The summer session of the Forest Preserve District's Be a Trailblazer experience kicks off this month, with a fresh lineup of missions to test your nature-loving mettle across the preserves.

Summer missions drop at noon on Thursday, June 5, and again halfway through the session on Saturday, July 12, to keep things exciting before the summer session wraps up on Saturday, Aug. 9.

You’ll be tasked with finding bugs, trees, plants, geocache boxes and specific geographic features in the preserves. More than 1,400 people have joined in so far, enjoying the chance to be active, discover new preserves and make new friends.

If you’ve been participating all year, keep going! If you're curious about the challenge, now’s the time to sign up and jump in – you won’t regret it.

To get started, download the free Goosechase app on your smartphone. Search for Be a Trailblazer or enter code PQNL75. Complete missions to be eligible for prizes. Read the rules before getting started. 

This year’s Be a Trailblazer prize pool tops $10,000, with items awarded randomly throughout the session.

Some of the summer prizes include family and half-day rental prize packs from Monee Reservoir, Wild Birds Unlimited prize bundles, weekly T-shirt giveaways and gift cards from local businesses.

Larger prizes – including a Fitbit, picnic pack, walking poles, a kayak, CamelBak hydration pack and Yeti cooler – have been generously provided by The Nature Foundation of Will County. More than 30 local businesses and organizations also have donated items and gift cards for the challenge.

Preserves featured in the summer Be a Trailblazer session include: Braidwood Dunes and Savanna, Goodenow Grove, Hickory Creek Barrens, Hadley Valley, Hidden Lakes/Hidden Oaks, Isle a la Cache, Joliet Iron Works, Lake Chaminwood, Lake Renwick, Monee Reservoir, Lockport Prairie, Lower Rock Run and the Wauponsee Glacial Trail.

Missions will be grouped geographically, and some will be “gated,” meaning once you complete the first mission at that location, your next mission will unlock and become visible.

"We're excited to add this new twist to the summer missions," said Chad Merda, head of digital marketing strategy/engagement. "It's a fun new way to change things up and it adds an extra sense of adventure for all of the Trailblazers."

Expect geocache-related missions and weekly trivia questions, too.

Each mission is worth 10 points, and those who like a little competition can check the leaderboard. But remember: all prizes are awarded randomly, so take your time and enjoy the adventure. No need to stress about finishing first. The leaderboard is a running tally throughout the year and does not reset with each seasonal release of missions.

And there’s more! After the summer challenge wraps up, a fall session will run from Thursday, Sept. 25, to Saturday, Nov. 8 – just in time to help you stay active before winter arrives.