Meet Pup Rewind, Mr. Woods Cub 2025

During Bears in the Woods III, The Woods Campground named their new title family for 2025. Get to know the current reigning Mr. Woods Cub, Pup Rewind!

BWM: Can you tell us a bit about your background?

Rewind: Hi, my name is Rewind! I’m a work-from-home software engineer living in South Jersey, where I was born and raised. At night, you can find me cuddling with my boyfriend, making a nice meal for my family, or hitting the town with my friends.

BWM: What drew you to the bear and pup communities? Which came first and are they connected for you?

Rewind: What initially drew me to the bear community was my own natural build and the real, rugged bears I’m attracted to. It wasn’t until later that I learned about the pup community, and it was only this year that I became a member of it. Rusty the Dawg, our current Keystone Pet, invited me to a birthday party for his partner, and it was there that I became friends with the awesome Bourbon Oak pack and chose my pup name of Rewind! Since then, I’ve met countless bears, pets, people of leather, and everyone in between. Seeing the overlap between these communities brought me joy and comfort and sparked a deep desire to get involved and support them all.

BWM: What does being a Pup mean to you and how has it enriched your life?

Rewind: Being a pup is about embracing my playful, authentic self while connecting with others on a deep, emotional level. It’s given me the freedom to explore new facets of my identity while building bonds with an incredible, supportive community. The pups in my life have helped me grow in confidence, allowing me to express myself in ways I never thought possible, and it’s filled my life with joy, camaraderie, and plenty of tail-wagging fun!

BWM: How would you define what a cub is in this day and age?

Rewind: A cub today is more than just a younger or smaller bear—it’s about bringing youthful energy, curiosity, and an openness to learn from the bears who came before us. Cubs are the bridge between tradition and evolution within the bear community, embodying a sense of fun and nurturing that helps strengthen bonds across generations.

BWM: Tell us about why The Woods Campground is special to you and what role it has played in your life.

Rewind: The Woods is a place where I can truly be myself, free of judgment, and embrace my own body in a way I never had before. The clothing-optional environment has really helped me embrace body positivity and feel comfortable with my cubbish form. It’s a space where community thrives, and I’ve found family here in so many ways. The Woods has not only offered me a place to unwind and relax but also opportunities to support and uplift the people I care about.

BWM: What was the competition like and why did you want to compete?

Rewind: I was initially hesitant, but Rusty the Dawg saw something in me and gave me the confidence to put myself out there. The competition was exhilarating—it opened my eyes to the incredible dedication and passion that both the producers and contestants bring. It was a real test of my abilities, and I learned so much about myself along the way. I would definitely recommend competing at least once to anyone in the community!

BWM: What are the responsibilities associated with your title? What are your goals for your title year?

Rewind: As a titleholder, my main responsibility is to represent the Woods community and the values it upholds, whether that’s through community service, event organization, or just being a welcoming face for newcomers. My goal for this year is to build stronger connections between the bear and leather communities while promoting body positivity and inclusivity. I’m looking forward to growing together with everyone!

BWM: What is your favorite and least favorite thing about the bear community? How would you remedy the things you don’t like?

Rewind: My favorite thing about the bear community is how welcoming and diverse it can be. There’s a strong sense of brotherhood and acceptance for people of all shapes and sizes. On the flip side, I’ve noticed that sometimes the community can feel a little cliquish or exclusive, especially to those who might not fit the traditional bear mold. To fix that, I’d focus on creating more events that celebrate diversity within the community and encourage more open conversations about inclusion.

BWM: Where can we find you?

Rewind: You can find me on Facebook under Pup Rewind, @rewind.the.pup, where I’m starting fresh to share my adventures as a proud member of the bear and pup communities. Feel free to follow along for updates on events, projects, and cubby puppy pics!