Come Kamp & Care With Us Weekend Up Nearly 10% from 2011

BILLINGS, MT (May 14, 2012) - Kampgrounds of America's popular Come Kamp &Care With Us Weekend May 11-12 hosted nearly 10 percent more campers this year than in 2011.

"A combination of great weather, stabilizing fuel prices and fun event planning by our campground owners really brought out the campers," said Mike Gast, Vice President of Communications for Kampgrounds of America Inc. "Of course, it's the official kickoff to KOA's 50th birthday, so that didn't hurt, either."

Participating KOAs throughout North America logged nearly 42,000 camper nights between last Wednesday and Sunday, a double-digit increase from Come Kamp & Care With Us Weekend 2011.

Nearly 400 of the 480 KOA campgrounds in North America participated in the 9th annual event, where campers received a free night of camping last Saturday if they stayed as paying guests on Friday.

According to Tim Chilson, Owner of Meadville KOA, “We raised $120 thanks to the generosity of our campers last weekend, but we’ll continue to raise funds all summer long.”  Meadville KOA Campground hosted a coloring contest, where the entrance fee went to the Care Camps, “robbed the kiddie train” (exchanged coins the children had for candy), and held BINGO games and 50/50 drawings where the proceeds went to care camps as well.  “We’ll have the collection jar out all summer,” Chilson said, “And we’ll continue to run 50/50 raffles all summer to benefit Care Camps.  It’s a great way to send children with cancer to camp and allow them to enjoy the healing nature of camping.  It’s a great cause and a great way to give back to our local communities.”

The annual event also serves as the largest single fundraiser for KOA Care Camps for children with cancer, the official charity of KOA and the KOA Owner's Association. KOA Care Camps is a network of 44 specialized summer camps that provide a free summer camp experience for children with cancer and their siblings.

Donations are still being counted from this year's fundraising efforts, but last year, KOA campers helped raise more than $500,000 to benefit the charity.

"Come Kamp & Care With Us Weekend isn't just the official start of the summer camping season," said Gast, "It's also a pretty good indicator of how things might look for the rest of the summer."

Advanced reservations for the summer months at KOA are running ahead of last year. The increase in KOA's inventory of Deluxe Cabins, which feature full bathrooms and kitchens, is also fueling increased camping by bringing in new campers who value the comforts Deluxe Cabins offer.

"The public's desire to reconnect to the outdoors is certainly increasing," Gast said. "Camping is the perfect, affordable answer."

Protect Your Family & Pets from Ticks!

Spring and summer are great times to go camping!  No doubt about it, we all look forward to being outdoors and going camping, hiking, fishing, and more!  But, we also need to know how to protect or families and pets from ticks whether it’s at a campground, a local park, or our own backyards.  

The month of May is traditionally Lyme Disease Awareness and Prevention Month, however, there have already been reports by experts in Pennsylvania on GoErie.com that our tick season is off to an early start from our unusually mild winter.  The early start of tick season also appears to be true for other states as well.  Tick season has been reported in multiple places in the Eastern US to be somewhere between 4-6 weeks ahead of normal and at much heavier amounts than normal.  Unfortunately, none of those places hold monopoly on ticks, so whenever or wherever you’re outdoors you’re exposure is increased.  So we thought it might be a good idea to explain how they get on you, and what you can do to prevent it! 

Ticks don’t fly or jump.  They climb up and hang onto low-hanging vegetation and when we walk by or ride a bicycle by they stick out their hook-like claws and latch on and then they climb up on us.  So the best way to avoid tick bites, of course, would be to stay in areas where the vegetation is open or maintained below ankle height.

It’s a good idea, where possible to stay on walking trails that are mowed and if you're out hiking avoid vegetation brushing against your legs. That's not always possible, so experts recommend that people, if possible, wear long-legged pants, wear socks, and tuck your pant legs in your socks to prevent the ticks from getting on your legs.  It’s also a good idea to treat your socks and pants legs up to the knee if you're wearing long pants with products that contain DEET or Permethrin, which are probably the two best tick repellents.  And when you’re applying repellents, target your feet, legs, waistline, but always follow the directions for the repellent very carefully, especially when applying repellents to children.  It is not suggested that repellants be applied directly to the skin.  Remember, that anything applied to your skin is absorbed into your body.  So it’s a good idea to minimize that exposure to your kin.

Along with showering and a change of clothing after coming inside, experts encourage us to perform routine checks for ticks on ourselves and other family members including pets. If a tick is spotted, they recommend a person remove the tick from their skin as soon as possible with tweezers.  (There are websites that show you how (like at: http://www.lyme.org/removal.html.)

But preventing ticks from getting on our family is only a portion of the story.  We also need to apply preventative measures on our pets to curb ticks from being tracked indoors.  Most experts recommend that you contact your vet. They make several different types of medicines for flea/tick preventative treatments like Frontline.  It is placed on the nap of the neck and the body takes it in and it starts getting rid of things. And there are dips that may be used, but they can affect animals in different ways.  The decision of what to use is based on the pet’s age.  So, the best idea is to consult your vet and ask them to review the options with you, and make a recommendation to you based on your pet and circumstances.

Ticks can cause tick paralysis. If your pet is covered in ticks, they could contract tick paralysis, which as the name suggests causes severe paralysis, and can be fatal if left untreated.  We surely don’t want our pets to suffer that fate.

Referred to as "little vampires," because they require a continual intake of blood to survive and reproduce, experts urge the public to take precaution because tick-borne illnesses can have severe, if not deadly, affects if gone unnoticed.  If the tick is infected with Lyme Disease, and the pet brings it in the house and drops the tick off, the tick can then bite and infect your family members with Lyme Disease. 

According to the PA Department of Health, we can also use landscaping techniques to create a tick-safe zone around homes, parks, and recreational areas. The ticks that transmit LD thrive in humid wooded areas, and quickly die in sunny dry areas. Here are some simple landscaping techniques they recommend to help reduce tick populations.

(1) Remove leaf litter and clear tall grasses and brush around homes and edges of lawns.

(2) Place wood chips or gravel between lawns and wooded areas to restrict tick migration to recreational areas.
(3) Mow the lawn and clear brush and leaf litter frequently.
(4) Keep the ground under bird feeders clean.
(5) Stack wood neatly and in dry areas.
(6) Keep playground equipment, decks and patios away from yard edges and trees.
(7) Ticks that transmit LD can be found on deer, therefore:
(a) Do not feed deer on your property.
(b) Construct physical barriers to discourage deer from entering your yard.
(c) Check with garden centers, nurseries, or local extension agents to learn about deer-resistant plants.
(8) Bait boxes that treat wild rodents with acaracide (insecticide that kills ticks) are available for home use. Properly used, these boxes have been shown to reduce ticks around homes by more than 50%. The treatment is similar to control fleas and ticks on pets.

And, while current stats show that the Western PA new cases are on average lower than the eastern and central part of the state, we need to be diligent to keep it that way by protecting our family and pets by following these simple practices!   

By Robyn Chilson

Tim & Robyn Chilson own and operate Meadville KOA Campground in Meadville, PA.  Robyn can be reached at 814-789-3251 or at www.MeadvilleKOA.com

What about Seasonal Camping makes it so special and affordable?

As spring arrives, you and your family are either dying to get out camping for the first time this season or for the first time in your new RV!  As your thoughts begin to turn to summer and camping, why not consider a camping vacation all summer long instead of just a few times this summer?  Here are some tips on why seasonal camping at Meadville KOA Campground makes sense for your family!

There is convenience!  Camping is a lot of fun for the whole family, but let’s face, there’s work involved too.  You have to pack, hook-up, tow, unhook, set up camp, tear down camp, hook-up, tow, unhook, and unpack.  Seasonal campers don’t have to do all that.   You get to spend a lot more time camping and enjoying your free time you’re your family and a whole lot less time working! 

Save money!  Several studies have documented that camping is the least expensive way to vacation with your family.  Take that thinking one step further and you will see why seasonal camping is the least expensive way to vacation with your family all summer long!  A seasonal campsite costs less then one week long vacation at a resort.  So why not enjoy your RV every weekend, all summer long, for less than the price of one vacation?  Now that’s being a thrifty shopper!  And if you have a week or two of vacation, you can spend that at the campground too!  It’s a great savings! 

Shorter Commute!  Towing creates wear and tear on your RV, your tow vehicle, and on you, the driver!  There are also fuel and maintenance costs associated with weekend travel.  So unless your family is determined to try a new place each weekend, why not camp at Meadville KOA Campground for the whole summer?  The money you save in wear and tear, and by not towing will more than offset your extra expenditures on gas to get you back and forth each weekend!  And we do the mowing, so you have more time to relax and enjoy your family! 

The Price is right!  When you compare unlimited camping rates to overnight camping, the discount you get by being a seasonal camper is huge!  Most campgrounds provide similar services and activities, but ask about extras!  Some campgrounds provide all inclusive seasonal rates and some do not.  Make sure you know exactly what your expenses will be before you sign that Seasonal Camping Agreement!   When you do the math, you’ll find that the price is right at Meadville KOA Campground!    

Think Location, Location, Location.  Choose a campground within a couple of hours of where you live.  Your more like to get more the most use of your RV, and it’ll cost you less time and gas to get there.  That said, a little longer commute may provide you even bigger savings in a lower seasonal camping rates!  Come ask about our Seasonal Campsites and see what we can provide your family!          

What park type fits your family’s needs?  That means that if you’re looking for a family campground, make sure the place you’re becoming a seasonal isn’t a party haven!  Can you count on them to provide fun, family oriented activities for the entire family?  Are there fun things to do that will keep the kids or grandkids busy and having fun?  Does your prospective campground provide them at no additional cost or are there extra fees?  Again, make sure you know those details.  When you do, we think Meadville KOA will provide you the family amenities you want, at a price you can afford!

Meet new people!  Seasonal campers are like a small community.  They become friends, hang out, play cards or yard games, have group campfires, their children become friends, and much more!  Many volunteer to help with activities and events and bring lots of fun to their camping environment in a family-friendly way!  What a great way to meet new people and make new friends!  We have a lot of great families who camp with us at Meadville KOA!    

Make the right choice!  The closer you camp to where you live the better it is!  That is how you’ll get the most use out of your RV!  But remember, the experience isn’t just something, it’s everything!  It’s much better to drive a little further for that higher rating or those award-winning activities!  Don’t sacrifice quality for closer.  This is just another reason why you have the opportunity to camp at one of the nationtion's 44 top rated campggrounds right here in Northwestern PA at the Meadville KOA!   

Seasonal camping maximizes your summer vacation time and use of your RV while minimizing your expenses!  It can provide your family a summer full of fun, family oriented camping experiences for about the same price as one vacation!  Make sure you take a little time to consider this idea, and how it can help your family get the biggest bang for your buck this summer!  Then, we hope you’ll start by looking right here at Meadville KOA Campground!  Tim and I are looking forward to talking with you and showing you all the fun events and activities we’ve already planned for this summer! 

By Robyn Chilson

Tim & Robyn Chilson own and operate Meadville KOA Campground in Meadville, PA.  Robyn can be reached at 814-789-3251 or at www.MeadvilleKOA.com

RV DEALERS & CAMPGROUND OWNERS PRESENT $500 OF FREE CAMPING TO CONTEST WINNER!

(Shown in photo above from front left is B&R staff Kathi Wahl and Sam Edwards and owner Bob Wolf II, kneeling are happy winners John & LuAnn Vantine of Butler, and from right to left are campground owners Denny & Kathy Quigley of Yogi Bear at Kozy Rest Kampground in Harrisville, Tim Chilson of Meadville KOA (Formally Brookdale Campground), Rick & Deb Yeager from Rose Point Park in New Castle, Ed Tanski of Buttercup Woodlands Campground in Renfrew, and Chuck Rupp of Nautical Mile Campground and Marina.)

Butler, PA: The $500.00 winner of the 2011 Very Special Camper Contest drawing was John & LuAnn Vantine of Butler, PA!  John and his wife, Luann were presented $500.00 in free camping gift certificates on Thursday at B& R RV in Butler! 

This year’s winner, LuAnn Vantine said, “This is amazing!  We’ve never won anything before!  Why wouldn’t everyone buy an RV from these dealers?  They should.  We camped all summer at half price because we bought a new RV from B&R because of the VSC program coupon!  We’re just thrilled that we won another $500.00 of camping for this next year!  In addition, B&R presented us with another $100.00 gift certificate.  This is just unbelievable and wonderful!” 

Campgrounds and RV dealers from Western PA partnered together to provide potential new RV owners over $500.00 of free camping when they bought a new RV from one of the 7 participating dealers in 2011!   

The participating Western PA RV dealers for 2011: Hufnagel & Majors in Harmony, Fame RV Center in Saegertown, Clem’s Trailer Sales in Ellwood City, Starr’s Trailer Sales Brockway, Boyer RV Center in Erie, Brooks Camper Sales Connellsville, B & R Campers Sales in Butler.

The participating Western PA campgrounds were Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Kozy Rest Kampground Harrisville, Kalyumet Camping & Cabins in Cook Forest, Rose Point Park Cabins & Camping in New Castle, Meadville KOA at Brookdale Family Campground in Meadville, Vacationland Campground in Sandy Lake, Farma Family Campground in Greenville, Shenango Valley RV Park in Transfer, Pineview Campground in Linesville, Nautical Mile Campground & Marina in Templeton, Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park in Mill Run, Buttercup Woodlands Campground in Renfrew, Campers Paradise Campground in Sigel, Sparrow Pond Family Campground in Waterford, Bear Run Campground in Portersville, Peaceful Valley Campground in                       West Sunbury, River’s Edge Camping & Cabins in Connellsville, Harts Content Campground in Beaver Falls, Harecreek Campground in Corry, and Friendship Village Campground in Bedford.

The program, according to the program organizer Denny Quigley of Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Kozy Rest Kampground, is continuing for its fourth consecutive year in 2012.  Quigley stated, “We’ve added even more campgrounds to the offer!  If you are planning to purchase an RV in 2012, you can get more information from any of the participating dealers who will be proudly displaying the VSC Contest Flyer for 2012, or any of the PCOA participating campgrounds from Regions 1 and 2 which can be found at www.PACamping.com.” 

In 2012, each purchase of a new RV from one of the participating RV dealers entitles the new RV owner to one free night of camping for their family of four, from all of the 23 participating Western Pennsylvania Campgrounds and RV Parks.  That’s an over $600 value in free camping being offered! 

In addition, any camper who stays at 8 or more of the 23 participating Campgrounds and RV parks and submits their entry, will be entered in a drawing to receive an additional $500.00 in Pennsylvania Campground Owner’s Association (PCOA) Gift Certificates, which can be used at any www.PACamping.com campground across the state! 

Next year’s winner’s photo could be your family if you buy an RV in 2012 from one of the participating dealers listed above, camp at least 8 of the 23 participating campgrounds, and then submit your completed entry form for the drawing!  It could be your family that wins another $500 in free camping for 2013! 

By Robyn Chilson

Tim & Robyn Chilson own and operate Meadville KOA.  Robyn can be reached at 814-789-3251 or at www.MeadvilleKOA.com. 

RV Shows & RV Dealers Report Continued Growth for Third Year!

In a September 2009, Marketplace radio show transcribed in The Daily RV Industry article, "Experts Look to RVing as Economic Indicator”, Mac Bryan, Vice President of the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association stated, “When you look at traditional leading economic indicators such as housing starts, money supply, that’s about where you find the recreation vehicle sales begin to turn. And that’s both going into and out of recession.”   

RV Shows have posted record attendance increases over the last three years.  Could this be an indication that the economy has turned the corner and improvement in on the horizon?

According to the Ohio RV Super Show Terry Messersmith, the January show attendance in 2011 was up over 32% from 2010!  2012 was up another 6% again from 2011!  Making 2012 the third year in a row that the show has posted increases in attendance.    

The Original Pittsburgh RV Show posted record attendance numbers it’s opening weekend of the RV Show according to promoter Rob Young.  “The Pittsburgh RV Show set opening weekend attendance records!”  Rob stated, “We had over a 36% increase in attendance over last year’s opening weekend, which also makes it a record-setting first weekend's attendance!  Overall, the RV Show attendance was the best in years!”  

According to the owner of Anderson’s Brochure Distributions Joe Tice, “Reported attendance is up again and sales of RV's seem to be brisk, according to dealers. The camping public still seems to be concerned about gas prices - the enthusiasm is still there, but the ability/desire to travel longer distances is tempered by the price of gas. We are getting more questions about Seasonal Campsite prices this year.  Distribution is again very strong and all shows have been excellent in regard to distribution.  New to the schedule was Toronto and Atlanta - and both were fantastic. We did Atlanta for free because it was new (to Anderson's) and somewhat experimental - the result was attendance at roughly 17,000 and distribution above expectations.  Another new show for Anderson's is Boston and I received a text this morning that said the line to enter the show is stretching around the block with an estimate of 30,000 expected in 4 days.  In my opinion, the light at the end of the recession tunnel can be seen, which bodes well for the campground community.”

According to Tom Shearer of Erie Promotions reported that like the other reports, the Erie RV Show at the Bayfront convention Center posted an increase in attendance in 2011 as well.  2012 was even with 2011, despite a snow storm that crippled travel with multiple accidents that closed I79 North and other highways on Saturday.  Shearer said, “We believe that this show continues to grow because the setting is perfect for families.  Parking is free, and the low entrance fee makes it affordable for people to attend and bring their children with them.” 

Randy Giancola of Clem’s RV & Trailer Sales in Ellwood City, RV reported in 2010 that his sales had increased 45% from 2009.  In 2011 Giancola reported another increase of 30% from 2010.  2012 sales were up 20% too or more! 

We also asked Dick Bidwell of Fame RV Sales in Saegertown, PA if they had any similar experiences.  Bidwell reported, “Our demographics in the last couple of years shows an increase of younger families purchasing RVs.  It appears to be a growing trend.  People are buying smaller, lighter weight RVs that affordable to buy and tow.” 

Both Bidwell and Gianola reported that they were seeing good results from the free camping offer that resulted from the Western PCOA Campgrounds partnering with RV Dealerships to provide new RV buyers up to $800.00 value of free camping when they purchase a new RV from one of the participating dealerships in 2012!  Bidwell went on to add that when they review the details of the free camping offer to the buyers, that they are thrilled with the added benefit of the program. 

According to Dennis Quigley, Owner of Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Kozy Rest Kampground and VSC Contest Organizer, “The program has worked very well at both promoting sales at the participating dealerships and at bringing campers to the participating campgrounds!  It’s a great way for us to introduce our parks to new RV buyers or to thank our existing campers for their continued patronage of our campgrounds!”  (Details of the free camping giveaway offer can be found at: http://www.meadvillekoa.com/Discounts.html).

When asked about why the attendance at RV Shows and sales of RV’s appearing to be up over the last couple of years, Tim Chilson, PCOA Region 1 Director and Owner of Meadville KOA stated, “People are getting the message that family camping experiences are both fun and affordable.  Camping provides a fun family experience that families don’t get with their hectic work, school, and sports schedules.  Chilson went on to add, “Families are increasingly trying cabin camping.  As the number of people camping in cabins increases, they quickly realize how much fun and how affordable camping is, and that it doesn’t require “roughing it”.  Many campgrounds are now offering full service cabins which provide luxury vacations at family affordable prices!  Cabins sell people on owning an RV of their own.”

Whatever the reason may be, RV sales were up in 2010, 2011, and it appears that they are  even better in 2012!  That continues to be a good sign for the economy, RV dealers, Campgrounds, and the families we serve.          

By Robyn Chilson
Tim & Robyn Chilson own and operate Meadville KOA.  Robyn can be reached at 814-789-3251 or at www.MeadvilleKOA.com.

It’s RV Show Season!

RV Shows are a great place to begin your search for local reputable RV dealers.  RV Shows in this area are scheduled for January & February when dealerships are slow. 

RV Shows provide you the opportunity to see newest models and talk to dealerships that you may not have heard of, and reduce your expenses and time by not having to drive to different dealerships.  As a customer you can see and compare prices, brands, layouts, and more with one stop shopping.  However, there is always a huge range of quality & prices.  So when comparing units, make sure you’re comparing the prices of like models of differing brands.  One RV may look like another one, but you need to compare the options, construction, equipment, and features they both have to offer. See who offers the best deal but remember if the dealer isn’t reputable or isn’t equipped to work on the RV, or is located too far away to conveniently return the RV for service, your purchase may not turn out to be the best deal.  Don’t be afraid to talk with other RVers at the show. Many of these people have years of RV experience and knowledge of different products and dealerships.  Most will be honest and tell you when and where they’ve gotten the best deals & service.        

Buying an RV from a local reputable dealer insures you the best possible service, convenience, and shortest distance to travel for maintenance, repairs, & warranty work. 

It is always a good idea to visit the dealership’s physical location before you buy, check out their service department, service hours, etc.  In addition, many RV dealers offer show discounts and sometimes manufacturer rebates are available.  So not only do you save money with the one stop shopping, but there are huge savings in the purchase prices!

Show specials also sometimes include discounts or coupons from campgrounds.  So, your new RV sometimes comes with savings to use it, too!

For more information about local RV Dealers who have partnered with campgrounds in Western PA who offer $500.00 in free Camping and a chance to win another $500 of free camping with the purchase of a new RV in a Very Special Camper (VSC) Contest, visit our website at:  http://www.meadvillekoa.com/Discounts.html

RV shows aren’t just for RV dealers to showcase new and used RVs.  RV shows offer a wealth of information on the whole RVing industry.  Most campgrounds & RV resorts are slow or closed for the winter.  RV shows allow campgrounds to showcase new activities, special events, new amenities & long-term (sometimes called seasonal camping) availability to potential campers.  Make sure you stop by their booths and find new places to explore and exciting things to do with your family this summer!   

You can also find information for aftermarket RV products, RV accessories, RVing insurance, Camping or RVing Clubs, Discount Clubs, pick up brochures, camping directories for your state and more! 

Even if you don’t intend to by an RV, you can learn about cabin camping!  Many people think of camping as ‘roughing it” with a tent, the ground, the rain, and a less than pleasurable “vacation”.  This is no longer the case.  For the price of a motel room, most campgrounds are now supplying cabins.  Prices vary by campground and the amenities offered.  Camping cabins are generally the least expensive.  They are generally one room with beds and a table.  Cottage Cabins may offer kitchenettes, or a few more amenities, and camping lodges are deluxe facilities with full kitchens and bathrooms.  So, there is no need to own an RV!  You can enjoy the luxury of RVing with a camping vacation in a cabin and not miss any of the campground recreation programs and planned activities! 

Why not pack up the family for a fun winter-day activity and attend one of the local RV shows in your area.  Invite a friend to come along, and enjoy a day of looking forward to a summer camping season filled with friends & fun at these RV Shows: 

Ohio RV Super Show, January 4 – 8, at the I-X Center, Cleveland, OH.  Show Hours: Wed. – Fri. 1 pm to 10 pm, Sat. 10 am to 10 pm, and Sunday 10 am to 6 pm.  Ticket Pricing: Admission is $12.50/person.  Children 12 & under are free, and you can get a 2-Day pass for $20.00.  $2.00 discounts coupons for admission are available on their website at:  http://www.ohiorvshow.com/!

Pittsburgh RV Show January 14 - 22  At David Lawrence Convention

Center, Pittsburgh, PA!  Show Hours: Saturdays: 10 am - 9 pm, Sundays: 10 am - 5 pm, Monday through Friday: 5 pm - 9 pm.  Ticket Pricing: $10.00 for Adults, $9.00 Senior (55+), $8.00 Children under 13,  One dollar off Discount Coupons are available online at http://www.pittrvshow.com/pages/home.php!  For More Information Call (724) 446-1046.  We're raffling off FREE Tickets on our facebook Page!  "Like" us at www.facebook.com/MeadvilleKOA 

Erie RV Show Feb 9-12 At the Bayfront Convention Center, Erie, PA!  Show Hours: Thursday 2 pm to 8 pm, Friday Noon to 8 pm, Saturday 10 am to 7pm, and Sunday 10 am to 5 pm.  General Admission: Adults $4.00, Children 10 & Under Free, and FREE PARKING!  More info online at: http://www.sportandtravelexpo.com/rv/homepage.aspx

 

We invite you to attend any and all of these RV Shows!  Stop by the Meadville KOA Campground booth and tell us hello, and that you received your invitation from my blog!  We hope to see you there!    

By Robyn Chilson

Tim & Robyn Chilson own and operate Meadville KOA Campground.  Robyn can be reached at 814-789-3251.  Kampgrounds of America, celebrating its 50^th Anniversary in 2012, is now the world’s largest system of open-to-the-public family campgrounds.