If you spot a group of kids darting around Winkler's Bethel Heritage Park with papers in hand and eyes peeled to the grass, don’t be alarmed, they're not lost, they’re just on a Color Hunt. This playful workshop is part of the South Central Regional Library’s "Bookland Explorer's" program in Winkler, and it’s got kids searching for every colour of the rainbow... with chocolate coins and grand prizes waiting at the end.
“I hope that some of the kids get to know my aim in life with my education and are inspired to continue their own love of literacy.” - Charlee Montgomery, Summer Reading Coordinator, SCRL Winkler.
Meet the mind behind the magic
Charlee Montgomery is the Summer Reading Program Coordinator at the South Central Regional Library’s Winkler branch—and the creator of the Color Hunt. Though she’s new to the role, Montgomery is no stranger to books or creativity.
“This is my first time doing that role,” she said. “I really enjoy working with all the kids and organizing the programs. It's what I wanted to do. It’s really fun.”
While this role is temporary for Montgomery, great adventures await, as she’s currently pursuing a university degree in English and Classical Studies; subjects she fell in love with thanks to the Percy Jackson and Shadowhunters series.
A rainbow, a map, and a chocolate coin
So how does the Color Hunt work?
“The kids will be provided with a paper with a variety of colours on there,” explained Montgomery. “Then they're going to go out into the Heritage Park and the surrounding area of the library to find the colours on the paper.”
Designed for ages 6 to 13, the hunt includes classic rainbow hues like red, yellow, and green. “It’s mainly just the rainbow colours,” she said. “We’re not doing, like, cerulean.”
Children will team up in groups of four, often with parents tagging along for the search. Once they find all the colours, they check back in with Montgomery to receive a chocolate coin.
Books, banana bucks, and a Nintendo Switch 2
Beyond the Color Hunt, kids participating in summer workshops earn grand prize tickets. These can be used toward a wide range of giveaways.
“There’s a variety of them,” said Montgomery. “There’s Lego, stuffies, books… and a Nintendo Switch 2, but that’s only for the teens.”
The Color Hunt workshop is offered in three sessions, at 10:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 1:30 p.m. To register, families can call, email, or visit the Winkler library in person.
Sharing a love of reading
Montgomery said one of the best parts of the job is connecting with kids over books.
“[The kids] always mention different books that they like to read, what they're reading, and I'm able to connect with them that way.”
Though she hasn’t heard many kids mention older classics like Charlotte’s Web or The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, she’s excited to see young readers still captivated by modern stories like Percy Jackson.
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A season of creativity and connection
The Color Hunt isn’t the only thing on the summer calendar. Montgomery has also planned a massive puzzle mural workshop. “I made a massive collage and cut out all the pieces,” she said. “The kids can colour it in, and once they’re done, we stick it on the wall to see the massive collage in the end.”
And while the workshops are fun and interactive, there’s a greater goal behind it all.
“Just for the kids to get out, have some fun, enjoy the air, and enjoy searching for things around them,” said Montgomery.
Montgomery’s own favourite colour? Purple, no doubt. Her room is still painted that way. “I love purple,” she said.
The Summer Reading Program continues until the end of August, and Montgomery is hopeful that her time with the kids leaves a lasting impression.
“I hope that some of them get to know my aim in life with my education and are maybe inspired by that to continue their own love of literacy.”