A treasure hunt is a map-based puzzle that the entire team must solve. As in the workplace, smaller teams must succeed at their tasks before the entire company can reach its goal – opening the treasure-filled chest!
This exciting team building activity is based on the Scandinavian sport of orienteering (now an Olympic event), where participants use a detailed map to find flags in the forest. The TeamBonding version is built around a custom-made map of your conference center, and includes an industrial-strength dose of fun. This Team Building program can be tailored to be more physical or more cerebral.
The object is to find the key to the treasure chest. Small teams are created, each with its own set of clues to find. Each team soon realizes that the only way to locate the treasure is by working together as a whole. Some clues can only be acquired, for example, when the group completes a fun challenge. These clues can be presented as either Trivial Pursuit or Jeopardy-style questions.
Each sub-group’s immediate goal is assembling their part of the riddle. When combined, these add up to reveal a final riddle. The excitement builds to a crescendo as all sub-groups now join forces to find the key.
Since everyone contributes to the success of this search, all get to share in the treasure. This can be a token or memento of your meeting, a T-shirt emblazoned with your company or event slogan, or whatever you desire.
Time needed
2 - 3 hours
Space requirements
This activity is best suited out of doors, but we’ll be happy to identify alternate rain sites within your hotel or conference center.
The feedback on the treasure hunt was wonderful and even some of our staunchest ‘critics’ had a great time. We will be holding another retreat in the fall of 2008, and I’ll be sure to hook up with you again. Thank you for all of the support—Chris and his team were well prepared and the event was well executed and fun!
K.S. – Universal Pictures
