Mount Si Students Team Up with SnoValley Chamber for Holiday Scavenger Hunt

This holiday season, shoppers in the Snoqualmie Valley can "Go Wild" on a festive scavenger hunt featuring handcrafted wooden critter ornaments created by Mount Si High School students. This unique collaboration between the SnoValley Chamber of Commerce and Mount Si’s Digital Media students, led by teacher Joe Dockery, aims to promote shopping locally while showcasing student creativity.

Dockery’s students are designing and laser-cutting 900 ornaments inspired by six iconic Valley wildlife: elk, eagles, salmon, bears, owls, and cougars. Each ornament includes a QR code that shoppers can scan for a chance to win prizes -- including a one-night stay at Salish Lodge and gift certificates to local businesses.

To participate: register on the Chamber website at: https://visitsnovalley.com/shoplocal/. Then, when you find an ornament in a local store now through Dec. 26, scan the QR code and be entered to win prizes (one scan per ornament). Once found, participants can take the ornaments home as keepsakes. Winners of the scavenger hunt will be announced on January 5, with prizes donated by generous local sponsors.

The idea for the scavenger hunt grew out of Dockery’s desire to support local businesses affected by the downtown Snoqualmie fire earlier this year. The campaign has since expanded to benefit small businesses throughout the Valley, with ornaments are being distributed to participating restaurants and retail stores -- encouraging shoppers to explore and engage with the community.

The scavenger hunt is part of the Chamber’s broader holiday campaign, "Go Wild This Holiday Season, Shop Local," which encourages residents and visitors to explore Snoqualmie Valley and support its vibrant local economy.

This initiative highlights Mount Si High School’s commitment to real-world learning and community engagement.

In addition to the Chamber ornaments (above), Digital Media students have contributed to other local projects, such as creating laser-cut medals for Snoqualmie Elementary’s spelling bee and designing stickers for small businesses.

To fundraise for the Digital Media club, students are also designing colorful stickers and ornaments that showcase the Valley. These will be available for purchase at Carousel, the corner store in historic Snoqualmie. 

Last but not least, to support the Giving Tree Campaign, Digital Arts and Key Club students are partnering to make and sell personalized ornaments featuring photos submitted. You can order Portrait Ornaments, now through Dec. 13.  These make fun heart warming gifts and keepsakes, and proceeds will go toward purchasing gifts for teens in need!  See flyer below for details.