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Summer Learning Challenge 2022

Summer Learning Challenge 2022

Read Beyond the Beaten Path combines camp, adventure, and skill development for the entire family. That's right, the ENTIRE family. We have something for kids, teens, and adults of all ages. This Summer, we invite you to join us as we get outdoors and explore the natural resources of Botetourt County. There are great prizes to win no matter how you choose to participate!

Digital Challenge
Incentives
In-House Challenges
In-House Programs
Recommended Reading
Get Outdoors & Explore
BoCo Employee Challenge

Digital Challenge

This summer, read beyond the beaten path! Log your reading, share book reviews and/or complete activities to earn digital badges and rewards. Our challenge was built to keep the entire family entertained all Summer long. Inside you will find activities you can do together with family and friends, as well as activities to inspire you while alone. We encourage caregivers of all forms to be the example and participate along with their students, kids, grandkids or siblings.

There is something for everyone!

Earn 5 digital raffle tickets for every badge you complete.

Earn ANY 5 badges to complete the challenge.

Want more chances to win big?

Keep going! Just because you completed the challenge doesn't mean you can't keep earning digital raffle tickets. You have until 11:59 on August 12, 2022 to earn as many tickets as you can.

Use your digital raffle tickets to win incentives like outdoor toys, camping gear, and even kayaks! You heard that right,

K-A-Y-A-K-S

So what are you still doing here? Get outside and Read Beyond the Beaten Path!

Incentives

Complete tasks on Beanstack to have a chance at these amazing prizes!

In-House Challenges

Animal Tracks

Follow the animals tracks inside the library to discover new books, movies, activity kits, and more. Identify all the animal tracks on our scavenger hunt list to be entered into a nature themed giveaway.

Capture the Flag

We are bringing this traditional camp game indoors for the Summer! Each Monday we will hide the flag in our libraries. Find the flag, tell your librarian where it is and get entered into our giveaway.

In-House Programs

For a full list of things happening this Summer, please visit our event calendar.

Recommended Reading

How do I get a library card?

Any VA resident of any age can apply for a free library card. Minors under age 18 require a parent or guardian's signature.

Sign up for a temporary e-card to get started and have instant access to digital resources.
A library card from Botetourt County gives you access to any Roanoke Valley Library. Drop by a Roanoke Valley Libraries location to upgrade your e-card to full access and receive a physical card.
When you drop by, bring a valid form of photo ID and proof of address.

What do I get with my library card?

Thanks to membership in the Roanoke Valley Libraries consortium, all Botetourt County Libraries members have access to the shared collections of four library systems in Botetourt, Roanoke City, Roanoke County, and Salem. Request items from any of these libraries, and our couriers will deliver them to your preferred library location for pickup.

You also have access to the full range of services, resources, programs and more from Botetourt County Libraries. Explore our website or visit us to discover more!

How do I find available books, movies, and music?

Thanks to membership in the Roanoke Valley Libraries consortium, all Botetourt County Libraries members have access to the shared collections of four library systems in Botetourt. Roanoke City, Roanoke County, and Salem. Request items from any of these libraries, and our couriers will deliver them to your preferred library location for pickup.

Looking for an eBook or eAudiobook instead? Access that collection here.

How long can I keep my items?

Books & Books on CD	28 days
New or In Demand Books	14 days
Movies	7 days
Music	7 days

How do I renew items?

Items renew automatically, no action needed! Each item checked out on your card will be renewed automatically two days before it's due, if there are no other holds and the items still have unused renewals. Items may be renewed up to 2 times if no one is waiting for them.

Get Outdoors & Explore

Geocaches

What is a Geocache?

Geocaching is an outdoor recreational activity, in which participants use a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver or mobile device and other navigational techniques to hide and seek containers, called "geocaches" or "caches", at specific locations marked by coordinates all over the world. A typical cache is a small waterproof container with a logbook and sometimes a pen or pencil. The geocacher signs the log with their established code name and dates it, in order to prove that they found the cache. After signing the log, the cache must be placed back exactly where the person found it. Larger containers such as plastic storage containers (Tupperware of similar) or ammunition boxes can also contain items for trading, such as toys or trinkets, usually of more sentimental worth than financial. Geocaching shares many aspects with benchmarking, trigpointing, orienteering, treasure-hunting, letterboxing, waymarking, and Munzee.

Where Do I Find Them?

We've hidden 4 new geocaches around Botetourt this year and they are filled with trinkets, activities, and cool info about nature, art, history, and sports. Find the geocache and get one of the hidden treasures you find inside. Bring a trinket to share with those that come after you and leave your mark by signing our logbooks!
Find out where this year's geocaches are by downloading the geocache app in the Apple store of Google Play or by visiting geocaching.com

StoryWalks

What is a StoryWalk?

StoryWalk is an innovative and delightful activity for children - and adults! - to enjoy reading and the outdoors at the same time. Laminated pages from a children's book are attached to wooden stakes, which are installed along an outdoor path. As you stroll down the trail, you're directed to the next page in the story.
StoryWalks have been installed in 50 states and 13 countries including, Germany, Canada, England, Bermuda, Russia, Malaysia, Pakistan, and South Korea! They are always received with appreciation.

Where Can I Find a StoryWalk?

We have four StoryWalks spread throughout Botetourt County. Each one has a different story inspired by our Summer theme that will empower readers and introduce them to the beauty in the natural world.
- Time to Roar by Olivia Cole (Botetourt Sports Complex)
- Bigfoot Cinderella by Tony Johnston (Eagle Rock Library)
- Hike by Pete Oswald (Buchanan Library)
- The Hike by Alison Farrell (Troutville Park)

Historic Sites to Visit

Outdoor Recreation in BoCo

BoCo Employee Challenge

How to Sign Up

With Beanstack you can log your reading and complete activities to earn badges!

How can I participate?

If you created an account for any of our other reading challenges, log into your existing Beanstack account. If you have not created an account, do so at botetourtva.beanstack.org or on the Beanstack App. Learn how to use Beanstack in this tutorial.