Create a Neighborhood Quest
Quests are community treasure hunts to special places; places worth knowing and preserving. Usually written in rhyme or riddle, Quests are fun, interesting and pleasurable to read.
If you are interested in creating a Neighborhood Quest, read my suggested instructions below. I can share your Quest on this website for others to enjoy.
- Bethany Simmons, Playful Neighborhood
Suggested Instructions for Creating a Neighborhood Quest
1. Choose an area in your neighborhood to create a Quest. Quests are often created in places of cultural, historical or natural significance.
2. Visit your place and record the interesting features (buildings, trees, signs, historical markers) that you might want to include. What do you see, smell, hear? Take notes and maybe take pictures.
Try not to use features that can change (ie. paint color) and remember that plants change seasonally.
3. Choose a theme. What story can you tell in this place that supports this theme? What is the main point of the Quest? A story about nature, a historically important story, an architectural story or a story about a local hero?
4. Research your place and/or story. You may use libraries, historical organizations, or trusted internet sources to find out more about the features you are including. Also, try contacting a neighbor that might be able to teach you more about this place.
5.Select a Quest type
Written Clue Quests: These Quests rely on the clues, but often also include a map.
Basic Clue to Clue Quest - One clue leads to the next
Letter Quest - Gather letters as you move to spell a final location or message
Number Hunt Quest - Gather numbers as you move (on buildings, signs, addresses). Numbers can be used to count steps or with a code to spell a final location or message.
Compass-based Quest - Quest uses compass bearings (along with paces or other clues)
Map Quests: These Quests rely on the map to move and relay information
Picture Quest - Pictures are the clues.
Treasure Hunt Quest - no clues, just a map showing the path to a special place
Or create your own unique quest format
6. Decide on a starting location and an ending location. The way you connect your path will impact how the story will unfold.
7. Write your Quest clues. Quests should include both movement and teaching clues. Quests are usually written in rhyme or riddle, but they can be written in plain prose as well.
Movement clues: move people through space
Teaching clues: share specific facts about places or features
8. Draw a rough map of your route and the features your Quest will visit.
9. Test your quest by sharing it with one or two friends or family. Make the necessary corrections.
10. If your Quest includes a map, create your final map. (hand-drawn, computer generated, etc.)
12. Complete the New Quest Form and send it, the Quest Clues and map to playfulneighborhood@gmail.com and after I test the Quest, I will share it on this website for others to enjoy.