Camp Michigan opened its 2025 conference on Monday (March 18) and it continues through today at the Soaring Eagle Casino in Mt. Pleasant, Mich.
Jamie Wolfinger, president of Camp Michigan’s board and third-generation co-owner of Greenwood Acres Family Campground near Jackson, Mich., noted that over 75 were registered to attend the conference, with around two dozen vendors participating in the expo.
The conference featured guest speakers including:
- John Formica — well known for working with Disney and speaking on the Disney culture and how park owners can incorporate that at their parks.
- Scott Bahr — president of the Cairn Consulting Group which helps organizations like Kampgrounds of America Inc., the RV Industry Association and more collect industry data.
- Mark Hazelbaker — a lawyer who is helping Camp Michigan grow its legal benefits.
- Plus more!
The association also held an auction on Tuesday evening.
A few years ago the association was struggling financially, but Wolfinger said that it has turned the corner and now finds itself in a better position with around 120 members. Wolfinger said that the state estimates there are around 4,000 campgrounds in Michigan.
“That number includes temporary campgrounds and festival campgrounds,” she noted. “It also includes state and national park campgrounds.
“We’re in a period of growth,” Wolfinger added. “We definitely had a few years of learning opportunities and I feel that we have taken notes and we are progressing, in my opinion.”
Working with Scott Everett, a legislative consultant that the association has worked with for a long time, the association aims to keep an eye on wastewater issues, employee sick time, internet and residential issues and more.
“We are also looking at providing more educational opportunities for members and highlighting the benefits we offer as an association,” Wolfinger explained. “This summer we have someone who is going to be visiting non-member parks and promoting Camp Michigan.”
