A New Era for RV Enthusiasts
In a significant development for the RV community, Harvest Hosts has announced its acquisition of key aspects of the long-standing Escapees RV Club. This merger of two influential organizations promises to bring new opportunities and enhancements for RV enthusiasts across North America.
According to the official announcement released on July 17, 2024, Harvest Hosts will take over the management and operations of Escapees RV Club’s membership, support services, educational programs, and events. This strategic move combines Harvest Hosts’ extensive network of unique overnight stays with Escapees’ rich history of RV education and community-building.
Image by Can Pac Swire via flickr
Impact on Members: What’s Changing and What’s Staying the Same
For the thousands of members in both organizations, this transition raises important questions about the future of their beloved RV clubs.
What’s Changing?
Membership Management: Harvest Hosts will now manage the membership services of Escapees RV Club.
Event Coordination: The planning and execution of events previously managed by Escapees will now be under Harvest Hosts’ purview.
What’s Staying the Same?
Mail Forwarding Service: The mail forwarding service, crucial for many full-time RVers, will remain under Escapees RV Club’s management.
RV Parks: Escapees RV Parks will continue to operate independently of Harvest Hosts.
History of Both Organizations
Escapees RV Club
Founded in 1978 by Joe and Kay Peterson, Escapees RV Club began as a small community of RV enthusiasts and has grown into one of the largest and most comprehensive RV membership organizations in North America. With a focus on community, support, and education, Escapees has provided countless RVers with the resources they need to thrive on the road (Escapees).
Harvest Hosts
Established in 2010, Harvest Hosts offers a unique membership program that provides RVers with access to over 9,000 unique overnight locations, including farms, wineries, breweries, and attractions. Their mission is to connect RVers with small businesses, offering memorable experiences while supporting local economies (Harvest Hosts)
Understanding the Transition
As the RV community discusses the implications of this transition, it’s essential to understand the specifics.
The Carr Family’s Perspective
The Carr family, descendants of the founders of Escapees RV Club, emphasized that this decision was made to ensure the club’s continued growth and success. They expressed confidence in Harvest Hosts’ commitment to shared values and the Escapees community, noting that Harvest Hosts CEO Joel Holland has been an Escapees member for several years and understands the club’s core values (Carr Family)
Why Harvest Hosts?
Harvest Hosts was chosen due to its alignment with Escapees’ values and its extensive network of unique camping options. With over 9,000 locations, including wineries, farms, and breweries, Harvest Hosts provides diverse and enriching experiences that complement the community-focused ethos of Escapees. Additionally, Harvest Hosts’ Boondockers Welcome program underscores their commitment to fostering RV communities (Harvest Hosts Values).
Expert Insight
“This merger represents a significant shift in the RV club landscape,” says Joel Holland, CEO of Harvest Hosts and a long-time Escapees member. “By combining Harvest Hosts’ unique overnight stay model with Escapees’ long-standing educational programs and community focus, we’re likely to see a more comprehensive RV membership experience emerge” (Joel Holland).
What This Means for You
Seamless Transition and Continued Membership Benefits
Ongoing Updates: Both teams are working closely to ensure a smooth transition with regular updates.
Continued Services: Current benefits and services as Escapees RV Club members will continue without interruption.
New Opportunities
Enhanced Experiences: Members can expect new and exciting opportunities to enrich their RV lifestyle through Harvest Hosts’ network.
Expanded Educational Programs: Potential enhancements in educational offerings and a wider variety of community events.
Examples of Benefits
Unique Overnight Stays: Access to over 9,000 locations including farms, wineries, and breweries.
Educational Resources: Improved educational programs combining the strengths of both organizations.
Looking Ahead: The Future of RV Clubs
Key Takeaways
The Harvest Hosts acquisition of Escapees RV Club represents a significant shift in the RV community landscape. Members can expect enhanced membership benefits and a broader range of unique overnight stay options. The transition aims to combine Harvest Hosts’ unique offerings with Escapees’ strong educational and community focus (RV Clubs).
Timeline for Transition
July 2024: Announcement of the transition.
Late 2024: Initial integration of membership services and event planning.
2025: Full integration of educational programs and support services.
Broader Trends in the RV Industry
This merger reflects a broader trend in the RV industry towards consolidation and enhanced member experiences. By combining resources, organizations like Harvest Hosts and Escapees can offer more comprehensive benefits and support to their members, aligning with the increasing demand for unique and enriching RV experiences (RV Industry Trends).
Stay Informed
Webinars and Q&A Sessions: Planned events to help members learn more about the transition.
Newsletters and Social Media: Subscribe and follow for the latest updates.
Official Websites: Regularly check Escapees RV Club and Harvest Hosts for detailed information.
Conclusion
Stay informed and engaged. Subscribe to our newsletter, follow official social media accounts, and check the official websites regularly for updates. Remember, the RV community is strong because of its members. Your engagement and feedback will play a crucial role in shaping the future of these combined organizations.
Happy trails, and we’ll see you on the road!
For more detailed information, you can read the official announcement on the Escapees RV Club website and Harvest Hosts website.
Join the Conversation
We want to hear from you! Share your thoughts, experiences, and questions about this transition:
What excites you most about this change?
What concerns do you have?
How do you hope to see RV clubs evolve in the future?
Leave a comment below. Your insights and experiences are valuable as we all navigate this new terrain together.
