Forest River employees recently volunteered at Camp Watcha-Wanna-Do in Wolcottville, Indiana, as part of the company’s ongoing partnership with the Care Camps Foundation, supporting children who are surviving cancer and brain tumors through a residential summer camp experience.
The annual camp provides children with a week of outdoor recreation, social activities and medical support tailored to their individual needs. Campers participate in traditional camp experiences while receiving care designed to accommodate their health requirements.
During a two-day visit, Forest River volunteers assisted with camp activities and spent time with campers, counselors and staff.
The company also sponsored tie-dye shirts and bandanas for campers and provided a Surveyor 252RBLE travel trailer that served as a retreat space for counselors and volunteers throughout the week.
Campers took part in a range of activities, including zip-lining, horseback riding, boating, archery, obstacle courses, arts and crafts, music, baking, dance and tie-dye projects, along with other outdoor recreational opportunities.
Camp Watcha-Wanna-Do is one of 126 camps supported by the Care Camps Foundation, a nonprofit organization that helps fund medically supervised pediatric oncology camps across the United States and Canada.
Through support from campground owners, RV manufacturers, suppliers, dealers and other industry partners, the foundation enables children affected by cancer to attend camp at no cost to their families.
Forest River has supported the Care Camps Foundation since 2018 and has contributed more than $1 million through its partnership with the organization.
According to a press release, Doug Gaeddert, president and CEO of Forest River, said the mission resonates with the company because of the impact the camps have on children and their families.
“When you learn more about the families these camps serve, it’s hard not to understand why this mission matters,” Gaeddert said. “There are many worthwhile causes out there, but Care Camps holds a special place within our company. Childhood should be filled with opportunities to explore the outdoors, build friendships, try new experiences, and create lasting memories.”
Gaeddert said Care Camps helps provide children facing significant health challenges with opportunities to enjoy outdoor experiences and create memories with peers.
Jason Hershberger, Forest River general manager and a Care Camps board member, said the partnership allows the company to focus on creating meaningful experiences for children.
“It’s easy to focus on the RVs, campgrounds and places that are part of the outdoor lifestyle,” Hershberger said. “But this is an opportunity to focus on giving kids an experience they’ll always remember.”
He said Care Camps provides a supportive environment where children can spend time outdoors, build friendships and try new activities while families have reassurance that medical staff and volunteers are available to assist throughout the camp experience.
The partnership reflects Forest River’s continued support of programs connected to camping, outdoor recreation and family-centered experiences through the Care Camps Foundation.
Featured image by Forest River