On The Hunt

My adult son recently did a scavenger hunt organized by friends in the UCB community (Upright Citizens Brigade) and he had a ball.  This got me recalling all of the scavenger hunts I have created over the years, and the few I have attended, which is surprisingly quite a few.

If we work chronologically, the first hunt I ever did was in college. It was called the Road Rally.  First off, you had to have a car or know someone who did to participate.  I seem to recall a fraternity ran the event as a fundraiser. Therefore, I am sure there was drinking involved.  What can I say, it was a different time.  No drinking in our car, though; it belonged to my friend’s parents. My freshman buddies and I drove all over town from place to place - the next place always had the hint that led you to the next destination.  We never finished it, though, because we got lost.  Nonetheless, it was still so much fun.

Coincidentally, my second scavenger hunt was also college-related. As a young alum, I was involved in a group that also held the event as a fundraiser. For the Big Red Apple Scavenger Hunt, groups each had their own limo and whipped around NYC from stop to stop.  So I was part of the team that created the hints and destinations. I think that may be where I caught the bug to enjoy creating the hunts!

Fast forward to when my husband and I had kids.  We bought this absolutely awesome book, whose name unfortunately escapes me at the moment, that had a dozen or so hunts.  Each page had tear off hints with a note on the back that told you where to hide the hint. (All the hunts were house-based.) What I loved about it the most was the hunts aged with the kids as they aged, i.e., the first hunt had just colored hints and they would have to run to the “red” thing in the house to get the next hint.  This was for kids who could not read yet.  Then it progressed to word scrambles, riddles, etc.  We used this book for a good ten years.  It was great for holidays with a little gift at the end.

Last but not least, as a Girl Scout leader I created a scavenger hunt for my scouts (maybe they were 9 or 10 yrs old).  I sent them all over the elementary school, picking up items I had previously planted.  They ran around like maniacs and caused quite a ruckus. (Not supposed to be running in the halls!)  SOO fun!

I am wondering, am I the only person who has been involved in so many hunts?

Thanks for reading.

Eve