Purpose

The primary goal of a scavenger hunt is to send youth out with a list of things to find, obtain, photograph, videotape, audio record, etc. The hope is that while they are working together as a team, relationships will be developed.

Publicity Opportunity

Make invitations to your church and give them to everyone who participates or that interacts with the groups in some way. Or create a small thank you card with your church contact information. Youth can give a thank you card to everyone who helps them. Even better, invite them to a party or slideshow where the results will be displayed.

Preparing Item Lists

Lists can be as creative and wild as you want them to be. Design your list around a theme or concept: Ecological, Bible Objects, Occupations, Food, Canned Goods, Prices of items, Animal Tracks, footprints, Photos at History Locations, People, sounds, clothing, church members, Camp Supplies, Items for the needy, recycled materials, Christmas, Valentine's Day, Easter, New Year, Halloween, Noah's Ark Party, old family photos, fruits, vegetables, widgets, Posed Photos, Video, etc.

Protecting Participants

1. Don't let any kids drive - put adults in charge and don't allow horseplay on the roads like "Chinese fire drills". Make sure everyone wears seatbelts or take major points away if they are caught on film without them on. You could also conduct the scavenger hunt on foot. You don't want a youth killed while speeding during your scavenger hunts. 2. Youth must obey all laws and instructions from sponsors 3. Limit the play area and place people at strategic locations if needed to insure the safety of students. 4. Make sure each group has a mobile phone and contact numbers for emergency.

Points

1. Set a specific point value for each item on the list. 2. Have a point penalty for each minute late to the final destination or to report back with the items. 3. For Video or photo scavenger hunts, give extra points to groups for having a church logo in every picture. You could also require a Bible in each picture or some object. Some groups have even been known to have to carry a large teddy bear or other object ( a couch) around to be in each picture. 4. Award extra points for having everyone in the group as part of the photo or video.

Photo Hunt: Sample Rules

1. One picture per item on the list. 2. 500 points off for each minute after 10:00pm you are late. 3. Everyone in your team has to be seen in each picture. 4. Words written on paper or drawings will not be counted if used instead of a place or object. 5. Be respectful in everything you do. 6. Sponsors have the authority to veto any picture situation for whatever reason. 7. Stay with your sponsor at all times and obey him/ her. 8. No collaborating with other teams. 9. Your sponsor is your official photographer. 10. Winners will be announced after the results are tabulated 11. For each non-group member in a picture, a bonus of 50 points is added. Rules will vary for other types of scavenger hunts