Ocean Lakes

This week, we are taking in a memory from Jennifer Harmon. Jennifer is from Arden, North Carolina, and has been staying at Ocean Lakes for 22 years.  So, sit back, grab your cup of coffee, and enjoy this sweet read. A House Full Makes The Heart Full | Jennifer reminisces on moments shared with her great-grandmother and grandmother over a cup of coffee: Every year, my parents would rent an oceanfront beach house where my great-grandparents, grandparents, parents, my sister, and I could come down and enjoy Ocean Lakes. Four generations all in one house! I would wake up early to enjoy the sunrise and a cup of coffee with my great-grandmother and grandmother.  As time went on and my great-grandmother went on to Glory, my children began waking up early so that they could spend the sunrise and coffee time with my sweet Nanny. Traditions Passed Down | Jennifer’s twins have continued her traditions of sunrise and coffee time:  This was in 2017 when my twins were 2. They would e...

One family’s happy place is another family’s sanctuary. Many of us take our yearly or even monthly family vacations and create wonderful memories, while others are here that one time of year to simply be thankful and take a breather from their everyday life.  Meeting our guests is one of every teammate’s favorite part of the job. It is what makes it more than “just a job” for many of us. Our guests are truly amazing. They each come from different walks of life, and they each have a story. The stories are what we love – the heartaches, the happy times, the memories of the Jackson’s, and every now and then, a family reminds us of what we are doing here.  Ocean Lakes has been tagged as everyone’s “happy place” or their “home away from home.” Our team has learned that Ocean Lakes is a form of church for some, as well. A place to reflect, to count blessings, to talk to God, and a place to rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul.   Meet Shelly Menges and her family from Cumber...

This week, we are doing things a little different. One of our guests will be telling you her story – Rather, her brave grandson’s story. Meet Terra from North Carolina and her grandson, Breylon.  Breylon’s Story | Breylon was born at 24 weeks and weighed 1 lb. 4 oz., and although he is limited by vision, mobility, and cognitive ability, camping at Ocean Lakes has been a fabulous family vacation for Breylon and his parents. Breylon has cortical vision impairment, so his visual field is very close, but he does see those big trucks and campers! Grandma’s Hero | My grandson has Cerebral Palsy and he so enjoys riding the golf car around the campground. Breylon loves looking at other campers, he will often say, “big truck” or “big camper, two slides.” He loves playing at his campsite with his “racetrack.” Some of my greatest memories are of those watching him at Halloweekends. One year, he was a kissing booth that was attached to his walker, and he did get quite a few kisses that year!...

It is a bittersweet day at Ocean Lakes Family Campground. Today, March 31st, will mark Lance Thompson’s, our outgoing General Manager and Vice President, last day. After 36 years of service and dedication to Ocean Lakes and The Jackson Companies, the time has come for him to enjoy his well-deserved retirement.  Lance and his daughter, Savannah, taking a firetruck ride! Looking Back With Lance | After earning a Bachelor’s Degree from UNC-Wilmington in Recreation Resource Management, and then a Master’s Degree in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management from Clemson University, Lance began his career at Ocean Lakes. In 1985, Lance was hired as the first full-time Recreation Director. In 1988, he was promoted to the Front Office Manager, in 1991 was named General Manager, and ultimately named Vice President of Ocean Lakes in 1999. His dedication to the company and the Grand Strand community are outstanding. Lance on one of Mr. Jackson's very stylish rides! Lance and Teammates celebrat...

This week, on Campground Conversations, we are speaking with Dana from the Marketing Department at Ocean Lakes! Dana is Ocean Lakes’ graphic designer, sign maker, and brick connoisseur. She has been an Ocean Lakes Teammate for ten months and is already a pro on everything Ocean Lakes. Join the conversation this week as she discusses Commemorative Bricks and provides you with the details to leave your mark on Ocean Lakes. Here is what Dana had to say on Commemorative Bricks | Commemorative bricks are a great way to create an everlasting memory here at Ocean Lakes! Bricks are displayed in Camptown Center along the walkway in front of Sandy Mart, Meet N’ Eat and Soapy Suds. The cost to order a commemorative brick is $100 with a large portion of each order being donated to charities selected by Ocean Lakes. Special symbols (for example: a heart or music note) can be engraved on your brick for an additional $5. Where Is The Form Located? | The Brick Order Form is loca...