2026 Brooks Camp Bear Pin Logo Contest

Contact: Matt Johnson, 907.469.1131

KING SALMON, Alaska --- Katmai National Park is pinning its hopes on finding local talent to design the 2026 Brooks Camp bear etiquette pin. The park invites Southwest Alaskan residents of all ages to submit a design for the bear pin. The winning design becomes the official Katmai bear pin that tens of thousands of visitors wear this summer. The winning designer is awarded a set of pins along with the satisfaction of seeing their artwork worn on the jackets and ballcaps of visitors from around the world.

"Bear pins reinforce the park's safety training," said Katmai Superintendent Mark Sturm "and the pins become treasured souvenirs that remind over 20,000 visitors of their trip to the park."

Designs must be submitted via email at [email protected] by February 26, 2026. Complete contest rules are available on the park website at: www.nps.gov/katm/getinvolved/katmai-bear-pin-contest.htm or by contacting the park at 907-246-3305.

The unique and highly prized Brooks Camp bear pins feature bears and other natural and cultural wonders of Katmai. The pins are awarded to visitors who complete mandatory bear safety training, also known as "bear school." A limited-edition and multi-colored bear pin is awarded to visitors who are examples of responsible behavior around bears at Brooks Camp.

Since 2017 the pins have highlighted another notable feature of Southwest Alaska: the artistic skill of its residents. Let your artwork be the enduring symbol of bear school's graduating class of 2026 by submitting your design before the deadline of February 26, 2026. The pins are funded by the Katmai Conservancy.

We're on pins and needles waiting to see your entries!

For more information about Katmai visit us at www.nps.gov/katm and follow us on facebook, flickr, youtube, twitter, or instagram

---NPS---