Bowling RVs completed a month-long fundraising initiative in June to benefit the Care Camps Foundation, which supports specialized camps for children affected by cancer and their siblings. The dealership contributed $100 for every RV sold during the period and accepted additional donations from customers and community members to help fund programs such as Special Days Camp.
The effort aligns with Care Camps Foundation’s work providing medically supervised outdoor experiences where children facing cancer can participate in typical camp activities. These programs create opportunities for campers to form friendships, build confidence, and enjoy time away from medical treatments while under the care of trained counselors and volunteers. Parents gain peace of mind knowing their children are in a supportive environment designed for their needs.
Bowling RVs, operating as a full-service dealership in southeast and central Iowa, directed the campaign proceeds toward enabling more children to access these camps. The dealership emphasized that every child deserves the chance to experience camp, create lasting memories, and find hope through shared activities with others who understand similar challenges. Community participation through purchases and direct donations helped amplify the impact of the initiative.
Adam Bowling, Sales Manager and Vice President, addressed the connection between the dealership’s role and the cause. “Supporting Care Camps allows the team to extend the spirit of outdoor adventure and family experiences to children dealing with significant health challenges,” Bowling said. “The response from customers and the local community during June demonstrated strong interest in contributing to programs that provide meaningful opportunities for these families.”
The Care Camps Foundation works with pediatric oncology camps across the United States and Canada. These facilities offer free or heavily supported attendance so that financial barriers do not prevent participation. Activities at camps such as Special Days Camp focus on recreation, friendship, and emotional support in settings adapted for children undergoing or recovering from cancer treatment.
Bowling RVs has maintained operations in the Ottumwa area since 1959, when George Bowling established the business with late model used cars and trucks. The company expanded into motor homes in 1975 and later added travel trailers and fifth wheels. After incorporation in 1998 as Bowling Motors and RV Sales Inc., the dealership relocated in 2000 to its current site, allowing expanded inventory of new and pre-owned recreational vehicles. The business continues to provide sales, service, and parts support for RV owners.
Adam Bowling, Sales Manager and Vice President, noted the broader significance of the fundraising. “The June campaign brought the dealership’s resources together with community generosity to help children access camps that offer friendship and a temporary break from medical routines,” he said.
Funds raised through the per-sale contributions and additional donations support the foundation’s ongoing work of facilitating camp experiences. The initiative reflects the dealership’s participation in industry-wide efforts that connect recreational vehicle businesses with causes related to outdoor recreation and family support. Participants in the campaign included those who purchased RVs during the month as well as others who contributed separately.
Bowling RVs continues its regular operations serving customers interested in new and pre-owned RVs while maintaining service and parts capabilities. The dealership’s history in the region informs its approach to both commercial activities and community involvement. Support for Care Camps represents one way the business engages with efforts that benefit children and families outside the immediate RV market.
The completion of the June fundraising effort underscores the role local businesses can play in national nonprofit initiatives focused on pediatric oncology camps. By combining automatic contributions tied to sales with open community participation, Bowling RVs facilitated measurable support for programs that prioritize joy, connection, and healing for affected children.
Bowling RVs operates as a longstanding RV dealership offering new and pre-owned recreational vehicles along with service and parts assistance to customers in southeast and central Iowa. Established in 1959 and active in the RV segment since the 1970s, the company maintains facilities and staff dedicated to supporting regional RV ownership and related community efforts.
