At the 2025 Kampgrounds of America (KOA) Convention in Raleigh, North Carolina, Care Camps Foundation recognized outstanding campground operators and partners during its annual We Care Awards, highlighting volunteer leadership, charitable giving, and long-term support for pediatric oncology camps.
The convention, held November 17-20, brought together KOA owners, managers, and corporate leaders for workshops, networking, and an industry expo, culminating in an awards evening supporting Care Camps Foundation.
The We Care Volunteer Award, created to honor individuals contributing time and expertise to the foundation’s mission, was presented to a new KOA Ambassador team.
Recipients included Sean Boden, operations manager at KCN Campgrounds; Wendy Woodman, general manager at Sugarloaf Key KOA; Marc Hollander, director of guest services at Galveston Island KOA; and Becci Ambroe, owner of Newberry I-26 Sumpter NF KOA.
Additional honorees were Sonya Gedda, owner of Horse Cave KOA; Robynn Tomaselli, owner of New Bern KOA and Wilmington KOA; Rakeem Behlin, general manager at Billings KOA; and Angie and Dave Bower, owners of Fancy Gap Blue Ridge Parkway KOA.
According to a press release, KOA President and CEO Toby O’Rourke was also recognized.
The We Care KOA Award, which recognizes campgrounds that have significantly increased contributions to Care Camps over five years, was awarded to San Antonio Alamo KOA Holiday for its exceptional support and dedication to the mission.
The We Care Corporate Award went to the Canadian Recreational Vehicle Association, which celebrated its 50th anniversary by donating a travel trailer that toured the country to raise funds and awareness for pediatric oncology camps.
The Peter Warrick/Wayne Morris Award, honoring the campground with the largest year-over-year increase in giving, was presented to Cape Hatteras/Outer Banks KOA Resort. The resort maintained contributions despite challenging weather conditions.
A Special KOA Care Award recognized KOA Inc. and all KOA campgrounds for more than four decades of support, totaling over $22 million to Care Camps Foundation.
The awards evening featured multiple fundraising activities, including a silent auction, live auction, a game of heads or tails, and a digital “raise your phone” paddle raise.