AN IDEA GROWN from one parent looking for ways of keeping children occupied, exercised and outdoors has become a Moray-wide phenomenon.
In just six weeks the Facebook page set up by Jennifer Byiers to allow other parents and their children to join in the fun is fast approaching 5000 devotees – and is showing no signs of slowing down.
Moray Mini Adventures is a simple idea that has left hundreds of toddlers absolutely thrilled – boxes are secreted in parks, beaches and other landmarks containing ‘treasures’ and a notebook and pen into which those who find the boxes can record their names.
Children can remove one treasure from the box – so long as they replace it with one of their own.
Clues on the location of the boxes are placed on the Facebook page, where parents are recording progress of their own children as well as announcing new sites – with the result that there is a growing number of outdoor places to explore.
This week a delighted Jennifer announced that the number of sites had reached an amazing 165 – and it is growing almost daily.
Jennifer said: “People are reporting that they have discovered new walks in Moray via the treasure hunts – despite having lived in Moray all their lives. It is a lot like geocaching but less confusing for busy parents with younger children – and of course they don’t need to use GPS devices and co-ordinates.”
One problem facing is that, sadly, some boxes have been found to have been moved and destroyed or the contents all taken out – for the most part, however, the children are being allowed to get on with the fun unhindered by mindless vandals.
So far the areas in Moray covered by ‘treasures’ is (number of boxes in brackets): Aberlour (1), Buckie (8), Burghead (4), Brodie (3), Craigellachie (2), Cummingston (3), Culbin (3), Cullen (4), Duffus (3), Dufftown (3), Elgin (31), Findhorn (2), Findochty (3), Fochabers (7), Forres (5), Garmouth (3), Hopeman (4), Keith (7), Kingston (1), Lhanbryde (3), Logie (1), Lossiemouth (15), Millbuies (5), Miltonduff (3), Mosstodloch (1), Mulben (1), Portessie (2), Portgordon (1), Portknockie (3), Rothes (4), Rothiemay (1), Roseisle (3), Spey Bay (2) and Strathlene (1).
To join in the fun visit Moray Mini Adventures on Facebook.