Notice I said “like”. My 10 year-old prefers modern times, and my 16 year-old has always loved the WWI and WWII time periods. So, I’m really trying to drum up some extra excitement with special activities to bring the Middle Ages to life. After talking about the quest for the Holy grail, I decided a quest for MY young knights was a great idea. Actually, I decided my 10 year-old would go on an adventure, but my 16 year-old figured out some of the clue locations pre-quest and wanted to come along to see if he was right. (And help his brother, too, or course.)
I searched everywhere on the internet for FREE Middle Ages treasure hunt, but came up with nothing that fit the bill. I wanted something Bible based that would have some spiritual insights included, since our greatest “quest” is running the race of life on this planet. So, here is what I came up with. I’m sharing it for free. Please share, share, share, and link back to this page.
Instructions:
- Get a special treat to use as “treasure”. I got a sports drink, per their request, but you can make the treasure a surprise.
- Make a map of the quest space. This can be just indoors, or can lead outdoors as well. I wanted to get the boys outside for some fresh air, so we used our yard, too.
- Start with an introductory letter that includes the first clue.
- Write or type all the clues onto brightly colored paper. I wish I had used bright paper because it made the clues a little harder for the boys to find.
- Make sure to write where the clues will be placed on the back of each clue. This will help make placing the clues so much easier. I have included the locations for my clues next to each clue in parentheses for your convenience.
- Cut out the clues and place them in their spots.
For my first clue I included an introductory letter:
“Good day, young Knight,
For those brave and daring heroes, as a means of finding adventure, fame, and fortune, I have written this map and clues that lead to a treasure. Once found this treasure will make you famous amongst all your household. I wish you Godspeed on your travels, and a married venture to you, good sir.
Signed,
Master Questmaker
1st clue- all good aventures know, you must begin your voyage with the necessary tools. Begin by making sure you have your armor- especially remember your sword! Ephesians 6:10-17”
- This letter I gave to the boys at lunch. The clue indicated getting their Bible, which is where the second clue is located. Then the hunt began!
2nd Clue- Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ with all your heart, mind, and soul, young knight. God gives us something very important when we believe in Him. Isaiah 61: 10 (Inside Bible)
- This clue indicates putting on a robe, which I meant to mean their coats.
3rd Clue- Romans 12:11 this is speaking of the fire of our faith, but where do we keep the fire going all the time? (Coat Pocket)
- This clue was to lead to our wood boiler, but it can be a clue to any furnace or fireplace.
4th Clue- Very good, young knight! You are well on your way. As Christians we are supposed to feed our faith, and the Spirit gives us gifts and causes us to tell other people about Jesus. 2 Timothy 1:6-8 How do we feed the fire we keep going in this furnace? (Boiler)
- This clue led to the wood pile, but if you have a regular furnace that is run on electricity or gas, you could leave the clue near those things (Not on them. Safety first!)
5th Clue- John 7:38 What Wells up inside us when we have Jesus in our hearts? (Wood pile)
- This clue led to our stream, but you could have it lead to an outdoor hose, pool, or if indoors, to your sink.
6th Clue- Matthew 5:15 You are a light, young Knight. Where are our lights that light up the darkness? (Stream)
- This clue led to some hanging lanterns we have hanging from our deck. You could also use some outdoor light, or perhaps a night light if you are doing an indoor quest.
7th Clue- Matthew 7:13, 14 Where’s our “narrow road”? (Lanterns)
- This clue led to a path we have through our woods. It could also be a garden path, or if indoors, the hallway.
8th Clue- Matthew 7:17 Where can we find an example of this? (Path)
- This clue led to our fruit trees. It could also lead to a garden, or if indoors, a fruit bowl or refrigerator.
9th Clue- Isaiah 40:3-5 When we tell people about Jesus, we help him prepare the way for Him to come into their hearts. What would be easier to walk if it was flat? (Apple Tree)
- This clue led to a steep hill we used to use for sledding. You can also use a retaining wall area, or if indoors you could always use the stairs.
10th Clue- Isaiah 62:6,7 You are a guard, too! It’s important to speak up when you see something happening that’s wrong- like bullying or stealing- so raise your voice and sound the alarm when you see that happening. Where is a good lookout for a guard? (Hill)
- This led to a climbing wall we set up for our obstacle course. You could always use a playground tower to place this clue, or if indoors you could use the window that looks out your front door.
11th Clue- Matthew 7:25 What is our family’s foundation? Find our real foundation. (Climbing wall)
- This clue led to our house where I had hidden their treasure and a not under the front porch stairs. The note said:
“Well done, good and faithful Knight! You have finished this brave quest, but this is not the end. There is an even greater reward waiting for you if you continue to follow the Lord and his quest all the days of your life.
Signed,
Master Questmaker”
That’s it! I hope your child enjoys the quest, at least as much as mine did.
This time of year always gets me planning. Planning for our garden, planning for our summer camping, and planning for... next year’s homeschool curriculum. Now, after almost 18 years of “officially” homeschooling, (Really, homeschooling starts when your child is born 😉) we have a LOT of curriculum in our closet ready to pull out for the new school year. I do like to mix things up a bit, though, because what worked for one- or three- of my children, won’t necessarily work for them all. Hence, the planning. 
Turning 40 can either be an adventure or another excuse to hide out with Netflix. I decided, after reading some pretty great advice, that it’s important to see this transition as a good thing- make it fun- and showcase your own personality. Make the day special and you won’t dread it quite so much. After all, getting another year older is a good thing; it means you’re still alive and kicking.