Camp-Resort Of The Year:  Woodridge, NY

Nestled in foothills of the Catskill Mountains, this Camp-Resort was recognized as the Jellystone Park franchise "Camp-Resort of the Year." The award - which is the highest honor that can be awarded to a Jellystone Park - recognizes overall excellence in management, operations, appearance and performance.

 

Known as Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Birchwood Acres, this park is owned and operated by the Zalkin family. The Zalkins first entered the resort business 64 years ago with Zalkin's Birchwood Lodge, and then converted the property to a campground in 1970. It has been part of the Jellystone Park franchise since 1995.

 

Birchwood Acres boasts 208 campsites and 61 rental units - including deluxe lodges, luxury trailers, plus one and two room cabins. It recently opened a state-of-the-art heated spray pool with 10 spray features, which provides hours of fun for the entire family. Other highlights include a 5 acre stocked fishing lake, Olympic-sized pool, hot tub, paddle boats, sports complex, three-story playground, and an extensive recreation program. Campers can enjoy themed activities 7 days a week during the summer months along with special event weekends during spring and fall - all organized by trained recreation staff.

 

This Camp-Resort opens for the 2008 season on May 1. To make your reservation, visit www.nyjellystone.com or call 800-552-4724 .

Jellystone Parks Honored For Camping Excellence

Entrepreneur(s) of the Year: 

The Camp-Resorts showing the strongest growth in business were the recipients of the franchise system's "Entrepreneur of the Year" award. Waller, Texas - located 35 miles northwest of Houston - has experienced large revenue growth since being purchased by Bryant Management in 2005. The growth has been spurred by major facility improvements including a new comfort station, deluxe cabins and a water playground. Hagerstown, Maryland, was also honored for its major additions to the property which include two waterslides, a spray pool, plus multiple new campsites and full-service cabins. The Park has become a major recreation destination in the area.

 

Operator(s) of the Year: 

All Jellystone Parks have first-rate operators and this year two Camp-Resorts were recognized as "Operator of the Year" for excellence in management - Scott and Sue Crompton of North Java, NY and Dave and Marty Landry of Gatlinburg, TN. Since purchasing the property in 2004, the Cromptons have set the bar for excellent customer service and recreation. The Landrys moved from California to Tennessee in 2006 to take ownership of the Gatlinburg location, which has consistently been an extremely well-maintained park. They have continued the tradition of camping excellence while also expanding the park's recreation program.

 

Maple Leaf Award: 

Tim O'Rourke from Toronto, Ontario was given the "Maple Leaf Award."  This award recognizes a Canadian franchisee for his commitment and dedication to the Jellystone Park system. Tim took over as operator of the family business and has been a leader in both service and management.

 

Facility of the Year: 

Two Jellystone Park's received the "Facility of the Year" award. Tabor City, North Carolina has grown tremendously over the past few years under the direction of brothers Rick and Joey Coleman. The property, originally named Daddy Joe's, has been in the family for generations and was converted to a Jellystone Park in 2003. Since then they have made many improvements including deluxe cabins, a splash wetdeck, concrete pull-thru sites and much more. The park is very well-maintained and consistently receives high inspection scores by the franchise system. The second recipient, Frankenmuth, Michigan, is no stranger to receiving recognition for their achievements. Located in " Michigan's Little Bavaria", this park continues to be a leader in both the Jellystone Park system and campground industry. They were named 2003's Camp-Resort of the Year and receive near-perfect inspection scores annually.

 

Carroll Award:

The "Carroll Award" was given to Nashville, Tennessee for receiving the highest inspection rating among all Jellystone Parks. Each summer, the Parks are graded on a number of items including themeing, landscaping, cleanliness, and recreation.

 

Jim Webb Spirit Award: 

The "Jim Webb Spirit Award" which recognizes outstanding service and commitment to both the franchise system and their guests, was given to Peter and Janet Clark who own the Jellystone Park in Woodstock, New Brunswick. The Clarks have been part of the Jellystone Park family since 1996 and have from the beginning been advocates of the system. Always willing to lend a helping hand, other owners looks to the Clarks for advice and direction in operations and customer service.

 

Award Descriptions

Each year during the annual convention Leisure Systems, Inc (LSI) recognizes those Camp Resorts and operators who have distinguished themselves in certain areas of operations and facilities. Listed below are those awards and an explanation of how franchises qualify.

Excellence Award: Awarded to Camp-Resorts that rate 90% and higher on the inspection of their facilities and operations by LSI inspectors.

Pinnacle Club: Awarded to Camp-Resorts that rate 95% and higher on the inspection of their facilities and operations by LSI inspectors.

Special Recognition Awards: Recipients have distinguished themselves as leaders in particular award categories. The categories are Facility Themeing, Landscaping, Store Design, Comfort Station, Recreational Programming, Website Design, Brochure Design, Rookie of the Year and Most Improved Inspection.

System Achievement Awards: These are major awards presented to those Camp-Resorts that have received the highest recognition possible in specific park operations. They are listed below.

The Carroll Award: Named after prior Jellystone Park operators and current field consultants, the recipient of this award achieved the highest inspection rating of all Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park™ Camp- Resorts.

Entrepreneur of the Year: Camp-Resorts showing the strongest growth in business over the prior year receive this award.

Operator of The Year: This award is presented to the individual or individuals directly responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Camp-Resort. It represents excellence in management, improved inspection ratings, and growth in business.

Maple Leaf Award: This award is presented to a Canadian Franchisee for their commitment and dedication to the Jellystone System.

Facility of the Year: Recipients are Camp-Resorts that have added new amenities/facilities to the operation. They have also showed sustained improvements to the facilities.

Jim Webb Spirit Award: Named after an individual who has played a major role in the success of the Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park franchise system. This award is presented to the franchisee who has embodied the same spirit, enthusiasm and commitment to the Jellystone System that Mr. Webb has displayed throughout his entire career.

Camp-Resort of the Year: This is the highest honor that can be awarded to a Yogi Bear's Jellystone Camp-Resort. The facility as well as its operators must exceed all Jellystone standards of operation. The recipient must be ranked in the Pinnacle Club, have shown a strong growth in business, implemented sustained improvements to the facilities and is viewed as a leader in the campground industry.

Chairman's Award: This award is presented every 5 years to a franchisee who has been the greatest influence on others within the Jellystone Park Franchise System. This individual through their effort, their deeds and their example-has demonstrated what it means to be a true leader among their peers.