Teenage Birthday Party: Mall Scavenger Hunt

What better place to have a teenage party than at the mall? Although this is suggested as a birthday party, it could be easily adapted for any kind of teenage party. Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and church youth groups could plan scavenger hunt at the mall.

First and foremost, you have to come up with a guest list and invitations. Try to be creative with the invitations. If you are clever with a computer, you could print your own invitations. Set up a word document to look like a cash register receipt and imbed the party details into the receipt. It's a good idea t include "R.S.V.P." on your invitation. This party requires teams, so you will need to set up the teams before the day of the party.

When you get your guest list ready, divide the teenagers into teams. Three works well, but you can vary the number according to the group. You can make up names for the teams, or let them decide for themselves the day of the birthday party.

Before the day of the party, you will have to organize the scavenger hunt. The more prepared you are, the more smoothly the party will go. Use your own resources and creativity to decide what is included in the scavenger hunt. Here are some suggestions to get you started: discarded cash register receipt for more than $25, straw in a wrapper, paper towel from a restroom, take out menu, credit card application, discarded newspaper, sales flyer, job application, list of movies currently playing at the theater. Think creatively, and keep in mind what businesses are at the mall you are using.

You may want to provide a small amount of money for each teenager. Your scavenger hunt can be a list of all "found" items, or you might want to have each guest buy something for the hunt. If you are providing money, you might want each guest to purchase something small to put in favor bags, or you might have each guest buy a little something for the birthday girl.

When the day comes, have your guests meet you at a predetermined place at the mall. As your guests arrive, divide them into teams, pass out the scavenger hunt lists, and explain the rules. Since we are working with teenagers here, be sure to encourage good manners and common courtesy. Before sending everyone on their way, set a time and place to meet. A good place to meet would be a pizza place or food court. You might want to call ahead and reserve a table. Check to make sure it's acceptable to bring your own birthday cake and decorations.

Be prepared for the returning teams. You should check off their lists and verify what they have found. Have a point system and prizes ready. You will probably have mass chaos with all the teams returning. It would be helpful to have at least one other adult helping you check the items from the scavenger hunt, and tally up the points.

Announce the winners, and give prizes for various categories such as the first team back and the team with the most points. Gift cards for the mall would make terrific prizes!