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How to Create a Treasure Map Activity

A treasure hunt is novel way to take the party on the road. Many party activities focus on what to do when you get to the party, but a treasure hunt activity can focus on how to get somewhere else -- even to the party -- and help build problem-solving and teamwork skills. Creating your own treasure hunt activity can add to any party's festivities and make the hunt feel like its own prize.

Instructions

- 1
  Pick the treasure. Decide if the treasure will be just a destination or an actual prize. If you decide on an expensive prize, place a note, photograph or drawing in place of the actual prize, so it doesn't become soiled or damaged.
- 2
  "Bury" the treasure -- decide where it will be hidden. Picking the destination spot first allows you to work backwards and create a more intricate, intriguing treasure trail. Choose a burial spot close to the other festivities, if the treasure hunt is one party activity of many.
- 3
  Make the starting point for the treasure hunt. Choose a place simple enough for guests to congregate in the beginning. Picking a spot near or even the same as the ending spot is possible, though it usually requires a more intricate map.
- 4
  Map the treasure trail route. If mapping a short distance, walk or drive the route to verify its continuity, complexity and safety factors, and to give you ideas about directional choices. If mapping a longer distance, consider using an online directions application like Google Maps or Mapquest to plot a rough draft route.
- 5
  Draw the map. Decide if it will be a conventional treasure map with an "X" marking the spot, of if it will be a list of directional clues. Also decide if the map will be given out as whole, or if it the map will be handed out in successive pieces, with each map clue provided at its own destination. A piecemeal map works well when the origin and destination of the hunt are in close proximity.
- 6
  Photocopy the map. Make enough copies for individual or group participation.

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