About This Activity
Smokey Bear’s image is well-known across the country and adored by kids and adults.
The Smokey Bear costume is only worn at functions where wildfire messaging is conveyed. His purpose is to further public information, education, and awareness of wildfire prevention.
Keep Oregon Green and wildland fire agencies promote Smokey Bear at public events such as parades, school appearances, fire prevention safety fairs, youth group meetings, conservation activities, television appearances, sporting events, civic and community events where a wildfire prevention message can be conveyed.
Keep Oregon Green provides the bear suit. Appearances at events are limited to 15-20- minute segments throughout the volunteer service period.
Volunteers will learn about the proper use of the Smokey Bear costume and work with Keep Oregon Green to make an appearance at day-long indoor/outdoor events or classroom programs or several weeks at the Oregon State Fair. It is preferable to have two people volunteer to be Smokey (one wear the suit and the other be his ‘handler’) or have several people work in shifts throughout the day.
When: spring, summer and fall months.
Top skills: Comfortable interacting with people (hugs, paw-shake, crouching down), patience with young children, positivity, comfortable outdoors and in busy environments.
Service benefit: Volunteer credit is available