Use Economy Always. Go Camping.

Momisms for a Campground

My mom passed away three years ago. In the immediate days and weeks after, I found myself sorting through a lifetime of memories. I also found myself revisiting my own little mom collection I kept in an old shoebox, what I affectionally refer to as my “Momisms”. Tucked in among the scraps of paper and dog-eared books from my childhood, I found one she had written which seems quite relevant in today’s times.

Here’s what she said.

“Invest your emotions into something positive and meaningful.

Accept others without prejudice.

Speak to strangers and neighbors.

Give back where you can.

Bob and Jan standing on the wooden bridge over the Pine River.

Protect our innocent animals from abuse and neglect.

Most importantly, use economy always.”

If that’s not the world’s most wholesome life philosophy and an excellent mission statement for a family-owned campground, I don’t know what is.

I made three copies of this particular Momism. One’s in my wallet. One’s taped above my computer. And another’s tucked inside the drawer of my nightstand.

My mom knew what she was doing when she and my dad drove over the old wooden covered bridge in 1995—down the hill and into what would become our family’s most beloved place: 5 Branches Camper Park. That bridge may be gone (thanks a lot, Missionary Ridge Fire), but the vision she carried across it still stands strong.

As we gear up for the 2025 season, I’m honored to carry that vision forward—with my dad by my side and my mom’s words in my heart. We look forward to welcoming you!

www.5branches.com