Open Season: Scared Silly Characters Join Smokey Bear and Boys & Girls Clubs of America to Promote Campfire Safety

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment (SPHE) and Sony Pictures Animation have joined forces with the Ad Council, the U.S. Forest Service, the National Association of State Foresters, the National Forest Foundation (NFF) and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) to help raise awareness for Smokey Bear’s national wildfire prevention campaign, using #SmokeyBearHug. OPEN SEASON: SCARED SILLY stars Boog & Elliot received a hug from Smokey Bear this weekend for promoting campfire safety, kicking off a nation-wide program teaching youth from the Boys and Girls Club of America how to safely build, manage and put out a campfire.

“We are so pleased that Boog & Elliot are serving as ambassadors for Smokey’s wildfire prevention campaign,” said Jennifer Anderson, SVP, Marketing, SPHE. “Teaching children campfire safety tips will bring the importance of wildfire prevention to a whole new generation.”

“The U.S. Forest Service educates children to prevent unwanted wildfires,” said James Hubbard, deputy chief of the agency’s State and Private Forestry. “We are excited Boog and Elliott will help spread Smokey Bear’s message of campfire safety. This partnership helps today’s youth become tomorrow’s adults who use fire responsibly and care for our nation’s forests and grasslands.”

For every Boys & Girls Club youth member participating, SPHE will donate a tree to be planted by the National Forest Foundation (NFF) to replace those lost during natural disasters such as wildfires, and insect and disease outbreaks.

“Our national forests and grasslands are home to thousands of animals, from bears like Boog to deer like Elliot. They also provide clean water, clean air and opportunities for hiking, camping and playing in nature. Wildfires, insects and disease can negatively impact forest health, which is why we’re very grateful to SPHE for supporting reforestation efforts through our Trees for US program. Together, we can ensure our national forests and grasslands are healthy and vibrant for generations to come,” said Marcus Selig, Interim President at the NFF.

Audiences everywhere are encouraged to also participate in spreading awareness of campfire safety by posting their own fire safety photos using #SmokeyBearHug online.