FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information, contact:

Amanda Schomaker (618) 797-4600

SCHOOL IS IN SESSION ON THE MCT TRAILS MCT Launches School-Themed Scavenger Hunt on the Trails

GRANITE CITY, IL., September 10, 2020… Following the success of two previous scavenger hunts, and in response to an unusual COVID-19 altered school year, Madison County Transit (MCT) is launching a back-to- school scavenger hunt to be utilized on its more than 135 miles of MCT Trails. The “School’s in Session” scavenger hunt will occur mid-September through the month of October and will focus on encouraging trailgoers of all ages to venture out on the trails, while putting their knowledge to the test. Those who participated in the previous scavenger hunts may recognize some fan-favorite missions but can expect several new missions as well. Missions include creative challenges and questions that are text-based, GPS-based, or photo-based. To ensure that there are missions for everyone to enjoy, MCT created two versions of the hunt: an elementary level game for younger students and families, and an advanced level game for seasoned students and trailgoers ages 13 and up. Once again, the scavenger hunt will be facilitated through the free, interactive app “GooseChase.” Participants simply download the app and search for the game they wish to join. In this case, either “MCT Trails School’s in Session: Elementary Game” or “MCT Trails School’s in Session: Advanced Game.” One can also search by game code: “R7P8GM” for the elementary game, or “PEJPJK” for the advanced game. Once joined, participants will receive missions created by MCT throughout the duration of the hunt, which can be completed any time before the end of the game. For each completed mission, participants are awarded points. While the other games were primarily for fun, this game will offer small prizes to high scorers. “During these unprecedented times of virtual learning, increased screen use, and social distancing, now more than ever, we wanted to encourage individuals and families to get outside, get some exercise, and engage in this educational activity, while exploring the MCT Trails,” said MCT Managing Director, SJ Morrison. The “School’s in Session” scavenger hunts launch Friday, September 18 and will run through the end of October. For more information about the scavenger hunts or MCT Trails, visit www.mcttrails.org, call (618) 797-INFO (4636), e-mail [email protected], or find MCT Trails on Facebook and Instagram.

Madison County Transit (MCT) provides multi-modal transportation services for Madison County, . MCT operates a fixed-route service, connecting to MetroLink; express weekday commuter service directly to and from downtown St. Louis; and seasonal express service the Muny. For elderly and disabled residents who are unable to use the fixed-route , MCT provides complementary door to door service. MCT is also responsible for the construction and maintenance of more than 137 miles of bikeways that comprise the MCT Trails system, as well as overseeing RideFinders, the St. Louis region’s FREE carpooling and vanpooling program.

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