Treasure Hunt Challenges. Ideal for Team Building and Hen Party Treasure Hunts.

By Tim Carter (Owner of Black Cat Treasure Hunts)

One of the most popular aspects of personalised Black Cat treasure hunts are the photo/video clip challenges. These are an opportunity for me to either link in to a supplied theme, something specific that catches my eye on route or the place where the treasure hunt is being held. If you are interested in the team building benefits of a treasure hunt or wanting to bond a hen party group on your first day, then these challenges are ideal. Set out below are some examples from this year of how these have worked perfectly.

Themed challenges:

Sometimes it will be me who chooses the theme of a challenge. I have had a flurry of European visitors (Norway/Austria/Germany/Spain) on treasure hunts over the last month. One thing I have found that works really well, and is interesting at the same time, is to give the treasure hunters an opportunity on route to take photos or video clips of what they think (rather than me) is typical of the country they are visiting from. Austrian 18/19-year-olds chose a speciality, Austrian sausage, beer and a Waltz performed by a boys only team. I was told they were ready for their prom!
I am also happy to work around a theme supplied by the people booking. Tomorrow, in Brighton, I have a stag do group who have a Pope and cardinals on a conclave theme! After appointing a Pope tonight, I will be looking for their teams to act in a Pope-like manner on Saturday afternoon giving blessings (from a raised platform if possible) to anyone who cares to listen! If you happen to be in Brighton, then please give them your full support.

On Route Challenge Ideas.

I often get inspiration for challenges just by walking the route slowly. Recently, I saw a poster for a local theatre production of the Addams Family. This was too good an opportunity to miss. The challenge was to take a short video of the team singing the theme tune (backing music/lyrics allowed from YouTube and Google) including the bit where they click their fingers. It is surprising how creative and energetic the `performances` can be come. I give out subjective scores by comparing what the teams send to me.
Back in the middle of the Summer I was aware that some of the companies had specifically stated they were using the treasure hunt as part of a summer party. Once again, I noted as the route went along Brighton beachfront there were several outlets selling various `beach party` items. The teams had to wear shades and fun hats whilst momentarily `acquiring` inflatable flamingos and a pineapple.

Town/City Challenge.

If the booking is from a company or group of people who are not locals and visiting the place for the first time, then I like to put a bit of focus on where they are in the challenges. Chichester is a good place because of its Roman background. Last year I had accountants, and this year it was the turn of trainee doctors, to create temporary toga`s and call out `Hail Caesar` from the top of a Roman wall (many of which still exist in the city). I have to say I could but not fail to give maximum points on more than one occasion.
Other, lower key, but aimed at team building challenges are photos linked to the host venue. One such is to get teams to create a `Wish You Were Here` style photo in front of an iconic site or building from the place in question. Arms linked, smiling faces and a creative approach to how their photo is taken will score a team high points.

Looking for an original and creative activity for your team building or hen/stag do or celebratory event then please do not hesitate to get in touch with me (Tim) on info@blackcattreasurehunts.co.uk or call (01323) 655346.