4 Fantastic Halloween Alternatives

This article includes 4 types of Scavenger Hunts/Treasure Hunts with an adult to supervise each competing group of kids. Prizes, candy, etc., can still be a part. One of these could be a great change for your church kids from the typical Halloween alternatives!

Chip Crawl
Contributed by: Mary Henderson

Social Event - takes form of treasure hunt. In your own local area devise a simple treasure hunt map. eg. from your church around area - locate 4 chip shops (eating places - identified with children) Children can be in cars or walking. Arrange children in teams and give team name. Treasure hunt first stop at first chippie or eating place (eg. KFC)

A member of group enters into shop and buys one portion of food and then goes back to their own team mates. Each child samples chips and answers questions on questionnaire form - eg (bag of chips) Questionnaire Form - picture of chip at top - list as many questions as possible regarding chip eg. is it too salty, greasy, price of chips, was service good, bad chip, too thin, too fat, ok, not enough vinegar, how was it wrapped - add as many as you like - have rating score at top or bottom eg. 1 - 10. Treasure hunt continues - repeat this during 4/5 chip stops (as you wish) Keep individual scores of each chip shop stop. At end of destination of treasure hunt - agree on best chip shop and then let them return and purchase a final chip/drink each as reward. (end up somewhere like park, beach for epilogue/singsong - this is good outreach programme. Can be used for family fun evening (P.A.K.T.) PARENTS AND KIDS TOGETHER.

Special Events
Contributed by: Betty Robertson (Creative Christian Ministries)

Bike Scavenger Hunt [Dependent on weather in your part of the country or plan it indoors.] The children meet at a central location with their bicycles. Divide into teams, with an adult sponsoring each group. Hand out sheets with scavenger hunt locations and questions. Each team rides their bikes to the places listed, records the answers, and then returns to the original meeting place. Teams should be sent in different directions, but covering the same locations.

Examples: Petal to Fremont elementary School (6600 Ralston Road). How many links are in the swing chain? Bike to the Cycle and Hobby Shop (6925 Ralston Road). How many bells are hanging over the door? Ride to the Hallmark store (7546 Oak). How many owls are on display in the front window? Go to the Smith Construction Company (7944 Oak). What two credit cards are displayed on their front window?

Hidden Treasure Search Boys and girls follow a set of clues leading to a treasure which could be treats or lunch. This event can take place indoor, outside, or both. After the treasure has been found, children can play organized games.

Indoor Scavenger Hunt/Beat the Clock
a. Make a list of items for the children to find. Be specific: red sock, black comb, box of Wheaties cereal . . .
b. Keep track of how long it takes everyone to find these items and how long it takes to put back in the proper places.

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