Yale Students Ignite Excitement with Second Annual Scavenger Hunt
Students at Yale University have launched the second annual Veritas Search, a campus-wide scavenger hunt that invites undergraduates to hunt for 15 hidden capsules across campus. The event commenced on November 8, 2023, and will run until November 16, 2023. This year’s hunt promises exciting prizes, including a personal meeting with billionaire investor Mark Cuban.
The scavenger hunt, designed by students Neil Mathew and Lucas Anmolsingh, aims to engage the student body in a unique and interactive way. “The Veritas Search is a unique campus-wide event, very similar to the iconic Willy Wonka golden ticket hunt,” Mathew stated. Participants will decode clues to locate the capsules strategically placed in public buildings and spaces around Yale.
Winners will be invited to a celebratory dinner in early December, where they can select prizes based on their performance in the hunt. Mathew noted that the team aimed to make this year’s event “more grand” by enhancing the variety and appeal of the rewards.
Exciting Prizes and New Challenges
This year’s prizes span a range of activities, including a hot air balloon date, a private trip to Horse Island, and a personal study room in Bass Library for the entire spring semester. Additional rewards include partnerships with Yale student-run businesses such as Crew Dog and Elm Street Watches. All participants will receive a Veritas Search crewneck, while the first three winners will be awarded a unique Veritas Search watch.
The Veritas Search team, which expanded this year to include new members Samuel Vargas and Sunny Vuong, is focused on creating a sense of community at Yale. Vuong emphasized the goal of making the university feel smaller and more connected. “We just like the idea that somebody could discover a clue near their library study spot,” she explained.
Reflecting on last year’s success, Anmolsingh mentioned that the team started planning for this year’s search immediately after the previous event concluded. The organizers have received positive feedback regarding the clues posted on the Veritas Search website, a feature they plan to continue.
A Unique Tradition at Yale
The creators of the Veritas Search are keen to establish the event as an annual tradition at Yale. Mathew highlighted the excitement generated by the hunt, recalling stories from last year’s participants about their discoveries. “It’s one of the few events at Yale that everyone can truly be a part of,” he said.
The new prizes were crafted to enhance the experience, aiming to “add a bit of spice and excitement” to the scavenger hunt, according to Mathew. He noted that one of his personal favorites is the opportunity for a student to meet Mark Cuban, which provides a unique learning experience.
Vuong described the exhilarating moment of finding a capsule and submitting a picture last year, reinforcing the camaraderie that the hunt fosters. The Veritas Search team hopes to solidify its place as a beloved tradition at Yale, encouraging students to mark their calendars for future events.
In conclusion, the Veritas Search is not just a scavenger hunt; it is a celebration of community, creativity, and the spirit of engagement among Yale students. As excitement builds for this year’s hunt, participants eagerly anticipate the challenges and rewards ahead.
