Frequently Asked Questions

Who can participate in the scavenger hunt?

Anyone is eligible to participate in the scavenger hunt except those who have advanced knowledge (or are related to or live with someone who has advanced knowledge) of the hidden locations. Otherwise, you can hunt individually or work together as a group. However, you must be 18 years of age or older to claim the grand prize. By choosing to participate, you also agree to these terms.

How do I sign up to participate? What is the fee?

There is no registration needed. To get started, download the book from Amazon (download or buy the print version). $2 from every purchase goes directly to Second Harvest Food Bank. All directions for the scavenger hunt will be given in the story.

How will I know where to go on the hunt?

There are 11 locations across Central Florida (10 individual places plus the final location of the grand prize), and the story contains clues for you to decode to determine how to locate them. Once you have successfully determined where a hidden location is, you must go there and scan a symbol (like a QR code as described in the book) to receive your reward and a clue about the grand prize’s location.

Will I have to trespass or break any laws to participate?

Absolutely not! All hidden locations have regular business hours when they are open to the public. We encourage all participants to follow all laws, rules, and regulations, and breaking them during this hunt will result in your disqualification from the grand prize.

What if I live outside the area or cannot physically travel to the hidden location?

There is a virtual version for you to participate. All 10 individual locations are accessible online. However, the final location with the grand prize must be claimed in person at the physical location. CLICK HERE FOR INFO ON THE VIRTUAL VERSION.

What is the book about? What age group is the story appropriate for?

The book is a self-contained story appropriate for ages 13 and up.

Synopsis: Recent UCF grad Avarie Smith is thrust into a magical world hidden in plain sight right here in Orlando. To protect the most potent and rare mythical creatures, she must first prove herself worthy through a series of tests. With support from her new friends, Avarie unites the Dark and the Light and uncovers a map pointing to where the mythical creatures are hiding. But now she needs the reader’s help to decode that map and bring the animals to safety.

What if I can’t figure out a clue?

The scavenger hunt is designed to be challenging and will most likely take several days to solve. Author Bess Auer will post additional hints and clues on her social media, so be sure to follow along! Follow here: Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok.

What can I win?

At each hidden location, once the symbol is scanned, you will unlock a clue to the grand prize’s location, and you will also unlock a discount code or other type of reward, redeemable at each location. Note: Grand prize must be claimed in person at the physical location and you must be 18 years of age to claim it.

What if nobody finds the grand prize?

The scavenger hunt is in play through midnight, June 30, 2024. If nobody has located the grand prize by that time and day, the entire $3,000 will be donated to Second Harvest Food Bank,