'Look for a book' treasure hunt springs to life

Today (Friday March 31) marks the start of the spring school holiday, during which it can be difficult to keep children entertained.

 

This year, however, youngsters will be able to take part in the 'look for a book' treasure hunt organised by Bookworm Adventures.

 

The new business, launched by Campbeltown woman Catherine Wilson in January, sells Usborne children's books via pop-up stalls at various events and venues, playgroups, home book parties and online. She is also hoping to work with schools to help them get a lot of free books.

 

Catherine wanted to do something for local children at this time, and inspired by other Usborne partners, she contacted local businesses to ask them if they would be willing to sponsor books to be hidden in and around the town during the holiday.

 

Many were enthusiastic about the idea and the following 14 agreed to get involved: The Fish Shop, Davaar Laudrette, Muneroy Tearoom, Muasdale Stores, Jean I Farmer Clothing, MACC Business Park, The Courier Centre, McKellar General Store, Kintyre Weigh, The Kintyre Larder, Jim Martin Supplies, Olly’s Street Food, The Treehouse, Flying Colours Driver Training.

 

Thanks to their generous sponsorships, 370 books were provided at cost price. These will be hidden over several days, starting today.

 

The children who find the books can take them home, read them and, if they wish, they can hide them again for others to find.

 

There will be a Facebook group – search Campbeltown Look for a Book – with clues where they can post pictures and thank the sponsors.

 

“Davaar Laundrette is delighted to support Catherine and Bookworm Adventures in the Easter book hunt, a fun-filled way to get outside and encourage children to read more,” said Emma Woods.

 

“We hope everyone enjoys the hunt and the books that they find. It's a great activity for locals and visitors to enjoy over the holidays.”

 

According to the 2022 Annual Literacy Survey done by the National Literacy Trust, almost one in five – 18.6 per cent – of children aged five to eight do not have a book of their own at home, one in four said they don’t enjoy reading and only half the children say they read daily.

 

Catherine hopes that her project will contribute in a small way to giving children a lifelong love of reading.

 

“I was blown away by the response from businesses,” she said. “This community is quick to rally around a cause, particularly where children are involved. I would like to thank them for their help. I wish the children a lot of luck finding the books.”