The Canadian Recreational Vehicle Association (CRVA) has been a cornerstone of the RV industry in Canada for almost 50 years. CRVA works closely with the RV Industry Association and accredited companies to develop the standards and codes designed specifically for Recreational Vehicles with a mandate to ensure that professional standards are maintained in the best interests of the consumer. CRVA works closely with its industry partners to develop and uphold standards ensuring the highest level of quality and safety for RV consumers. Shane Devenish, the President of CRVA, recently attended the Ontario RV Owners (ORVO) Rally from May 24th to 26th, 2024, at Quinte's Isle Campark in Prince Edward County, offering him a unique opportunity to engage with the RV community during the 9th annual Canadian RV and Camping Week. The following is a summary of his experience.

The Rally organized by Ontario RV Owners (ORVO), now in its second year, gathered over 200 RV enthusiasts from across Ontario. The rally had a vibrant mix of activities, workshops, and social gatherings, all set against the picturesque backdrop of Lake Ontario. The event provided a platform for ORVO  Members to share their passion for RVing, learn from industry experts, and create lasting memories with fellow RV and Camping enthusiasts.

Shane's journey to his 1st ORVO rally was filled with anticipation and excitement. Accompanied by his wife Dawna, granddaughter Peyton and his dog Jaxxon, he was eager to connect with RV owners and listen to their stories and experiences. Their campsite, situated on the beautiful shores of Lake Ontario at Quinte Isle Campark, offered breathtaking views and the perfect opportunity to network with fellow RV'ers.

Throughout the weekend, attendees were treated to insightful presentations from various speakers. including Jamie Russell from JR Mobile Service, jrsmobilervservice.com/ an expert in RV maintenance who shared valuable tips to ORVO Members on keeping their RVs in top condition. Second was a session by RVEZy . https://www.rvezy.com who presented the features of their innovative peer-to-peer rental platform, and Terego, www.terego.ca/en a Quebec-based family company, who discussed alternative camping "host" experiences, sparking interest and curiosity among the audience. 

One of the highlights for Shane was the true sense of community and camaraderie that permeated throughout the event. From the moment he set up his canopy with the help of a fellow camper named Steve, to the numerous conversations around the campground sparked by their pets sniffing one another, Shane found the rally to be an excellent opportunity to bond with RVers who all shared a common love for the lifestyle. His realization of how pets serve as icebreakers at a campground was not surprising, given that studies have found that nearly 50% of RV'ers travel with their furry friends!

Meals were a central part of the rally experience, fostering a tremendous sense of togetherness among the 200 attendees. The weekend started with a potluck dinner on Friday night when members brought a variety of appetizers, main course dishes, and desserts to share, each reflecting the culinary skills and generosity of the participants.

Saturday's sit-down dinner held in the spacious Recreation Hall, brought together the attendees one last time, was delicious and featured a menu that satisfied even the most discerning taste. Both communal meals were not about the food but mainly about sharing stories, laughter, forming new friendships and renewing old ones from prior meetings.

The final dinner also featured an array of raffle prizes donated by generous sponsors, adding an element of excitement and anticipation to the event. The prizes were a hit among the attendees, providing both fun and practical rewards that will enhance their RVing experience in the future.

As the weekend drew to a close, Shane reflected on the invaluable insights and connections he had gained. Engaging directly with over 200 RV owners allowed him to gather firsthand feedback and understand the evolving needs and preferences of the RV community. This experience reinforced the importance of events like the ORVO Rally in fostering a vibrant and supportive RV culture.

Looking ahead, Shane plans to leverage the knowledge and experiences from the rally to further advocate for the RV industry and enhance the services offered by CRVA. The ORVO Rally was not just an event but a celebration of the RV lifestyle, bringing together a diverse group of individuals united by their passion for adventure and the great outdoors.

In conclusion, Shane found his participation in the Ontario RV Owners Rally to be extremely rewarding for him and his family. The event exemplified the spirit of community, learning, and enjoyment that defines the RVing experience. It provided a platform for meaningful engagement, valuable education, and the creation of cherished memories. As the CRVA continues to champion the interests of the RV community, the insights gained from events like the ORVO Rally will be used in shaping a brighter future for RV enthusiasts across Canada.

Last but certainly not least, CRVA  would like to sincerely thank the ORVO Group Admins, especially Nikki, Carlos and Johanna and their members for ORVO's  tremendous support to the Canadian RV Association and their The Toronto Spring Camping and RV Show. The Association truly appreciates your group and it was a pleasure meeting all of during the rally. We truly wish you all a safe summer full of new camping memories!