The Trustees Quest! An Outdoor Scavenger Hunt! The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees) is launching Trustees Quest, an outdoor, self-guided exploration experience for families with school-aged children and anyone with an adventurous spirit, at five of its properties spread out across the state.
Beginning on April 14th, Questers will be able to navigate through five Trustees properties by following fun clues while discovering exciting places and fun activities along the way. To participate, an adult must sign up for Trustees Quest at which point they will receive clues to follow that lead to a special location at each property where they can scan a QR code and earn a digital badge.
“The Trustees has been protecting and promoting the outdoors for more than 130 years and we are always seeking innovative ways to create new outdoor enthusiasts,” said Christine Morin, Chief of Places & Engagement. “Trustees Quest leverages mobile devices to promote a fun, healthy outdoor experience that connects young people and families to the outdoors and helps foster the next generation of nature lovers.”
Hikes at each of the five properties take between 30-60 minutes each, and no special gear is required to participate. People should read The Trustees Quest Guide before setting out and download the property map and clues in advance because cell phone reception can be spotty in the woods. Members can access the properties at no charge, but there may be a parking or admission fee for nonmembers depending on the location. See below.
The five scavenger hunt properties are:
- Bartholomew’s Cobble, Sheffield
- Copicut Woods, Fall River
- Long Hill, Beverly
- Rock House Reservation, West Brookfield
- Rocky Woods , Medfield
Additional Trustees Quest Information:
Does this cost anything?
The Quest is free and self-guided. All of the five properties are free to visit for Members.
For non-members there are admission or parking fees at:
- Rocky Woods: $6 per car
- Bartholomew’s Cobble: $5 per person for non-members; $1 per non-member child (6-12)
- Long Hill: $10 adults, $5 children 3-12; children under 3 are free
- Not yet a Member? You can learn more about Member benefits and join here!
What ages?
All are welcome! The clues may be best for elementary school aged kids, but adults will have fun participating too.
How long does each hunt take?
Though these times are approximate, they estimate each adventure length:
- Bart’s Cobble: 60 min
- Rock House Reservation: 45 min
- Rocky Woods: 60 min
- Long Hill: 30 min
- Copicut Woods: 60 min
Will there be cellular service at the site?
Cellular service can vary widely, depending on your location and carrier. They recommend downloading the Trustees Quest guide, which includes trail maps and the clues, prior to setting out.
Will more scavenger hunt sites be added?
They hope to add additional locations to the Trustees Quest in time for summer. Stay tuned! If you have signed up for the Quest, you will receive a survey in May to get your feedback on what you liked about this pilot program, and what can be improved for next time!
How do I scan for my digital badge?
At the end of each adventure, you will find a sign with a QR code to scan with your cell phone or tablet. Use your device camera to scan the code.
Visit thetrustees.org/quest for more information and to sign up for Trustees Quest.
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