Many changes in Seasonals

[GaryWT]

As another year gets close to ending it seems to be more people changing than ever before.  Many people seem to be pulling out or selling.  Every year you have some but this year there seems to be twice what is normal. 

On the flip side, as people leave, new people come.  In the last week or so, 3 new seasonals have set up.

What are others seeing?  Much changeover?

[smitnlit]

Gary, I think I can comment on the "flip" side.  We went seasonal for the first time this year and really are loving it.  I honestly think we got lucky, but my understanding is there has been a bit of turnover where we are at.  It's great because we love meeting everyone and I enjoy seeing who also will come in.

We had a discussion about it last week and from what we see, once people have teenagers turning 16 or so and they start driving, that's about the time they weigh out how much camping they will be doing.

My kids are so young, that I know we'll be around for a bit. 

Do you think that the openings go in waves?   Maybe a few years of a lot of openings and then not so many???

[GaryWT]

It could go in waves, it could be the economy?

We are a bit further along than you, we started camping when our youngest was 1, he is now 19.  We went seasonal when he was 11 and the others were 8 and 5.  The 19 yo came to camp about 8 or so weekends this year, next year who knows but he heads back to college tomorrow so his tent is down.  The 16 yo is with us every weekend, she has her friends that she hangs with.  Also she can drive the golf cart now so I am walking more LOL.  My 13 yo also has tons of friends at camp and is usually off with them.

Deb and I are starting to get the games out again as we find ourselves sitting alone at the site more.  We use to play after the kids went to bed, now we play during the day if no one is around.  Works for us.

It will be lonely someday but as of now, we plan on staying put for awhile, we will see if that changes or not in the next year or 2.

[smitnlit]

I definitely think the economy has hit the camping community as well.  Ages of kids, summertime activities, etc., could be factors.

We had friends visit and stay with us that loved it and suddenly were shopping for a camper, but when they realized all the activities their children were in for the summer, they couldn't justify it.

[NewEnglandCamper]

As another year gets close to ending it seems to be more people changing than ever before.  Many people seem to be pulling out or selling.  Every year you have some but this year there seems to be twice what is normal. 

On the flip side, as people leave, new people come.  In the last week or so, 3 new seasonals have set up.

What are others seeing?  Much changeover?

I took a golf cart ride today and noticed 4 sites fully open and cleaned out and only 1 camper (on site) with a for sale sign.  There are two other campers up near the storage area for sale.

IMHO when compared to 2006/2007 (and just an opinion -- no flames please), overalll (even with the economic recession) I think its going to be a low turnover rate at Danforth Bay (e.g., I believe in the last 2 years the average was 8-10 turnovers each year).   In fact there have been several new campers and park models that have entered the park this year.

Life is good at DB!

[Flintstones]

IMHO, it will be an above average turnover year at DBCR.  Economic hardships, growing teens, and fuel prices wil be the reasons. 

It's easy to put down a small deposit ($250)to hold your summer site, but when the real money comes due in January ($500) and March ($2025), that's when the real decisions will be made.

We know two seasonal families that quit because the kids got older and they no longer wanted to go up.  We did our annual October poll at dinner and the vote was 4-yes 1-no.

I know there are vacancies at N-1, E-14, and B1, but where's the fourth?

[NewEnglandCamper]

IMHO, it will be an above average turnover year at DBCR.  Economic hardships, growing teens, and fuel prices wil be the reasons. 

It's easy to put down a small deposit ($250)to hold your summer site, but when the real money comes due in January ($500) and March ($2025), that's when the real decisions will be made.

We know two seasonal families that quit because the kids got older and they no longer wanted to go up.  We did our annual October poll at dinner and the vote was 4-yes 1-no.

I know there are vacancies at N-1, E-14, and B1, but where's the fourth?

Very good point about late departure (especially in this economy)....

I noticed that a site on Echo Lane (e.g., P12 (i'm not exactly sure that is the site)) was vacant. I believe that family moved to an upper E16 site (which was vacant last weeknd).

[GaryWT]

Only time will tell, the same goes for CSC, $100 down until the spring so I am sure more will pull out.  At least gas is going down and heating oil is following so it might not be as bad this winter as we thought.  Anyway hope it works out for all.

[Lucas874]

We just mailed in a request to DB to be placed on the seasonal waiting list...maybe we'll have a better shot of getting in with all of the turnover...

[Flintstones]

Danforth Bay loves winter campers, so if you are willing to take a winter site, that may increase your chances of getting a seasonal spot.  In this economy, an extra $800 mandatory site fee for winter camping may deter some potential seasonal prospects.

[Lucas874]

I'd consider winter camping for next season as we snowmobile, but I do not have a trailer right now.  I traded in mine and the new one won't be in until April...if it happens it happens...we have 4 weeks booked there for summer 2009...

[Thats Camping!]

that's awesome. I hope you get in!!!!

[Flintstones]

You should continue to inquire about a seasonal, especially if you would winter camp.  They probably would not make you "reserve" for this winter on such short notice.  Good luck !

[NewEnglandCamper]

Rob -- Best of luck on getting in as seasonal!

I agree with Flintstones if you would winter camp in the future then you probably have a leg up (of course I don't know what the November 08 waiting list looks like).
I believe the 3 out of the 4 sites that are OPEN NOW are winter/summer sites.

If it doesn't work out for 2009 then you have a good strategy of camping at DB a lot to get in as seasonal.

[Hawkchucker]

Its kinda funny about seasonal camping. people come and people go. It is really sad in the fall when you find out that someone isnt returning, but you allways will get new neihbors/. i know at our campground we actually get to approve the new person coming in next door. The campground is so small that they do this to keep rifts from happening

However we only lost 3 seasonal campers this year and those spots filled in very nice.