For nearly a decade, Dawn Kuenzli has been a member of the nuCamp family. Formerly a tent camper, Dawn transitioned to RVing in 2015 to provide a safer camping experience for her children. She sought out the smallest camper with a bathroom, not realizing that this purchase would lead her on a path filled with adventure and a chosen family.
At uCamp24, Dawn was honored as the nuCamp Brand Ambassador of the Year. This award recognizes a nuCamp owner who embodies unparalleled enthusiasm for both nuCamp and the great outdoors. Dawn’s dedication is evident through her engaging social media presence and her pivotal role in organizing nuCamp gatherings across Ohio and Pennsylvania through the TABs and Friends Facebook Group.
On Thursday night of the rally, CEO Scott Hubble presented Dawn with this well-deserved accolade to heartful applause and cheers. Her kindness and positive spirit have left a lasting impression on countless nuCampers throughout the years.
“I was extremely surprised and honored,” Dawn expressed. “I never expected that. I was trying not to cry.”
Finding her TAB
Dawn’s childhood was spent just outside of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. With such incredible landscapes to explore in her backyard, Dawn spent much of her childhood camping in the mountains. These early experiences fostered a deep appreciation for the outdoors in Dawn, something she wanted to pass down to her own children.
As technology became more ingrained in everyday life, Dawn felt it was important to provide opportunities for her children to experience nature. Living in a densely packed city offered little room for exploration, so camping became their gateway to the great outdoors. It provided a chance for her kids to exercise their imagination, satisfy their curiosity, and relish the beauty of nature.
“There’s just something special about watching your kids having a great time just using their imagination and playing in the leaves or the trees or the beach,” Dawn shared.
Tent camping was their introduction to camping, but in 2015, Dawn felt they needed to explore purchasing an RV. She didn’t want to leave her children alone if she needed to go to the bathroom during the night, and an RV would provide more protection. That was when Dawn began searching for a tiny home on wheels.
She visited a local RV dealer and instantly fell in love when she saw the TAB 320, a TABitha model adorned with bright pink trim — her favorite color. It felt like fate.
“When I started camping in the TAB, she was just so much easier for me than setting up all the tent stuff,” Dawn explained. “I felt so safe. It felt so safe and secure like having a little house right behind you.”
Dawn decided to break in the TAB with a spontaneous trip from Ohio to Florida. With the kids off for Christmas break, she seized the opportunity to escape the dreary winter landscape for sandy beaches. This marked the beginning of wonderful adventures and lasting memories with her children.
Her older son camped in a tent at the site, while her daughter stayed inside the TAB. Dawn looks back on those memories fondly. She recalled her daughter digging up seashells at the campsite and collecting her favorites.
“We had a great time,” Dawn recalled. “Even though it was hot, we went to the beach. We swam with the dolphins. It was magical. … That’s the best thing about having a little house on wheels. You can go where you want.”
Joining the nuCamp Family
Dawn’s first major event was Tearstock in 2016, which preceded the uCamp Teardrop Rally. Since its inception, she has attended uCamp every year. During her first rally, Dawn connected with many fellow nuCamp owners from the Ohio area.
Inspired by these connections, Dawn created a Facebook group to help owners stay in touch. Originally named Central Ohio TAGs, TABs, and Friends, it eventually expanded to Ohio TABs and Friends, and finally evolved into Ohio and Pennsylvania TABs and Friends.
Eight years ago, when she started the group, Dawn expected around 20 members. Today, there are more than 700 members. She organizes three to four casual gatherings annually, where nuCamp owners come together to enjoy camping. These events are relaxed, featuring minimal structured activities, but always include campfires and a potluck.
“I’ve met so many wonderful friends through this,” Dawn shared. “I just want everyone to feel very welcomed and included, especially the newcomers. I know how it feels to go somewhere and not know anyone, so I want people to feel very welcome.”
Despite purchasing another brand of RV in 2020, Dawn continued to host nuCamp events and remained active in the nuCamp community. After attending a gathering with owners of other brands, she realized she missed the camaraderie and family atmosphere of nuCamp.
Her new RV was larger than a TAB and more challenging to tow. She recalled a frightening experience with sway on the highway. “I always dreaded hitching her up,” Dawn admitted. “It was too big and difficult to hitch up. It was a source of stress and anxiety for me.”
Seeking something easier to tow, she chose the TAB 400. After towing a friend’s 400, she found it manageable even in heavy city traffic. “It was perfect,” Dawn said enthusiastically. “It felt so much better to tow. It was so much easier, so I decided for sure that I wanted a 400.”
Now, with both her children grown, Dawn is planning to temporarily live full-time in her TAB 400 after selling her home. This full-time adventure will serve as a transitional phase before she relocates out of state. Having a home on wheels will make it easy for her to travel and visit her children.
“When I bought my TAB, I had no idea I would make friends through it,” Dawn said. “I just bought it so we could be comfortable. Owning a nuCamp has changed my life for the better. The nuCamp group really is like a family.”
8 responses to “Dawn Kuenzli: A Decade of Adventure with nuCamp”
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A truly deserved accolade. Dawn so gentle and kind. She’s a joy to be around. Well done Dawn!
I enjoyed reading about Dawn. I hope our paths will cross at future nuCamp events.
Excellent article! Dawn truly is a very special person!
Yes, she is! We’re so glad you enjoyed the article!
It was at the first üCamp in 2017 that we first met Dawn in our own new T@B 400 and our friendship has grown through the years. She welcomed us as members of Ohio T@B and Friends even though we weren’t at the time Ohioans. We’re absolutely thrilled that nüCamp has recognized her as Brand Ambassador of the Year, she definitely deserves the recognition. And we look forward to following her full-time adventures.
She has been such an incredible presence at uCamp over the years! Her kindness and passion for camping and nuCamp has not gone unnoticed!
Congratulations and a nice story to read. Happy and safe travels dear one.
Congrats Dawn!!!! We have always enjoyed our joint adventures with you. Our prayers for your safe travels. Jim and Debbie