November 13, 2009 Myrtle Beach, SC – Ocean Lakes Family Campground, located in Myrtle Beach, S.C. was awarded the 2009-2010 “Plan-It Green Award” by The National Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds (ARVC) during its annual Awards Gala in Orlando, Florida, November 12, 2009.   The award was presented to Ocean Lakes for its iCare Program aimed at helping reduce the environmental impact of the campground and its guests. The unique approach taken by the campground and its teammates utilizes the slogan “Action and Awareness Count,” encouraging guest responsibility and education. The iCare Program compliments the efforts of Horry County Storm Water Management and focuses on recycling, pet waste (pet pollution) and litter.

The iCare program was created in August 2008. In June-December, guests and teammates recycled more than 59,000 pounds of waste using the five iCare stations currently available at the campground. More recycle stations are planned for 2010.

“We are honored that ARVC recognized Ocean Lakes’ efforts to address environmental concerns that effect many campgrounds and resorts across the country. We hope our program will encourage others to tackle such issues and see that these efforts really can work,” said Barb Krumm, director of marketing and public relations with Ocean Lakes Family Campground. “The light-hearted spin we have put on educating our guests and employees on how to reduce their impact on the environment has really taken on a life of its own, and we’re excited about the program’s potential for growth.”

The iCare program not only focuses on recycling; it also brings awareness to the impact of “pet pollution,” which has been proven to be extremely harmful to the ocean and its marine life. Guests checking in to the campground are asked to use an “iCare Kit” to pick up after their pets. The iCare Kits are available in several locations and the iCare stations feature a doggie figure holding a martini class full of free dog treats. Donation boxes for the Ark Animal Hospital’s NOAH Program, in nearby Surfside Beach, S.C., are placed near the treats for guests who’d like to support the local rescue program. Guests have donated several hundred dollars to the NOAH Program.

The iCare program also encourages guests to help clean up beach litter. Gloves and specially marked bags are available at the iCare stations. Throughout the campground visitors can dispose of their waste in an iCare trash bag.

Ocean Lakes is the largest campground on the East Coast and one of the largest in the United States with over 310 acres of campsites. More information about Ocean Lakes and its iCare Program is available at www.oceanlakes.com or by calling 1-877-510-1774. For property rental information call 1-800-845-2229.

About Ocean Lakes Family Campground

Ocean Lakes Family Campground, a division of The Jackson Companies, is the largest campground on the East Coast and one of the largest in the United States. Located in Myrtle Beach, S.C., it has received numerous awards for excellence. It is the 2008-2009 National “RV Park of the Year” and has received that honor from the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) four times. In 2006, Ocean Lakes received the prestigious South Carolina Governor’s Cup for making a significant economic impact on South Carolina. Ocean Lakes covers 310 oceanfront acres with nearly one mile of beachfront. It offers 3,447 sites —  893 of which are large and pull-through to accommodate larger RVs. It was built by Mary Emily and Nelson Jackson and their five daughters, starting in 1970. It opened with 30 campsites and one bathhouse in 1971. On an average seasonal day, Ocean Lakes has 25,000 – 30,000 guests enjoying the countless amenities that have made it a local favorite and a national vacation destination.

Ocean Lakes Family Campground is a division of The Jackson Companies, a family-owned enterprise that includes Prestwick Golf & Country Club, Ocean Lakes Properties, Crystal Lake Mobile Home Village, Ocean Lakes RV Center, and the master-planned development SayeBrook.