Children taking part in Stomp for Stamps will discover more interesting ways to explore five of the city’s parks and open spaces when they track down the Pompey Monsters – a group of special characters, who each have their own important message about travelling in healthy, safe and fun ways!
As well as getting out and about for fun, Stomp for Stamps naturally lets children be active while learning useful skills. It also enables them to spend quality time with family, friends, and carers.
During the school holidays, families can pick up a map book from any Portsmouth library to help them explore the areas. Building on the success of previous years, Portsmouth City Council is creating exciting routes all over the city for children to discover by adding a new route for Paulsgrove.
To take part, children must complete at least three of the routes by walking, cycling, wheeling, or scooting. Along each route, children will find a different Pompey Monster, accompanied by a textured plaque featuring an animal or insect. These can be found on posts, railings or benches. Children will stop to take a colourful rubbing of the creatures and return these to any library in exchange for a sticker.
Once children have at least three stickers for their book, they can collect a Pompey Monster prize from the library – a sustainable wildflower pot, which will help children learn more about the natural world.
This year children can also take part in the Green Space Challenge and collect an exclusive t-shirt (subject to availability) by visiting at least four green spaces over the summer. Children who submit a drawing of their four green spaces will be entered into a prize draw for a chance to win a limited-edition Stomper toy.
Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson, Cabinet Member for Transport, said “It’s great to see the popular Stomp for Stamps free summer challenge return this year. It helps children develop positive travel habits, like walking and cycling, that will last a lifetime, and helps to develop cleaner air for our city.
“As well as exploring the city’s green spaces, children can visit a number of iconic landmarks, our fantastic museums, and discover the amazing collection of books in their local library.”
To take part in the challenge, participants can pick up a book from any Portsmouth library. Visit travel.portsmouth.gov.uk/stompforstamps to find out more.