Camp Jellystone, the operator of Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts, recently recognized outstanding franchisees across the U.S. and Canada at the franchise network’s annual Symposium conference, held at the Knoxville Convention Center in Tennessee.
The event celebrated top-performing franchisees across multiple categories, spotlighting excellence in operational standards, growth, and guest satisfaction. With over 75 locations in North America, Jellystone Park collaborates with Warner Bros.
The most prestigious accolade, the Jellystone Park Camp-Resort of the Year, was awarded to Jellystone Park Columbus North in Mt. Gilead, Ohio, which also earned a “Park of the Year” title from OHI. This recognition reflects Jellystone Park’s commitment to maintaining high standards across all locations, with recipients required to score 95 percent or higher in annual assessments and achieve business growth while making sustained improvements.
Franchisees in Wisconsin, North Carolina, and Texas also earned nominations for the Camp-Resort of the Year award, highlighting a network-wide emphasis on operational excellence.
Another key award, Top Performers, recognized parks with the highest year-over-year revenue growth. The Top Performers award was presented to Jellystone Park locations across several regions, including Cranberry Acres in Carver, Massachusetts; Columbus North in Mt. Gilead, Ohio; Chautauqua County in Jamestown, New York; Niagara Falls, Ontario; North Port Huron, Michigan; Tyler, Texas; Wichita Falls, Texas; South Jersey in Williamstown, New Jersey; and Woodstock, New Brunswick.
Operator of the Year, awarded to franchise leaders who exemplify excellence in day-to-day management and customer satisfaction, was given to Sarah Young of Cave City, Kentucky, and Derek Schultz of Grayling, Michigan. Both operators have shown exceptional dedication to maintaining and enhancing guest satisfaction while achieving strong business results.
Jellystone Park Golden Valley in North Carolina also received The Carroll Award for achieving the highest assessment rating among all franchise locations.
The Jim Webb Spirit Award went to Margie Dettman, a seasoned operator who has been an integral part of the Jellystone Park community for more than two decades. With extensive experience in campground management and consulting, Dettman embodies the brand’s core values of dedication and enthusiasm, as originally championed by the award’s namesake.
In Canada, The Maple Leaf Award recognized Jellystone Park in Woodstock, New Brunswick, as an exemplar of the brand’s values north of the border. This award emphasizes Jellystone Park’s dedication to its Canadian franchisees, who bring the Yogi Bear experience to families across multiple provinces.
Several parks received the Facility Enhancement Award for their continued improvements in amenities and guest services, including locations in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Wisconsin.
Individual Special Recognition Awards were also presented, spotlighting managers and operators who achieved high ratings in categories such as character interactions, guest satisfaction, and park branding. Angel Eichenberg from the Hill Country location in Texas earned Rookie of the Year for their exemplary management.
The Happy Camper Award was presented to Jellystone Park in Tabor City, North Carolina, which achieved the highest overall guest satisfaction ratings.
Additionally, Jellystone Park in Caledonia, Wisconsin, received the Retail Store Award for operating the best retail experience among all franchise locations.
Jellystone Park South Haven also earned the Brilliant Branding Award, and Tyler received the Social Media Award. Caledonia won both the Club Yogi Rewards and Recreation Attractions Awards. The Curb Appeal Award was presented to Petoskey, MI, and the C.A.R.E. Award went to Binghamton, NY, for exceptional recreation programs.
According to a press release, the Comfort Station Award was awarded to Jellystone Parks in Caledonia, WI; Cranberry Acres, MA; New Douglas, IL; Plymouth, IN; South Haven, MI; Wisconsin Dells, WI; Woodstock, NB; and Tabor City, NC.
