Scavenger hunt returns to Daniel Island's trails

There's still plenty of time left for rock hounds and stone sleuths who enjoy walking the miles of trails around Daniel Island.  

For the second consecutive summer, the team at the Daniel Island Animal Hospital is painting rocks and hiding them along the waterfront trail, spanning from Barfield Park to Governors Park and Guggenheim Terrace, as well as the Smythe Park loop, as part of their annual Rock Hunt. 

"Next on our list is the Bishop England loop," said practice manager Eve Hosking. "So there are still plenty of opportunities for new discoveries!" 

Hosking said sponsoring the hunt has simply been a way "to create a fun, free community event for the families and pet owners who make Daniel Island such a wonderful place." She said the idea grew from an activity they were already doing as a family. 

"We often create little treasure hunts for our own children, where 'pirates' leave behind small candies or special little treasures for them to discover," she said. "Watching how much excitement and joy those hunts bring inspired us to create something similar that our entire community could enjoy." 

Hosking said the Rock Hunt is a great excuse to get out and explore the different parks, trails, and neighborhoods around Daniel Island – plus you have a chance to win a raffle. 

If you spot a hand-painted rock, snap a picture, and tag Daniel Island Animal Hospital on its social media pages, or call or text the office at 843-881-7228 to be entered. Selected raffle winners will receive gift cards from locally owned businesses and restaurants. 

"Rather than asking businesses to donate, we purchase the gift cards ourselves because we believe in supporting the local businesses that make our community so special," Hosking said. 

In addition, the hospital set up an Angel Fund raffle as an optional way for people to participate if they weren't able to find a rock. Participants can make a donation for a raffle ticket with the proceeds going to support animals in need. 

"We honestly lost count of how many rocks we painted!" Hosking said. "Dr. Hosking [her husband], the girls [her daughters], and I spent an entire weekend decorating rocks. We also left supplies in our break room so our staff could join in the fun and create their own unique designs. It truly became a team effort." 

There's still more than a month left in the scavenger hunt, as the raffle drawing is expected after Labor Day, on Tuesday, Sept. 8. 

"We're thrilled that it's becoming a tradition. We can't wait to see all the photos everyone sends in of their special finds. We'll be hiding even more rocks soon, so keep exploring; you never know where the next one will appear!"