The school holidays are here and Jersey Heritage is helping families to keep their children entertained by offering the chance for them to hunt for fun facts around its castles and museums.
The charity has created a set of free ‘Heritage Hunters’ workbooks for youngsters to pick up and enjoy filling in at its visitor sites. There is a different version for Elizabeth Castle, Mont Orgueil, Hamptonne Country Life Museum, La Hougue Bie, the Maritime Museum and Jersey Museum.
The workbooks, which are kindly sponsored by Aztec, encourage families to explore each site and discover the answers to a series of questions and puzzles themed around the exhibitions and displays they see.
A version for Scouts, Cubs, Guides and Brownies is being developed for the autumn to enable them to attain their Local History badges.
Vic Tanner Davy, Jersey Heritage’s Head of Programmes, said: “The ‘Heritage Hunters’ workbooks are free and available to anyone who would like to become a history detective during the summer holidays. It’s an opportunity for youngsters to put down their electronic devices, get out in the fresh air and enjoy exploring our historic sites with their family.”
As well as encouraging youngsters to discover historical facts related to each site, the workbooks include some fun activities. For example, at Elizabeth Castle families can use their ‘Heritage Hunters’ workbook to spot wildlife they might see at the fortress, while the workbook for the Maritime Museum includes a sea shanty to try singing and which needs them to write a final verse.
Youngsters who complete a workbook can ask at the site reception for a sticker. The stickers are unique to each site and there are six to collect.
Emily Sturgess, from Aztec Group, said: “We’re proud to support Jersey Heritage in bringing this initiative to life – encouraging young people to step away from screens, explore their surroundings and connect with the Island’s history in a fun, meaningful way. This aligns closely with our North Star of helping young people to improve their life opportunities through access to education.”
The ‘Heritage Hunters’ workbooks are free for anyone wishing to use them at the visitor sites. Usual site entry fees apply, with free entry for Jersey Heritage Members and children under the age of six.