Camp Jellystone recently held its annual awards ceremony, recognizing the exceptional performance of franchisees within the Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts network.
The ceremony, part of the franchise’s Symposium conference, took place at the Knoxville Convention Center in Knoxville, Tennessee, and highlighted the achievements of parks across the United States and Canada.
The highest honor, the Jellystone Park Camp-Resort of the Year, was awarded to the Jellystone Park in Pittsfield, Illinois. This award is a testament to a location that not only meets but exceeds the brand’s high standards, including a score of 95 percent or higher in the franchisor’s annual assessment.
Regional Camp-Resorts of the Year were also recognized, with awards going to Jellystone Parks in Pittsfield, Illinois (Central Region); Glen Ellis, New Hampshire (Eastern Region); Bostic, North Carolina (Southern Region); and Larkspur, Colorado (Western Region). These awards underscore the importance of maintaining excellence in facilities and operations across various regions.
The Operator of the Year award was presented to individuals who have shown exceptional management skills and improved guest satisfaction ratings.
Kendall Slowe from the Jellystone Park in Bostic, North Carolina, and Ryan Crots from the Jellystone Park in Petoskey, Michigan, were honored for locations with more than 225 sites.
For locations with fewer than 225 sites, Janet and Peter Clark from the Jellystone Park in Woodstock, New Brunswick, and Kaycee Butt and Jodie Holava from the Jellystone Park in Mt. Gilead, Ohio, received the accolade.
The Top Performers award, recognizing the locations with the highest percentage of year-over-year growth in revenues, was given to Jellystone Parks in Carver, Massachusetts; Glen Ellis, New Hampshire; Grayling, Michigan; Petoskey, Michigan; Pittsfield, Illinois; and Nova, Ohio. This award highlights the importance of business growth in the campground and RV park industry.
The Carroll Award, named the Franchise Inspection Leader, was presented to Jellystone Park in Horn Lake, Mississippi, for achieving the highest assessment rating. This award emphasizes the significance of maintaining high standards in campground operations.
Sean Vidrine, who co-owns and operates multiple Jellystone Park locations, was honored with the Jim Webb Spirit Award. This award is named after a key figure in the franchise’s history and is given to those who embody a similar commitment to the Jellystone Park brand.
The Maple Leaf Award, recognizing the dedication of Canadian franchisees to the brand, was awarded to Jellystone Park in Woodstock, New Brunswick. This award underscores the brand’s international appeal and standards.
Facility of the Year was awarded to Jellystone Park in Caledonia, Wisconsin (for locations with 225 or more sites) and Jellystone Park in Pittsfield, Illinois (for locations with less than 225 sites), highlighting the importance of continual improvements to facilities in attracting and retaining guests.
The Dan O’Connell Service Award, named after a campground industry pioneer, was given to Kelly Jones, vice president of Operations of Great Escapes RV Resorts. This award recognizes individuals who contribute significantly to the growth and improvement of the campground industry at various levels.
Special Recognition Awards were also presented, covering categories like Rookie of the Year for owners and managers, and awards for specific operational areas such as guest satisfaction, landscaping, retail, and more. These awards demonstrate the diverse areas of excellence within the campground and RV park industry.
The Excellence Awards, Pinnacle Club Awards, Customer Service Awards, and Recreation Awards were also presented, recognizing locations that achieved high scores in annual assessments and guest satisfaction surveys. These awards highlight the importance of consistent quality and guest satisfaction in the outdoor hospitality industry.