A treasure hunt involves finding objects or completing tasks on a list, often played in teams or individually. Creative interpretations are valued, and completion must be demonstrated. It’s used for team building and as a teaching tool, and some groups compete nationally and internationally. It’s a fun way to kickstart creativity and teach kids to think outside the box.
A treasure hunt is a game in which participants try to find all objects or complete all tasks in a list. It can be played in teams or by individuals, and is often timed. The winner of a scavenger hunt is the person or team who first returns with a complete list.
Scavenger lists for hunts can be large and varied, and often include challenges that must be completed creatively. If a listing requires “a photo of George Washington,” for example, you could get around the requirement by photographing a United States dollar bill, which features the president. Usually, creative interpretations are highly valued in a scavenger hunt, provided the presentation is accompanied by a compelling argument as to why it fits the description.
Making a treasure hunt list can be a lot of fun. Consider grouping all the necessary elements around one idea or including a mix of activities and objects. Completion of tasks must be demonstrated in some way by the team or individual; if the task is to ride the local Ferris wheel, teams should provide an overhead photo. If the game will be played in teams, be sure to add items to the list that will require good teamwork to complete.
A scavenger hunt is often a feature of children’s parties, but is also used by many workplaces as a team building exercise. As well as giving workers a chance to get out of the office and have some fun on the job, friendships and bonds can strengthen as a result, giving you a happier, more motivated workforce. Play can also be a good way to bond and teach students lessons about creative thinking and teamwork. As a teaching tool and as a team game, a scavenger hunt can really enrich a working or learning environment.
Several groups take the game even further by competing in national and international treasure games. The University of Chicago Scavenger Hunt is held annually and attracts over 300 teams vying for fame. Items on the 2008 list include a cartoon animal balloon up to Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade standards and a bust of Abraham Lincoln built for pennies. This treasure hunt is based on points, rather than a comprehensive list, and some items are famously never found.
A scavenger hunt can be a great way to have some fun while kickstarting your creative brain. It can also be a wonderful way to introduce kids to the concepts of riddles and thinking outside the box. Check local community activities to see if there are local hunts nearby for you, your family and friends. Or organize one yourself for your neighborhood or office; finding the clues and lists can be as much fun as hunting for yourself!
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