"The Camping Guru endorses Tourism Strategy!" 

Camping Country Australia has partnered with Tourism Queensland & Sunshine Coast Destination to give the local tourism industry a much needed “shot in the game”, as part of its Sunshine Coast Naturally Refreshing marketing strategy.  In an Australian first, Camping Country Australia will launch a  new tourism product - which is yours truly - Jarrod as its own Sunny Coast bred Camping Guru.  As The Camping Guru with the support of the Camping Country Australia team I have developed a Camp-out Product that we will promote to local, regional, intra-state,  interstate and international campers under the banner of JARROD’S CAMPOUTS.

Jarrod’s Campouts will appeal to all campers who have the desire to:

• Connect with family & friends and have an absolute ball
• Explore new things, partake in outdoor activities to feel alive in the natural elements
• Use the camping experience to physically challenge themselves whilst eating healthily
• Unwind and relax at their own pace leaving the cares of the world behind
• Sample the local culinary, wine and wonderful hospitality of the village locals

Winter Camping "I Love It!"

Brrrrrrrrr, bring on the winter woollies & snuggle up around the fire. The cold has hit & I must say, "I am a little bit excited about it". I really do love this time of year for camping & some of the days have been absolutely smashing. Kerri & I packed the kids into the car, hooked up the pre packed camper trailer (What a time saver!) & we spent the weekend end camping up at Double Island Point. The weather was to die for. The nights were cool…but nothing a good fire couldn't handle. Our 2 girls Maisie & Sari healthily ran themselves ragged & with the Saturday night sky clear. Kerri & I sat back starring at the stars, enjoyed a drink & pondered what life was all about. Camping really does clear the mind…it is so good for us.

Canberra

On the weekend of the 14th of May I jumped in to a plane & headed off to Canberra for Australia's National Wholesale Camping Show. It's called S.O.T.A (Snow & Outdoor Trade Association) Now for you at home, this show would really get the juices flowing. With hundreds of camping wholesalers & acres of camping gear on display all saying "Pick me Jarrod…pick me!" It is the biggest kids toy store you have ever seen. I had an absolute ball & found some incredibly innovative & highly creative gear. Whilst down there I make sure I am dealing with reputable suppliers, as many family owned  businesses as possible & above all to make sure I purchase product that is of the highest quality & standards. Having been doing this for 17 years now I am able to pick the eyes out of it all & make sure I give you the customer, the best value available in this Country. As my guarantee clearly states "If I wouldn't use it, I wouldn't sell it….guaranteed!" By the way Canberra was chillingly Cold. The first morning I walked outside it was a barmy -6 degrees Celsius. Now that's cold!

Winner

Last month we gave away in store an L.E.D Evakool Light. Thank you to all that entered. The giveaways we do here at Camping Country Australia are for our store only & for one month only. The only way to win our monthly prize is through our news letter or here in store with a hand written entry.

You will be happy to know that the Evakool L.E.D light was won by a news letter entry & the winner is Margaret Hunter of Mooloolaba. Well done Margaret & I hope this prize lights up you weekend. (Sorry for the bad joke)

Ozpig

"I've heard of an Ozpig…what exactly is it??" I hear people ask this all the time. The Ozpig is an innovation & invention by a local family business based right here on the Sunshine Coast. (Don't you love it when it's local) It is an imported product but of the highest quality…as are all the products sold here at Camping Country Australia. It's compact, will burn 2 logs for 20 minutes (Equivalent in size to two soft drink cans), is safe, has loads of optional extra's available & comes in a neat carry bag. The Ozpig comes with a set of four legs & a chimney spark arrestor. That means this unit is allowed to be used in many shires & councils that have fire bans enforced. (Not all shires & councils, please check this out before you go camping with an Ozpig). Ozpig will be at this week's upcoming QLD camping show in Brisbane. As a deal & to keep the dollars here at our local family business, I will be offering a $25 in store voucher with every Ozpig sold for the week of the show. Be sure to come in & see us it's a brilliant little product that really works well.

Giveaway

So who wants to win an Ozpig? Who wouldn't! Owner operator of Ozpig Assunta, has kindly donated us an Ozpig to giveaway for the month of June. "Thanks Assunta!" What a fantastic prize. As always to enter please click here. When leaving your details be sure to leave your date of Birth. Very soon I am going to start sending our birthday vouchers & I would love to send you one. Good luck & happy heating.

Evakool

I have mentioned that the Qld camping show is on this weekend. On the Saturday & Sunday (Possibly Monday…yet to be confirmed??) I will be on their stand showcasing my new Brand "Jarrod…The camping Guru". Evakool are a brand that I am passionate about. They build products that I love & use (Please note I am in no way paid by Evakool to endorse their products). More to the point they build products that I trust.
Evakool have offered me a wonderful deal here in my store at Camping Country Australia for the week of the QLD camping show. To keep the dollars here on the Sunshine Coast we can give you the same show deal right here in store. So if it is an Evakool fridge freezer you wish to purchase come on in & see mum, dad or any of the great staff we have & we will look after you with the same Evakool show specials. "Thanks Evakool!"

Personal Note

While I was in Canberra I made sure I had 1/2 a day up my sleeve to have a look at the Australian War Memorial. As a passion of mine, I have attended dozens of Museums & galleries over the years. But there is nothing that even comes close to what I saw in Canberra. Going through the Australian War memorial was possibly one the most "out of my comfort zone" things I have done in my life. It's was exceptionally confronting, an extremely emotional experience & an absolute eye opener to say the least. Seeing what people have gone through at war, made me realise that it is one of the most selfless things a person can do. If you ever get the chance to experience the Australian War Memorial in Canberra please make the effort to have a look. Next time I think I'm doing it a little tough with something I will be sure to snap out of it pronto! We are just so lucky….

That's All

Well that's all for another month. The year really is getting away on us isn't it? Make sure you enter the Ozpig Competition it would be a great little prize to win. Well done to Margaret Hunter the winner of the LED light. Remember if it is an Ozpig or an Evakool 12 volt fridge you are looking for we have the same show deals on offer here in store for the week of the show. Keep a sharp eye on your emails as I will be letting you know in the next week or two when our next campout is & don't shy away from Camping this time of year….it is a magic time of year to get away from the hustle & Bustle & relax your mind from the grind stone of work. Camping is so healthy for you & your family!

Cheers,
Jarrod
The camping Guru!!.....(watch this space)

P.S

While I was camping up the beach I noticed a fair bit of plastic that had washed up on the beach. Kerri, Maisie, Sari & I filled a few bags full of rubbish & cleaned up in front of our camp site. Here is a link that will put plastic & our oceans in perspective. It's a good educational watch for all of us. Please enjoy