Skip to content
Wild WeekendOutdoor Family Adventures

The Lost Treasure Map

Read a parent-made landmark map and find three visible checkpoints together.

Draft · Pending editorial and safety review · Adult supervision required at every age

Start Adventure
Minimum recommended age
5+
Time
40 min
Level
Easy
Badge
Landmark Navigator

Your assignment

Mission briefing

A folded explorer map has lost its checkpoint labels. Your team must match its symbols to real landmarks, mark three stops, and return the treasure—your completed map—to base camp.

Learning objectives

  • • Match map symbols to landmarks
  • • Orient a simple map to the surroundings
  • • Describe a route between checkpoints

Parent preparation

  • • Walk a short route and draw three permanent visible landmarks such as a bench, sign, and large tree. Put markers beside accessible paths without attaching anything to living plants.
  • • Check permission, traffic, ground hazards, and sightlines. Use a clear base symbol and avoid hiding prizes where children might reach into holes or vegetation.

Mission steps

  1. 1

    Decode the map

    At base, match the bench, tree, and sign symbols with what you see. Let the child add a symbol for the start.

  2. 2

    Turn the page

    Rotate the map until two landmarks line up with their real positions. Explain that the page can turn even though the landmarks stay still.

  3. 3

    Find checkpoint one

    Child points to the next landmark on the map. Walk there together and mark the checkpoint with a pencil.

  4. 4

    Complete the trail

    Repeat for two more checkpoints. At each stop, ask which landmark comes next and check the route before walking.

  5. 5

    Bring the map home

    Return to base together, collect your markers, and draw a line showing the route you actually walked.

Choose your challenge

Suggested levels, not eligibility guarantees. Adults assess readiness and conditions; all safety boundaries apply at every level.

DiscovererTypically ages 5–7
Use a picture map with two landmarks and adult prompts.
ExplorerTypically ages 8–11
Complete three mapped checkpoints and mark each one.
Trail LeaderTypically ages 12+
Add a legend and describe the reverse route before the adult confirms it.

Completion requirements

  • Match at least two symbols to real landmarks.
  • Visit and mark the chosen checkpoints with an adult.
  • Return to base and recover every placed marker.

Reflect together

  1. Which landmark was easiest to recognize?
  2. How did turning the map help?
  3. What could we do if a path on the map was blocked?

Setting

  • • Familiar enclosed yard or quiet park loop with clear landmarks

Required supplies

  • Adult-drawn map
  • Pencil
  • Three reusable checkpoint markers

Optional supplies

  • • Clipboard
  • • Sticker kept by the adult

Safety notes

  • Adult walks every leg with the child; never send children ahead to search.
  • Keep all checkpoints on safe paths away from roads, water, nests, and private areas.
  • No digging, climbing, or opening unknown containers; collect only your own markers.

Stop conditions

  • Pause and reorient together if the map and landmarks do not match.
  • End the route for blocked paths, lost sightlines, distressed wildlife, or tired feet.
Full safety guide

Suggested skill badge

Landmark Navigator

Content review & sources

Pending editorial review

Pending safety review

Original draft developed from the supplied Wild Weekend launch curriculum brief. No external sources cited or independently verified.