Inside Treasure Hunt

FELLOWSHIP FOR ANY AGE

Before the party:

1.    Decide on the number of people you want in a treasure hunt group.

2.    Determine how many groups you will need (estimate the number of participants that will attend and divide by the preset number of participants in a group)

3.    Select captains for the number of groups you will need and give each different colored tags (Each captain will need the number of tags that you want in each group. Have an extra captain in reserve in case you need another group)

Duties of the Captain:

1.    As the guests arrive have each captain pin their colored tag on people who will be in his/her group

2.    The captain will then open an envelope containing the first of six or eight clues. (The envelope for each group will be specified by the color of the tag glued on the front.)

3.    The first clue will lead to the area for the inside treasure hunt. The first clue will lead to the second, the second to the third, and so on, finally to the treasure. In giving directions, explain that the preselected number of clues have been hidden for each group.

Suggested clues are:

1.         My walls often echo the sounds of sour notes, but, actually, thats what I'm fori (choir room)

2.         I never walk. I always run. I'm not useful when I stop. ( clock)

3.         My bay window needs no food, but cries from within plead for the samel (big window in nursery)

4.         I add beauty and color to the church. I can be seen both from the outside and from the inside. (stained glass window)

5.         Three minutes is all you are allowed. (telephone in hall)

6.         I was a church leader in the distant past. (picture of past pastor)

7.         I am sometimes wet. I am sometimes dry. But I am dry more than I am wet. My purpose is fulfilled only when I am wet. (baptistry)

8.         Mirror, mirror on the wall, for boys and girls; primp one, primp all! (mirror in choir room)

9.         With a slight touch I supply that substance which is necessary to human existence. (water fountain)

10.      I am tall. I am dark brown. I live in the alley. (telephone pole)

11.      My smell is unpleasant, but the health authorities say I am necessary. It's a good thing that I have the sky for my roof. (garbage can in alley)

12.      Find a room on the ground Hoar-one with your color on the door. A treasure awaits you there!

To insure a well-organized hunt and more fun for all, announce the following rules:

1.    Groups must stay together;

2.    groups must not run;

3.    and envelopes found not bearing the color of your group must be left where they are.

In planning the routes to the treasure, remember to observe these rules:

1.    First, make clues of equal difficulty;

2.    Second, set up most of the clues to lead the group all over the building. Set up at least two clues to lead outside the building, but nearby,

3.    Third, carefully choose the hiding places for the clues so that no two groups are in an area at the same time.

Arrange the clues to lead the groups on a merry chase, ending near the starting point where the treasure is refreshments!

Refreshments

In a large paper sack (One for each group marked with the color assigned the group), place enough sandwiches, potato chips, peanut butter crackers, and candy bars for the entire group. Enclose a note telling the captain where his group can find cold drinks and instructing them to begin eating.

There are many possibilities for refreshments.  Be sure to have the groups to intermingle and enjoy fellowship with each other.

Closing

After eating have of the groups to get back together and have the captain read Matthew 13:44-46. Have each group discuss the “greatest treasure of a Christian” and “how each Christian should show the effect of that treasure”. 

Choose one person in the group to give a two minute devotional talk on the greatest treasure of a Christian. Let each group give their talk and have the leader to close the time with his/her thoughts and a prayer.