Summer is coming, and we can’t wait!
Every summer, Botetourt County Libraries host a Summer Learning Challenge for all ages. If you have a smartphone, you can participate in the challenge via the Beanstack app (by Zoobean), earning badges for reading and completing activities and racking up tickets for some pretty exciting stuff.
This year’s theme is “Read Beyond the Beaten Path,” encouraging everyone to get adventurous in reading new things. But reading isn’t the only way to learn something new. This year’s theme encourages everyone to get outside and explore nature, whether it’s a camping trip or a walk in the park. There’s something for the whole family to enjoy!
This year’s incentives match the outdoorsy theme. The more you read and the more activities you do, the more tickets you earn toward drawings for amazing prizes. You can decide which incentives to put your tickets toward, so if you really want one thing, you can put all your tickets in that basket. Or spread out your chances for a number of great prizes.
What could you win? Depending on your age group (adults or kids), you could win a hiking backpack, gift card, trekking poles, waterproof duffel bag, emergency survival kit, camp cookware, 12-person tent (yes, 12! bring the whole family), old-fashioned or digital compass, rod-reel combo, walkie-talkie sets (kids), camp cook set (kids), gift cards for Twin River Outfitters, paddle board set, or a kayak. Yes, you read that right, we have multiple options to win a kayak ($700 value).
So what do you have to do to win these amazing incentives? First, read books! Next, complete your choice of activities listed in the Beanstack app. Don’t worry, they’re all fun and most activities can be done with the entire family. Try some crafts, visit local historic sites, come to a library event, hit some trails, learn outdoorsy skills like animal track identification, or even go on a picnic. This summer is full of fun things to do!
We’re excited to partner with Botetourt County Public Schools (thank you, school librarians!) to make it easy for kids and teens to participate in our Summer Learning Challenge at the same time as individual school or class challenges. Read books and get points at school and at the public library at the same time! (P.S. If you come to the kickoff event on May 20, you may see your school librarian there!)
We’re also grateful to Botetourt County Parks and Recreation for partnering with us to create a summer full of outdoor adventures. Be sure to check out the local sites and activities that Botetourt County has to offer!
Visit www.BocoLibraries.info and find the page for our Summer Learning Challenge 2022 for full instructions. Or you can call or visit any library branch and staff will help you get started. Don’t miss out on the fun activities, reading pleasures or exciting prizes this year!
