The 2nd Annual Traverse Traveler Scavenger Hunt for Autism returns to downtown Traverse City Saturday April 13, 2013! This family-friendly event was created to raise money for the TCAPS iPads for Autism program, increase awareness about autism, and of course, have FUN!

About the Scavenger Hunt

Teams of up to 5 people will participate in one of three event tracks:

• Family Track: Geared toward families with younger children, the Family Track features kid-friendly activities, family-friendly locations, and check-in locations that require only moderate walking.
• Challenge Track: Recommended for teens and adults, the Challenge Track uses more advanced clues and involves a bit more walking. Teams will complete a “challenge,” like food tasting, group photo, or other fun activity, at each check-in location.
• Wheels Track: The Wheels Track has been cancelled due to inclement weather. Our apologies for any inconvenience. We’re hoping the Wheels will be spinning in 2014!

Online registration for the Scavenger Hunt is now closed. We will be accepting walk-in registrations at the Park Place Dome beginning at 11:30 a.m.

Teams navigate from place to place, using the  Traverse Traveler smartphone app (available for iPhone & Android) to “check in” at each location, complete tasks and collect prize tickets along the way.

• Instructions for each activity and clues to the next location are supplied by the app.
• Corporate and individual donors pledge to Donate Per Check-in, so the more people who participate, the more donations we collect for the iPads for Autism program.
• A finish line party follows where participants can vie for donated prizes, enjoy refreshments and meet other teams.

The first annual Traverse Traveler Scavenger Hunt for Autism took place in downtown Traverse City on Saturday, April 14, 2012. We had an amazing response from the community with 84 teams, 337 participants and 18 venues on the Scavenger Hunt. Thanks to the support of volunteers, event sponsors, team registrations, and private donors our fundraising efforts earned over $14,700! We’re thrilled with the results of this first-year event and look forward to planning for next year.

The proceeds from the 1st annual Scavenger Hunt for Autism were used to purchase 27 iPads, and $2300 in apps for students with autism at Traverse City Area Public Schools. These iPads have been placed in elementary and secondary schools for students with special needs where an iPad can make a difference.

Social Media for Social Good

The iPads for Autism pilot program, launched by Traverse City Area Public Schools in 2011, provided iPads to nine students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Aspergers Syndrome. The iPads are loaded with apps specially selected for each student to improve communication and social skills and connect with the student in a way only technology can. With your help, our goal is to put one of these devices into the hands of *all* TCAPS students with autism.

Become a Sponsor

We are proud to partner with Lucky Jacks, the presenting sponsor of the Scavenger Hunt for Autism. The success of this event depends on the support of local businesses. We are currently seeking sponsors for our 2013 Scavenger Hunt event.  For information on how you can support our fundraising efforts by becoming a sponsor, Click Here to download our 2013 Sponsorship Form.

Thank you to our sponsors!