Annual Downtown Scavenger Hunt Redesigned for Fall 2020

The coronavirus has meant changes in what back to school looks like for us all, however, The University of Scranton’s Office of Community Relations has worked with its partners to ensure that the annual Scavenger Hunt can take place safely with some modifications for physical distancing. This year’s fall welcome week event will run from 12 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 21 through 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23.  This new format offers students the opportunity to participate in the hunt asynchronously over the course of the weekend.   

The annual Scavenger Hunt is offered in partnership with The Center for Student Engagement, The University of Scranton Small Business Development Center, and The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce & Metro Action, and Scranton Tomorrow. The Scavenger Hunt encourages students to explore the downtown Scranton area and to learn more about our small businesses, cultural venues, and unique features, such as landmarks and murals. This year, the hunt looks a little different, but it still holds the same Scrantastic attitude it has had previous years and 31 downtown partners are participating.

The 2020 Scavenger Hunt will not be timed and students can participate in it over a 3-day period. All students must wear masks, maintain 6 feet social distancing, and limit the team size to 2 persons (roommate preferred). The hunt will still involve clues that lead to our University mascot Iggy, but they will be shared via QR codes and displayed in business windows to keep the hunt entirely outdoors.

In addition to the main Scavenger Hunt event, this year there are also additional photo contests offered. Students can visit a list of downtown historical landmarks and murals, take photos, and submit these to community@scranton.edu to win a grand prize. Additionally, there will be a contest for the most creative photo overall along with some other themed photo contests. These new contests offer students additional chances to win great prizes and new ways to engage with the downtown area.

To participate in this event, students can begin registering on August 17 by visiting surveymonkey.com/r/Hunt2020 or scanning the QR codes on Scavenger Hunt posters located around campus. Registered students will receive an email on Friday, August 21 with a special downtown map and rules sheet that will detail how the scavenger hunt will proceed and provide safety guidelines. A smartphone will be necessary to scan QR codes that will unlock clues at the different locations.

Students that participate in this annual event have the chance to win great prizes. The first 100 students to submit photos during the event will be given a free t-shirt designed with the Electric City logo and the businesses on the back. Grand prizes for the Scavenger Hunt and Photo Contests include downtown restaurant and University bookstore gift cards.

To our new students, Class of 2024, welcome! To our returning students, welcome back! The Office of Community Relations offers this unique opportunity for University of Scranton students during Fall Welcome Week to explore the many boutique shops, ethnic restaurants, cafes, and cultural venues that make up the Electric City. The scavenger hunt is a great way for students to learn about their new home while supporting local businesses! When the time comes, be sure to register and find as many locations as you can.