all states.
30
Owners News
Walmart/Sam’s Club Project
Dear Fellow KOA Care Camp Supporter:
What I learned today! When you are a new committee member with an idea, you get to execute it too. And so I share with
you the “Walmart/Sam’s Club Project” in support of KOA Care Camps. As one of the recent recruits to the KOA Care
Camp Trust, I have come up with a plan that I think you can help me with.
This is how it worked for me. I visited a local Walmart and asked the manager for a donation for KOA Care Camps. All
that was required of me was to complete a community grant application. Simple as that! The result for this little effort was
a $500 check for a charity I care a great deal about. And so expanding on this idea, and thinking on a larger scale, wouldn’t
it be great if we all met with the same success?
The good news for you is we will do the hard part by putting together a fail safe kit! It is our hope that with the tools at
hand you will walk in Walmart/Sam’s Club door for us.
I will be calling you soon to discuss how we can make this work. The least complicated process with the greatest success is
our goal here. Kim Carranza, Twin Falls, ID and Amy Raposo, Barrie, ON got so excited about this idea that they begged
me to help out...okay, bribery works too. Packaged in a simple printable email format to be signed, sealed and delivered,
we hope to be putting dollars into a program that benefits so many deserving children living with cancer.
I look forward to talking with you personally in the near future, and if you can’t wait to hear from me call NOW! I can be
reached at 1 931 728 9750 or by email at manchesterkoa@earthlink.net.
Thanks for your continued support.
Jerry Dale
January/February/March 2009
P.S. Walmart told me that the minimum contribution is $1000 this year. Let’s go big!
www.koaowners.org
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Volume 29, Issue 1
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: jim@koaowners.org
Email other than newsletter information:
info@koaowners.org
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
32
Owners News