Virginia >> The Suffolk-Nansemond Chapter hosted its fourth annual Teddy Bear Hunt this year. Fifty children (ages 3-10) were preregistered for the event - double the number of participants from just four years ago. In fact, the event is such a success that  the demand for “hunting licenses” exceeded the number of available bears this year, so the chapter had to turn away some would-be hunters.

The morning began with a hay ride into the park. After obtaining their “licenses” and receiving a safety briefing, families set out for the hunt. Bears for the event were donated by the Parsons Company, and personnel from the Suffolk Fire Department were on hand to handle medical emergencies.

After hunters returned with their “bagged” teddy bears (which were actually in plastic bags to protect them from the elements), everyone enjoyed lunch by the pond. Families had the afternoon to enjoy fishing and archery before the hay wagon took them back to their cars. If big smiles and “bear hugs” are any measure, the event was a big success.

The event also introduces the League to members of the community. Several families have joined the Suffolk-Nansemond Chapter after teddy bear hunts and others have volunteered for the chapter’s Nansemond River clean-up. More parents, grandparents, and older siblings have started attending the event as well.

The chapter donated the few unclaimed bears to the Suffolk Fire Department to be used as “comfort bears.” The fire department gives teddy bears to children involved in emergency situations to help reduce stress and anxiety. “These bears will continue bringing smiles to children’s faces in their new role,” says chapter media chair Tim Doxey. And members of the Suffolk-Nansemond Chapter will continue to bring smiles to children in the community with this annual event.