The Perfect Place to Set Up Camp

For over 20 years, Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp Resort has been many Nova Scotian families’ favourite campground to create memories together. For owner Maher Beshay, it's hearing fond stories from past campers that inspires him. “Helping the next generation create new memories is a legacy I am proud to be a part of,” he said.

Situated in the Annapolis Valley, the campground is only 10 minutes from the world-famous Bay of Fundy. There are 141 overnight sites, 70 seasonal RV spots and 14 cabins available for rent. The seasonal campground runs from May 14 – September 19 and is closed for the reminder of the year. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp Resorts are one of the only franchises in Canada that solely focuses on the family camping demographic.

Despite requiring a serious financial investment, the Beshays were always interested in owning a campground.  However, with no previous experience, the family found it difficult to find a financial partner that would support them. Upon receiving a recommendation, Beshay reached out to CUA and was surprised by their quick response. After meeting to review his financial information, Beshay knew that CUA believed in him and could see his potential. “CUA went that extra mile to help us get to “yes” for our financing needs, and we were thrilled to finally make the purchase,” he said.

When the sale was finalized in November of 2019, the Beshays had no idea that in a few short months the world would be at a stand-still from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Like many businesses in the Province, it was a difficult period for the campground. Cheryle Rawding, General Manager, says it was the first season in 20 years where they weren’t sure if they would be able to open. “We were stuck in limbo, it wasn’t until May 1, 2020 – two weeks before our season normally would start, that the Province of Nova Scotia announced that some public health restrictions would ease,” she said.  In 2020, bookings were finally allowed to open in the first week of June. It was a quick turn around time for the business and that’s when Beshay really leaned into his relationship with CUA. “Our Commercial Account Manager has been an excellent resource and business advisor during our initial season and continues to be,” he said.

Beshay says despite the initial setbacks, in 2020 they saw an increase in first-time campers following a surge in demand for outdoor activities. “The local support has been great and it’s continued to grow into our 2021 season,” Beshay said.

The company has expanded the number of seasonal and overnight sites for the 2021 season and expects to continue to increase in 2022. “I knew I’d face some challenges running a campground for the first time, but I never thought operating during a global pandemic would be one of them,” he said.

Beshay says owning the campground is a dream come true for him and his family, and they look forward to the years to come. “Our mission is to create an experience for campers that will lead to memories that will last a lifetime,” he said.

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