subject: The Scavenger Hunt: Everybodys Favorite Game [print this page] During gatherings such as Halloween parties and children parties, one of the commonly played games is the scavenger hunt. Also dubbed as treasure hunting, this game has been played across countries as a form of entertainment suitable for all ages. A Scavenger hunt may be filled with exciting challenges, mind-boggling riddles and tasks that make it everybodys favorite party filler.
A scavenger hunt starts with the host presenting a list of items that needs to be found. Some scavenger hunts may include a list of tasks or challenges to be accomplished so the individual or team can acquire the required item. For instance, they may be required to take photographs of landmarks, go through an obstacle course or solve complicated riddles just to get to the next level. In other types of scavenger hunts such as in online treasure hunts, an individual may need to visit different websites or look for clues that will complete the list.
Most scavenger hunts have a location boundary and a specific time limit to complete the tasks. The game can go on for as wide as the neighborhood in search of the items and can last even up to a whole day. One of the most extraordinary scavenger hunts in history is played in the University of Chicago. The game takes place in the universitys main quadrangles with a given time span of four days. Participants of this game must construct or find items or perform tasks such as blood donations and athletic competitions.
A Scavenger hunt is not only ideal as party filler, but can also be a form of team building activity. Hosts of the game can organize and divide the participants into teams to make the tasks easier to accomplish. Participants can exhibit their leadership skills and cooperation as well as camaraderie with their team mates to compete with the other teams. For instance, a team must need to get through an obstacle course where they need teamwork in order to get an item.
Some scavenger hunts come with point systems and special bonuses. If the items are hard to find, the higher points are to be awarded. Some incentives may also be given to the team who finishes a certain task in the shortest time. In some cases, there are deductions to a teams point if they arrive late at the central location. Having a point system motivates the participants to work and try harder to complete the items in their lists.
Riddles in a Scavenger hunt teach not only adults, but also children, how to think critically and creatively. Games like scavenger hunts reinforce their ideas and concepts while they get entertainment in the process. Scavenger hunts also stimulate their minds, allowing them to be resourceful throughout the game.
