Questing Basics

Questing is an ideal activity for small groups and families, as well as individuals. By turning a walk into a treasure hunt, children often race ahead of their parents instead of lagging behind!

Find the treasure box

Bring along a pencil and your quest book and follow the clues along a trail that winds through a park or other public land. At the end of the trail look for a hidden box. Inside you will discover more information about the site, a rubber stamp and stamp pad, a sign-in field journal and a pencil. Sign your name in the book, adding a few notes or a sketch from your walk. You may also wish to create your own personal stamp to leave your mark in each Quest's logbook. After stamping your own quest book, carefully re-hide the box exactly where you found it.

Stamp your book

When you get to the hidden box of a given Quest, you will find a special stamp inside. Use it to stamp your own quest book for a memento of your journey and as proof of accomplishment. There is one box for each quest trail. See how many stamps you can collect! If this is a Quest book shared by your family or group, write the names of all who completed the Quest when you stamp this book. It’s also a nice idea to write the date completed.

Earn a Quest patch

Complete 6 quests and earn a Quest patch and certificate. No matter how many you do, questing will help you discover the magic of the South Shore. To get your patch, read the instructions on the contact us page.

What to bring

If you are using one of the online quests, simply print out the clues and the map and take it along with you, or bring your quest book if you have one (for the stamp!) . Bring a pencil to write down the clue answers along the way. Just like any outdoor activity, be prepared for changes in the weather! It is important to bring a good map if you don’t know the area. Also bring a compass, a water bottle, snacks, and wear comfortable shoes. It's always a good idea to carry a first aid kit if you will be out in the woods. Do consider bringing along a field guide to local plants and animals, binoculars and a hand lens for magnification.

Summer light through wooded paths.

Lily blossoms on hidden ponds.