Bears, bears, everywhere, but there’s definitely no reason to be scared. There is a new wave that has made its way to Mississippi, and this has nothing to do with sickness or illness but everything to do with lots of fun! To help ease the fear of this uncertain time, teddy bears are coming to save the day.
Taking a cue from British author Michael Rosen’s 1989 very popular children’s classic book, Let’s Go On a Bear Hunt, residents around the globe are taking part in a worldwide bear hunt to bring some fun and joy for kids and kids at heart. If you see something furry peeking out a window or sitting on porch steps, don’t be afraid. These sweet and cuddly bears are there to bring a smile to your face during this frightening time. Teddy bears have invaded Pascagoula, Laurel, Magee, and all over the Magnolia State, and it’s such a nice sight to see rather than hearing another news report of bad news. And these bears are following the health guidelines by letting children participate in a scavenger hunt while abiding by the social distancing rulings.
The mass bear scavenger hunt is a way to help distract and entertain the little ones that are locked down due to the quarantine caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Teddy bears have popped up all over the United States, Great Britain, and even as far away as New Zealand. To help ease the stir-crazy feelings that might be invading the locked down homes of children and parents, teddy bears everywhere have helped to create a fun adventure that can also be a way to bring a little physical activity to those that have been following the stay at home orders. Excited kids will get a little fresh air as they dart from one house to the next, finding one, two, three, or even more at from house to house.
Before you go on a teddy bear scavenger hunt, there are a few things that you should keep in mind before you take a stroll through your neighborhood or town or take a ride around the city. Be sure to look high and low and anywhere a teddy bear might go. You just never know where you might see one. They might be peeking out a window, sitting on a swing, relaxing on the porch steps, or just about everywhere. You have to keep a close eye out for these cuddly little creatures. Make sure you keep count of how many teddies you spot. Take a note pad and keep a count, or take a few pictures and share them with friends, family, or social media. We all definitely could use some good news that will bring a smile to everyone’s face. If you’re walking on your scavenger hunt, make sure you wear good walking shoes because you will want to be prepared for this adventurous walk.
Even if you don’t have a little one, it’s still an adventure for everyone. When we went on a Bear Hunt in Laurel, we had just as much fun as the kids, finding over 30 teddy bears reading books in the library, sitting on porches, bears in football jerseys, and letterman jackets, and little ones peeking out windows high and low. There were tiny little bears and big cuddly pandas and koalas hiding for adventurous scavenger hunters to see. Not only did we find bears, but there were giraffes, Pokemon characters, monkeys, and lots of other adorable little stuffed animals. The scavenger hunt made for a very fun Saturday afternoon stroll.
To help do your part to bring a little joy and happiness during this scary time and unite neighborhoods and towns in a time of social distancing, stick a little teddy bear or whatever stuffed animal you’d like in a window, perch them on the porch railing, sit them on the steps to greet the mail carriers, or anywhere you can think of. Be creative and have as just much fun as the kids. A creative family in Michigan has two large stuffed bears in their yard that they change around every day, having them participate in different activities such as crochet, gardening, having a garden party, waving at neighbors, and a variety of fun ways to bring some light during this dark time.
This global teddy bear hunt has captured the imagination and attention of everyone around the world. A mom posted on her social media account that her daughter in England had found over 300 bears in one day. It’s such a fun activity while getting a little fresh air, fitness, and taking our minds off the troubles of the world. Even though play dates are not allowed during this time, these scavenger hunts make the day a little more “bearable” for children and parents.
So what are you waiting for? As Michael Rosen would say, “We’re going on a bear hunt. We’re going to catch a big one. What a beautiful day! We’re not scared.” Head out on your own Bear Hunt and let us know how many you find and what other animals you might find along the way. Have fun!