Santa Barbara's Summer of Ocean Love Scavenger Hunt Begins June 22 ● UPDATING

A Santa Barbara native, inspired by a story about a 12-year-old boy in upstate New York who became a local celebrity after winning an Earth Day scavenger hunt, is bringing a similar environmental-themed event to her hometown. Katie Joseff, who grew up swimming in Santa Barbara’s oceans and exploring kelp forests, has organized the 'Summer of Ocean Love' scavenger hunt, which officially kicks off Saturday, June 22, coinciding with the Solstice Parade.

The hunt will run through August and offers a $500 first-place prize, along with smaller prizes from local businesses.

Participants can join anytime via the Goosechase app and earn points by completing 'missions' throughout the city. These missions include a variety of educational and recreational activities, such as beach cleanups, creating art inspired by tide pool visits, and attending events about Santa Barbara’s ocean channels.

The scavenger hunt also encourages civic engagement, with missions involving local threats to the ocean, like the Sable pipeline, though Joseff emphasizes that political action is not mandatory. Partners include the Community Environmental Council, Santa Barbara Channelkeeper, and 805Action.

Joseff’s background in combating social media propaganda, which she describes as full of 'polluted content,' influences the event’s philosophy. She cites studies from the COVID-19 pandemic showing that repeated acts of kindness reduce anxiety.

'The acts that make us feel better about ourselves, such as volunteering or getting involved with community issues, strengthen the fabric of our civic life, our democracy, and our neighborhoods,' Joseff said. The scavenger hunt aims to foster a positive feedback loop of engagement and empowerment around a shared love for the ocean.

Joseff hopes the event will increase civic imagination and engagement by making environmental action local and accessible to residents of all ages. She believes that by coming together to support local organizations and the ocean, participants can make serious change.

The scavenger hunt will have a presence at Alameda Park during the Solstice Parade, and more details are available on the Goosechase app.