Midd-West Centennial Scavenger Hunt Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve had some great questions about how the scavenger hunt works—especially for our younger Mustangs! Here’s a quick guide to help everyone understand how to join the fun.
Q: How do elementary and middle school students participate?
A: Our younger students are beginning and emerging readers and don’t yet have Midd-West email addresses. To make things easy and fun, all of the elementary and middle school coin clues will be shared in the classroom by their homeroom teachers. Each week, three to four teachers will have a “coin drop,” and students will search for centennial coins within their school buildings. No need to go out into the community—just enjoy the hunt right at school!
Q: How do high school students participate?
A: High school students will be searching for coins in various locations around the community. Their clues will lead them to historical and meaningful places connected to Midd-West’s 100-year history. Because older students and adults have email addresses and many can drive, they’re able
to team up and explore the area. Families are welcome to join in and make it a fun adventure together!Only High School/ Community Challenge coins are hidden in the community.
Q: I didn’t receive an email with the coin clues on Saturday morning, but I completed all the cards! What happened?
A: First, double-check that you completed the High School/Community Challenge. If you completed the Elementary or Middle School Challenge, you wouldn’t receive an email—
those students don’t have email addresses and get their clues directly from teachers in
the classroom. If you’re sure you completed the High School/Community Challenge, check your Spam or Junk folder. The coin clues are sent by Robert Tomlinson, our amazing gamemaster from Barclay Mountain Co., and sometimes those emails get filtered by mistake.
Q: Wait—if this is a children’s game, why do I have to spend my money on gas to drive around and find coins?
A: You don’t! This is just a game—completely optional and meant to be fun. Every student received a deck of cards free of charge to encourage participation, but there’s no obligation to play.
The idea for this district-wide scavenger hunt came from a MW high school teacher, inspired by a student who asked, “Can you tell me what is inside of a church building anyway?”
Not all children in our district have had the same experiences or opportunities. The 54 people, places, and things featured on the cards represent unique customs and stories from Snyder County’s rich cultural heritage. Our hope is that through this game, more Midd-West Mustangs will discover and appreciate the traditions and history that make our community so special. We want students to learn history by exploring the parts of it that are still here.
Q: Can parents or community members join the hunt?
A: Absolutely! We’d love for everyone to get involved. Community members can scan the cards to follow the clues and search for centennial coins around town—or simply enjoy the beauty and nostalgia of the cards themselves.
Q: How long does the game last?
A: The final week of active card questions wraps up on Thursday, November 14th, with the last coin drop happening on Saturday, November 15th. Don’t miss out!
Q: How long will the online stories be available after the game ends?
A: The stories will remain online for as long as Barclay Mountain Co., our amazing game developer, is in business—which we hope is for many years to come! They’ve been running scavenger hunts for years, and all their online card content is still active.
Q: Can I purchase coins?
A: Yes! The Snyder County Historical Society is holding a sealed bid auction through November 15th for coins 001, 002, and 003 to benefit the Snyder County Soldiers Memorial roof renovation project. Email them for details at schs@snydercounty.org or see ads from Snyder County Historical Society. After November 15, who knows?
Q: What should I do if I find a coin?
A: Each coin has a QR code on the back. Just scan it with your phone to get instructions on what to do next. If the code doesn’t scan properly—sometimes dirt or debris can interfere—please email Mr. Tomlinson from Barclay Mountain Co. to let him know you found it. It’s important to report found coins so other players know which ones are still out there! Even if you find a coin accidentally, scan and report your good fortune. Finders keepers!
❓ Still have questions? Contact below.
We’re here to help make this centennial adventure joyful and memorable for everyone!