How to Have a Church Scavenger Hunt

Organization

• 1

  Set a parameter. You do not want to have groups getting lost or taking too long to find objects. Choosing items within a 2- or 3-mile radius will keep things interesting, but also on schedule. Also, consider making it a themed scavenger hunt to make the event more interesting for the groups. A food theme could involve tossing pizza dough or

• 2

  Create a list of items for the hunt. Travel through the location and see if there are points of interests your group will be able to get to easily. They can be small or large items such as a menu from a restaurant or monument in a park. Have groups take pictures with the items. At least one person from the group should be in a picture. Stress that they should take turns taking photos. Each item should be worth a certain amount of points according to difficulty.

• 3

  Get permission from business owners for your groups to be on their properties. Also, contact your police department to inform them of the event. These precautions will allow the kids to wander the streets without police thinking they are trespassing or loitering.

• 4

  Purchase prizes for the winners. Remember that there will be teams of kids participating in the event. Choose prizes that will be enjoyable for girls or boys. Small gifts bags with candy, pencils and small erasers make easy and affordable gifts. Plan gifts for first-, second- and third-place winners. Don't forget to ask restaurants if they would like to donate food, beverages, decorations or gift certificates. Keep track of who you speak with and send a thank you note after the scavenger hunt.

• 5

  Organize a party for after the scavenger hunt. Offering pizza and games will make the event enjoyable whether a team wins or loses. Plan on having board games and group games organized. This is also an opportunity for outreach to students that haven't attended church before.

The Scavenger Hunt

• 6

  When it is time to start the scavenger hunt, have students separate into groups depending on attendance. Hand one person in the group an envelope with the scavenger hunt items and rules. One person in the group should have a digital camera to take photos for verification.

• 7

  While the groups are gone, set up for the awards ceremony. Have food and beverages set out along with congratulation decorations. For added excitement, have streamers and decorations on the entrance to the room for the kids to run through. Remember, the more excited you are the more excited the kids will be.

• 8

  Award prizes once everyone is back and items have been verified. Allow students to mingle and play games until their parents pick them up.