Springtime Scavenger Hunt

Springtime is the best time to have a Scavenger Hunt or Wild Goose Chase. Now you may be asking yourself "What's the difference between a Scavenger Hunt and a Wild Goose Chase?" They both take some planning and they both are so much fun. You need chaperons for both. They can be done in one place but it is more fun if you have to travel. The difference is a Wild Goose Chase takes you all over the place looking for the next stop before ending with a big treat (party, pizza, picnic, etc.). A Scavenger Hunt is when you look for items to earn points to win a prize. So although they are very similar, they are very different too. If you are really creative, you can come up with riddles to lead your groups from clue to clue in the Wild Goose Chase. If you do a Scavenger Hunt, you can make things more challenging by putting name brands on the list. Instead of a generic "toothpaste" put "Crest Toothpaste". Instead of putting "a sports car" put "a Mustang Convertible". You can reward 1/2 points for the generic so everyone can receive something. Mix it up! Wild Goose Chases and Scavenger Hunts are more fun if it continues after the finish line so plan a fun picnic with games afterward. Be sure to invite your neighbors children (and parents) to join in the fun. Bring Spring in with a bang and host a community Wild Goose Chase or Scavenger Hunt. The items found in the Scavenger Hunt could be things they need to collect for those in need in your area (canned food, coats, blankets, etc.). Ask for food donations from local grocery stores (Safeway, Food Lion, Costco, Walmart, etc.) to feed the participants at the picnic and get some volunteers in your neighborhood to help. This is a great way for people to do a Spring Cleaning. Have a neighborhood Spring Cleaning on Saturday and plan a Community Scavenger Hunt on Sunday afternoon to collect items for your local shelter, or food pantry. Be creative and have fun. Remember, Spring is here!