Regional rock hunt encourages exploration

Image of Shawna O'Neill
By Shawna O'Neill
Regional rock hunt encourages exploration
From left, Ella Michaud , Ivan Bryenton and Alyzah Michaud with a cool rock they found hidden in Rosedale Terrace. Submitted photo.

CORNWALL & SDG, Ontario – If you’ve seen some interesting, decorative rocks throughout our region, they could be a part of a new and growing Rock Hunt that has quickly picked up popularity on social media.

The SD&G Rock Hunt was started by a local family about two weeks ago after they took a trip to Victoria, B.C. where they found a painted rock in a piece of driftwood, marked with an ‘SS’ on the back. After some research, they discovered it was part of a larger hunt (Sooke to Sidney) and their intrigue only grew. They figured, why not create a similar hunt locally?

“We decided when we got home, we would do it for fun and see what happens, so we painted a few rocks…all of a sudden, we had almost 100 followers (on our page) in less than a week…and it turned into a whole big thing, which we didn’t expect,” said Eric Lefebvre with a chuckle.

To date, Lefebvre and his family have painted about 60 rocks. He said that the scavenger hunt allows for an element of art and creativity, saying he enjoys painting little ladybugs and Pokémon balls, while his wife Karen Deruchie is more intricate with her work, creating mini scenic masterpieces. Lefebvre also noted that many community members have already painted their own rocks and hid them, showing their support and giving positive feedback.

“You do not have to be an artist though…it’s not about how beautiful or creative your rock looks, its about getting involved,” said Lefebvre. “There’s no real reason, no meaning (behind it), it’s just for fun…it’s fun for families to get outside and look for these little treasures together…everyone seems to be enjoying it.”

“A lot of kids are so involved in things like technology and video games, watching T.V. and bumming around the house (in the summer). To be honest, I don’t see too many kids in local parks anymore,” added Lefebvre. “This is a good project for families to get together…and they can involve technology if they want to post it on social media, saying ‘hey, we hid a rock in this location.'”

“It was a really cool idea! My kids had a lot of fun hiding it. They really liked playing a part in this! It’s cool to see other kids having fun and enjoying this as well,” said local mother Shelly Michaud.

The rules of the hunt, to ensure safety and consistency, are simple:

  • Rocks must be labelled with SDG Rock Hunt on the back. The rocks should also be sealed using resin, spray, duraclear or other similar sealants (not mod podge).
  • When you find a rock, you can leave it, re-hide it, replace it or keep it. Participants are asked to only keep 1 rock per person per location. Rocks should be re-hidden in the same general area.
  • Post photos of rocks you have hidden and rocks you have found on social media and the SDG Rock Hunt Facebook page.
  • Be respectful in where you hide your rocks: not in cemeteries, places of worship, private property, malls or dangerous locations.
  • Please do not take bare rocks to paint from provincial parks or restricted areas or private property.

To find out more about the fun initiative, and see clues about certain rocks, follow SDG Rock Hunt on Facebook and Instagram. Lefebvre explained that there is also a Facebook group bearing the same name which was accidentally made private. The public may request to join and he will attempt to add everyone. After 28 days, the group will become public (as per Facebook regulations).

Stay tuned for a Seaway News rock post on our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages coming soon.

Rock on!

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