Bryn Mawr is fun for all generations

On a recent visit back to Bryn Mawr, we were joined by our kids — (Orah’s) Maya, Zoey, Ayla, David, and Nala, and Dylan and Escher (Elizabeth’s twins) — for a Bryn Mawr-themed scavenger hunt we created. This was the first time any of our kids had visited campus, and we thought a scavenger hunt might be a fun way to explore.

Our pack ranged in age from 2 to 9, so we paired the older kids with the younger ones and handed out small clipboards before setting off from the Bryn Mawr College sign. The hunt unfolded across campus, adding items as we went. The sculpture of Athena invited a discussion about why people chose the specific objects to place there. At Carpenter, finding a door with circles was a favorite activity. At the labyrinth, the older kids were asked to share insights that emerged as they completed their journey; this was met with two eye rolls, but one excellent response! The little kids did not understand the assignment but had a lot of fun, which, in retrospect, was the real assignment.

We visited the Cloisters fountain and stopped at the “sculpture that spits” in Taft Garden. We continued to add challenges as we went, and even when things veered off course, we found ourselves enjoying the view of campus through our kids’ eyes.

Come along on a Bryn Mawr scavenger hunt! 

✅ Find an owl — look around for statues or carvings of owls.

✅ Count the number of trees on Senior Row.

✅ Find a bench to sit on.

✅ Count how many steps to the entrance of Canaday.

✅ Find an archway you can walk through.

✅ Find a library door with circles on the front. How many circles are there?

✅ Find Athena and draw a picture of an offering you see.

✅ Find a statue that spits water.

✅ Walk the Labyrinth.

Have ideas to add? Email bulletin@brynmawr.edu

Illustration by Chelsea Kneedler.

Catanese and Levin-Minder are authors and educators who like to find ways to engage their kids together during their annual summer visits they call “Week 9 Camp.” They are excited to see what this year’s camp will bring; there is talk of a Bryn Mawr Scavenger Hunt, round two.