Get out of isolation and reconnect with your community – that’s the inspiration behind the inaugural Connected Community Scavenger Hunt.
The ten-day event has been organised by Northside Community Service and Cyclabilities – a learn-to-ride program for children with special needs – as a positive response to the social isolation of the coronavirus restrictions.
Cyclabilities president Carol Jennings wants people of all ages, abilities, and interests to join the hunt, she said it’s an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the Canberra winter and to find inspiration in the daily challenges.
“Anyone can participate; families, sporting groups, art groups – anyone,” she said.
“It’s our first event like this and it’s about supporting families and re-creating networks after isolation.
“We want to get people talking and sharing.”
One Canberra family excited about the Connected Community Scavenger Hunt is Bronwyn Jeffery and her nine-year-old son Finn.
Finn has autism and has been part of the Cyclabilities family since the program began four years ago.
Ms Jeffery said Finn joined the program to better understanding traffic and road safety, but now riding bikes is Finns ‘go to outlet’ for dealing with his emotions.
“Sometimes he would get frustrated and angry because a lot of stuff comes easy to him and when it doesn’t, he gives up,” she said.
“But this program taught him to persevere.”
The socially inclusive cycling program has come to mean a lot to the entire family.
Ms Jeffery said the program offered family picnics and opportunities to meet other families with shared challenges.
“We still catch up with all the families by text, or social media.
“We share experiences with each other and get ideas from one another.
“It helps us not to feel alone.”
The event which promotes the idea of togetherness and shared experiences will start on June 19 and finish on June 28, participants can take part as often as they like.
Those taking part just need to share a picture or video inspired by the daily theme on social media and tag @northsidedecs and use the hashtag #scavengerhuntcbr for the opportunity to win prizes.
A daily winner will be picked at 5pm based on the maximum number of likes.
For more stories:
