open · Team Building · 30–60 min · 2-50 people · high energy

Virtual Scavenger Hunt

A high-energy race where participants find specific items or information within their physical or digital environment. It fosters lighthearted competition and encourages creative interpretation of prompts.

When to use Virtual Scavenger Hunt

To energize a group at the start of a session and break the ice through shared movement and discovery.

What it solves

Low energy levels and 'Zoom fatigue' at the start of a long virtual meeting.

How to run Virtual Scavenger Hunt, step by step

  1. Prepare a list of 10-15 items that are either common household objects or specific digital files/links (5 mins).
  2. Explain the rules and split the group into breakout rooms of 3-5 people (5 mins).
  3. Start the timer and have teams hunt for the items, documenting them on a shared board (15-30 mins).
  4. Reconvene in the main room to share the most creative finds and crown a winner (10 mins).

Materials needed

  • List of scavenger items
  • Shared digital whiteboard (Miro/Mural)
  • Timer

Facilitator tips

  • Include abstract items like 'something that represents your weekend' to encourage storytelling.
  • Make the list slightly too long to force teams to prioritize and delegate.

Common pitfalls

  • Technical issues with uploading photos can slow down the momentum.
  • Ensure participants know they don't have to turn off their cameras while hunting.

Variations

  • Digital-only: Find specific facts on the company website or specific emojis in Slack.

Running it online or hybrid

Use a shared Miro or Mural board for participants to upload photos of their found items in real-time.

What it produces

A digital gallery or collage of found items and photos.

Origin

Adapted from SessionLab's Virtual Team Building collection — source

Build a session around Virtual Scavenger Hunt

METODIC places Virtual Scavenger Hunt inside a complete, timed session plan — agenda, worksheets, facilitator guide and slides — matched to your group and goal.

Generate a session with Virtual Scavenger Hunt · Try METODIC free