Going on a “Bear Hunt” provides exercise, fun and so much more for kids and adults alike

With the coronavirus still posing a real threat across our communities, adults and children alike are looking for ways to alleviate the boredom while at the same time getting some exercise and learning something. One of the ways to get moving, that has been implemented by several families in Postville and the surrounding area, is by going on a ‘bear hunt’.

What, you might ask is a ‘bear hunt’ and how does it work?

Mother of two elementary age boys, Amy Christofferson, who was instrumental in starting the hunt said, “I saw a Facebook post that another friend had shared about going on a ‘bear’ hunt. From what I have seen, I believe the idea originated in the Aplington-Parkersburg area and it is based on the book, “Going on a Bear Hunt” by Helen Oxenbury.”

Amy shared that the book is an interactive story full of comedy and drama that has taken a family on a joyful trip through different landscapes to find a bear. She added, “It is a very popular book and most kids are introduced to it in the early preschool years.”

After deciding to initiate a bear hunt in Postville, Amy reached out to her friends on Facebook and many people jumped on board and agreed to post bears and other stuffed animals they had at home in their windows for the kids, and their parents and other adults, to find and count while walking around town.

She explained, After getting positive feedback from friends and family, I shared a public post so that others around town could share it to help spread the word. We set a start date of March 23, encouraging families to get out and walk while still practicing social distancing.”

While on a ‘bear hunt’ children are actually getting hands-on experience in some of the subjects they are studying in school.  It could certainly start with reading the book as a family unit while they make plans for a hunt. Another obvious subject is physical education, as exercise is good for everyone, no matter what the circumstances.

Science and math also come to mind as the children count the animals and identify the different species. The children can make a list that can be entered into a chart or graph for an extended math activity.

Read the full article in the April 1 edition of the Postville Herald.