In today’s crazy world there’s a lot of negativity. People are socially isolated, scared and going a little stir-crazy.
There’s no doubt that it’s a time in history we will never forget. But hopefully, when our kids look back at it, they will see the good that came out of COVID-19. The extra family time, the games of hide ‘n seek in the house, the pajama and movie days, the backyard camping adventures, the daily walks and the bear hunts.
We’re going on a bear hunt
Many of you have probably seen the adorable Bear Hunt idea creeping into our news feeds. People place bears in the windows for those out walking with their kids for daily exercise find. It’s such an easy way to make people’s day and give kids something to look for when out for their daily walks. After all, walking is one of the only things we are allowed to do in this crazy time.
South Australian teacher and mum-of-three Tracy Davey (Coad) took this idea of a bear hunt one step further by turning her front yard into a stage for daily bear antics.
Tracy tells Mum Central,Â
I heard about the Bear Hunt and that’s always been one of my favourite books to share with my class and my own children. So I put my big teddies in the front yard with some coffee mugs and cupcakes and snapped a photo.”
Tracy shared the photo on Facebook with plenty of people liking and commenting. However, she also noticed people outside her house, stopping on their daily walks to check out the bears.
I thought I’d do something more creative the next day. And we’ve had a steady stream of people driving/walking past ever since.”
Bear fun for everyone
Tracy’s bears have been having an absolute ball in her front yard. They’ve had a birthday party, staged a concert complete with a drum set and even been at homeschool.Â
“No music concert is complete without groupies!!”
More and more bears have joined them too.
More and more people have also come along on the unique bear hunt, walking and driving in small socially-distance groups, to see what the bears are up to each day.
“The bears needed some cheerleading practice to keep fit while in self-isolation!! Mumma bear has come out to supervise!”
“In fact, I was too slow to get organised this morning and was met with disappointed little people who walk past every day waiting to see what my crazy bears are up to next,” Tracy says.
“Mrs Bear decided this distant learning thing is too hard so she packed the bears up and took them camping!!! Mrs Bear is teaching the kids how to roast marshmallows on a fire!!”
Look for the ‘bear’ necessities
For Tracy, the reason for her bears is simple – it brings a smile to those who need it.
Not just her kids, who love it, but for all the families out walking. And especially for those children who may be feeling anxious about this new world. After all, bears have an amazing ability to remind kids that everything is going to be okay. It’s one of their many talents.
“Mrs Bear has her morning coffee in anticipation of a big day of distance learning!!”
Our leaders are suggesting that ‘normal’ life won’t be returning anytime soon. Fortunately for Tracy’s neighbours, the bears aren’t going anywhere either. Tracy and her kids have a list of ideas on what the bears can do next including Star Wars and Harry Potter.
“These are uncertain times for everyone,” Tracy adds. “We can all do our bit to spread some joy and love, and reduce anxiety.”
As long as people are out walking and in need of a smile, Tracy’s crazy bears will be there, ready to deliver a daily dose of silliness, even if it’s from 2 metres away.
