Seeking treasure in a year full of gloom

By Becca Castellano U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart. Photo by Merydolla/Shutterstock.com

Spring break 2021 wasn’t filled with exotic beach getaways or city tours like many families in the Stuttgart Military Community had hoped. But with sunshine and 70 degree temperatures luring them outside, it was the perfect backdrop to kick-off the USO’s Treasure Seekers Scavenger Hunts.

“What’s a personal cushion?” Taryn Kurfis asked as she tried to decipher a clue on Robinson Barracks. After thinking for a minute, the seven-year-old was off, on her way to the next location, to find another number on her journey to the finish line.

Taryn Kurfis tries out the USO sponsored Treasure Seeker’s Scavenger Hunt on Robinson Barracks.

Photo by Becca Castellano

The hunts, which are featured on each of the Stuttgart installations, kicked off Wednesday, March 31, at the USO on Panzer Kaserne, just in time for Spring break. More than 200 participants came out to take on the challenge. One of the volunteers on hand to help was the 12-year-old mastermind behind the big event, Breckyn Redding.

“It’s called Treasure Seekers Scavenger hunt and anyone can participate, you don’t have to be a certain age or be a service member - if you have base access, you’re welcome to try it,” said Redding of the scavenger hunts she has created to help keep the community active and exercising.

The USO sponsored hunts were designed by Redding after she moved with her family to Stuttgart last September - just in time for Germany to enter its second lockdown and prevent the Redding children from making new friends. The family instead began hiking to explore their new home.

“We had to buy our first pairs of hiking shoes because we were going so much, it was all we could do,” said Redding. “It’s been tough between the move and then the lockdown. I really started to get bored being inside and I didn’t have very many friends I was close enough to, to hang out with yet.”

The newcomer was looking for ways to lift people’s spirits and get them exercising outside, all while maintaining covid-19 restrictions.

That’s when she remembered a scavenger hunt, she had prepared for her local community back in D.C., and began to visualize what one might look like on-post.

“A lot more people participated and enjoyed that one than I expected,” she added. “So, I thought, why not do something like that here; for my new community.”

Breckyn Redding signs a certificate of completion for the USO sponsored Treasure Seekers Scavenger Hunts she created.

Photo by Becca Castellano

The Treasure Seeker Scavenger Hunts are available on each post and range in difficulty level with Robinson’s having the toughest clues according to Redding. Each clue leads to a location on-post where hunters will have to count something, write down the number that answers the clue and move onto the next one. Once all the numbers have been found, in order, they will reveal GPS coordinates to a semi-hidden sign they must take a selfie with.

Redding added that she designed the hunts in a way that will help newcomers learn their way around each post.

“We had a lot of trouble trying to figure out where everything was and still struggled sometimes on Kelley but planning these routes helped and I hope they help those who complete them,” she said.

In addition to learning the lay of the land, those who complete one hunt will receive a special patch and a certificate for each additional hunt after that. The patch, which features a compass rose, was designed by Redding and the USO, who signed on as sponsors after they heard what the 12-yearold was trying to do.

Taryn Kurfis tries out the USO sponsored Treasure Seeker’s Scavenger Hunt on Robinson Barracks.

Photo by Becca Castellano

“Breckyn’s Scavenger Hunts fill a need in the community for engagement opportunities during lockdown and travel restrictions,” said Ashley Larsen, the Center Operations Manager at USO Stuttgart. “They align with the USO’s mission of strengthening America’s military service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country, throughout their service to the nation.”

To keep the process COVID-19 friendly, the USO created a QR code that patrons can scan with their phone cameras. Once scanned, a link will appear at the top of the screen that will open an email form. Patrons can complete the form and click submit and then wait for the USO to respond with the requested clues. Clues can also be picked up at the USO.

Larsen added that the hunts are designed for all ages but patrons can call the USO for hints if they are struggling with a clue. Once participants have found the finish line and taken a selfie in front of it, they can stop by the USO to get their patch or certificate if they have already earned a patch.

As an added bonus, scouts who complete the hunts can earn steps toward badges like the letter boxing badge for girl scouts in 2nd to 4th grade, and the geocaching merit badge for boy scouts.

“Breckyn did an amazing job creating this program for our community,” said Larsen. “She should be proud of herself for what she has accomplished during this pandemic. The past year has been tough, there’s no doubt about that, but when we are able to see the good in these times and find opportunities for growth and contribution, there’s no limit to what we can achieve.”

Breckyn Redding (right) helps participants of the Treasure Seekers Scavenger hunt on Panzer Kaserne with a clue.

Photo by Geoffrey Morris

The USO team and Redding are hopeful that all their efforts will provide the community with something positive and fun to do during difficult times.

“This past year has been really tough for me but I also know that a lot of people have had it way worse,” said Redding. “This was a chance for me to step up and take action to help anyone who needed it and I was all for it once the idea came to me.”

Redding, who is also a USO volunteer, was on hand for the kick-off event with special treats made from Girl Scout cookies, which were in hot demand in the community this year. While she hoped the cookies would serve as an incentive to bring people out, the only motivation Redding needed to volunteer her time was the excitement of watching her efforts come full circle.

“I really never thought I’d end up doing something like this,” she said. “Or that so many people would support my idea and help to see it through. I’m excited to see how the community likes it and to sew this patch onto my vest and to know that I helped create it and, hopefully, some joy for others at the same time.”