Fall is a magical time of year at camp. The crisp air, changing leaves, and bustling wildlife make it the perfect season for exploration and discovery. One of the best ways to encourage campers to get outside and notice the world around them is through a fall-themed scavenger hunt. Not only does this activity get kids moving, but it also helps them develop an appreciation for the beauty and wonder of nature as it transitions into winter.

So grab your list, put on a cozy sweater, and let’s get hunting!

 

#1: A Leaf with Changing Colors

Find a leaf that’s turning from green to red, yellow, or orange. Bonus points if you can identify the tree it came from!

#2: An Acorn or Pinecone

Acorns and pinecones are nature’s treasures, often scattered on the ground during the fall. Look under oak or pine trees for these little gems.

#3: Feather

As birds prepare for migration or fluff up for colder weather, you might find feathers around camp. Look carefully on trails or near trees.

#4: Animal Tracks

Fall is a busy time for animals, and you may spot their footprints in the damp earth. Look for deer, rabbit, or squirrel tracks. This may be easier to find the day after it rains.

#5: A Bird’s Nest

While you won’t take this one home, spotting an abandoned bird’s nest is a special find! Look high in the trees, especially as the leaves fall and nests become more visible.

#6: A Smooth Stone

Find a small, smooth stone—bonus points if it’s near a stream or river. Try to see if it has any special colors or patterns.

#7: A Stick Shaped Like a Letter

Search for a stick that resembles a letter of the alphabet. You can even challenge teams to spell out a word by finding multiple letter-shaped sticks. Turn this into a sidequest and try to spell your name entirely with items you find!

#8: A Fungus or Mushroom

Fall is mushroom season! See if you can spot any growing on logs or near damp areas. (Remember: Don’t touch unless you’re with an adult who knows which ones are safe!)

#9: A Bug Preparing for Winter

Find an insect or bug that’s getting ready for colder months. It might be burrowing, hiding under leaves, or resting on a branch.

#10: A Crunchy Leaf

The sound of walking on crunchy leaves is a fall favorite! Find the crunchiest leaf and listen to the satisfying sound as you step on it.

#11: Something Soft (Like Moss)

Nature has its own soft touches, like moss growing on rocks or tree trunks. Can you find something soft that grows in the wild?

#12: A Seed Pod

Many plants and trees produce seed pods during the fall. These come in all shapes and sizes, and some even twirl as they fall to the ground.

#13: A Spider Web

Spiders are busy in the fall, and you may spot a web glistening with morning dew. Keep an eye out between trees.

#14: Something That Smells Like Fall

Whether it’s the earthy scent of pine needles, the sweetness of fallen leaves, or the damp smell of rain-soaked ground, find something that smells distinctly like fall.

#15: An Interesting Bark Pattern

Trees have fascinating bark patterns, especially when they begin to shed their outer layers. Look closely at the trunks of different trees and find one with a cool texture or pattern.

#16: A Squirrel Preparing for Winter

Fall is the time when squirrels are busiest, gathering food and storing it for the winter. See if you can spot one in action, or find its hiding spots for nuts.

#17: A Leaf Larger Than Your Hand

Fall leaves come in all shapes and sizes—can you find one that’s bigger than your hand? Maple leaves are usually a great contender!

#18: A Burrow or Hollow Tree

Animals often seek shelter in burrows or hollowed-out trees. See if you can spot one—just make sure to observe from a distance so you don’t disturb any critters.

#19: A Tree with Bare Branches

As fall progresses, trees shed their leaves. Find a tree that’s already lost most of its leaves, showing off its bare branches.

#20: A Sign of Animal Activity (Chewed Nuts, Nibbled Leaves, Etc.)

Look for evidence of animals nearby. You might find chewed-up acorns, nibbled leaves, or even fur snagged on a branch.

Get outside and enjoy the fall with this fun scavenger hunt!