Here is our guide to virtual scavenger hunts.
We put this guide together after running thousands of successful virtual team building activities and connecting remote teams in all industries for over a decade!
A virtual scavenger hunt is an engaging online activity where teams compete to find specific items or solve riddles within a designated timeframe using digital platforms. Playing this game virtually with your team fosters collaboration, communication, and camaraderie, as participants must strategize and coordinate effectively in a shared virtual space. By using technology to recreate the excitement of a traditional scavenger hunt, teams can strengthen bonds, boost morale, and enhance problem-solving skills, all while having fun in a remote setting.
Ideal group size:
5 to 20 players
This size allows for sufficient participation to encourage teamwork and competition while ensuring the game remains manageable and enjoyable for all participants.
Activity duration:
30 to 60 minutes
This timeframe strikes a balance between keeping the game engaging and ensuring it does not become too long or tedious for participants.
Cost:
Free – $50
What you’ll need:
- Digital platform or app for hosting the scavenger hunt
- Internet connection
- Devices for each participant (e.g., computers, smartphones, or tablets)
- List of scavenger hunt items or clues (can be digital or physical)
How to play:
Step 1: Set Up the Virtual Platform
First, choose a reliable virtual platform or app that supports team collaboration, such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or dedicated scavenger hunt apps like GooseChase. Be sure all participants have access and are comfortable using the app User-friendly interfaces can streamline the experience and reduce technical hiccups.
Step 2: Form Teams
Next, divide participants into teams of manageable sizes, ideally 3 to 5 members per team. Diversity within teams will foster collaboration and bring different perspectives to problem-solving. Mixing up team members can also help break down silos and promote cross-departmental connections within the organization.
Step 3: Establish Ground Rules and Objectives
It is important to clearly communicate the rules of the scavenger hunt, including the duration of the game, how you will score points, and any specific guidelines or constraints. Also, emphasize the importance of fair play, teamwork, and respectful communication throughout the game. Providing a clear structure helps maintain engagement and prevents confusion during the activity.
Step 4: Distribute Clues or Tasks
Before the hunt, provide each team with a list of scavenger hunt items, clues, or tasks they need to complete within the designated time frame. To keep team members engaged, ensure that the challenges vary and cater to different skill sets. Consider incorporating fun and creative elements to spark enthusiasm and creativity among participants.
Step 5: Start the Hunt
Finally, begin the countdown timer and let the scavenger hunt commence! Teams can strategize, communicate effectively, and work together to solve clues and find items. During the game, remind participants to stay within the boundaries of the virtual platform and respect any guidelines or restrictions.
Step 6: Foster Collaboration and Communication
Throughout the scavenger hunt, encourage teams to utilize the virtual platform’s communication features, such as chat or video conferencing, to coordinate their efforts. Further, facilitate discussions and provide support as needed to keep the energy high and maintain momentum. Effective communication is key to successful teamwork, both in virtual and physical environments.
Step 7: Monitor Progress and Provide Feedback
Along the way, keep track of each team’s progress and offer feedback or encouragement. You can celebrate small victories and milestones to boost morale and motivation. As a facilitator, you support and guide teams throughout the activity, ensuring a positive and inclusive experience for all participants.
Examples of games or activities:
1. Digital Photo Scavenger Hunt
Description: Participants compete to find and photograph specific items or scenarios within their own homes or immediate surroundings.
- Create a list of items or scenarios for participants to find and photograph. These objects can range from common household objects to more creative and personal prompts, like “something that never fails to make you smile.”
- Share the list of items with all participants via the virtual platform or app.
- Set a time limit for the scavenger hunt and start the countdown.
- Participants must search their surroundings and take photos of each item on the list within the allotted time.
- After the time is up, teams can share their photos with the group via the virtual platform or app.
- Review the photos together, awarding points for creativity, accuracy, and speed.
- Conclude by discussing the photos and sharing funny or interesting stories behind them.
Insight: Participants can think outside the box and get creative with their photos, adding an extra layer of fun and engagement to the activity.
2. Virtual Trivia Scavenger Hunt:
Description: Teams answer trivia questions to unlock clues leading them to the next challenge or item in the scavenger hunt.
- Prepare a set of trivia questions covering various topics relevant to the participants.
- Divide participants into teams and assign each team a starting point.
- Teams must answer a trivia question correctly to receive their first clue.
- Solving aclue, leads players to the webpage or virtual form of the next challenge.
- Teams continue answering trivia questions and solving clues until they reach the final destination or complete all tasks.
- The first team to finish wins, or points can be awarded based on completion time and accuracy of answers.
Insight: You can tailor the trivia questions to the interests and knowledge base of the participants to ensure the game is engaging and enjoyable for the whole team.
3. Virtual Alphabet Scavenger Hunt:
Description: Teams race to find items beginning with each letter of the alphabet based on a predetermined theme.
- Choose a theme for the scavenger hunt, such as “objects you find in the kitchen” or “items in nature.”
- Share the theme and explain the rules to all participants.
- Set a time limit for the scavenger hunt and start the timer.
- Teams must find and identify items starting with each letter of the alphabet related to the chosen theme.
- Teams can take photos or videos of the items they find and share them with the group.
- Review the submissions and award points for each correctly identified item.
Insight: Encourage teams to collaborate and communicate effectively to brainstorm items for each letter, fostering teamwork and creativity.
4. Virtual Code Breaker Scavenger Hunt:
Description: Teams decipher clues and solve puzzles to unlock the next challenge or location in the scavenger hunt.
- Create a series of coded messages or puzzles for participants to solve, such as cryptograms, Sudoku, or riddles.
- Divide participants into teams and provide them with the first coded message or puzzle.
- Teams must work together to decipher the message or solve the puzzle to reveal the next clue.
- Continue this process until teams reach the final destination or complete all challenges.
- The team that solves all the clues and reaches the end first wins, or hosts can award points based on completion time and accuracy.
Insight: Hosts should vary the difficulty of the puzzles to accommodate different skill levels and keep all participants engaged and challenged throughout the scavenger hunt.
Tips:
- Set Clear Expectations: Before starting, clearly communicate the rules, objectives, and timeframe of the scavenger hunt to all participants.
- Foster Communication: Encourage teams to utilize virtual communication tools effectively, such as chat or video conferencing, to coordinate their efforts and share progress.
- Embrace Creativity: Encourage participants to think creatively and outside the box when interpreting clues or completing challenges, fostering innovation and engagement.
- Vary Activities: Mix up the types of challenges or tasks to cater to the group’s different interests and skill sets, ensuring all players feel included and motivated.
- Provide Support: Be available to answer questions, provide guidance, and offer encouragement throughout the scavenger hunt to keep teams motivated and on track.
- Celebrate Achievements: Recognize and celebrate small victories and milestones along the way to maintain momentum and boost morale among participants.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, playing a virtual scavenger hunt with teams offers a dynamic and engaging way to foster collaboration, communication, and camaraderie among remote team members. By embracing creativity, clear communication, and varied challenges, participants can have fun and strengthen their bonds and problem-solving skills. These activities bring teams closer together and enhance overall morale and productivity. Virtual scavenger hunts are filled with laughter, teamwork, and memorable moments that further strengthen your team’s unity and success.
Want more ideas? Check out our post on virtual scavenger hunt ideas.
