Scavenger Hunt

A scavenger hunt is a game where players search for a list of hidden or hard-to-find items, often by following clues. Teams race to find everything first, or to find the most in the time they have. A woodland scavenger hunt adds trees, trails and hiding places, which makes it a wonderful adventure for families to share.

A list hunt is the simplest. You get a list of things to find and tick them off as you go.

A clue trail sends you from one spot to the next, solving riddles or puzzles to work out where to look.

A nature hunt asks you to find things in the wild, like a feather, a pine cone or a leaf of a certain shape.

A photo hunt lets you snap each item instead of collecting it, and a treasure hunt leads you to one special prize at the end of the trail.

Your Activity Leader explains the rules and sends everyone off in teams with a list or the first clue. From there, it's all about searching. Goodies might be tucked behind a tree trunk, under a log or high on a branch, so look in every direction. Each find brings you closer to the finish, and the team that finds the lot first, or finds the most, takes the win.

Absolutely, and it's a brilliant one for teamwork. Younger children are sharp-eyed spotters and love the thrill of the find, while older ones can read the clues and plan the route. Grown-ups can help with the trickier riddles, or simply cheer everyone on. Every age has something to add.

Think like the animals. Use the eyes of a hawk to scan high and low, move with the stealth of a squirrel, stick at it like a stubborn badger and outwit the other teams like a crafty fox. Split up to cover more ground but stay within sight of each other, and read every clue twice before you dash off.

Comfy clothes and sturdy shoes or wellies are best for muddy, rooty paths. Pack a waterproof if rain is on the way, and a water bottle for thirsty hunters.

You might also like Geo Treasure Hunt, Nature i-Spy and Forest Quest.

See all Camp Kindling activities