Have you ever played an escape room game that you print yourself? I didn't even know that was a thing until I started to create this game. Apparently it is, and here's some ideas to help you get started.
First, I started with some handcart trivia. Then I removed all the numbers from the trivia - the numbers are what we are trying to find to help the pioneers get to Zion. I then needed to create 12 puzzles that, when solved, would give us the missing numbers to our trek trivia. I did not search for generic puzzles that would fit this game. Instead, I came up with my own ideas of how to solve for 5, or 18 or 351. One example: an Antarctic whale is the largest animal in the world. They can grow to weigh as much as 200 oxen. How many 1/2 tons does the blue whale weigh? hints: Average oxen weight is 2,000 pounds & 1 ton = 2,000 pounds. This puzzle is used to get the answer = 400
Puzzles include math equations, maps, word searches, mazes, and more. I also wanted this to have some really easy puzzles, more like brain teasers, along with some really challenging puzzles that required teamwork and brainstorming. That's always been my experience in an escape room - we have to rack our brains and try several things before coming upon the answer. There is no need for a fancy design. This can be basic on regular paper and would still be super fun. This is how I set off to create my own pioneer-themed escape room - hope it helps and inspires you!
My sister and her hubby got to be "Ma & Pa" when her ward did a Trek Experience. A few days before leaving she mentioned that she needed a FHE activity to do with her family - so being the good sister, wink wink, I started to brainstorm and I came up with an trek escape room. It was a hit. The awesome part is you don't have to actually be on a trek to have this kind of fun. My teens like escape rooms, and this was created with teenagers in mind, but it's for everyone.
You can play simply with the printed puzzle cards and a pencil, or you can add components like locks and timers. Customize the game to your liking. While the puzzles are fun, the answers also help everyone learn a little bit more about those handcart trekking pioneers. This game includes fun history, engaging challenges, easy to follow instructions, answer keys and a story line to add to the suspect of escaping.
Perfect for:
Youth Activities
Relief Society Night
Family Home Evening
Trek Reenactment Game
and more!
Create your own game - or - check out this game in my shop.
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