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In support of President Obama’s declaration of June as National Great Outdoors Month and ARVC’s Go Camping America program, Wisconsin Area Campground Owners (WACO) has teamed with State of Wisconsin

Tourism Department Secretary Klett and Gilbert Brown, a former Green Bay Packers football player who now has the Gilbert Brown Foundation, to make the month of June fun and affordable across the state.

WACO Executive Director Lori Severson headed the effort to make “ Having FUN With Camping in Wisconsin” a hit. The effort will begin on June 11 with a kickoff at Merry Mac Campground in

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Merrimac, Wisconsin. Both Secretary Klett, Gilbert Brown, William Henderson & WACO staff will kickoff the camping season with a challenge: Get out enjoy the outdoors and go camping.

This group plans to challenge campers to get out and walk WACO Campgrounds and support the Gilbert Brown Foundation. Check out the website to see the participating Campgrounds and join in the fun.

Whichever campground generates the most participants in the walk will earn the right to host the Celebrity Camp-a-thon the Weekend of September 9,10 & 11th, 2011. Gilbert Brown & Stephanie Klett will join forces to bring their celebrity friends together for one big campout!

Watch the www.wisconsincampgrounds.com website for updates and details.

“I had never heard of a S’more until I started working with WACO to raise funds for my foundation”, stated Gilbert Brown. “Getting kids outdoors instead of attached to video games is so good. And it’s not just good for the kids, it’s good for all of us.”

Fifty-seven campground members of WACO have signed up to participate in the 20% off camping campaign. “The options of how you can camp in Wisconsin are endless.

Our member campgrounds offer Yurts, Tree Houses, Villas, Park Models, and Covered Wagons to name a few.

Added to that, we have campgrounds that offer parasailing, rent jet skis, have a real steam paddle boat for rides or have ATV trails along with the traditional campground activities.“

WACO has adopted QR codes in a big way. Campgrounds will be selling T-shirts with a QR code on them. The QR code will bring up a website where the camper can track their activities and share ideas with others through the WACO Facebook page.

The proceeds from the T-shirt sales will go to the Gilbert Brown Foundation which benefits over 144 children’s charities throughout Wisconsin.

In addition to the 20% discount, WACO is giving away $500 packages in each of the 6 regions of Wisconsin. Also there is a contest for new campers

that will award a $500 package, a photo contest as well as a contest for Campgrounds selling the most T-shirts.Member campgrounds have embraced June as Great Outdoors Month and are looking forward to an exceptional summer season.

Lori Severson

New Berlin, PA – “It’s entirely my fault”, admitted Art Lieberman. “I was so anxious to take advantage of the November 11th (11-11-11) date as an opening for our second Virtual Outdoor Hospitality Expo that I continued to think like the producer of a physical event, rather than the producer of an event conducted entirely on the Internet. Call it a senior moment!”

“November 11th is a Friday, which means the second day of the Expo would take place on a Saturday, which is entirely acceptable for a physical trade show but not at all appropriate when you expect exhibitors to man their computers at their place of business for a virtual event. It is fine for attendees who won’t have to travel anywhere to attend the event from their homes or any other location.”

Lieberman immediately contacted VCopious, the Expo’s software provider. They had absolutely no problem shifting the event which was moved one day earlier.

The Virtual Outdoor Hospitality Expo will now open on November 10th and continue on November 11th. The show’s opening time will now be 12 noon EST for both days. The Expo will also be accessible to attendees for 60 days thereafter in the “On Demand” mode.

Lieberman and Associate Producer Deanne Bower were gratified that the Virtual Expo is not a physical show which, if it had to be moved, would have caused huge difficulties. Bower stated somewhat whimsically that they would have “had to notify the venue, the show dresser, the host hotel and their shuttle buses, the security personnel, and would have had to have changed their airline reservations and cancelled the car rental”. “This change”, Bower continued, “merely required that we change the website, the agreements and notified confirmed Sponsors and Exhibitors of the date shift.”

This change also gives the producers, other exhibitors, and attendees time for preparation and travel to the Yogi show which opens on November 13th in Covington, KY.

“David Gorin & Associates Presents - The Virtual Outdoor Hospitality Expo II” is scheduled to take place on 11-10-11 for 2 days and another 60 days in an on-demand status. The producers may be contacted by calling 877-901-EXPO (3976) or by e-mail at campvirtualshow@yahoo.com.Their website (currently being updated) is www.outdoorhospitalityexpo.com. Pelland Advertising maintains the Expo’s Webpage.

Memorial Day is about honoring our nation's fallen service members, but for those still on active duty, it can be just another reminder of the dangers of the job.

Army Staff Sargeant Robert Ross was fortunate enough to spend memorial day with his family. The 27-year Army Reservist won a free vacation courtesy of the Jellystone Campground in Fremont, and Crossroads, a local RV manufacturer.

The 10-day vaction marks the last time the family will be together before Ross is

deployed to the Middle East next month -- his third deployment in his Reserve career.

"I didn't think that with my depoloyment coming up that we were going to be able to take our yearly camping trip... so it's just been a great time for all of us," said Ross.This is the first of several free trips that will be offered this summer. Crossroads and Jellystone encourage active members of the armed services and their families to apply for a trip by contacting Dave Boggs at oa@crossroadsrv.com or by phone at 888-226-7496.

The consumer online magazine featuring the states of Virginia, Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma is about to be released.

"This issue also features 4 private campgrounds along with 4 state park lodging options in each of those states" said publisher Dennis Macready. "We also have articles on how travelers can save on their vacation, choosing the right tent, New York City, Kennebunkport in Maine and an interesting article from Joe Elton on how the Civilian Conservation

Corps contributed to the State Park system".

Whilst the original attention was focused on getting more people to go camping the magazine is now moving ahead on its plan to increase distribution to existing campers and the RV community.

"This combined data base of readers will reach out to a very diverse market and it can only increase our already excellent readership level" Macready said.

A report by McKinsey & Co. has found that 30% of employers are likely to stop offering workers health insurance after the bulk of the Obama administration's health overhaul takes effect in 2014.

The findings come as a growing number of employers are seeking waivers from an early provision in the overhaul that requires them to enrich their benefits this year. At the end of April, the administration had

granted 1,372 employers, unions and insurance companies one-year waivers to the law's requirement that they not cap annual benefit payouts below $750,000 a year.

The law doesn't allow for such exemptions starting in 2014, leaving all those entities—and other employers whose plans don't meet the requirement—to change their offerings or drop coverage.

SEDALIA, Mo., June 2, 2011 – Linda Alcorn, co-executive director of the Missouri Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (MOARC), was among the thousands of Missouri residents whose property was destroyed during the latest round of tornados to strike the region.

Alcorn, her husband, Norman, and their Sedalia, Mo. campground, Countryside Senior RV Park, were untouched by the storm, which came within a quarter mile of their park. But their diesel engine repair business two blocks north of the park was largely destroyed.

“Our 14-bay shop and parts department was ripped apart,” Linda Alcorn said, adding that the business will have to be rebuilt from the ground up. She estimates losses at roughly $500,000.

While the Alcorns suffered serious financial losses, their colleagues in the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds were primarily concerned about their safety and were relieved when ARVC Government Affairs and Membership Director Jeff Sims drove to Sedalia to

check on them and found that they had survived the storm.

"We in the ARVC family were especially concerned for Norman and Linda Alcorn, and very proud of Jeff Sims, who dropped everything he was doing and drove to personally assist any way he could,” said ARVC President and CEO Paul Bambei. “While the tornado did not hit the Alcorns’ park, many businesses along South 65 have devastating damage. But we happy to report there was no loss of life and very few injuries.”

Bambei said ARVC will continue to monitor storm related developments in Missouri and throughout the Midwest as well as regions hit by recent floods. “For anyone interested,” Bambei said, “the ARVC Foundation's Disaster Relief Fund was established for this very purpose and all contributions, past, present and future, are extremely appreciated. You can contact Barb Youmans in the ARVC office, or Jay Sporl as head of the Disaster Relief Fund, to learn more."

Centennial, CO (May 24, 2011) – ‘Where Outdoor Hospitality Meets Southern Hospitality’ is the theme for the all NEW 2011 Outdoor Hospitality Conference & Expo (OHCE) presented by the National Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds (ARVC), November 30 – December 2, with pre-conference events on November 28 and 29, at the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa and Savannah International Trade & Convention Center.

Beautiful Savannah, GA, known for its Southern charm and history, plays host to the 3300 member association’s annual conference, which welcomes both RV Park and campground owner members and non-members, plus NEW for 2011, the entire outdoor hospitality industry is invited.

The newly revamped conference offers

educational seminars and tracks for various experience levels and industry affiliates – there will be something for everyone involved! Plus, NEW for 2011 – a new rate structure for attendees makes the conference more affordable than ever!

For those interested in breaking into the outdoor hospitality industry or for those who want to open an RV Park or Campground, the OHCE seminars and networking opportunities will offer an introduction on how to get started.

“We’ve completely revised the educational program and have created tracks and opportunities for all levels involved in the outdoor hospitality industry. We’re really looking forward to unveiling the new program at conference,” said Barb Youmans, ARVC, Sr. Director of Administration &

Education. The new Outdoor Hospitality Education Program has five track levels beginning with Outdoor Hospitality Candidate, which offers start up entrepreneurs an opportunity to dive in and explore all the industry has to offer. The other levels include Outdoor Hospitality Associate, Generalist, Professional and Executive. Each level is specific to the experience and role involvement within the operation. “The greatest thing about this program is that it applies to park owners, paddle sport operators or adventure tour outfitters – whatever the involvement in outdoor hospitality, there’s a learning opportunity to be had by all.”In addition to the new education program, the OHCE also offers more affordable attendee rates compared to years past. “We wanted to make the conference more affordable to our members, especially our small and medium sized parks with 250 sites or less. If you’re a small or medium park, you can attend for as little as $379 (before the early bird rate expires August 31) for the first registrant and the rate drops to $339 for each additional person you bring from your park. Plus, we also offer discounts to those large

parks that bring multiple employees from their park,” said ARVC President & CEO, Paul Bambei.

The new rate structure encourages parks to bring more employees and coincides particularly well with the new education program which offers courses for every level of involvement in park operation. However, attendees must register by August 31 to take advantage of the discounted rates. The full-registration rate does not include any pre-conference events and the pre-

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Paul Bambei

conference events are sold as a la carte items.

ARVC encourages attendees to bring their families and extend their stay for a vacation in Savannah. With so much to see and explore, Savannah is the perfect getaway during the cold of winter. Everything from sandy white beaches, to Civil War history and haunted houses, Savannah’s southern charm will keep the whole family entertained. And for the first time, the conference is offering a Kids Camp so that mom and dad may participate in conference events while the kids enjoy supervised activities and fun! Shortly, we’ll be publishing the Kids Camp schedule of activities, which will be designed to entertain and educate children from preschool to teen.

However, the fun isn’t just for the kids – there are some exciting general sessions and evening activities planned, sure to captivate the interest of all conference attendees. The keynote address for the general session and opening luncheon will be offered by Tim Richardson on Wednesday, November 30th. Author of How to Tap into the Great Wealth of Brain Power! and the Putnam published book Transformation Thinking, Tim will show attendees how to think innovatively with their staff. He’ll provide tips and techniques to increase their personal brain power and become more reliable, responsible thinkers to benefit your park.

The fun doesn’t stop there either. Staying true to the traditions of the south, the Tuesday, November 29th evening Low Country Boil party will excite and

tantalize the taste buds of attendees as they dive into the delectable cuisine of the South. Attendees are encouraged to dress comfortably and come out in their Jimmy Buffet Parrot head shirts for an evening poolside and riverside. This evening affair lends itself nicely to a great networking opportunity for outdoor hospitality industry affiliates.

In addition to the great seminars, keynote address and fun evening activities, attendees will also be able to browse the 120,000 square foot expo hall in

search of the latest products, services and technologies to help their operation. Over 150 exhibitors will be displaying their newest additions. The Outdoor Hospitality Expo is a great opportunity for park operators and outdoor hospitality outfitters to find exactly what they’re looking for and make purchases for the upcoming year. The expo will open on Thursday, December 1st from 4pm-8pm and will re-open Friday, December 2nd from 9am – 2pm.

“We’re revving up our conference and creating an opportunity for the entire outdoor hospitality industry to participate. We are looking forward to bringing everyone together and I think we’ll see a more unified industry with some really cool developments as a result,” Bambei said.

For more information and to register early for the Early Bird discounted pricing, please visit www.arvc.org/outdoor-hospitality-conference.aspx or call 1-800-395-2267.

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Pine Acres Campground Resort has tents and places for outdoor fires, sure. But what really resonates on the property of 200 acres in Oakham is, surprisingly, luxury - and legacy.

The well-kept lakefront, RV rentals, heated pool, hiking trails and paddle boats are all managed by the second and third generations of the Packard family, who appear to have mastered the elusive work/family balance.

The 350-site campground is owned by Randy Packard, which he inherited from his parents, Frank "Kim" and Grace Packard. Kim and Grace originally bought the land in

the 1950s to build house lots. Several lots were already sold when the couple switched gears and decided to make the lakefront site a family campground instead, starting with just six campsites. Randy and his wife Denise, a former schoolteacher, bought the business from Kim in 1989. Computers were installed in 1992 and eventually - though she wanted no part of it initially - Grace became the best at online reservations.

"She had been using index cards to keep track," Randy said. Though she begrudgingly adjusted to the new system, Denise said, her mother-in-law became computer savvy

and her online reservations were always accurate with no mistakes.

PITCHING FORWARDDenise said the camp allowed her and Randy a place to work and not have to worry about child care. "That's how this all started," Denise said. "We saw it as a place to raise our children."

Denise is the company's treasurer. She and Randy previously owned an excavating firm together and collaborate on capital development projects on the site.

Now, their two daughters, son and son-in-law work in various capacities at Pine Acres as well.

Daughter Tessa Wisnewski, a CPA who worked at the Westborough-based accounting firm of Stowe & Degon before joining the family firm, is controller. Her brother Corey is a civil engineer by trade but helps out at the family business from time to time with IT and other projects. Another sibling, Jaclyn, now entering law school, has served as a campground merchandise buyer.

And the first generation still stays involved. Kim, now 87, keeps an RV on the site and uses a golf cart to get around the property. Grace passed away in 1999. His parents traveled extensively, said Randy, and Kim often surprises guests with talk of their home states when he sees their license plates.

"He'll often escort guests to their sites," Randy said.

Tessa's decision to work in the corporate world was encouraged by Randy and Denise, but her surprise decision to come back full time last year, the camp's 50th anniversary, thrilled her parents.

"It's very important to go out and see what you're interested in, and get a feel for some different things, and then you come back with a whole different perspective on it," Tessa said.

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ContinuedKEEPING THE PAST ALIVE

Tradition is everywhere at Pine Acres. The rustic, A-frame office building is Kim and Grace's former home. Photos of the family are prominently displayed along with current campground news and accolades.

Randy's office is his parents' former bedroom and Tessa's office was another bedroom. Denise has an enviable office in the former living room, which features floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Lake Dean.

Original antique Pine Acres signage co-exists with Wi-Fi accessible RVs. Kids can buy an old-fashioned bug net at the gift shop, or play in the arcade.

The Packards laugh at the misperception that family members who work for the family business somehow don't work as much.

"You're so proud, so you want to work so hard,"

Tessa said. Randy said the notion of second generations often losing family businesses was plenty of motivation for him to keep things running smoothly.

"Suddenly you've got responsibility, you've got employees, and their lives revolve around this whole thing too - I didn't want to [fail]," he said.

While 65-hour weeks are common in peak season, the off season allows for planning and projects.

The Packards often travel to visit other campgrounds and resorts but it's never really a break, they said. Denise said she's constantly looking for ideas of activities or amenities they could add to Pine Acres.

"You're always on," she said. "You're always looking for that something new we can bring back to our guests here." Article and Photo:www.wbjournal.com

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What all dads really want on Father’s Day is quality time with their families. And what better quality time is there than a weekend of camping in the great outdoors? With fuel prices falling and temperatures finally rising for the first time in 2011, there has never been a better time to plan an affordable camping trip for Dad’s Big Day. With thousands of campgrounds nearby (including more than 470 Kampgrounds of America parks in North America) you won’t have to go far to spend time roasting marshmallows and making memories. Campgrounds throughout the U.S. and Canada may have changed a lot since the last time you ventured out. While the more than 8,000 public and privately operated campgrounds in North America still have great spots to pitch your tent or set up your recreational vehicle, many (including KOAs) now offer camping with all of the comforts of home.

KOAs have rustic Kamping Kabins that offer electricity and beds for four. Just bring your cooler and sleeping bags and you’re in business. For campers looking for a few more comforts, many Kampgrounds of America facilities now have Lodges, complete with full bathrooms and kitchens (but you’re still welcome to cook using the outside barbeque or fire ring). Plan to start your new Father’s Day tradition this June 17-19 by taking your dad camping. Make your reservations today at www.KOA.com. There are many discount Hot Deals available for Fathers Day Weekend at your favorite KOA too at www.KOA.com. Share your favorite Father’s Day memory on KOA’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/KOAKampgrounds and you just might win two free nights of camping and a $200 Coleman gift card.

ORANGE BEACH, Ala. -- With economic recovery still slow, unemployment at 9.1 percent and last year marking the lowest total of property home sales since before 1963, Heritage Motor Coach Resort and Marina has managed to beat the odds.

Despite the economic challenges facing our nation as well as the devastating Gulf oil spill, which affected Alabama beaches, the luxury waterfront Class A resort has seen continued sales and rental growth in 2011.

The resort, opened in late 2009, features 79 units, each with its own customizable coach house, as well as 42 boat slips. In the last 18 months, nearly 60 percent of its available property has sold -- 46 units and 24 boat slips have been sold.

The average price point per unit is $225,000 with boat slips sold separately. The resort founder attributes the success to the resorts unique location and its focus on providing owners and visitors with special events and opportunities.

"Events are the key to success, especially with RVers being such a social crowd," said Duke Gibbs, owner and founder of Heritage Motor Coach Resort and Marina. "We focus the core of our

marketing efforts on providing owners and visitors with complimentary special events from onsite pool parties and BBQs to area attractions including sunset cruises and concerts."

During the recent Memorial Day holiday, Heritage Motor Coach Resort and Marina planned a special weekend for owners and visitors with complimentary events, including more than 100 people from the resort going to see the ZZ Top/Lynard Skynard concert. Thanks to a partnership with Prevost and Liberty Coach, the resort provided free transportation to and from the concert in a luxury Prevost Motor Coach. This resulted in the resort being 100 percent booked and selling seven units.

"Orange Beach is a growing beach community with white sand beaches, great restaurants and nightlife, but not over commercialized," Gibbs added. "Our great location coupled with Southern hospitality helps make the area and our resort a unique experience.

"The resort's rental program is also enjoying massive growth," he said. "From February to May 2011, rentals grew by 400 percent. The remainder of summer is booking up fast with 4th of July weekend almost sold out.

"We have about 10 units left for the Independence Day weekend," Gibbs explained. "Last summer we were dealing with the oil spill, so it is very exciting to know that there is renewed interest in our area. We are looking forward to being full and providing owners and visitors with a memorable summer vacation."

Heritage Motor Coach Resort and Marina is planning a fun-filled summer for its owners and guests with special events happening throughout the next few months. Events include Saturday Night Live on the Gulf, featuring live music and food from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. every Saturday, catered pool parties and BBQs.

Additionally, through a partnership with Wild Hearts Catamaran, the resort will be offering monthly two-hour sunset cruises with capacity for 60 guests. The resort is providing the first 20 people to register with

two complimentary tickets each.

All of the events are free for resort owners and visitors along with first class amenities including beautifully landscaped grounds, a marina, as well as a stunning clubhouse with infinity pool, hot tub and second story fire pit with a view of the Gulf, Gibbs explained.

About Heritage Motor Coach Resort and Marina

Heritage, a coastal, Class A motor coach resort, offers waterfront property with all of the first class amenities and features of a luxury beach resort. Located in Orange Beach, Ala., on Bayou St. John between Gulf Shores, Ala., and Pensacola, Fla., the resort's private marina offers easy boat access to the Gulf and to the Intracoastal Waterway. Each individually-owned motorcoach site has its own custom Coach House and boat slip.

http://www.jumpingpillowsusa.com/

It’s time to celebrate the special man in your life. June 17th-19th, let your favorite Jellystone Park campground make this Father’s Day one Dad will never forget. All across North America Yogi Bear™, Boo Boo™, Cindy Bear™ and Ranger Smith™ will be celebrating dads with contests, activities, music and crafts. Here’s a sample of your options: Enjoy Father’s Day Canadian style at the Niagara Falls Jellystone Park. The weekend prior to the holiday, June 10-12, offers kids the opportunity to create cards and crafts to present to their dads on the big day. Or visit on Father’s Day proper, when the campground holds Yogi Bear’s Birthday Party, with party games and cake and ice cream. We’re sure Yogi Bear will be happy to share his special day with Dad.

At our campground in CA, dads and kids can put each other to the test in a series of contests, including gunny sack races, three-legged races and the paddle boat slalom. There’s also craft time for making a special gift, a concert in the vineyard and a movie under the stars.

Dads eat breakfast free with the family at the Jellystone Park campground in Pelahatchie, MS. And with Yogi Bear’s Water Town, a sandy beach, mini golf and a 95-acre fishing lake, all onsite, he’s sure to have a relaxing weekend to remember.

And at our Columbia, SC campground, the whole family will love Friday’s Family Movie, special crafts kids can make for Dad, a fishing tournament, candy bar bingo and dads eat free at Sunday’s pancake breakfast.

WASHINGTON -- The recreation vehicle industry’s shipments are expected to total 260,200 units in 2011, a gain of 7.4 percent above the 2010 total of 242,300.

According to a new forecast by RV industry analyst Dr. Richard Curtin, released today at the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association’s (RVIA) Annual Membership Luncheon, shipments will rise to 270,900 units in 2012, a gain of 3.9 percent from the projected total for 2011.

“The RV market is expected to continue to grow at a reasonably robust pace, especially in view of the overall economic environment,” said Curtin during his presentation to RVIA members at RVIA’s annual Committee Week. Curtin is the director of consumer surveys at the University of Michigan, and he produces the monthly Index of

Consumer Sentiment.

“The ability to record consecutive annual gains in consumer sales against formidable headwinds underscores the appeal of the RV lifestyle,” he added.

The positive RV outlook is based on favorable economic factors that outweigh the negative, according to Curtin. Credit is now more available, jobs and incomes are increasing, and household wealth has improved. While negative economic factors such as stricter credit terms, higher levels of unemployment, and concerns about home prices will dampen future growth, the enduring strength of the RV lifestyle means that the industry will succeed in this difficult economic environment, said Curtin.

“The RV market is the envy of all competitors for recreational spending,” said Curtin. “The strong appeal

of the RV lifestyle surmounted the extraordinary toll that the Great Recession exacted on American families.”

Full revitalization of RV sales requires recognition of three key considerations, according to Curtin. First, consumers are reconsidering their spending and saving habits and will naturally gravitate toward products that provide an equivalent experience at a price that meets their new budget constraints.

Second, RV makers will need to take a “consumer-centric” approach to deliver the optimal mix of size, convenience and features to each market segment. And third, companies will have to be focused on delivering the

right selection of RVs at the right locations at the right time.

“Keeping inventories in line with sales is more important and more difficult when the recovery is slower and the pace more variable,” Curtin said.While the strong desire to own an RV indicates a positive future, the RV industry most be prepared for some volatility in the near future, according to Curtin.

“The next decade will see more rapid changes in RVs than in the past decade if the market is to fully regain and surpass prior peaks,” Curtin said.

“Although conventional and fifth-wheel trailers came to dominate the RV market in the past decade, motorhomes will regain some advantages as tow vehicles are downsized due to higher fuel costs and new energy regulations. All manufacturers will need to provide innovative solutions to maintain essential features while providing choices that fit more limited budgets,” he added.

LENHERTSVILLE, Pa. -- It might seem like filling up the 75-gallon gas tank on a 33-foot motor home would make John Shepherd grumble and curse -- and maybe rethink his vacation plans.

Not so -- not even with a gallon of gas costing $1 more than it did a year ago.

Shepherd, of Lenhertsville, Pa., is about to leave for a months-long trek from Pennsylvania to Alaska, and plans another lengthy jaunt early next year. Like a surprisingly large number of recreational-vehicle owners, he's unfazed by the $200-and-up cost of filling up his Fleetwood.

"If we were going in a car every night, you can expect to spend $120 for a motel room and meals," he said. "It's just a lifestyle. It's more convenient."

It's a piece of the summer economy that is just not that sensitive to gas-pump shock, it seems, though the deep recession did cut deeply into sales of RVs for two years before rebounding last year.

Nationally, more than half of RV owners surveyed this spring by the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association said they'll be going camping more often than last year, with many taking more frequent, shorter

vacations. Just 9 percent said they'll go camping less this summer.

And the trade group expects overall RV sales to rise to 263,100 this year, up 8.6 percent. That's still a far cry from the 390,500 units sold before the crash in 2006 but is a nice rebound from the 165,700 units sold in 2009.

"When gas prices rise, they don't stop RVing," said RVIA President Richard Coon. "We will face some headwinds such as gas prices and uncertain economic factors, but overall, we have momentum now that will help us continue the recovery that began last year."

This comes as good news to local RV dealers and to the operators of RV campgrounds.

A strong summerDelaware's campgrounds -- public and private -- reported being at or nearly at capacity for the Memorial Day weekend with visitors from Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Maryland and are looking forward to a strong summer.

"They're still going camping, they're just not going as far," says George Kover, general manager at the Delmarva RV Center, which has two dealerships in Milford and Seaford.

Janice Kaspersen, the editor of Stormwater, in a blog dated May 24 of this year, presented information that should give all of us pause for thought.

She notes that the Mississippi flooding this year will possibly flood about 21,000 homes valued at $2.2 billion dollars. Of these homes, 4,500 are outside what FEMA has determined to be 100-year flood zones. FEMA regulations come into play in this matter.

Those homes that lie within 100-year flood zones must carry flood insurance if they have a mortgage, but flood insurance is optional for homes not in the flood zone.

About half of the 4500 homes outside the flood zone do not have flood insurance: not surprising since they are not in a flood zone! Never mind that they are flooded. Lawsuits are already being prepared against FEMA and/or the Corps of Engineers by some of the homeowners outside the flood zone that were flooded. This is because the

claim is being made that these homes were only flooded because the Corps of Engineers opened or blew up dikes in order to relieve flood pressure on larger cities.

What is important for all of us is this: typical home insurance does not include coverage for flood damage, only damage from rain, hail and leaks in the roof or structure.

Expensive or not, structures capable of being flooded need to be insured for flooding and flood damage unless the value of the structure is so low that the cost of insurance is not worthwhile. The obvious point is that nature, not FEMA, determines how high floodwaters will rise. Rainstorms and snowpack/snowmelt do not go by regulations, measurements or predictions.

When the water is high enough and swift enough it will go wherever it will go!

By Larry

Last fall, the Division of Environmental Protection, which runs Florida’s state parks, prepared a plan that would have closed 53 of them, including Washington Oaks Garden and Bulow Plantation ruins in Flagler County, to save money. Park supporters around the state and Florida Audubon mobilized. By the time Gov. Rick Scott announced his budget, closing parks was no longer in the works.

During the session, Sen. John Thrasher, who represents Flagler County, introduced a bill called the “Jack Nicklaus Trail.” Thrasher was proposing to contract with Jack Nicklaus to build at least five golf courses in state parks, along with hotels that would be exempt from local regulations, and with borrowed money that would be repaid presumably from park profits. The proposal

proved extreme even for the Republican-dominated Legislature. It failed.Efforts to privatize Florida’s public parks, if only in segments, continue.

The Division of Environmental Protection is proposing to partially privatize 56 parks, including Washington Oaks Garden State Park and Faver-Dykes State Park. The proposal is being submitted to the state Acquisition and Restoration Council next Friday (June 10) as an expansion of camping and RV opportunities at those sites. But the camping and RV sites would be built and operated by private companies.

The council is an 11-member panel with representatives from five state agencies who rank the state’s environmentally

sensitive land-acquisition priorities through the Florida Forever program. Florida Forever has essentially lost its funding, leaving the council to focus on its other mission: reviewing management plans for state parks and conservation lands.

Opening parks up to camping and RV sites falls under park management plans, which would have to be amended to enable the change. Those plans, called the “unit management plan,” are reworked every 10 years, with public hearings and involvement. Washington Oaks’ 10-year plan is about two years away from just such a review. DEP is asking the council to accelerate the process, though it would also make provisions for a public “meeting” at each affected park. The DEP’s proposal

does not specify a formal public hearing, though that may be a matter of semantics.

“The new facilities will be designed, constructed and operated by private entities selected through the department’s procedures for soliciting and contracting state park concession services,” the DEP’s summary proposal reads.Full Article:http://flaglerlive.com

Although May is officially Water Safety Month, it’s something we should practice year-round.

Check out these great water safety tips from the International Swimming Hall of Fame, and be sure to visit www.nationalwatersafetymonth.com for more great information and resources to keep your family safe and happy at home and on vacation.

• Teach children water safety and swimming skills as early as possible.• Always brief babysitters on water safety, emphasizing the need for constant supervision.• Appoint a “designated watcher” to monitor children during social gatherings at or near pools.• Equip doors and windows that exit to a pool area with alarms.• Install a poolside phone, preferably a cordless

model, with emergency numbers programmed into speed-dial.• Post CPR instructions and learn the procedures.• Keep rescue equipment poolside. Don’t wait for the paramedics to arrive because you will lose valuable life-saving seconds. Four to six minutes without oxygen can cause permanent brain damage or death.• Keep a first aid kit at poolside.• Install four-sided isolation fencing, at least five feet high, equipped with self-closing and self-latching gates, that completely surrounds the pool and prevents direct access from the house and yard.• Maintain constant visual contact with children in a pool or pool area. If a child is missing, check the pool first; seconds count in preventing death or disability.

• Don’t use flotation devices as a substitute for supervision. Never allow a young child in a pool without an adult.• Don’t leave objects such as toys that might attract a child in the pool and pool area.• Never prop the gate to a pool area open.• Don’t rely on swimming lessons, life preservers, or other equipment to make a child “water safe.”

• Never assume someone else is watching a child in a pool area.• Don’t leave chairs or other items of furniture where a child could use them to climb into a fenced pool area.• Don’t think you’ll hear a child who’s in trouble in the water; child drowning is a silent death, with no splashing to alert anyone that the child is in trouble.

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Pennsylvania has earned top national honors for its work to transform outdoor recreation planning and get residents to spend more time outdoors, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources said on Friday.

The state's five-year Statewide Outdoor Recreation Plan was honored as the best in the nation by the National Park Service and the National Association for Recreation Resource Planners at a

recent conference.

"We are very proud to receive this award recognizing our work," Department of Conservation and Natural Resources acting Secretary Richard J. Allan said. "Our plan is both unique and useful for DCNR and its partners as we work to encourage citizens to be active outside, develop a love and appreciation for nature, improve physical and mental health, and instill a conservation ethic."

Pennsylvania's five-year plan was released in Nov. 2009 to help policy-makers and communities deal with a changing population that is increasingly more urban, and whose children have been spending less time outdoors.

Four surveys supporting the plan showed that families are spending less time outdoors, children are more obese than ever before, and residents are calling for access to close-to-home recreation, walkable and bikable communities, protected lands and waters, and well-maintained park facilities.

The plan identified walking for pleasure or fitness as the most popular outdoor recreation activity in

Pennsylvania. Other popular activities include sightseeing and driving for pleasure, nature watching, swimming, picnicking and bicycling.

The plan outlines 28 program-oriented and five funding recommendations as action steps.

"Congratulations to the authors of Pennsylvania's outdoor recreation plan, which closely aligns with the federal America's Great Outdoors Initiative and its focus on conservation, recreation and connecting people to the great outdoors," said U.S. Department of the Interior acting Assistant Secretary Will Shafroth.

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November 6-9, 2011 (Expo on Nov. 9)South Point Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, NVContact: (406) 248-7444

November 11-12, 2011 On the InternetContact: (877) 901-3976

November 14-17, 2011Embassy Suites, Covington, KYContact: (513) 831-2100

November 28 – December 2, 2011Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort Spa & Savannah International Trade & Convention Center, Savannah, GAContact: (303) 681-0401

Representatives from the U.S. Department of the Interior and the National Park Service met with DCNR and outdoor recreation stakeholders in Harrisburg last week to identify top project-specific ideas where the state and federal governments might

work together on conservation, recreation and historic preservation efforts.

States must update outdoor recreation plans every five years in order to continue to be eligible for related federal dollars.

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Texas Advertising Inc. (TXAD) has recently purchased the guest guides and hosted websites operations from AGS, a subsidiary of Good Sam Enterprises, LLC. The switch occurred June 1st with no discontinuation of services.

“We’re excited by the opportunity to provide quality guest guides and website services to our new clients,” said Brian Schaeffer, President of Texas Advertising. Texas Advertising produces high-quality guest guides for RV parks and campgrounds around the country and Canada and website services for various types of small businesses.

According to Marcus Lemonis, CEO of AGS and Good Sam, "This is the best

possible situation for our guest guide and hosted website customers. Texas Advertising is a recognized market leader in the guest guide and hosted website market and will service our customers well. We will continue to focus more completely on expanding our leadership position in the RV market.”

For more information on either company you can visit TexasAdvertising.net or GoodSamClub.com

Additional inquiries about AGS - A division of Texas Advertising can be directed to Michael Moore, Michael@TexasAdvertising.net or 817-426-9395.

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