Their vision began more than a decade ago in upstate New York’s Finger Lakes region. The Emirbayers had always loved the outdoors, spending time camping with their four children.

“We wanted to do a Jellystone Park in the Finger Lakes, which is a beautiful part of the country, but God had other plans,” Jane says. “We ended up moving here.”

In 2013, they loaded their belongings into a fifth wheel and headed south to Asheboro.

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park opened in 2016, just a few miles from the North Carolina Zoo. Today, the campground has grown to 130 sites, and Kent says there is still plenty more to come. In fact, he estimates the park is only about 25% complete.

“I have a big vision,” Kent says. “There are many more sites to build, many more attractions.”

Creativity is one of the things that makes the Emirbayers’ park unique. Many of the park’s attractions and structures come directly from ideas Kent has developed himself.

“I feel like God gives me a vision for an activity or a building or even the layout of the park,” he says.

Kent says he has no interest in creating a cookie-cutter campground. Even the playgrounds are built by hand, combining his creativity with the certifications and inspections necessary to keep them safe.

Their family-centered philosophy isn’t limited to the guests. All four of Kent and Jane’s children are involved in the business. From building and welding to designing activities and interacting with guests, the Emirbayers have made the campground a true family affair.

As the park’s reputation has grown, so has the interest from local young people looking for a fun place to work.

“We try to really instill in them a good work ethic, a moral ethic and a spiritual ethic that combines into helping young people reach their potential,” Kent says.

The park also offers a fellowship program that includes weekly Bible studies for employees, creating a sense of community among the young people who work there.

Employees help with arts and crafts, games, pool activities, hayrides, laser tag, the jumping pillow and plenty of other attractions throughout the park.

One of the busiest times of the year begins in late September and continues through Halloween weekend, when a full calendar of fall activities brings families back week after week to enjoy the season.

And while there is still much more construction and creativity ahead, the purpose remains unchanged.

“I want them to be blessed as a family,” Kent says. “And I want God’s peace and tranquility, as well as entertainment and fun, for the family.”

After 10 years in operation, the Emirbayers aren’t slowing down. They’re still building, still dreaming and still creating.

And for Asheboro, that growing vision has become much more than a campground. It has become a place where families from near and far can come together, make memories and feel a little more at home.