The Real Value of a Treasure Hunt

August 15, 2007 | Leave a Comment

Every child loves a good treasure hunt. In fact, most adults and teenagers do, as well, though they might not admit it. Before the summer is over, take some time to plan a treasure hunt. Make sure teams are fair (olders and youngers paired for ease of reading and riddling, etc.). To help you get ready, here are a few tips:

1. Decide what the point of your treasure hunt is? Are they looking for a booty (bag, box, or chest of something special) or will one treasure map lead to a second map with a greater distance?

2. Are all the teams going for the same prize? (We don’t do this because too many youngers would have hurt feelings) It’s also more fun to have the teams crossing paths in the clues but not in competition for the same prize. This makes the clue solving the focus, which helps everyone with deductive reasoning, creative thinking, and sharing knowledge. *we’ve even had one big group with several smaller ‘clans’ in each group, all working with different clues. Some clues they need to share, some they don’t. It makes for interesting days.

3. Will it be a mixed group of kids or all one age? This is important to know when you’re setting up the clues. Little kids want to have some clues for them. In fact, this year we’re handing everyone a clue and the head of the team gets the map. That way everyone works together.

4. Plan events with an eye for the weather. Nothing is more discouraging for a team than to search for a hidden clue only to discover it had been blown away by the wind.

5. Watch where you place your booty, your clues, or maps. There are 4 or 5 plants that are unpleasant to blunder into. Know what poison ivy, oak, and sumac look like, and keep a look out for stinging nettles.

6. Be sure the kids have bug spray, sunscreen (organic cocoanut oil works great), and whatever else they may need for the hunt to remain pleasant. (items can be sent along as well: water bottles for everyone (with straps), a small snack for trying times, etc. And if all this seems too much, the olders can carry a backpack, fannypack or a tote of some kind.

7. Regardless of the form your treasure hunt takes, some sort of celebration at the end with snacks, drinks, and a chance for everyone to talk about their adventures is a great way to end the day. It’s also a great time for photos.

There are so many things to enjoy about a treasure hunt! It’s like an easter egg hunt, but you can have it any time! And now that you’re armed with a little bit more knowledge, planning your treasure hunt will be a piece of cake!

Kim Paluch is a freelance writer and a Well-Life coach and consultant. She is currently working on a mind-body wellness manual, in addition to creating a new family wellness e-zine. You can find more of her work at the following websites. http://kim-paluch.blogspot.com and http://yourwell-lifepartners.blogspot.com

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