New Jersey Campground Operators Visited Campgrounds, Conducted Business, and Had Fun During NJCOA’s Annual Fall Tour and General Membership Meeting

New Jersey's Southern Shore Region was the 2024 Fall Tour destination.

Southern Shore Region, New Jersey -- September 24, 2024 -- Over 80 campground operators belonging to the New Jersey Campground Owners Association gathered in the Southern Shore vacation region to attend the annual NJCOA Fall Tour and General Membership Meeting, held September 17-19, 2024.

NJCOA Executive Director Joann DelVescio put together a robust schedule that included tours of 10 campgrounds, three special presentations, a shopping excursion, a tour and dinner at a Driftwood RV Center in Cape May Court House, a night-time mini-golf event, a fundraising auction, an awards presentation, and the annual meeting of the association.

"Campground operators are busy professionals with limited time," DelVescio said. "When we're able to gather we try to pack a lot into the agenda so we can get the most out of the opportunity to meet, mingle, learn, and share best practices."

DelVescio continues, "Last year we enjoyed the mountains of the Skylands Region. This year we spent time visiting the Southern Shore Region of New Jersey, known for its ocean-side beaches, and local breweries and vineyards. It is important for our members to experience the diversity of New Jersey's vacation regions and campgrounds so they can get ideas for their own campgrounds and make informed referrals to their campers on places to go."

During the September 17th lunch, attendees participated in a Q&A session with high-level representatives from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). The open dialogue focused mostly on park operators' concerns with water and sewer rules and regulations, and the permitting process.

Alexis Bailey briefs NJCOA members on legislative issues.

Nor'Easter Nick Pittman, a well-known New Jersey meteorologist and President & CEO of NorCast Media Group based in South Jersey, provided a humorous and educational talk about weather and forecasting during the September 17th dinner.

During the September 18th breakfast, NJCOA's lobbyist Alexis Bailey, an associate with Public Strategies Impact, highlighted governmental affairs and legislative activities that could impact the NJ outdoor hospitality industry. These include the state's tourism budget, a bill establishing an occupational heat stress standard and "Occupational Heat-Related Illness and Injury Prevention Program," and a bill prohibiting food service businesses from providing single-use plastic utensils and condiments to customers, except upon request, and requiring certain food service businesses to provide reusable, washable utensils to customers eating on site.

"Our lobbyist, Alexis, does an exceptional job advocating for our campgrounds and making sure we're well informed about issues that can both help and hinder our industry," said DelVescio. "We always look forward to her reports and enjoy working closely with her to make sure NJCOA is at the forefront of shaping New Jersey legislation."

A highlight of the tour was a stop at Little Hooves Farm at Ponderosa Campground in Cape May Court House. Attendees had a fun time visiting the farm animals that are rescues from all over the coast and learning how the facility cares for them through the generosity of donations.

During the association's annual meeting, NJCOA President Justin Crane announced award winners in the following categories as determined by the a panel of New Jersey tourism professionals:

Best Brochure: Kymer's Camping Resort, Branchville, NJ
Best Event: Tavern Night at Four Seasons Family Campground, Pilesgrove, NJ
Best Photo: Little Oaks Campground, Cape May Court House, NJ
Best Website: www.oceancitycampground.com, Ocean City Campground & Beach Cabins, Woodbine, NJ
Most Creative Activity: Human Soccer Balls at Little Oaks Campground, Cape May Court House, NJ

Winners of the 2024 NJCOA Marketing Awards.

NJCOA thanks the following campgrounds for hosting tours/meals:

Ocean View Resort Campground, Ocean View, NJ (host park, dinner host)
Sea Grove Camping Resort, Ocean View, NJ (lunch host)
Seaville Shores Trailer Park, Seaville, NJ
Little Oaks Campground, Cape May Court House, NJ (breakfast host)
Lake and Shore RV Resort, Ocean View, NJ (lunch host)
Ocean City Campground & Beach Cabins, Woodbine, NJ
Ocean Isle Camping Resort, Ocean View,
Sun Retreats Sea Isle, Clermont, NJ
Ponderosa Campground & Little Hooves Farm, Cape May Court House, NJ

NJCOA also thanks the sponsors that provided underwriting support for the Fall Tour and General Membership:

Acrisure (General Sponsor)
Northeast Campground Brokers (General Sponsor)
Eastern Vehicle Solutions (Tuesday Lunch)
Little Oaks Campground (Wednesday Breakfast)
Merchantry Tourism, LLC (Wednesday Breakfast)
Fine D. Zine (Wednesday Lunch)
Driftwood RV Center (Wednesday Dinner)
Leavitt Recreation & Hospitality Insurance (Thursday Breakfast)

NJCOA members gathered together at Lake & Shore RV Resort during the 2024 Fall Tour.

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