This April Stoke Reads have launched a new Story Quest, Stoke Squad vs. The Monster Maker and the squad needs the help of families across the city to tackle the monsters emerging in Hanley Park!
A Story Quest is an activity trail that takes families in Stoke-on-Trent on an adventure around their local area. Guided by an exciting story, families explore a local outdoor space whilst completing physical and written challenges, discovering fascinating facts and travelling through time to uncover local history. The initiative is run by Stoke Reads and funded by Sport England.
Story Quest trails are aimed at families with primary school aged children and suitable for all levels of fitness. There are currently 13 story trails set across the city with three more being released over the summer. Since the project started just under 700 families have taken part in at least with over 400 families signing up during lockdown.
One family said: “we have found a love of the outdoors during lockdown and the quests bringing reading and outdoors together is ace!”
All activities are completely free. Please register to take part at storyquest.org.uk and follow Stoke Reads on Facebook for the latest Story Quest news. Once registered, families will also receive regular emails containing new Story Quests, activities to do at home and information on upcoming competitions and challenges.
Since the national lockdown last year, Stoke Reads have strengthened their relationships with 26 local organisations and are able to offer activity packs containing all of the previously released story trails to anyone who has registered. These are currently available for click and collect from Tunstall Library and Hanley City Central Library on a first come, first served basis. Visit www.stoke.gov.uk/clickcallcollect for more information or call you nearest library to arrange collection.
The Story Quest programme is created by Stoke Reads, a campaign launched in February 2017 by the National Literacy Trust and Stoke-on-Trent City Council, which inspires the city to enjoy reading and helps parents to support their children’s literacy skills.
Lois Bateman, Story Quest Project Manager said: “The success of Story Quest has continued to grow over the past year and I’m delighted Stoke Reads has supported families to get outside, get some exercise and develop their literacy skills. A huge thanks goes to all of our local partners who have connected our story trails with so many new families. I’m so delighted to offer a new story for families to try over the Easter break - and beyond!”