FRoK’s nature treasure hunt a big hit
"We discuss each question and the merits of given or plausible answers.
“The treasure at the end of this hunt is not sweets or chocolates, but nature’s treasure,” said Karin Spottiswoode from Friends of Kloofendal (FRok).
FRoK recently hosted 162 excited learners and eight teachers from the West Rand Seventh Day Adventist Primary School who could not wait to start their Nature Treasure Hunt. “The Nature Treasure Hunt challenges groups to unravel some of nature’s mysteries by using simple map-reading skills and answering nature quizzes. Most people living in city areas are protected from the difficulties of surviving the harsh Highveld conditions and this hunt helps them understand,” Karin explained.
The hunt aims to help people to overcome new challenges in a small team or group, thus building team spirit. FRoK uses qualified nature guides to compile a set of questions based on the Kloofendal Nature Reserve that tests the teams’ abilities and helps them to see how nature works.
The latest hunt consisted of 55 three-member teams. “We started the morning off by explaining how the hunt works and teaching everyone some basic map-reading (using the map for the event). Then we divided the learners into their teams. Each team had to choose a name and register at the starting point, where they received their maps and questions,” she said.
The teams are set off at intervals to prevent them from following each other and not doing their own map-reading. “The teams have to complete two different courses on the day. On each course there are control points where the learners have to stop and answer a question. They can pick from three suggested answers. Answers can be found by simple observation, reason and basic knowledge. When the teams have completed the first course, they need to report back to the starting point, before receiving the second set of questions,” Karin said.
She added that as soon as all teams have completed their courses, everyone reports back to the Ecological Centre for a quick drink and snack before the quiz answers are discussed. “We discuss each question and the merits of given or plausible answers. We can also prepare and give worksheets to the teachers after the event to be discussed with learners once they are back at the school,” she said.
Karin concluded by saying, “The duration of the event is approximately four hours and costs R50 per learner. We cater for learners from Grade 4 to 12. For more information, I can be contacted on 079 693 5608.”
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