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The team approach has paid off.
Bill Woodward, owner of Valley View Farm and Campground in Waymart and president of the now two-year-old Wayne County Campground Owners Association, says the organization has not only helped the group tap into grant money to promote tourism, but has also improved cooperation between the campgrounds 100-fold.
“Prior to coming together, I don’t think each campground owner was aware what the other campgrounds offered as their main attractions,” Woodward said. “Everyone’s a little different, some have canoeing and kayaking on the Delaware. Some do square dancing, others do a variety of activities ...and some of them are just quiet places where people can go and relax.”
They now make referrals to one another.
“And in general business has picked up,” Woodward said.
“We all work together to promote our parks. If I have someone who is looking for something in particular that we might not offer, or if we are booked, then we refer to other campgrounds in WC. It’s great,” said Sonya Zacker of Clayton Park Recreational Area, located on Lake Henry in the southern portion of Wayne County.
“There are approximately 10 campgrounds in Wayne County,” Woodward said. He said that seven campground owners are very active in the association and three more joining.
Wayne County boasts such campgrounds including Three Pines Campground, Secluded Acres, Lake Mocatek Campground and Soaring Eagle and neighboring Pike County is just as rich in campgrounds as well.
Campgrounds are a $50 million annual industry and camping business in Wayne County is a vital part of the economy during the summer.
“It really helps to discuss all types of issues with the group that we might otherwise be dealing with all on our own. Because we all bring something to the table ...something different that someone else might not have been aware of,” Zacker said.
The campground owners are passionate about what they do.
“I really truly do feel like this is my backyard, they’re coming to stay in my backyard. My parents (David L. and Florence Swoyer) instilled that in me. It was a great place to grow up,” Zacker said of the family business.
Working together, the association can market campgrounds in ways they can’t do individually. The association also passes on referrals to other campgrounds when their own is full. The group attends shows throughout the region and also held exhibits at The Outdoor Expo at Lake Wallenpaupack High School.
“We are certainly grateful for the opportunities the tourism tax dollars have presented to us,” said Jan Keen of Keen Lake Camping and Cottage Resort.
Al and Cindy Waiter of the Cherry Ridge Campground agree.
“I just thought we’d try one camping show,” they said. “I never imagined that so many campgrounds would come together so quickly to promote Wayne County.”
Started by Zacker’s grandparents, Clayton and Mildred Swoyer, Clayton Park Recreational Area is close to100 years old.
“The most joy I get from this is watching children developing a love for fishing and the outdoors. It really, truly is why we do this,” Zacker said.
As she talks, Zacker brings up two young campers, Alexis and Robbie Carter.
She calls them her zookeepers.
“They come out every weekend. They collect frogs, lizards, turtles, crayfish,” anything that’s crawling, hopping or flying by, to study and then release.
The business is closing in on four decades.
When it comes to owning a campground, Woodward says the best part is “meeting the people.”
That and the chocolate cake, ice cream and soda campers share with him, he says with a laugh.
“They’ve become friends. We’re into third generations here, as are many of the campgrounds in WC,” Woodward said.
The team approach has paid off.
Bill Woodward, owner of Valley View Farm and Campground in Waymart and president of the now two-year-old Wayne County Campground Owners Association, says the organization has not only helped the group tap into grant money to promote tourism, but has also improved cooperation between the campgrounds 100-fold.
“Prior to coming together, I don’t think each campground owner was aware what the other campgrounds offered as their main attractions,” Woodward said. “Everyone’s a little different, some have canoeing and kayaking on the Delaware. Some do square dancing, others do a variety of activities ...and some of them are just quiet places where people can go and relax.”
They now make referrals to one another.
“And in general business has picked up,” Woodward said.
“We all work together to promote our parks. If I have someone who is looking for something in particular that we might not offer, or if we are booked, then we refer to other campgrounds in WC. It’s great,” said Sonya Zacker of Clayton Park Recreational Area, located on Lake Henry in the southern portion of Wayne County.
“There are approximately 10 campgrounds in Wayne County,” Woodward said. He said that seven campground owners are very active in the association and three more joining.
Wayne County boasts such campgrounds including Three Pines Campground, Secluded Acres, Lake Mocatek Campground and Soaring Eagle and neighboring Pike County is just as rich in campgrounds as well.
Campgrounds are a $50 million annual industry and camping business in Wayne County is a vital part of the economy during the summer.
“It really helps to discuss all types of issues with the group that we might otherwise be dealing with all on our own. Because we all bring something to the table ...something different that someone else might not have been aware of,” Zacker said.
The campground owners are passionate about what they do.
“I really truly do feel like this is my backyard, they’re coming to stay in my backyard. My parents (David L. and Florence Swoyer) instilled that in me. It was a great place to grow up,” Zacker said of the family business.
Working together, the association can market campgrounds in ways they can’t do individually. The association also passes on referrals to other campgrounds when their own is full. The group attends shows throughout the region and also held exhibits at The Outdoor Expo at Lake Wallenpaupack High School.
“We are certainly grateful for the opportunities the tourism tax dollars have presented to us,” said Jan Keen of Keen Lake Camping and Cottage Resort.
Al and Cindy Waiter of the Cherry Ridge Campground agree.
“I just thought we’d try one camping show,” they said. “I never imagined that so many campgrounds would come together so quickly to promote Wayne County.”
Started by Zacker’s grandparents, Clayton and Mildred Swoyer, Clayton Park Recreational Area is close to100 years old.
“The most joy I get from this is watching children developing a love for fishing and the outdoors. It really, truly is why we do this,” Zacker said.
As she talks, Zacker brings up two young campers, Alexis and Robbie Carter.
She calls them her zookeepers.
“They come out every weekend. They collect frogs, lizards, turtles, crayfish,” anything that’s crawling, hopping or flying by, to study and then release.
The business is closing in on four decades.
When it comes to owning a campground, Woodward says the best part is “meeting the people.”
That and the chocolate cake, ice cream and soda campers share with him, he says with a laugh.
“They’ve become friends. We’re into third generations here, as are many of the campgrounds in WC,” Woodward said.
