The McDaniel Oracle is announcing a Staff Summer Scavenger Hunt for the summer of 2023. Oracle staff have picked 14 locations to visit and take pictures at which in turn can be redeemed for prizes. All of these locations are great ways to take it easy this summer and beat the heat. Below are the rules, prizes and locations with information and a challenge. Take care and have a great summer!

Rules to participate:

• Your face must be in the photo.
• Let us know if we can post your photo on Instagram.
• You don’t have to purchase anything at these locations, but if you do, show us! 
• The more places you visit, the better the prize! Try to hit all 14. 

Prize tiers: 

One or more pictures = Oracle sticker

Five or more pictures = Oracle shirt

10 or more pictures = Oracle crewneck

All 14 pictures = shoutout in the newspaper and an Oracle crewneck

Photo submissions:

Follow the instructions at this link to submit your photos and get your prizes!

Pet stores fur-ever 

Valentine Lindsey, Co-Review Editor

Pet stores are one of those things that no matter where you go, there seems to be one not too far away. I’ve always adored pet stores for their quaint simplicity. There’s a certain understanding in there: the knowledge that barking is to be expected, petting is allowed, and that you can linger for however long you want.

I find that pet stores are some of the few public spaces that really allow you to stay in there forever, then leave without getting something because you may return in the future.

Challenge: Go to a pet store of any kind and take a picture with you and the coolest, cutest, or goofiest animal.

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream

Maxson Peters, Social Media Manager

If you’ve never eaten ice cream before, now is your chance. The cold delicacy gives summer joy no one can understand. Unless you experienced the unfathomable happiness of eating ice cold ice cream on a hot summer’s day, you haven’t fully lived.

For those lactose intolerant folks, try sorbet or a vegan alternative cold treat.

Challenge: Take the opportunity to visit an ice cream shop or truck, and take a photo with you and the place in it.

Lloyd Center Ice Rink

Lincoln Wheeler, Editor-in-Chief

Lloyd Center Ice Rink is a diamond in the rough of the dying mall. With picturesque balconies and skylights, the rink is the perfect place to cool down during the summer heat. Skaters can rent figure or hockey skates as well as bring their own. Lessons are also available for skaters interested in taking their skills to the next level.

Challenge: Take a picture from one of the balconies overlooking the ice rink. Get your feet in the shot and that will count as a selfie.

Rocky Butte 

Sebastian Gracie Fultz, Print Editor

Rocky Butte is a big hill in the Madison South area of Portland. It is a perfect place to go watch the sunset, especially with the many mountains seen on the horizon. Rocky Butte is within public transportation and walking distance from McDaniel.

Challenge: Take a selfie with a mountain in the background.

Rose Garden

Lilah Carey, Reporter

The Portland Rose Garden is located in Washington Park near downtown Portland. This garden is open from 5:00 AM- 10:00 PM Monday through Sunday. The point of this garden was a testing ground for different types of roses. Roses were sent from all around the world to the Portland Rose Garden during World War 1. It is now a great place to go and look at the variety of roses.

Challenge: Take a picture with yourself smelling a yellow rose.

Witch’s Castle trail and hike 

Amelia Davidson, Reporter

To get to the Witch’s Castle, it takes a half-mile hike on the Wildwood Trail, which can be accessed by both upper and lower Macleay Park parking lot. You can get there by car or an hour and a half bus ride.

The castle is a small but beautiful stone building that is covered in moss and some graffiti. You are able to explore the castle as much as you would like, you have access to go both up the stairs and into the building. The hike alone is well worth it, during your walk you will get to see a few creeks, cross some small bridges and be surrounded by many different plants and moss covered trees.

Challenge: Take a picture of yourself in the Witch’s Castle.

Whitaker Ponds

Greta Boelling, Media Manager

Whitaker Ponds is a great nature hang out spot in a very industrialized area, just off of Lombard and 42nd. A short, woodsy trail wraps itself around the pond, and if you walk around it a bunch, you might get a few steps in.

Personally, the exercisability of Whitaker ponds isn’t its strong suit. The real joy is to find one of the two docks to settle down at and watch the ducks, nutria, herons, and beavers (if you’re lucky), do their cute little pond creature things. But be warned of the mosquitos. They are plentiful and have not grasped the meaning of hospitality.

Challenge: Take a selfie with a duck in the background. Or two. Or three. BUT NOT FOUR!

Kennedy School, a comforting experience

Jackson Mailey, Sports Editor

Ever since I was young, I loved the Kennedy School. What was once a former elementary school starting in 1915 is now a bar, restaurant, theater, hotel, and pool.

My family most of the time went to the theater, and we loved it. Sometimes they play new movies or sometimes they play classics. A great way to pass the time. The theater is also a restaurant, so you can order things other than popcorn. At the theater you are getting the McMenamin’s food experience, but you get to watch movies while you eat. Pretty much a very good way to pass the time.

The Kennedy School is a great way to have a chill day this summer. Enjoy.

Challenge: Take a selfie of you in the Kennedy School with one of the murals, courtyards or recognizable spots.

Mt. Tabor at sunset

Olivia Oliver, Feature Editor

Mt.Tabor is a forest filled park located in Southeast Portland with plenty of nature and views. One spot on a grass hill above the reservoir looks out on the city skyline. It’s a fantastic setting to hang out with friends and watch the sunset as it falls behind the city.

Challenge: Take a photo of yourself with the sunset in the background.

Thrifting at 2nd Street

Thisbe Delamarter, Online Editor

Second Street is a thrift store located on Hawthorne and 38th, right next door to Powell’s Books. With its vast collection of attire organized by style, you’re sure to find something unique, fashionable, or fun. They have a diverse price range, from five dollar t-shirts to expensive designer items, with ample selection for all budgets.

Challenge: Find an article of clothing or accessory that’s unlike anything you’ve seen before. Take a picture with you trying it on, or simply reacting to how awesome it is.

Concerts in the park at Fernhill

Opal Reeves, Design Manager

Fernhill Park offers free concerts in the park all summer long, and it’s a great way to spend your evening.

There’s a stage set up for the performers, and all seating is in the open field in the middle of the park. Usually held during the hours around dusk, the park is flooded with people and vendors, all there to enjoy the concert and beautiful summer weather. The vendors offer a variety of products and food options for you to choose from.

Make sure to bring a blanket to sit on and something to drink, and hurry to the park because the field fills up fast.

Challenge: Take a selfie at a concert in the park.

Portland Art Museum

Odessa Berry, Opinion Editor

The Portland Art Museum is a wonderful escape into a world of eclectic paintings and statues. Not only an escape from boredom, but also an escape from the heat. Going there is a great way to start off your day or end it.

Just pop in and take a stroll through the wide open hallways and unique sights. It’s nice to go with a close friend or family member, but it can also be an adventure to go by yourself. The environment is calming and quiet, as everyone looks at the paintings, each person through a slightly different lens.

If you have time this summer, it’s a great place to go on those long, boring summer days. And if you’ve already been, there’s no harm from going again. Who knows, maybe you’ll see something you’ve never noticed before.

Challenge: Take a picture with your favorite painting at the Portland Art Museum

(Note: Children under 17 get in for free)

The White Stag sign 

Maxwell Jablonski, Artist

Chances are you’ve passed by this towering Portland landmark on your travels. While crossing the Burnside Bridge into downtown, the historic White Stag sign is always a sight to behold. The sign’s tiny neon bulbs depict a white stag leaping over the words “Portland Oregon,” under which the words “Old Town” illuminate the night in a nice red glow.

Challenge: Take a picture of yourself with the White Stag sign in the background. Bonus: do it while crossing the Burnside Bridge.

Will go crazy for a Slurpee

Milton Knox, Reporter

Chances are we all have walked inside of a 7-11 to get snacks or a drink. One of the best things you can get is a carbonated slushie called a Slurpee, especially if it’s a hot day. A Slurpee is a frozen soda pop with higher sugar to water ratio.

Challenge:  Take a picture of yourself making or eating your slurpee.