In the recent episode of MC Fireside Chats, host Brian Searl of Insider Perks initiated a rich discussion focusing on Campground Hunters, marking the third episode dedicated to this theme. He welcomed distinguished guests: Candice from Staylist, Scott Knepp from IVEE Management Group, Gwynn from Care Camps, and Erin Thiem from In Town Campground and Erin Thiem from Inn Town Campground
Gwynn shed light on the noble cause of Care Camps, elucidating its mission to support children with cancer. As Care Camps prepares to celebrate its 40th anniversary, she acknowledged the continuous support it has garnered from the campground and RV industry.
Meanwhile, Erin Thiem narrated her unique journey of establishing Inn Town Campground in Northern California. She accentuated the essence of effective storytelling and branding in crafting an inviting ambiance for customers. Her efforts haven't gone unnoticed, as her campground recently clinched the title of "USA Today 10 Best RV Park Campground."
Mark and Melanie took the audience through the transformative journey of Willow Lake Campground in Ontario. Their narrative emphasised fostering community relationships and continuously rejuvenating the campground's image in alignment with guest feedback.
On the other side of the spectrum, Scott Neff from IVEE Management Group shared his managerial perspective, underscoring the significance of optimising guest experience and ensuring a robust return on investment.
The conversation was interwoven with themes of leveraging data for strategic decisions, understanding operational challenges, and the pivotal role of community building in campgrounds. A special segment was dedicated to Care Camps, highlighting its origin as a grassroots effort by KOA campground owners. Today, Care Camps stands tall, financing over 120 camps with diverse programs, significantly impacting thousands of children and families.
In a heartwarming video segment, individuals named Ian, Ben, and Abby recounted their personal cancer battles and the solace they found in attending the camps. They termed their experiences as "happiness medicine," emphasizing the camps' role in providing a haven where children feel accepted and cherished, coining the term "camp magic" to describe this unique aura.
The post-video dialogue was emotionally charged. Brian and Scott, deeply moved, reinforced the importance of Care Camps. Gwynn expressed gratitude for showcasing the video, underlining the mission and profound impact of Care Camps. Candice resonated with the cause, suggesting technological integrations to facilitate donations. Brian and Gwynn then delved into enhancing guest experiences in tandem with supporting Care Camps, emphasizing the role of awareness in their mission.
Brian spotlighted the fundraising milestones achieved at the KOA auction for Care Camps. He also expressed his intent to utilize any unsold inventory on Modern Campground to promote Care Camps. Gwynn acknowledged the trials faced by Care Camps in recent times but remained steadfast in her commitment to the cause.
Erin, Mark, and Melanie directed listeners to their respective campground websites. Gwynn's final note was an invitation to engage with Care Camps on social media and to stay updated through their monthly newsletters. The episode culminated in a wave of gratitude and positive sentiments.
