Great Outdoors 2004 Celebrates Contributions to Health, Quality of Life

American Recreation Coalition’s (ARC) Great Outdoors Week celebrations and events, Monday through Friday, June 7-11, will once again coincide with RVIA’s Committee Week meetings in Washington, D.C., offering members numerous opportunities to participate. Great Outdoors Week 2004 will highlight the invaluable contributions active outdoor recreation makes to Americans’ health and quality of life.

The week will include events hosted by more than 20 federal agencies and national organizations. Public/private cooperative ventures - from Take Pride in America to WOW-Wonderful Outdoor World - will be highlighted, along with presentations of key awards including the Sheldon Coleman Great Outdoors Award, ARC’s Legends Awards to top federal recreation program officials, and best practices awards by the Coalition for Recreational Trails and the States Organization for Boating Access.

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Great Outdoors Week 2004 will begin with a Monday, June 7 afternoon meeting of the new Outdoor Recreation Technology Task Force and briefing on exciting new opportunities to enhance and manage recreation on public lands through technology. This will be followed by a reception overlooking Washington’s famed memorials, hosted by the Department of the Interior. The opening celebration will be co-sponsored by the American Recreation Coalition, RVIA, RVDA and the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds.

On Tuesday, June 8 activities will begin with a new event honoring best projects funded under the Wallop-Breaux program that enhance access to the nation’s public waters for anglers and boaters. "Best Practices" recognition will continue with an awards program hosted by ARC and the Coalition for Recreational Trails.

Tuesday evening will feature the presentation of the 16th Sheldon Coleman Great Outdoors Award at Potomack Landing along the Potomac River. The recreation community’s most prestigious honor, the award recognizes an individual whose personal efforts have enhanced the nation’s outdoor recreation resources and opportunities. Past honorees include RVIA President Dave Humphreys, former transportation secretary Rodney Slater, U. S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta, and President George Bush.

Wednesday, June 9 activities commence with a briefing on coordination of federal recreation programs by agency leaders and the presentation of ARC’s Legends Awards. Wednesday will also include the June Recreation Exchange, which will highlight the key link between health and participation in active recreation. The Surgeon General of the United States has been invited to be the guest speaker.

The afternoon will include an open house and activity showcase by the USDA Forest Service recreation staff, including discussions of plans for the agency’s centennial celebration in 2005. An evening event will focus on the Lewis and Clark Expedition Bicentennial Commemoration.

Thursday, June 10 ARC will honor the Take Pride in America program with a day of volunteerism by recreation community leaders and others on public lands along the Potomac River. The day will also continue the tradition of showcasing WOW-Wonderful Outdoor World and its nationwide efforts to introduce urban youth to the Great Outdoors. The day of service will conclude with a gathering of all volunteers for the popular Great Outdoors Week ice cream social.

Friday, June 11 will continue to highlight the contributions of recreation to the nation’s health and how enjoyable recreational activities readily qualify as the daily physical activity identified as vital to our health by the Surgeon General. A VIP-led walk on the National Mall will begin at the U.S. Department of Agriculture at 8 a.m. It will be open to recreation community leaders as well as representatives of segments of the American public most challenged in meeting minimum physical activity levels. RVIA members will be provided shuttle service from the Willard Inter-Continental Hotel to the Department of the Interior for the opening reception on June 7. Those wishing to attend the June 8 Sheldon Coleman Awards celebration must register with ARC by calling (202) 682- 9530. Additional details on Great Outdoors Week 2004, including other opportunities to be part of the excitement, can be found at www.funoutdoors. com.

RVRA Members Expect 34% Increase in RV Rentals This Year

RV rental companies are extremely optimistic about the outlook for motorhome and travel trailer rentals this summer and throughout 2004. RV rental activity is expected to rise an average of 34 percent this year, according to a new survey of RV Rental Association (RVRA) members.

“This may be one of strongest seasons ever for RV rentals,” said RVRA Chairman Bert Alanko. “RVRA members report strong advance booking for the summer as more families, couples, and seniors discover that RV rentals are an ideal way to visit North America’s greatest destinations.”

Type C (mini-motorhomes) are the most popular type of rental RV, followed by Type A motorhomes, and towable RVs (folding camping trailers/travel trailers). RV rental companies are adding capacity and report the average rental fleet size is expected to increase by 18 percent.

The survey also shows that more than 84 percent of RV rental companies rent for more than 10 months a year. RV rentals by foreign visitors are expected to make up 13 percent of all North American RV rentals in 2004.

The big demand for RV rentals makes it a good idea for prospective travelers to book as far in advance as possible, according to Alanko. “Although the survey shows that rental companies have added RVs to their fleet, people should make plans now for their RV vacation so they can get the type of RV they want, on the days they want it,” he said.

Consumers looking to take an RV vacation this year can visit www.rvra.org Web site to help them plan their adventure. The online directory is a state-by-state listing of more than 300 rental companies across the U.S., and also includes listings from Canada. The site features consumer tips on renting -- including advice on driving an RV, selecting the proper unit, and understanding rental agreements.

RV renters can also get a free CD-rom or video on RV travel by calling 888-GO-RVING or by visiting the www.gorving.com Web site. The CD-rom/video contains useful introductory information on the type of RV units available.

RVRA is the rental division of the Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA), the national association representing RV retailers. The association’s members include RV dealers, RV rental operations, and RV AfterMarket locations.

RVDA Education Foundation’s RV Learning Center Scholarship Recipients Selected

The RVDA Education Foundation’s RV Learning Center Scholarship program, made possible through the generosity of the Newt and Joanne Kindlund Family, has selected two outstanding students receive $2,500 scholarships to support their higher education goals. The scholarship winners for the 2004-2005 year are Kimberly Dixon of Smyrna, DE and Kelcey Wallender of Grand Forks, ND.

Kimberly Dixon, a second time RV Learning Center scholarship recipient, attends the University of Delaware. She is sponsored by Parkview RV in Smyrna, DE. Dixon is currently an English major with a concentration in business courses.

Kelcey Wallender is attending the University of North Dakota. She is double majoring in Forensic Science and Criminal Justice. She is sponsored by Budget RV in Grand Forks, ND, where she is also employed. Wallender ultimately plans to pursue a Masters degree in Business Management.

"I am pleased that we are able to recognize these two students’ outstanding commitment to learning with the scholarship," Newt Kindlund said. "Joanne and I wish them the best as they work to achieve their career goals."

The scholarships are made possible through the generosity of the Newt and Joanne Kindlund Family. The Kindlunds are the founders of Holiday RV Superstores — the first publicly-traded RV dealership. The Kindlunds sold the company in 1999. Newt Kindlund remains an active participant in RV industry affairs and currently serves on The RVDA Education Foundation Board of Directors. The Kindlund Family, to date, has pledged $270,000 to the Foundation’s scholarship endowment.

The RVDA Education Foundation scholarship program recognizes deserving rising college sophomores, juniors, and senior undergraduate students. Recipients are selected based on academic achievement, a 500-word essay on their goals and objectives in college, extracurricular activities and honors, and financial need.