Amazing Race

The Greatest Scavenger Hunt #

The "get to know the campsite" game. It's a team relay that has hints to locations where the team must go to to receive a new hint. First one to the final location (or collects all the set amount of clues) wins the game.

How to Play #

Divide your participants into teams of 2-4 people each. Each team will work together to complete the challenges and follow the clues. Prepare a series of clues and challenges that will lead teams from one location to another. Each clue should be hidden at a specific location and provide a hint or riddle for the teams to solve. Challenges can vary widely, from physical tasks to mental puzzles or trivia questions. Tailor them to the age and interests of your participants. Choose various locations where teams will have to go to find their next clue. These locations can be indoors or outdoors, depending on your preferences and the available space. Plan the route that teams will follow to visit each location. Make sure the route is logical and ensures a smooth flow for the game. Consider transportation options if necessary. At each location, have a "Pit Stop" where teams must complete a challenge or solve a puzzle to receive their next clue. You can also include a detour where teams must choose between two different challenges.

Brief all the teams on the rules of the game, including any time limits, safety guidelines, or specific instructions for challenges. Gather all teams at the starting point, give them the first clue, and let them begin the race. Ensure that teams follow the predetermined route. Have organizers or referees stationed at key locations and pit stops to ensure teams are following the rules and to provide assistance if needed. Designate a finish line or final destination where teams must complete a final challenge to win the game.

Pit Stop Challange Example

Rules #

The rules for "The Amazing Race" scavenger hunt game can vary depending on your specific preferences and the nature of the challenges you've designed. However, here are some common rules and guidelines to consider when organizing such a game:

Team Formation: Decide on the maximum and minimum team size. Typically, teams consist of 2-4 participants.

Starting Point: All teams start at the same location, and you provide them with the first clue to begin the race.

Clue Sequence: Teams must follow the clues in the specified sequence. Each clue leads to the next location or challenge.

Challenges and Pit Stops: Teams must complete the challenges or tasks at each pit stop or location before receiving the next clue. Make it clear if teams have to complete all challenges at a location or if they can choose between challenges (detours).

Navigation: Teams are responsible for navigating to each location on their own, following the provided clues and maps. They cannot use GPS navigation unless specified.

Time Limits: You can set time limits for completing the entire race or specific challenges. If teams don't finish within the time limit, they may receive penalties or be disqualified.

No Interference: Teams are not allowed to interfere with other teams' progress or clues. They must maintain a respectful and sportsmanlike attitude throughout the game.

Safety: Emphasize safety rules, especially if there are physical challenges or outdoor elements involved. Teams should obey traffic rules and pedestrian laws if the game takes place in public areas.

Rules at Pit Stops: Make sure teams understand the rules and instructions at each pit stop. For example, if a challenge involves solving a puzzle, specify how they should submit their answers.

Time Penalty or Disqualification: Determine consequences for breaking the rules, such as time penalties or disqualification from the game.

Team Check-Ins: Require teams to check in with organizers at each pit stop to ensure they have completed the challenge before receiving the next clue.

Use of Hints: Decide whether you'll provide hints or assistance if teams are stuck on a particular clue or challenge. You can establish rules for when and how hints are given.

Completion of the Race: Teams must complete all challenges and reach the final destination (finish line) to finish the race.

Disqualifications: Specify conditions that may result in disqualification, such as cheating, dangerous behavior, or not following the rules.

Tiebreakers: Determine how to handle tiebreakers if two or more teams finish the race simultaneously.

Awards and Prizes: Outline the criteria for winning and the prizes that will be awarded to the winning team or teams.

Code of Conduct: Emphasize a code of conduct that promotes sportsmanship, teamwork, and fair play among participants.

Debriefing: After the game, hold a debriefing session to discuss the experience and address any concerns or issues that arose during the race.

Make sure to communicate these rules clearly to all participants before the game begins. It's also a good idea to have a rules document that teams can reference during the race. Adapt the rules to suit your specific event and the age group of your participants, and be prepared to clarify any questions or concerns that may arise during the game.

Materials #

Materials Required

Materials may vary and will depend on the specific challenges and clues you plan to include, as well as the locations and complexity of the game. However, here's a list of common materials and items you may need to purchase or prepare:

Clues and Instructions:

Paper or cards for printing or writing clues and instructions.
Envelopes or containers to hold the clues at each location.

Challenges and Props:

Materials and props for challenges (e.g., puzzles, locks, keys, physical tasks).
Markers, pens, or chalk for marking clues or routes.
Stopwatch or timer for time-based challenges.

Costumes or Outfits: If you want to add a thematic element, you may need to purchase costumes or outfits for participants to wear during specific challenges.

Transportation: If your scavenger hunt spans multiple locations, consider transportation needs, such as bus or train tickets, or fuel for vehicles if teams are driving.

Prizes and Rewards:

Prizes for the winning team or teams (e.g., trophies, gift cards, medals).
Consolation prizes or party favors for all participants.
Team points if the game is part of a group of other games.

Safety Equipment: Depending on the challenges and locations, you may need safety equipment such as first aid kits, helmets, or reflective vests.

Maps and Route Planning:

Maps or GPS devices if the game involves navigating through unfamiliar areas.
A large map or whiteboard to help you plan and visualize the route.

Communication: Walkie-talkies or cell phones to stay in touch with organizers or referees stationed at different locations.

Refreshments: Snacks and drinks for participants, especially if the game takes several hours to complete.

Decorations and Theme Elements: Decorations and props to enhance the theme of the scavenger hunt, if desired.

Storage and Organization: Containers or bags to store and transport all materials and clues.

Printed Materials: Printed copies of the rules and instructions for participants.

Permits and Permissions: If your scavenger hunt takes place in public areas or involves interacting with businesses, ensure you have any necessary permits and permissions.

Optional Extras: Depending on your budget and creativity, you can add optional extras like music, sound effects, or video clips to enhance the experience. Before purchasing materials, make a detailed list of all the challenges and clues you plan to include in the game, as well as the locations you'll use. This will help you determine exactly what you need and ensure that the game runs smoothly on the day of the event.

Setup #

Setup may be different for each organizer trying to host Amazing Race, but here is a general idea of what is needed to be done in order to have a "playable" game.

Setup Instructions:

Define the Objective: Determine the goal of your Amazing Race camp game. It could be a team-building exercise, a race to solve clues and complete challenges, or simply a fun and competitive outdoor activity.
Select Teams: Divide your campers into teams. Teams can consist of 2-4 members each, depending on the size of your group.
Choose a Location: Select a suitable outdoor location for the race. It could be a park, a campsite, or any area with a variety of terrain and landmarks.
Create Clues and Challenges: Design a series of clues, riddles, or challenges that teams must solve or complete to progress in the race. These challenges should be fun and engaging and can involve physical activities, puzzles, or mental tasks.
Prepare Materials: Gather any materials or props needed for the challenges, such as envelopes for clues, timers, puzzle pieces, or props related to the challenges.
Set Up Stations: Identify specific locations within the chosen area where teams will encounter challenges or receive clues. Place the materials and instructions at these stations.
Plan the Route: Create a route or course that teams must follow, ensuring that it's safe and manageable. Make a map or list of checkpoints and challenges for each team to complete.
Rules and Safety Briefing: Gather all participants and explain the rules and safety guidelines. Emphasize the importance of sportsmanship, respect for the environment, and teamwork.
Start and Finish Line: Set up a clear starting point and finish line for the race. You can use banners, cones, or other markers to make them easily identifiable.
Timing and Scoring: Decide how you will track the progress of each team. You can use a stopwatch or a smartphone app to time each team's performance. Create a scoring system to rank the teams based on completion time and successful challenges.
Host and Volunteers: Assign a host or game master to oversee the race, provide hints if needed, and ensure everything runs smoothly. You may also need volunteers stationed at various checkpoints to manage challenges and clue distribution.
Start the Race: Announce the start of the race and let teams begin their adventure. Ensure everyone has a copy of the rules and knows what's expected of them.
Monitor and Wrap-Up: Keep track of each team's progress throughout the race. Once all teams have completed the course or reached the finish line, gather everyone for a debriefing and awards ceremony to celebrate the winners and share memorable moments.
Safety Considerations: Always prioritize safety by ensuring participants have proper gear, access to first-aid supplies, and knowledge of emergency procedures. Monitor the weather conditions and make adjustments if necessary.