MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – The Resort and Commercial Recreation Association (RCRA) presented Ocean Lakes Family Campground with the “Premiere Recreation Operation Award” during its annual conference in November held at Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club in Palm Harbor, FL. This award recognizes recreation operations that continuously display outstanding leadership in the development and promotion of high-quality recreation programs.
“Ocean Lakes is once again honored to be recognized and receive the Premier Recreation Award for Unique Properties for 2023 by the Resort and Commercial Recreation Association,” said Greg Bender, General Manager and Vice President of Ocean Lakes Family Campground. “Our teammates take great pride in ensuring our guest and leaseholders have the best experience possible through the many activities and amenities that our Recreation Department provides. This is very rewarding for our entire team. The collective efforts of everyone make Ocean Lakes one of the best vacation destinations in the country.”
The RCRA distinguishes its award into four categories, with three specifically classifying property size according to the number of rooms. Ocean Lakes secured the top spot in the “Unique Properties” category, encompassing campgrounds, residential communities, cruise ships, and non-profit entities. To merit this recognition, recreational establishments must demonstrate a commitment to providing and enhancing quality recreation programs and services. Additionally, they should boast a diverse range of special events, showcase exceptional creativity, actively contribute to the community, and demonstrate excellence in marketing strategies and departmental goals.
Ocean Lakes’ Recreation program is home to an array of events throughout the year that includes Fitness Classes, DIY Tie Dye Station, Family Game Night, Canvas painting, Line Dance Class, Mason Jar Make & Take, Music Bingo & Stupid Trivia, Nailed it Workshop, Starfish Strut Family 5K, Ugliest Sweater Contest, Polar Bear Plunge, Rock Painting, Visits with Santa, Halloweekends, Fire & Hula Show, Wreath Workshop, Yarn Pumpkins, Themed Bingo Games, and much more for guests and leaseholders to enjoy.
Ocean Lakes’ Recreation works with several non-profits around the Grand Strand. The Commemorative Brick Program allows guests to purchase bricks with personalized messages to raise money for several different charities. The annual Polar Bear Plunge, a significant charitable event at Ocean Lakes Family Campground held on New Year’s Eve, stands as the largest of its kind. Participants are encouraged to donate nonperishable food items to re-stock shelves after the holidays or make a monetary donation to South Strand Helping Hand, the local foodbank in the area. Recreation is also home to Lost and Found; after six months any items left are donated to local charities.
“Activity and event participation have increased due to record occupancy in the campground, and guests choosing to stay on property to participate in our planned activities. We hear from guest about how our activities have become a family tradition,” said Salle Horner, Recreation Manager at Ocean Lakes Family Campground. “We have the most amazing team who truly want to make our mission statement come to life. We want to help our guests ‘create those family memories that last a lifetime!’ Simply put, we love people.”
