Recently, Forest River employees joined campers, counselors and staff at Camp Watcha-Wanna-Do as part of the company’s ongoing partnership with the Care Camps Foundation.
Held annually in Wolcottville, Indiana, Camp Watcha-Wanna-Do is a residential camp for children surviving cancer and brain tumors. For one week each summer, campers participate in a traditional camp experience filled with outdoor activities, recreation and friendship while receiving the support and medical care needed to accommodate their individual needs.
Forest River volunteers assisted with camp activities and spent time with campers, counselors and staff throughout the two-day visit. The company also sponsored tie-dye shirts and bandanas for campers and provided a Surveyor 252RBLE travel trailer that served as a retreat space for counselors and volunteers during camp week.
Campers participated in a variety of activities throughout the week, including zip-lining, horseback riding, boating, archery, obstacle courses, arts and crafts, music, baking, dance, tie-dye and other outdoor recreational opportunities.
Camp Watcha-Wanna-Do is one of 126 camps supported through the Care Camps Foundation, a nonprofit organization that helps fund medically supervised pediatric oncology camps in the United States and Canada. Through partnerships with campground owners, RV manufacturers, suppliers, dealers and other industry supporters, Care Camps helps provide children affected by cancer the opportunity to attend camp at no cost to their families.
Forest River has been a longtime supporter of the Care Camps Foundation, dating back to 2018, and has contributed more than $1 million through its partnership with the organization. The company remains committed to supporting programs that align with the RV industry’s longstanding connection to camping, outdoor recreation, and family experiences.
“When you learn more about the families these camps serve, it’s hard not to understand why this mission matters,” said Doug Gaeddert, president and CEO of Forest River. “There are many worthwhile causes out there, but Care Camps holds a special place within our company. Childhood should be filled with opportunities to explore the outdoors, build friendships, try new experiences, and create lasting memories. Through Care Camps, children facing some of life’s toughest challenges are given the chance to simply be kids, and we’re proud to support an organization that helps make those moments happen.”
For Forest River, the partnership reflects the company’s belief that the camping community extends beyond the products it builds.
“It’s easy to focus on the RVs, campgrounds and places that are part of the outdoor lifestyle,” said Jason Hershberger, Forest River general manager and Care Camps board member. “But this is an opportunity to focus on giving kids an experience they’ll always remember. Care Camps provides that safe environment where children can enjoy the outdoors, make friends, try new things and simply be kids while their families have the comfort of knowing medical staff and volunteers are there to support them.”
At the heart of Care Camps is a simple idea. Every child deserves the chance to be a kid. Forest River is proud to support an organization that helps make that possible.
For more information about the Care Camps Foundation, including ways to support its mission and the camps it serves, visit carecamps.org. To learn more about Camp Watcha-Wanna-Do, its programs and its impact on children and families, visit campwatchawannado.com.
