WESTLOCK — Westlock residents, particularly families, are invited to participate in a free scavenger hunt running from Feb. 2-11 that is intended to educate people about the different agencies that operate in the community and some of its green spaces.
The “Get to Know Your Community” scavenger hunt is being hosted by Westlock and District CONEX, a coalition of representatives from various local organizations with a mission of building “family and community capacity through collaboration and engagement.”
Cyndi Neumiller, who helped co-ordinate the scavenger hunt, said this is meant to be a very self-directed exercise that participants can complete at their own pace, either individually or as teams.
It consists of about 20 clues in total, she said. Some clues can be found at community agencies, while others are at parks within the community.
“There’s a couple of green spaces on our scavenger hunt that are really kind of like hidden gems,” Neumiller said.
In fact, the very first of the clues is located at the Whissellville pond along the Rotary walking trail.
To find a clue, participants need only look for a laminated 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper with the Westlock CONEX logo on it. They can then take a picture of the sheet, which contains information about the next clue's location.
The clues are all posted in fairly obvious spots, so people with mobility issues can still participate without having to trudge through huge playgrounds, Neumiller indicated.
Also, those clues found at community agencies will generally be posted in windows so participants need not visit during business hours.
Those wishing to enter the scavenger hunt are asked to register online, which can be done any time prior to Feb. 11.
The Westlock CONEX Facebook page features a link to the Google Document that participants can fill out to register, but each of the clues also has a QR code that people can scan with their phones, which will also link to the Google document.
Neumiller said they need people to register in order to be eligible for prizes, which include family passes to Town of Westlock facilities, some crazy carpets for kids and a family tubing pass for the Tawatinaw Valley Ski Hill.
Those prizes will be handed out during a wrap-up event hosted at the Canadian Tractor Museum on Thursday, Feb. 15 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. There will also be some mocktails and games for participants to enjoy.
Neumiller said this scavenger hunt fits in with the vision of Westlock and District CONEX, which is to build bridges together and connect the community through concern, love and family.
“Really, we wanted it to be an event where people learn a little bit more about the community,” she said.
