How to Launch a Treasure Hunt

Dig a hole in the ground with a shovel. Make the hole big enough and deep enough so that the treasure can be buried at least 12 inches below the surface. Place the treasure inside a dirt-proof container, and then place the container in the hole. Cover the container with dirt.

Choose a launching point as far away from the buried treasure as you want. You can even make the starting point the same as the finish point. Smooth out the disturbed earth to make it look as natural as possible if you choose to do this.

Hide the clues, but be careful -- you don't want to make the hunt too difficult. Look around the area for landmarks. On a piece of paper, write one clearly descriptive word for each of the landmarks you choose as a clue spot. If the car is going to be one of the clues, write "car" on one of the pieces of paper and then tape it somewhere far away from the car. When the hunters find this clue, they will run to the car. Stick another clue to the windshield of the car that leads them to another clue spot. Include a clue in the hunt that leads the group to a digging shovel. Tape the final clue that leads the treasure seekers to the buried treasure on the handle of the shovel.

Gather all of the treasure hunters together. Read the first clue aloud and then blow a whistle to launch the treasure hunt. Kick back and enjoy the commotion as the treasure hunters run from one clue to the next.