As the 2024 season approaches, Jellystone Park locations across North America are preparing for the traditional “waking up the bears” events, where families participate in rousing Yogi Bear, Boo Boo, and Cindy Bear from their winter hibernation. This unique activity serves as a kickoff to the spring and summer seasons, drawing guests to participate in a lively and engaging ritual.
Trent Hershenson, vice president of marketing at Camp Jellystone, emphasizes the significance of these events, describing them as some of the loudest and most spirited activities the parks offer each year.
Jellystone Park, known for its family-friendly environment, integrates these bear-waking festivities into a broader schedule of attractions and activities. These include pools, water slides, mini golf, foam parties, wagon rides, and dance parties, among others, ensuring that the parks are not just places to stay but destinations offering a comprehensive entertainment experience.
The bear-waking events vary by location, with each park adding its own local flavor to the proceedings. For instance, some parks include music parades or performances by local high school drum lines to amplify the morning’s activities. Following the wake-up call, guests often enjoy photo opportunities and a range of organized activities with Yogi Bear and his friends throughout the season.
From California to New York, each Jellystone Park location has planned a unique version of the bear-waking event. These plans often start with craft activities, where guests create noisemakers, and culminate in a collective effort to wake the bears through various forms of noise and celebration.
In Lodi, California, and Horn Lake, Mississippi, the focus is on crafting noisemakers and generating excitement. In contrast, Fremont, Indiana, and North Monmouth, Maine, add local traditions and interactions to the experience, making each event special and memorable for guests.
These events not only entertain but also serve to strengthen the connection between guests and the parks, enhancing the sense of community and shared experience. They represent a celebration of the outdoors and the joy of family camping, aligning with the broader goals of the outdoor hospitality industry to provide engaging and memorable experiences.
For campground and outdoor hospitality operators, the success of Jellystone Park’s bear-waking events can serve as a model for creating themed, event-driven attractions that draw guests and build excitement for the camping season. These events demonstrate the value of innovative programming and the importance of creating unique, memorable experiences that can differentiate a campground in a competitive market.
Operators can learn from Jellystone Park’s approach by integrating local culture and unique features into their event planning, thereby enhancing the guest experience and fostering a strong sense of community among campers. This not only drives attendance but can also increase guest satisfaction and loyalty, which are critical factors in the success of any campground or outdoor hospitality business.
The “waking up the bears” events at Jellystone Park locations exemplify how themed, engaging activities can enhance the camping experience and support the growth of the campground and outdoor hospitality industry. By offering unique and enjoyable experiences, parks can attract more families, encourage repeat visits, and build a strong, vibrant camping community.