Vision Youth’s “Cash Dash” Adventure- Well Done, Golds!

By Katie Li

Armed with TTC day passes, maps, and questions booklet, eleven teams of Silver and Bronze Vision Youth participants took off from Mel Lastman Square early Sunday morning to explore the rich culture of Downtown Toronto in part of an urban scavenger hunt and race organised entirely by the Gold team. 

Ready to Head Out!

 After coming in first place at a “City Mosaic”, a similar event hosted by Across U-Hub this past spring, Vision Youth’s Gold team have been inspired to create their own version of the exciting and rewarding challenge for Vision Youth’s participants.

Teams were challenged to visit and explore the rich culture and heritage of four different urban locations, in addition to the final ‘secret’ checkpoint, deciphered through a riddle.

Exploring Yonge Street

Embarking on foot and on subways, buses and streetcars, Visioneers explored Union Station and Yonge Street, Korea Town, the Annex, and City Hall, completing photo challenges and answering questions referencing the city’s history and cultural values. 

From learning new languages to team-building exercises, teams were asked to ‘check-in’ at each of the locations to complete team challenges. Successful completion of the challenges won the participants coloured tokens or “properties”, in spirit of their Monopoly “Cash Dash” theme.

One of the Challenges, Ddakji, a Korean game

The citywide activity served as a fun adventure and excursion from regular Vision Youth programming, and also allowed many participants to explore the city for the first time. The race also encouraged team members to collaborate and communicate with one another in order to proceed through the race efficiently. For many Bronze and Silver Visioneers, the “Cash Dash” event was the first time they had taken public transportation and navigated through the heart of the bustling and diverse city.

Trying to Have All 10 Members Jumping at Once!

The event also encouraged many to speak to strangers for the first time, whether to ask for directions, translate messages, take pictures, or answer questions about nearby local landmarks and culture.

First Team Back at the Finish Line!

Top teams were rewarded with prizes for all of its members, but it was evident through smiles on faces and excited chatter at the finish line that the day was a rewarding for all the participants. Whether it was a delicious lunch break at a local restaurant, or a cheeky run through the water fountains at Nathan Phillips Square, all Visioneers surely had a good memory to take home with them from their great adventure. 

Add captionCongraulations to the winning team - Alvin Ng, Michael Li, Jordan Kang, Wayne Fan, and their chaperone, Calvin Cheung