Venture Out Resorts The Traveler Times Newsletter - April 2023
Traveler Times ANNUAL NEWSLETTER
MAY 2024
LetterfromtheCEO. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ................. 1 VORBytheNumbers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ................. 2 CoolCampingProducts.............................................3 BlackhawkValleyResort.............................................4 RecognizeanEmployee!.............................................5 ArrowheadLakesResort.............................................5 Blackstone Grilled Supreme Nacho. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .............. 6 Let’sGetDowntoBusiness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............... 7 PuzzleTime... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ................... 9 TABLE OF CONTENTS
MESSAGE FROM THE CEO We’re immensely proud of the obstacles and challenges we’ve overcome the past year. And looking forward, we’re thrilled about our plans to rebuild and strategically grow to give you more opportunities to make memories with your loved ones. The acquisition of Blackhawk Valley Resort in the prime, exciting destination of Rockford, IL is not only an exciting expansion of our footprint, but also an enhancement to the value we offer you. We can’t wait to see all of your travels and adventures in this new destination location and at this beautiful, large new resort! Our focus on the rebuilding of Arrowhead Lakes Resort remains unwavering. We’re excited to be working with general contractor Miner & Smith. Plans are moving forward and we can’t wait to unveil the 3D renderings to show you the future, which includes a beautiful new main building, indoor pool, hot tub and sauna! We’re excited about the future, and we hope you are too. We want to write new chapters together, filled with lots more camping adventures and cherished moments with your family. Thank you for being an integral part of our family! Happy camping!
I want to hear FROM YOU! Customer service is one of my top priorities and I take all feedback seriously. Reach out any time by emailing me at dearjason@ ventureoutresorts.com. I look forward to connecting and helping your family make more memories together! – Jason
Jason King, CEO
TRAVELER TIMES MAY 2024 • 1
BY THE NUMBERS
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Cool Camping Products
1. CAMP SNAP CAMERA Let your kids be creative while also avoiding screen time with this cool digital camera! campsnapphoto.com 2. YETI BEVERAGE BUCKET Planning happy hour? You’ll need a hefty bucket to keep your beverages cold! yeti.com 3. Stanley Tumbler We can’t avoid the Stanley craze! Check out this 40 oz tumbler perfect for the outdoors! stanley1913.com 4. 6-Piece mess kit Reduce plastic waste and space taken up in your camper with this
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6-piece mess kit! ucogear.com 5. PORTABLE Camping sink
This portable camping sink makes it easy for you to create your own outdoor kitchen and washing space if you don’t have one on your
camper! myboxio.com 6. Heated HAMMOCK
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Love sleeping under the stars, but just get too cold in Michigan? Check out this cordless heated hammock with 3 heated zones (head, middle, feet)! sharperimage.com
Outdoor Adventures is not affiliated with any of the aforementioned companies or products. We do not receive any compensation for mentioning these products and our recommendations are based simply on our love of the outdoors! Please drink responsibly.
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TRAVELER TIMES MAY 2024 • 3
Blackhawk Valley Resort
Located on the outskirts of Rockford’s countryside, Venture Out Resorts’ newest gem, Blackhawk Valley Resort, is truly a peaceful retreat. Whether you’re craving adventure or seeking relaxation, this resort offers something for everyone! FACILITIES & AMENITIES Enjoy indoor activities at our main building or enjoy the great outdoors at the playground, mini-golf course, and basketball court! One of the main attractions of this Resort is its prime location directly on the Kishwaukee River. This shallow river is perfect for tubing and canoeing, with convenient rental options nearby. Our small sandy beach provides easy access for river adventures right from the Resort. Under the leadership of Resort Manager Jeff Norton, our team has already been hard at work on numerous improvements, including new insulation in the Store, new HVAC system in the bathhouse, and adding 2 park models that are available to book! CAMPSITES Improvements continue, with site development efforts at every single campsite. From leveling sites to adding crushed concrete in picnic areas and road rock in parking areas, our campsites are prepared to accommodate our members’ rigs. Guests can also enjoy well-maintained grounds, a large majority of full hookup 50 AMP sites, ample shade provided by mature oak trees, and campsite options nestled directly along the river, ensuring a truly relaxing stay. AND MORE! While our resort offers a serene retreat, it also provides convenient access to nearby attractions. Cherry Hill, bustling with dining and shopping options, is just a short 15-minute drive away. For those craving the excitement of the city, Chicago is not too far away with endless entertainment possibilities! Nearby, guests can also explore a brand new Hardrock Casino that is opening soon for a thrilling gaming experience or make a splash at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor waterpark, both just 15 minutes away. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the neighboring Atwood Center, boasting over 300 acres of diverse natural terrain, including forest, marsh, and prairie land. History buffs will appreciate its rich past as an artillery range during WWI and WWII. But don’t miss their captivating Birds of Prey sanctuary, featuring majestic bald eagles and more. Additionally, guests can explore the Atwood Mountain Bike Park, scenic walking trails, and nearby forest preserves, all conveniently located adjacent to the resort. As described by our Sales Manager, Mark, Blackhawk Valley truly embodies the essence of “a little sanctuary.” Don’t let this opportunity pass you by – reserve your stay today and discover the tranquility and beauty of Blackhawk Valley Resort!
Leave a Review!
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Arrowhead Lakes Resort
SOLAR ECLIPSE FUN! On April 8th, 2024, Arrowhead Lakes Resort was in the zone of totality for Ohio’s first total solar eclipse in over 200 years. What an incredible and magical experience it was to witness! We extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who chose our Resort to view this rare celestial event. Your enthusiasm and excitement added so much to the atmosphere of that day, making it a truly communal and unforgettable event. We hope you are left with memories that will last a lifetime! REBUILDING AFTER THE TORNADO Final demolition is complete and we are excited to announce that we are working with General Contractor Miner & East on an approved scope of work. We are currently also working with an architect on our reconstruction plans, which will include an indoor pool, hot tub and sauna. The permitting process for our plans will be the next big step of this project. We are committed to rebuilding as fast as we possibly can. This was a devastating loss and we understand how important this amenity is to our Members. We will continue to offer updates as frequently as we can. Again, please remember that we remain at the mercy of our commercial insurance carrier and the authorities reviewing our plans for reconstruction. Members are welcome to email wecare@ventureoutresorts.com or call us at (989) 671-1125 at any time with questions. For a refresher on the process and what we’ve been doing since the tornado, please visit our News section on the website. YOU CAN STILL ENJOY A POOL! We’ve reached out to the Wapakoneta YMCA and they have graciously offered our Members a discounted rate for day passes to use their indoor pool, hot tub and sauna. Individual day passes are just $5/day and family day passes are just $10/day. They are waiving the joiner/ access fee of $25/$50. Just show your Venture Out Resorts member card! We can’t thank the Y enough for this partnership!
Help shine a spotlight on deserving individuals to be considered for receiving Employee of the Month and a bonus! We would greatly appreciate your support in acknowledging their hard work for making your camping experience exceptional! Simply visit our Resorts’ Google listing and leave a positive review, highlighting a well-deserving employee. You’ll find a QR code for each resort that will take you right to that resort’s Google listing and we’ll have signs up at each resort as well. Recognize an Employee!
Go to our website for the most up-to-date information on rebuilding efforts.
Leave a Review!
TRAVELER TIMES MAY 2024 • 5
Blackstone Grilled Supreme Nachos Recipe by “From Michigan to the Table”
Who doesn’t love nachos? Jazz up your nacho routine with these super-tasty Blackstone Nachos Supreme. Made effortlessly on your Blackstone Griddle for just your family or a large camping crowd, there’s nothing like this towering pile of crispy chips and delish toppings for an outdoor dinner! INSTRUCTIONS 1. Preheat the Blackstone Flat Top Griddle to medium heat. 2. Prepare your diced tomatoes, peppers and lettuce. 3. As the Blackstone Griddle is heating up, apply the olive oil and spread with a griddle spatula. 4. When the griddle is hot and nearly smoking, add ground hamburger wto the griddle. Cook the ground burger, breaking it up as you go, until it is in small pieces and no longer pink inside. 5. Make sure to separate as much of the ground beef grease from the cooked burger as possible before adding the taco seasoning. Push the excess grease into the grease trap. 6. Top the cooked burger with the taco seasoning. Add a squirt of water to help combine the ground beef and taco seasoning, 7. When the meat mixture is cooked, place tortilla chips on a prepared baking sheet pan or serving dish lined with parchment paper. 8. Top the tortilla chips with the hot beef mixture, and the shredded cheese. 9. If desired place the whole sheet pan with the chips, burger and cheese onto the the hot Blackstone Griddle and cover with a large dome lid for about 2 - 3 minutes to melt the cheese. 10. Choose your desired toppings. Sprinkle the toppings like chopped bell peppers, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and of course, a dollop of sour cream. 11. Serve hot and make sure to have a variety of side, if possible, that your guests will like. Notes Try these different toppings: shredded chicken, shredded pork or shredded beef, refried beans, sliced green olives or black olives, pickled jalapenos, Pico de Gallo, your favorite salsa, hot sauce, nacho cheese sauce, lime wedges, chopped onion, different shredded cheese combinations, or fresh cilantro.
PREP TIME 5 minutes COOK TIME 5 minutes DOME TIME 2 minutes TOTAL TIME 12 minutes
INGREDIENTS Olive Oil 1 T Ground Beef 1 lb Taco Seasoning 2 T Tortilla Strips 12 ounces Water 2 T Shredded Cheese 2 cups Tomato, Diced 1/2 cup Peppers, Bell 1/4 cup Sour Cream 2 T Lettuce, Shredded 1/2 cup
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Let’s Get Down to Business Creating a Positive Environment for All Please remember that we are instituting a new policy regarding flags, displays and signs in an effort to provide a positive environment for all campers at our resorts. Therefore, the only flags, displays and signs that are now allowed on resort property include the following: United States, state, flags representing a country of origin, Military, or Veteran flags, provided they are maintained in good condition and displayed respectfully according to proper flag etiquette; officially licensed university, school or sports league teams; or seasonal, holiday and camping decorative displays, flags or signs. We appreciate your cooperation and consideration of everyone camping around you. Thank you! We Are Listening! Loud, lewd, vulgar music and language is one of the biggest complaints that we receive. This inconsiderate behavior and accompanying attitudes and behaviors span teens to adults and the lack of respect is offensive to all. Our Resort Operations teams have worked hard to create and maintain a family-oriented environment, but it becomes more difficult every year. Our ultimate goal is to find a proper balance between campers having fun versus campers bothering other campers; many of whom JUST came to hear the sounds of nature around them. Please remember, young eyes are watching and young ears are listening (and so are we). We will continue to work diligently to enforce rules and policies that are family-friendly, while being fair, equitable, and reasonable to everyone involved. Any camper playing music too loud and causing a nuisance, even if it’s not during quiet hours, is subject to reservation cancellation and other infractions such as membership suspension or even termination. Warnings are given to first-time offenders, and we log violations on the Member account. These violations are logged for your AFMs and Guests as well. We keep track of the number of violations and multiple infractions on the account may also warrant membership suspension or termination.
TRAVELER TIMES MAY 2024 • 7
New! Cancellation Policy and Cancellation Protection We heard your feedback! We decreased the number of days ahead of a reservation that will result in a cancellation fee and we decreased the cancellation fees themselves! Please check out the updated policy in the Member Handbook. What is Cancellation Protection? Cancellation Protection waives all cancellation costs (excluding reservation fees) that may occur within two (2) days of a reservation due to certain unforeseen circumstances. Documentation or reason for canceling will not be required to waive cancellation costs. This includes any prepaid fixed lodging costs paid at the time of reservation (excluding reservation fees). Members can purchase this protection for an additional $15 per reservation for campsites and $30 per reservation for fixed lodging. Cancellation Protection does not apply to no-show costs or free camping weeks. Any cancellations on the day of arrival are the equivalent of a no-show and will incur fees accordingly. Cancellation Protection is nonrefundable. Any reservation that is made prior to April 1 can retroactively add Cancellation Protection to the reservation as long as you’re not within the cancellation window of your reservation. Starting April 2, Cancellation Protection must be added at the time of reservation, whether by phone or online. Checking Out We’re hearing feedback on enforcing our check out time, especially on the weekend. If you want to check out after noon on the day your reservation ends, please visit the Store or call Member Services to see if anyone is checking in to that site. If no one is checking in on your site, you can stay later that day! We appreciate your understanding on this as we have an obligation to respect everyone’s vacation. Before you leave, please make sure to clean up all animal waste on the site and do not leave trash in the fire pit. Please take all trash to a dumpster. Uber/Lyft/DoorDash/Uber Eats, etc. These services have made it so convenient for our campers to just sit back, relax and enjoy vacation to the max! However, please be aware that these drivers cannot proceed past Security to your site. You must meet the driver at the Security entrance.
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PUZZLE TIME!
SPOT THE 5 Differences
TRAVELER TIMES MAY 2024 • 9
FIND OBJECTS IN THE PICTURE & IN THE PUZZLE
SPOT THE 10 DIFFERENCES
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ventureoutresorts.com (989) 671-1125 wecare@ventureoutresorts.com
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