In a robust demonstration of community service and engagement, 87 volunteers converged at Lake Arrowhead Campground on May 4 to participate in a comprehensive community cleanup event. The gathering highlighted the campground’s commitment to local welfare and environmental stewardship.
Early in the morning, volunteers of all ages, wearing neon shirts assembled at the campground. The event organizers provided them with maps, rakes, and group assignments, setting the stage for a day of extensive community service.
The cleanup initiative, a collaboration between Lake Arrowhead Campground, Lakeside Campgrounds, and the Marquette County Aging and Disabilities Resource Center, targeted local residents most in need of yard cleanups. This effort not only beautified the community but also aided those unable to manage such tasks themselves, demonstrating a strong community bond.
Participants worked diligently throughout the day, clearing brush, cleaning yards, and preparing flower beds for the season. This activity not only improved the visual appeal of the community but also promoted a sense of pride and ownership among the residents.
In a gesture of gratitude, Lake Arrowhead Campground offered free camping spots to the volunteers, providing a recreational reward for their hard work and dedication. This incentive not only encouraged participation in the cleanup but also introduced new visitors to the joys of camping and outdoor hospitality.
Another significant aspect of the cleanup was the preparation of the garden for the Care & Share Food Bank of Marquette County. The garden, crucial for feeding 100 families weekly, was prepped for the growing season with the help of volunteers who raked, laid landscape fabric, mulched, and weeded.
Richell Kurfahl, coordinator of the Care & Share Food Bank, expressed her appreciation for the volunteers’ efforts. “Many hands make light work and we are so grateful for all the hands that came to the Food Bank to help in the garden,” Kurfahl said. She highlighted the readiness of the garden for the planting season thanks to the volunteers’ hard work.
The success of this event serves as a model for other campgrounds and outdoor hospitality venues looking to enhance their community engagement and environmental conservation efforts. By hosting similar events, campgrounds can strengthen their ties within their communities, boost local tourism, and enhance their reputation as centers of community and environmental care.
Furthermore, such initiatives can significantly enhance the appeal of outdoor hospitality venues as destinations that contribute positively to their communities, not just as recreational sites. This aligns well with the growing consumer preference for businesses that demonstrate social responsibility and environmental stewardship.
For campground and outdoor hospitality operators, events like the one at Lake Arrowhead serve as a reminder of the power of community engagement and the positive impact it can have on business and customer perception. By integrating community service into their business models, operators can attract a broader audience and foster a loyal customer base.
Featured image by Lake Arrowhead Campground
