Host a MAP
Host a MAP by making a treasure map, planning a backyard scavenger hunt, inviting friends, and leading a safe map-based adventure.
Step-by-step guide to host a MAP (treasure map scavenger hunt)
Problem Solving in Mathematics made easy (2020) | CAPS | Grade 4 5 6 Mathematics
Step 1
Choose a safe area in the backyard for your scavenger hunt.
Step 2
Pick five small treasures you want to hide.
Step 3
Put each treasure into its own small bag.
Step 4
Walk around the play area to look for good hiding spots.
Step 5
Choose five hiding spots from the places you found.
Step 6
Fold a sheet of paper to make the base for your treasure map.
Step 7
Draw the outline of your yard on the paper.
Step 8
Mark big landmarks and the hiding spots on the map with simple symbols.
Step 9
Draw a key that explains what each symbol means.
Step 10
Decorate the map with colours and fun drawings.
Step 11
Gently crumple the map to make it look like an old treasure map.
Step 12
Ask an adult to help you invite friends to the scavenger hunt.
Step 13
Hide the bagged treasures in the chosen hiding spots.
Step 14
Gather the players and explain the safety rules for the hunt.
Step 15
Share your finished treasure map and story about the hunt on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can I use instead of small bags or a big sheet of paper if I don't have them?
If you don't have small bags, use folded envelopes or clean sandwich zipper bags to put each treasure in, and if you lack a sheet of paper use a piece of cereal-box cardboard or a magazine page folded to make the base for your treasure map.
My friends couldn't find the treasures — how can I fix the map or hiding spots?
If players get stuck, make the map clearer by labeling the big landmarks and hiding spots with distinct symbols, test each chosen hiding spot yourself before you hide the bagged treasures, and avoid over-crumpling the folded map so the symbols stay readable.
How can I change the scavenger hunt to suit younger or older kids?
For younger children, pick fewer treasures and very obvious hiding spots and use picture-only symbols on the map, while for older kids increase the challenge with more treasures, riddles or coordinate clues and more detailed landmarks.
How can we make the treasure map and hunt more exciting or personal?
Enhance the activity by decorating the map with colors and tea stains to look old, adding a personalized key with special icons, hiding one bonus 'golden' treasure among the five, and then invite friends with an adult's help and share your finished treasure map and story on DIY.org.
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Facts about backyard scavenger hunts and map-reading for kids
📍 Geocaching started in 2000 when GPS accuracy improved for the public — today there are millions of hidden 'caches' around the world.
🧭 Orienteering began in 19th-century Sweden as military training and later became an international sport with organized competitions.
🚸 Safety-first hunts use clear boundaries, buddy teams, and check-in points so kids can lead adventures while adults stay in charge.
🧩 Scavenger hunts became popular party games in the early 20th century and are now used for team-building, classrooms, and parties.
🏴☠️ The iconic 'X marks the spot' treasure map trope was popularized by Robert Louis Stevenson's novel Treasure Island (1883).
How do I help my child host a treasure map scavenger hunt in our backyard?
What materials do I need for a child-hosted treasure map scavenger hunt?
What ages is a child-hosted backyard map scavenger hunt suitable for?
What safety tips should families follow for a child-led map-based adventure?
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