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by Jane Stahl
The Bear Fever Hunting License has been developed by Melanie Roth as a gift to friends and families who like to have fun! Twenty years ago, during a family get-together, when Bear Fever had just debuted, she developed a scavenger hunt in which participants were challenged to find the existing sculptures as the entertainment activity. Participants were instructed to take photos of themselves with the bears to “prove” they had found them. The finale to the hunt was a show of photographs.
Mel has memories from her childhood of picnics that she and her extended family—aunts, uncles, and cousins--spent together every Saturday and Sunday. Play and games of all kinds were always part of the gatherings. She fondly recalls swimming and softball competitions, pinochle and “hausey” card games. As an adult, she has continued the tradition and even publishes a calendar of events so the family knows the dates, times, and themes of the picnics, whether to contribute food and drink, and what special entertainment activities she has planned.
These gatherings, several times a month, most months of the year—spanning generations--allow her family to maintain strong bonds and relationships. There’s a special joy for Mel now that the grandchildren can participate in the fun, knowing that memories like those she treasures are being created for them, too.
In reprising her original hunt to celebrate Bear Fever’s 20th anniversary, Mel focused on the bears that live out of town; she’s eager for folks to get to know them. While not all bears are represented--there are a few that presented driving or privacy concerns—the sponsors have been forewarned that they may find “hunters” examining the sculptures for answers or taking selfies with the bear.
Copies of Mel's Bear (Fever) Hunting License (re-designed by Paul Stahl) are available at Studio B Art Gallery or by emailing me-- janeEstahl@comcast.net--for a pdf of the Hunting License and Answer Key.
To host a Bear Fever Scavenger Hunt, gather friends and family at your home or location. Enjoy snacks and conversation before introducing the Bear Hunt and getting started. The hunt is designed to begin in the middle of Boyertown at Studio B Art Gallery, 39A E Philadelphia Ave. Set a time limit. Two hours will give guests enough driving time—without speeding--and time to find answers or take photos.
When everyone has returned to your home or location, share the answers and the photos; determine winners (or not), offer prizes (or not), and ask participants to share any exploits that may have occurred during the hunt. Above all: have fun!
Should you wish to offer thanks and appreciation for Mel’s effort in creating this fun activity, consider offering a donation to the Boyertown Ambulance, a non-profit organization. www.Boyertownems.org
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