Equipment And Materials

• Plastic gloves for each Scout
• One trash bag for each team
• One treasure list for each team
• One pencil for each team
• Watch or timer
• Optional recycling bag or box

Setup Instructions

1. Choose a safe outdoor area to clean. This can be a park, yard, or parking lot.
2. Walk the area first and remove any sharp or unsafe items.
3. Decide how many teams you will have. Two teams works well for most groups.
4. Print one treasure list for each team.
5. Gather Scouts and explain the rules before starting.
6. Give each team gloves, a trash bag, a list, and a pencil.

Game Play Instructions

1. Start the timer when all teams are ready.
2. Scouts walk around their area looking for trash on the list.
3. When they find an item, they pick it up and put it in the trash bag.
4. They check the item off on the list.
5. If they find trash not on the list, they can write it down.
6. Scouts stay with their team at all times.
7. When time is up, all teams stop and return.
8. Count how many different items each team found.
9. Sort recyclables and dispose of trash properly.

Notes, Variations, And Safety Tips

• Do not use competition if it causes problems for your group
• Focus on teamwork instead of winning if needed
• Use picture lists for younger Scouts
• Set a short time limit for younger Scouts
• Older Scouts can sort recyclables as part of the activity
• Scouts should not pick up sharp, broken, or unknown items
• Adults should handle unsafe trash
• Make sure Scouts wash hands after the activity

For more information, see https://scoutermom.com/25959/cleanup-treasure-hunt/