Creativity Blooms at Rose's Garden-Inspired Scavenger Hunt in Exeter, Ontario

As we discover new ways to be connected when are far apart, one kindergarten teacher had a creative way for her community to remain connected. Amanda Overholt of Exeter, Ontario organized a weekly community-wide, themed scavenger hunt.

On May 14, the community embraced the themes of Rose’s Garden by Peter H. Reynolds. That week, the students watched a recorded read-aloud of the book . Then, just like the characters in Rose’s Garden create a beautiful garden out of paper flowers, the town of Exeter was in full bloom of paper flowers and decorations. Continue reading to hear about the initiative from Ms. Overholt.

My name is Amanda Overholt and I teach Kindergarten at Exeter Elementary School. I originally started this hunt for my students and my own children (5 and almost 2). I asked my neighbours to participate in a few little fun themed hunts. Just something to allow my students/ own children to get out of the house, while practicing social distancing (and learning too).

I decided to choose each theme based off a feature story/author, which could be accessed online on Tumblebooks through our public library webpage. I also included counting and/or graphing activity to go with each hunt- that’s the teacher in me! It wasn’t long before other neighbourhoods in my town heard about it and jumped on board! This is when I decided to create the Facebook page. We now have over 350 members, which is pretty amazing for our little community!

The best thing about these scavenger hunts is everyone can participate! If you're not able to get out to count the houses, while practicing social distancing due to COVID isolation regulations, or other reasons, you can still Participate by simple posting something on your front window/door! 

It wasn’t long before one of our featured authors caught wind that we were using her story as one of our featured books! She reached out and was keen to send a special message to our community. After that, I figured the sky was the limit so I began reaching out to other featured authors to see if they would get involved. Peter jumped on board and sent our community a special note- which was just perfect!

Rose’s Garden was a perfect selection for one of our themes! His book was chosen for the week right after Mother’s Day, which was perfect! And with spring in the air and flowers beginning to bloom around our community too!  The book is so inspiring and really addresses the importance of coming together as a community!!! Friendship, love, hope, perseverance and support are all important messages in this story- especially during these times!

Hopefully through this, our community comes out stronger! I hope our community can come together- just like Rose’s did and look out for one another- during these unprecedented times! The people and local business and organizations are what makes Exeter so special! I hope my kids and student appreciate and understand the value and importance of community. Together we are better ️ We are proud to live in Exeter, ON!

This celebration was particularly touching for our team at the Reynolds Center for Teaching, Learning, and Creativity, as Ms. Overholt dedicated her ‘Rose’s Garden’ creation in memory of our beloved ‘Dot Connector,’ Bill Norris.

Learn more about Bill Norris’s legacy and the Bill Norris Memorial Scholarship Fund, here

To read more about previous Exeter scavenger hunts, click here.