Scavenger Hunts
PLANNING A SCAVENGER HUNT
Kids (& Adults) of all ages enjoy the challenge and excitement of a great scavenger hunt. A scavenger hunt is like a mental obstacle coarse in which the participants follow clues to find hidden "treasures". Scavenger hunts can be incorporated into all types of events, including:
- Fundraisers - Create awareness of the cause.
- Back to School Events - Welcome in new and welcome back returning students and parents.
- Year-End Celebrations - Celebrate a successful school year.
- Educational Lessons - Help children learn through repetition and play.
Follow these 4 basic steps to create a fun scavenger hunt for any age:
1. Understand the purpose of the event. Is it simply a hunt to give the kids a break and have some fun? Are you trying to reiterate an educational lesson? Or do you want to advertise your biggest fundraiser of the year? Once you know this, you can choose clues and hidden "treasures" that relate to that purpose. For example, let clues relate back to an educational lesson so the kids learn while they play. Or, if you are promoting a school fundraiser, get the parents involved by having them be team leaders.
2. Determine how many students will participate and their ages. Knowing ahead of time exactly who is participating will help you determine how simple or challenging the hunt can be. The quantity of students will determine whether the students work individually or in teams. A scavenger hunt for a single classroom of 20 students can be easily be planned for participants to work individually or in teams of two. But for large groups, teams of 5 or 6 may be necessary to keep the number of hidden items to a reasonable number.
3. Determine where you will hold the scavenger hunt. A small hunt for a single classroom can be organized within the classroom or throughout the school, while a larger one for the entire school may need to take place at the playground. Once the location is known, draw a map of the scavenger hunt area to plan out the event out on paper.
4. Print out clues for the participants to follow to find the hidden "treasures". These treasures can be as simple as a scroll with their name on it or a treasure box (made from tissue boxes) with a piece of peanut-free candy inside. Recycle items parents may already have around their home - plastic water bottles, paper towel rolls, small rocks, tissue or juice box boxes - and make them into treasures by painting, decorating, or filling them with a treat.
TIP: Consider creating clues that relate to the storyline of a book the students recently read.
Now design your own scavenger hunt or use one of our ideas! Take a look at 2 of our ideas here:
Idea #1: "Land Ho!"
Idea #2: "Make a Habit of It"
BUY THE COMPLETE BUDGET BASHES: SCHOOL SCAVENGER HUNTS eBOOK FOR $15 or LEARN HOW YOU CAN GET IT FOR FREE!
This 17-page ebook features 6 additional, educational scavenger hunts focussing on Spelling, Math, and Geography. A perfect complement to our Ultimate Educational Challenge Fundraiser!
Scavenger Hunt Game at Target, $19.99:
Savenger Hunt Games at Amazon:
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