Scavenger hunt to feature clues, challenges and more
The Sanibel Sea School has a family-friendly activity coming up that aims to engage families by incorporating fun and learning, while providing youth the opportunity to help other children.
Open to all ages, the first annual Flip Flop Family Scavenger Hunt will take place on Nov. 3 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Teams of up to eight people will meet at Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ to receive their book of clues and challenges – all worth points – before the 11 a.m. start.
Proceeds from the event will support the non-profit organization’s scholarship fund, which makes it possible for children and families in need to have meaningful ocean experiences.
Co-founder and Executive Director Dr. Bruce Neill explained that other fundraisers like the annual Octifest on the Beach help to fund the scholarships, but they are designed more for adults. He and the staff wanted to provide youths with a way to help other young people since youth are the recipients.
“We’d like to get families and kids involved in philanthropy,” Neill said.
“A lot of it will be oriented toward the kids,” he added of the hunt.
It also provides a fun activity for families to learn something new about their environment and community. Neill explained that uniqueness can get lost or taken for granted in the familiar.
“It’s sort of to get us to step back,” he said of the event.
The clues will be broken down into three categories, including things teams have to learn like facts, things teams have to collect such as items, and things teams have to do involving taking a photo. It may mean solving how some island history ties into the present, or taking a group photo at a unique site.
In “The Amazing Race” style, the hunt will also feature challenges.
“There’s a couple of fixed stations, like there’ll be an obstacle course on the beach,” Neill said.
Teams can pick and choose which tasks they want to tackle in the book until the clock runs out at 3 p.m. Every correct or completed one will be worth its own points, which will be tallied and used to buy “letters” in the finale. Like “Wheel of Fortune,” the teams will have three minutes to solve a phrase.
“The way you win this is you’ll solve the riddle,” he said.
“It’s complex, but does make for a fun spirit-filled moment at the end,” Neill added.
The team or participant to answer right first will win the Sanibel Sea School-crafted trophy.
“It’s bragging rights,” he said. “It’s all about the fun.”
On the same note, participants are encouraged to take their time and be safe.
“It’s not really a race, it’s an adventure hunt,” Neill said, pointing out that someone with only one purchased letter may solve the riddle with just that and that it is about the experience and having fun.
“Go at your own pace,” he added.
In fact, there are a few bonuses along the way for those who put in the time and effort. One clue will lead to a card – and a diamond flip-flop pendant donated by Lily & Co. Jewelers, worth over $2,000.
In addition, Congress Jewelers will offer a bonus clue just for the participating children. They will be invited to stop by the store during the month after the scavenger hunt to receive a “sea life charm.”
The other sponsors include: Sanibel Air and Electric as Treasure Chest Sponsor; Sanibel Captiva Community Bank, Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille, and Sundial Beach Resort & Spa as Treasure Map Sponsors; and The Cedar Chest Fine Jewelry, Bailey’s General Story, Banner Pool Service and The Island Cow as Compass Sponsors.
The hunt will be followed by an evening bonfire celebration at Lighthouse Beach Park.
“With s’mores,” Neill said, noting that the non-profit will provide the supplies.
Tickets are $25 per participant and include an event T-shirt.
The community is encouraged to get theirs.
“It’s an opportunity to help other people,” he said, noting that the scholarship fund provides for approximately 2,500 camp days annually for families in need. “We’re doing a lot of good for kids who otherwise don’t get to engage with the ocean.”
“Simultaneously, I think it’s really important for people to engage in philanthropy,” Neill added. “And thirdly, I think it’s going to be a lot of fun.”
For more information or tickets, visit www.sanibelseaschool.org or call 239-472-8585.
Tickets will be available the day of the event.
Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ is at 2050 Periwinkle Way.
The Sanibel Sea School is at 455 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.