We are officially coming to the end of school year once again! As I’ve been going through my end of the school year folder, I found my old scavenger hunt list of ideas. It was actually created almost 10 years ago but it’s still one of my go-to end of the year activities.
One of the best ways to incorporate a fun end-of-the-school-year scavenger hunt especially for middle school students is a fantastic way to celebrate the year’s end with fun, teamwork, and a bit of reflection. This is how I start my planning – especially to tailor it to activities that happened during the school year. So think about themes from assemblies, dances, or carnivals your school had,
Here’s how to plan and run a memorable and age-appropriate hunt:
🧩 Step-by-Step Guide to Planning the Scavenger Hunt
1. Choose a Theme (Optional but Fun)
A theme adds excitement and cohesion. Some ideas:
- “A Journey Through the School Year”
- “Summer is Coming!”
- “Mystery at Middle School”
- “Time Travelers” (each clue is from a different month or subject)
2. Decide the Format
You can choose:
- Traditional List: Teams complete a list of tasks/items in any order.
- Clue-Based/Sequential: Each clue leads to the next location/task (more puzzle-based).
- Hybrid: Teams can tackle some open-ended tasks and some in a sequence.
3. Plan the Stations or Clues
Create 8–12 challenges based on:
- School Subjects: “Solve this math riddle,” “Spell this year’s hardest word.”
- Teachers/Classrooms: A clue hidden in a favorite teacher’s room.
- School Memories: “Take a selfie at the place where we had our first fire drill.”
- Physical Challenges: “Do 10 jumping jacks with your whole team.”
- Creative Tasks: “Make up a 10-second rap about summer break.”
- School Landmarks: “Find something red in the art room.”
4. Divide into Teams
- Teams of 4–6 work well.
- Assign team names or let students pick (optional points for creativity!).
- Consider mixing grades, classes, or friend groups to encourage collaboration.
5. Set the Rules
- Time limit: 30–60 minutes is ideal.
- Keep them in bounds (only certain hallways, classrooms, or outdoors).
- Emphasize respect and safety.
- Optional: Require one phone or tablet per group for photos/video tasks.
6. Provide Materials
- Clue sheets or a digital scavenger list (Google Forms or QR codes work too).
- Bags to collect items if needed.
- Prizes or certificates for all teams (not just the winners).
7. Add Prizes or Rewards
Reward creativity and teamwork, not just speed. Examples:
- First to finish
- Best teamwork
- Most enthusiastic
- Best silly photo
- Most creative solution
8. Wrap It Up with a Debrief or Celebration
- Gather students to share funny moments or photos.
- Show a slideshow if photos/videos were collected.
- Hand out certificates, popsicles, or small goodie bags.
- **Plus one big prize to whoever completes it first!
🎯 Sample Clue Ideas
- “Where we go when it’s time to read, find a clue where books take the lead.” (Library)
- “You learned how to multiply and divide, now solve this riddle to keep your stride.” (Math puzzle)
- “Your science experiment didn’t blow up – and that’s where the next clue is stuck.” (Science lab)
- “Take a group selfie doing your favorite TikTok dance near the cafeteria.”
- “Find a teacher and make them laugh. Ask for their signature to prove your craft.”
🏫 End-of-Year Scavenger Hunt 🏫 (Sample Example)
Team Name: _________________________
Team Members: _____________________
Start Time: _______ End Time: _______
🔍 Instructions: Complete as many tasks as you can! Mark each one off when completed and take any required photos/videos as proof. You have 45 minutes. Return to the start when finished!
✅ Clue List (Complete in any order)
- 📚 Library Detective
Find the book section with your favorite genre. Take a group selfie in front of it.
✔️ Photo - 🧮 Math Matters
Solve this riddle: “I’m a three-digit number. My tens digit is five more than my ones digit. My hundreds digit is eight less than my tens digit. What number am I?”
Answer: ___________ - 🧪 Science Sleuths
In the science lab, find a poster with the periodic table. Write down the symbol for Sodium: _______ - 🖌️ Art Attack
Find the art room and draw a quick doodle of your team mascot. Show it to a teacher for a stamp or signature.
✔️ Teacher Signature: ___________ - 🍕 Cafeteria Challenge
Recreate your favorite lunch item using only your team’s bodies. Take a picture!
✔️ Photo - 🎶 Musical Memory
Find someone who can sing the chorus of your grade’s favorite song from this year. Record a short video clip.
✔️ Video - 🏃 PE Power
Do 15 jumping jacks together near the gym. High-five each other.
✔️ Team High-Five Photo - 📝 Yearbook Flashback
Write a 10-word sentence describing your school year. Be creative!
Sentence: _________________________________________ - 👨🏫 Teacher Time
Get a high five from a teacher you had this year. Ask them to write a fun memory here:
Memory: __________________________________________ - 🗺️ Mystery Location
“I’m not a classroom or a hallway, I’m where you’d go if you needed a band-aid or to lie down.”
Where are you? ___________________
🎉 Bonus Points (Optional)
- Come up with a team cheer and perform it at the finish line. (+2)
- Pick up 3 pieces of litter and throw them away. (+1)
- Thank a custodian or lunch staff member. (+2)
✅ Team Completion Checklist
- 5+ photos/videos submitted
- All 10 main clues attempted
- Returned by the time limit
- Bonus tasks attempted
Final Thoughts
If you are thinking of ways to end your school year on a high note, try a scavenger hunt! Your students won’t forget the memories and the fun. Make sure you get some great end of the year prizes too!
Are you thinking of doing a scavenger hunt for your classroom or even school-wide? Let me know in the comments below!