It's time for the highly anticipated start of the summer season: the 2023 RVing and Camping kickoff! Once again, Canadian campgrounds from coast to coast to coast are joining forces to honour and embrace the vibrant RVing and Camping lifestyle during the eighth annual Canadian RVing and Camping Week.
Hosted by the Canadian Camping and RV Council representing Provincial Campground Owners Associations, RVDA of Canada and the Canadian RV Association, this weeklong event is to say thank you to our patrons and invite other Canadians to take up camping.
The value of camping to the economy and the well being of people has been recognized by the Province of British Columbia who issued a proclamation to proclaim May 23 – 28, 2023 “RVing and Camping Week”.
The proclamation mentions that the RVing and Camping industries play an important role in the health of British Columbia’s tourism sector and are projected to contribute more than $800 million to British Columbia’s GDP in 2023. As well, an estimated 2 million people, most of whom are Canadians, will enjoy RVing and camping in British Columbia in the next 2 years.
Camping provides the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, surrounded by beautiful landscapes and fresh air, where families can affordably gather to forget about the hustle and bustle of the city and appreciate the natural world. Being outdoors in British Columbia offers a sense of tranquility that is hard to find in any urban environment.
Therefore, the BC Lodging and Campgrounds Association is committed to ensuring that people continue to experience the joys of camping and RVing in a responsible and sustainable way and is once again urging everyone to follow and practice the Camper’s Code.
“The goal of the Camper’s Code” said Jamie Cox, President of the BC Lodging and Campgrounds Association, “is to build more awareness about desired camper behaviours, educate new campers on acceptable behaviours, and to promote the sustainability of British Columbia as a destination for future generations to enjoy.”
The Camper’s Code consists of nine simple messages to inspire a sense of shared responsibility and an understanding of appropriate behaviour. Campers are encouraged to take an online pledge and to help inspire a camping culture that is rooted in common sense, respect, and sustainability. Visit camperscode.com, take the pledge and share it with others. Canadian pledgers can receive a sticker.
Each year, RVing and Camping Week supports a charitable cause and in 2023 we have committed to supporting Care Camps of Canada, a charity which helps children battling cancer attend a specialized Oncology Camp.
The BC Lodging and Campgrounds Association is hosting an online auction until May 31st with over 35 items to bid on from glamping to camping gadgets. All proceeds go to Care Camps, and we hope to raise over $10,000. Alternatively, people can donate online $23.00 or $50.00 or $123.00 or more.
We invite Canadians to visit their local privately owned campgrounds during Canadian RV and Camping Week to celebrate the start of another camping season!