Southern Region
Smokey Bear Programs
Children's Groups
Smokey is available, by appointment, to visit classrooms and children’s groups. The visit will include a short forest fire prevention program presented by a uniformed Forest Service employee. These programs are limited to children’s groups ages 3-7.
How to make an appointment:
Contact your local USDA Forest Service or state forest office.
Parades
Smokey is available for holiday or festival parade appearances, but must be booked well in advance. The typical parade entry is Smokey riding on a Forest Service truck. He cannot participate as a part of a commercial float.
Other Events
Smokey may appear at other public events which do not conflict with the national guidelines.
Smokey Bear Online Children's Activities
Play fire prevention games, learn the Smokey Bear song, or download coloring sheets at either the KIDS Corner or at SmokeyBear.com.
Guidelines for Smokey Appearances
- Cannot be commercial in nature ie appearance cannot endorse or promote a commercial product or private business.
- Must allow promotion of Smokey’s fire prevention message. Forest fire prevention is Smokey’s only message.
- Must be in keeping with Smokey’s image of friendly dignity. Smokey cannot play games, run races, dance, etc. He can participate in certain official opening ceremonies at sports events.
- Must include a uniformed escort from either the Forestry Commission or US Forest Service.
- Must not involve extended walking.
- Must not require Smokey to appear publicly for an extended period of time, depending on the weather. This is especially important during the summer.
- Must not require Smokey to speak. All presentations are done by the uniformed escort.
- Sponsor must provide adequate private dressing area for Smokey and escort.
- Only official artwork depicting Smokey may be used in promoting an appearance.
Jr. Forest Ranger Program, Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl
Educators, non-profits, and natural resources state and federal agencies can purchase educational and promotional items by visiting www.symbols.gov. Not only can you purchase Smokey Bear items but also Woodsy Owl, fire and wildland interface educational materials. However, to purchase items you MUST have a password that you can obtain from either a state or federal forest coordinator
Jr. Forest Ranger Program and Smokey Bear
The Junior Forest ranger program is designed to teach a conservation ethic to children by giving them a sense of responsibility for the environment. This revitalized booklet includes an activity where children design their own Smokey wildfire prevention poster. When the children have completed all the activities in the booklet, they send in the enclosed postcard, and they in turn receive a badge and certificate.
Woodsy Owl
Woodsy has been America's environmental champion since 1970, and is most recognized for his wise request, "Give a hoot. Don't pollute." Join the USDA Forest Service in introducing children (preschool through second grade) to this fanciful creature. Woodsy is coming to you with simple, hands-on land stewardship activities--and there's so much more ahead.
Woodsy Owl would love to be a part of your school or after-school curriculum. For more information, contact your local USDA Forest Service office.