HoCo Pirate Adventures Brings Treasure Hunt to River Hill
ARCHIVE: This article appeared in the November 2024 issue of The Villager.
HoCo Pirate Adventures is setting sail once again for River Hill, offering an exciting treasure event for children and families. During the scavenger hunt, young adventurers embark on a pirate-themed quest that ends at a real treasure chest filled with loot. Captain Evie and First Mate Sawyer, the imaginative characters featured in the hunt, leave clues along a route marked with chalk that leads to the treasure.
Beginning November 23 and running through December 1, the roughly one-mile trail will start near Indian Summer Drive and loop past River Hill High School. Participants can order the mission and map from the HoCo Pirate Adventures website. Using problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, pirates-in-training follow the map, look for hidden clues, and decipher codes, ultimately reaching a secret treasure chest. Two sets of clues are provided: one for younger children (ages 3-7) and another for older kids (8 and up), ensuring a fun challenge for all ages.
The hunt can be completed at any time during daylight hours, offering flexibility for busy families. Pirate costumes are encouraged, and families are invited to snap photos and share them on the HoCo Pirate Adventures Facebook page.
Chris Fuchs, creator of HoCo Pirate Adventures and a member of the Columbia Association Board of Directors, started the treasure hunts in 2017. Inspired by walks with his daughter Evie, Fuchs developed the pirate-themed adventure as a way to make their outings more fun. What began as a small activity for his family has since grown into a popular monthly event throughout Howard County. Each month, Fuchs prepares the trail in his free time. He is thankful for the assistance of CA Open Space and Howard County Rec and Parks, who have been supportive and accommodating to the hunts. Around 400-500 groups, including families, scout troops, and community organizations, take part in the events, which now run from April through December. The hunt was previously held in River Hill in December 2021.
More than just a fun time for families, the adventure also supports local charities. Each month, the crew of HoCo Pirate Adventures, a nonprofit organization itself, nominates and votes for charities to receive donations, with around $5,000 donated annually. Fuchs emphasizes that the focus is on helping small local groups such as Frisky’s Wildlife Preserve or Columbia Community Care, where the money can make a bigger impact than with larger national charities. The November treasure hunt will be available for purchase starting November 22 at www.HoCoPirateAdventures.com. Gather your crew, don your pirate gear, and hit the paths of River Hill for a plunderful time!