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Team relay

Scavenger Hunt

Also called Scavenger Race

Teams get a list of things to find around the venue and race to collect as many as they can before time runs out.

people
8–100
time
30 min
energy
High
materials
Needs prep
Kids-safeHR-safeChurch-safe
Watch it played
What you need3
How to play4

Before you start

Write a list of items that can be found within the venue — some easy, some tricky, a few worth bonus points. Agree on the boundaries and the return time before anyone starts.

  1. 1Each team gets the same list and one collection bag.
  2. 2Teams search only within the agreed boundaries and must stay together.
  3. 3When time is up, everyone returns and lays out their finds.
  4. 4Each item scores one point, bonus items more. Highest total wins.
Cards for this game30

Edit them now. Host mode deals them one at a time, big enough for the room.

30 cards
  • A smooth stone
  • A green leaf
  • A feather
  • A paper clip
  • A bottle cap
  • A flower petal
  • A receipt
  • A coin from another country
  • Something round
  • Something that smells nice
  • Something older than you
  • A sticky note
  • A rubber band
  • A stick longer than your arm
  • A pinecone or seed
  • Something yellow
  • A magazine page
  • A button
  • A used envelope
  • A piece of string
  • Something that makes a sound
  • A map or floor plan
  • A spoon
  • A teabag or coffee sachet
  • A ticket stub
  • Something heavier than a brick
  • Something shaped like a heart
  • A drawing by a child
  • A page with the number 7 on it
  • A name tag
What to say3
  1. 1“Stay together as a team — anyone found alone loses a point!”
  2. 2“You have twenty minutes. Back here when you hear the whistle!”
  3. 3“Let's see your bags! Who found the wishbone-shaped twig?”
Host tips3
  • Mark off-limits rooms clearly. Teams will go through offices, kitchens and other guests' bags if nobody says not to.
  • Use a loud signal for time — a whistle or an air horn. Half the teams will not be watching the clock.
  • Include a few items only creative thinking can solve, like 'something that makes music'. That is where the funny arguments happen.
Variants2
  • Riddle list

    Each item is a riddle instead of a name. Slows the game down and rewards thinkers.

  • Nature hunt

    Outdoors only: a round stone, a Y-shaped twig, three kinds of leaf. Good for kids' parties in a park.

Safety2
  • For kids, assign an adult to each team and keep away from roads, pools and kitchens.
  • Running indoors on slippery floors — tell teams to walk inside.
Good for

Occasions

BirthdayTeam buildingSchoolRetreatReunionChristmas

Venues

Indoor, largeOutdoorOfficeChurch hall
If this one dies early3