Map Symbol Treasure Hunt

Turn map-reading practice into a treasure hunt. Cubs learn to recognise common map symbols and use them to find locations around an outdoor area.

The activity starts with a short introduction to symbols before the Cubs use a simple map to find a series of marked locations.

What You’ll Learn

Cubs will learn:

• What common map symbols represent
• How to orientate a simple map
• How to match map features with the real world
• How to follow a simple route
• How to work together when navigating
• Why maps are useful for finding your way

Equipment

• Simple maps of the activity area
• Map symbol cards
• Pens or pencils
• Clipboards
• Cones or markers
• Small treasure or rewards
• Optional: compasses

Prerequisites

No previous navigation experience is required.

Cubs should be introduced to the map symbols being used before beginning the treasure hunt.

Instructions

1. Prepare a simple map of the activity area and mark several locations on it.
2. Place a symbol or small marker at each location.
3. Before starting, show the Cubs a selection of common map symbols and explain what they represent.
4. Divide the Cubs into small teams.
5. Give each team a map and a list of symbols or locations they need to find.
6. Explain the boundaries and the rules for moving around the area.
7. Teams use their maps to locate the marked points.
8. At each point, they can find a letter, number or symbol to record on their sheet.
9. Once they have visited all the points, they can use the collected information to solve the final clue.
10. Bring everyone together and go through the answers.
11. Ask the Cubs to identify some of the real-world features they found on their maps.

Make It Harder

Give teams a map without the locations already marked and provide grid references or simple clues instead.

You can also introduce a compass and require teams to orientate their maps before starting.

Make It Easier

Use large, clear maps and only include five or six easily recognisable symbols.

Run the first part as a whole-group activity before allowing the Cubs to navigate in smaller teams.

Final Tip

Choose an area with obvious real-world features such as paths, buildings, trees and fences. Cubs will understand map symbols much more quickly when they can immediately connect the symbol with something they can see.