Billabong Surf Camp To Be Held At Ocean Lakes Family Campground For Third Consecutive Year

Myrtle Beach, SC (Vocus) June 1, 2009 -- Ocean Lakes Family Campground, a subsidiary of The Jackson Companies, has announced they will be partnering with the Billabong Surf Camp program again this summer. Participants learn to surf during the three-day camp, receive instruction on safety, surf etiquette, coastal and marine ecology, and board shaping. http://www.oceanlakes.com/about_us/photo_gallery/2008/Surf_Camp_2008/gallery.aspx

Awarded the title of 2008-2009 National "RV Park of the Year" by the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds, 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.

Ocean Lakes established their surf camp in 2004 as a part of the Campground's Summer Recreation Activity Schedule, which covers events running from June to mid-August. In 2007, Billabong joined Ocean Lakes as a partner, increasing the camp's popularity. Billabong is one of the world's leading manufacturers of surf accessories. Their products are sold in more than 100 countries and they currently run fewer than four-dozen surf camps around the world.

"There are only a dozen Billabong Surf Camps on the east coast, so Ocean Lakes is honored to be one of their locations," said Barb Krumm, director of marketing and public relations for Ocean Lakes Family Campground. "We work very hard to keep our calendar full of fun activities for everyone, and this surf camp is a great opportunity for our teen and tween campers to get a world-class experience."

Surf Camp is open to all Ocean Lakes' guests ages 10-16 from June 4th through August 16th and is $75 per person. The camp will run in two weekly sessions. Participants have their choice of either Monday through Wednesday or Wednesday through Friday. Camp begins everyday at 8:00 AM and ends at 11:00 AM.

Participants need to wear their bathing suits and bring waterproof sunscreen (non-greasy and at least 30 SPF), a beach towel, sunglasses, a t-shirt or cover-up, and snacks and drinks. A small bag to keep belongings in is helpful but not required.

Billabong provides all surfboards and each camp participant will receive three days of surfing instruction, a camp group picture, and a bag of Billabong souvenirs.

More information on the Billabong Surf Camp is available by calling (843) 828-4866 or online at www.oceanlakes.com.

About Ocean Lakes Family Campground

Ocean Lakes Family Campground, a subsidiary 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., Ocean Lakes 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 addition, Ocean Lakes is one of only 21 campgrounds and RV resorts around the United States to receive GuestRated.com's overall "A" rating for 2008 by maintaining a 4.7 out of 5 rating. In 2006, Ocean Lakes was honored with 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, including 893 campsites 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 on July 2, 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 one of sixteen subsidiaries of The Jackson Companies, a family-owned business that includes Prestwick Golf & Country Club, Ocean Lakes Properties, Crystal Lake Mobile Home Village, Ocean Lakes RV Center, and the master-planned development SayeBrook.

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