Before you think, “Not another Scavenger Hunt!” let us say that this one will give you some time to focus on something you need to get done, or just to take a breath! So although it is another scavenger hunt, hopefully this one gives you a break from facilitating and some time to yourself.
Materials Required: One piece of paper and writing utensil per player, one bag or pillow case per player
How to Play an Alphabet Scavenger Hunt: The player’s goal is to collect a single item from the house that starts with each letter of the alphabet, during a set time frame. We recommend 40 minutes to an hour, depending on the age of your children.
Step 1: Each player creates a piece of paper with the letters of the alphabet written down the left hand side.
Step 2: When the game begins, players look around the house to find an object that starts with the letter “a.” For example, if you have an apple, you could pick that. Players should try to choose something unique, because they only get points if none of the other players choose the same item. Each item that players bring can only stand for one letter. Meaning, if you bring a stuffed bear, it can only be for “s” for stuffed OR “b” for bear, but not both.
Step 2: Write down the item’s name and put it in their bag.
Step 3: Repeat until players have an item for each letter of the alphabet – even “x!”
Step 4: At the designated time, players must stop looking and gather together with their bags of objects.
Step 5: The judge reads each letter out, one at time, asking for each player’s item. The judge will determine which player gets a point for each letter.
*Counselor Hack: If there are rooms or areas of the house where the children shouldn’t go to look for items, make sure to set those restrictions before you start to play. Make bonus points available if players bring an item with a double letter – for example a blue bear could be worth 2 points. Points can be awarded for creativity since some letters will be hard to find items for, so use your discretion as you award creative entries!
Thank you to our peers at Camp Twin Creeks for the inspiration!