Friends Oscar (left) and Jack had a great time at Chantry Fun Day, July 30, especially during the Scavenger Hunt.

Hub Staff

The second annual Chantry Fun Day, organized by the Southampton Residents Association (SRA) took place at the long dock picnic shelter and beach near Gerry’s Fries, July 30. Young scallywags and explorers joined the SRA for a fun learning experience aimed at educating kids about environmental awareness through beachside activities like scavenger hunts, pirate stories, water activities with the Saugeen Shores Lifesaving Club and time rowing a 26 foot Voyageur canoe.

The scavenger hunt began the day and had everyone scouring the beach for items such as beach glass and the leg of a crayfish; with the latter being the hardest to find.

Teenagers Oscar, age 14 from Cambridge, and Jack, age 13 and a Southampton summer resident were enjoying being a part of Chantry Fun Day. The two were eager to complete the Scavenger Hunt, finding most items.

Jack said that he spends a lot of time at the beach and knew the areas where they would be able to find the most treasure. “I go seashell and sea glass hunting along the beach a lot, so I know where to find stuff.” The summer resident wasted no time looking for the elusive leg. His efforts were rewarded shortly after and he claimed a prize from the SRA manned prize table.

Oscar saw how the day could be educational for younger participants. “You learn about different types of stuff that you can find on the beach.” Beyond the hunt, the SRA had booths set up that allowed participants to learn about items that can harm the beach environment.

A hot dog lunch was next on the list and two Chantry Island pirates, Cap'n Paul (Paul Hock) and Pirate First Class Raz Mataz (Bob Miller) joined the festivities with stories of the sea, songs and a few new pirates “walked the plank” off the Gerry’s Fries playground ship.

Many families banded together during the Scavenger Hunt, the item hardest to find was the crayfish leg.

Representing the Saugeen Shores Heritage Committee, Vice Deputy Mayor Diane Huber got in on the fun during Chantry Fun Day, showing historical photographs to kids and teaching them about the town of Southampton.

On the left, newly anointed pirate Evelyn, age 6, thought walking off the plank (aka slide) was so fun, she wanted to do it again. On the right, one of the educational interactive exhibits at Chantry Fun Day, July 30.

Pirates Bob Miller (left) and Paul Hock kept a beat and got kids dancing to pirate themed music, during Chantry Fun Day, July 30.