Blackout - Art - 150

Objective:

Create your own shadow puppets.

Details:

1) Lets start with some inspiration! Watch The Master of Shadow Puppets from Great Big Story.

2) There are plenty of cool tutorials for making shadow puppets out there. Search and find a material and method that sounds fun.

Inspiration:

Puppets with Moving Parts

Portraits of Family Member

Dinosaurs

Colorful Butterflies

IMPORTANT: This objective is not referring to shadow “puppets” created through shaping your hands. You need to create something physical.

3) Create your puppets!

4) Take a photo to of your finished puppets and post it on Instagram or Twitter with the tag #QuestScouts. Alternatively, you can also share your experience in our Facebook group.

5) In the comments below, describe your shadow puppet journey. What sort of puppet did you make? What tutorial, if any, did you use? Was it any fun? Did you turn out the lights and give them a try?!

Blackout - Photography - 100

Objective:

Choose and shoot a subject well suited to black and white photography.

Details:

1) Grab a camera! We’ll be taking black and white photos, so you’ll need to use black and white film if you’re going with a traditional camera, or use photo editing/filters if you’re going digital. (Camera phones will work fine for this.)

2) Watch 9 quick tips for BETTER BLACK & WHITE photos from Jamie Windsor. (Don’t let the title fool you- It’s a really fun video!) While some of the tips provided are for advanced photographers, don’t get overwhelmed! There is plenty that photographers of all levels can take away from Windsor’s words.

3) Keeping in mind what you have learned, plan to photograph, or keep your eye out for, a subject well suited to black and white photography.

4) Take your black and white photo. Better yet, take a bunch of photos! The more photos you take, the more likely you are to get something you’re proud of.

5) Choose your best black and white photo and post it on Instagram or Twitter with the tag #QuestScouts. Alternatively, you can also share your photo in our Facebook group.

Blackout Micro Objective - Research - 50

Quest Scouts inspires your to squeeze the most out of life while collecting real-life, physical badges. 

Objective:

Increase your understanding of “dark matter”.

Details:

1) BEFORE you watch the above video, rate your knowledge of dark matter on a scale of 1-10, where one means you’ve never heard of the term “dark matter” before and ten means you’ve published a scientific journal article on the subject.

2) Watch the Sci Show video about “Dark Matter” matter, which is posted above.

3) Did you learn anything? Rate your knowledge of dark matter AFTER watching the video using the same scale you did previously.

4) In the comments below, post your before and after ratings of your knowledge of dark matter.

Blackout - DIY - 150

Objective:

Illuminate the dark with a homemade luminary.

Details:

A luminary is a vessel, dotted with intricately shaped holes, designed to have a candle placed inside it. When illuminated, the luminary casts shadows in the shape of the holes. Have you ever made one? If not, now is your chance to give it a try! If so, consider branching out and trying a new technique or material when creating your luminary.

1) Choose which type of luminary you would like to make.

Consider the following:

• Traditional Paper Bag Luminary

• Tin Can Luminary

• Cut Paper Luminary

• Painted Jar Luminary

Use the above links for inspiration, or go with a different tutorial altogether. Pinterest has A TON of cool luminaries to browse.

2) Create your luminary!

3) Once you’ve created your luminary, it’s time to light it up! Depending on the luminary you create and the location you place it in, fire safety may be a concern. Make sure to take proper precautions.

4) Take a photo of your illuminated luminary and share it on Instagram or Twitter with the tag #QuestScouts. Alternatively, you can also share your art in our Facebook group.

Blackout - Literature - 300

“Open your eyes and see what you can with them before they close forever.”

–Anthony Doerr, All the Light We Cannot See

Objective:

Choose and read a “darkness” themed book from the list provided.

Details:

1) Browse our list of “darkness” themed books and choose whichever most appeals to you.

Buying directly from the Quest Scouts “bookshop” supports us, but feel free to acquire your book from any source. (Don’t forget to check your local library!)

2) Read the book! (Listening to the audio version is great too!)

3) Write a short book review and post it in the comments below. Include the name of the book, author, and what you thought of it.

Blackout Micro Objective - Research - 50

Quest Scouts inspires your to squeeze the most out of life while collecting real-life, physical badges. 

Objective:

Learn about the “blackest” black paint.

Details:

This micro objective exists to introduce to you a concept that you may not otherwise have thought much about. Most black paint really isn’t all the dark! And for most people, that’s just fine… but for some, it was a problem that needed a solution!

1) Spend 10-15 minutes learning about the “blackest black” paint. Research this topic in whatever way feels right to you! This is a micro objective, so you don’t have to go all that deep into your research.

Suggestions include:

• The Blackest Black Paint is Now Available to Buy—Unless You’re Anish Kapoor (Article)

• I Painted My Entire Room With Musou Black—The World's Blackest Paint (Video)

• Stuart Semple/Culture Hustle Black 2.0 Review | The Darkest Black Paint? (Video)

• Do your own research! A quick google will reveal a world of possibilities!

2) In the comments below, tell us what project your would undertake with the “blackest black” paint if time and money were not a barrier.

Blackout - Art - 300

“The artist has to be a guardian
of the culture.”

-Robert Longo

Objective:

Create a painting without using the sense of sight.

Details:

For those of us who are sighted, the prospect of painting without using our eyes is probably a new one. Good! Let’s use that to our advantage, step out of our comfort zone and create not just a unique piece of art, but also a unique experience! (If you’re blind, contact us! Let’s work together to to make this objective fun for you as well!)

1) Gather your materials. You’ll need:

• Paint. Any kind of paint will do, although you may want to consider something washable!
  Important: This objective requires the use of paint! Please don’t substitute for another medium.

• Paint Brush

• Canvas or paper

• (Optional) A drop cloth or some other way to help minimize mess

• (Optional) Clothes you don’t mind getting messy

• A blindfold

2) Set up your studio! You’ll want to set up your canvas, paints and brushed in a way that will help facilitate using them without sight. You should also consider setting up in a manner that minimizes mess!

3) Blindfold yourself. Make sure to make sure your blindfold is secure, and that you truly can’t see.

4) While blindfolded, create your painting! Take your time with this and do your best despite utilizing one less sense.

5) Take a photo of your finished painting and share it on Instagram or Twitter with the tag #QuestScouts. Alternatively, you can also share your art in our Facebook group.

6) Reflect on your experience in the comments below by answering the following questions:

• Describe the experience of painting without sight? Did you notice anything interesting? Did you have a good time?

• How did your painting come out? What aspects about the painting do you, or do you not, like?

Blackout - DIY - 250

Objective:

Dine in the dark.

Details:

We experiences food through several, and some might argue all, of our senses. Of course, taste immediately comes to mind! However, just the smell of a good meal is enough to make our mouth water. And as the old saying goes, “you eat with your eyes first”! But what if we took away the visuals associated with food? Let’s experience darkness in a new way through dining in the dark!

1) Choose and prepare your space.

Option A- Restaurant

Did you know there are restaurants that exist to provide you the experience of dining in the dark? If you are lucky enough to live near one of these establishments, we encourage you (post COVID) to try one out.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Your objective is to dine in COMPLETE DARKNESS. Don’t choose a restaurant that simply happens to have low light.

Option B- Home

No “dark restaurant” nearby? Create your own! Choose a room, set up a dining table, and create darkness. You’ll need to go above and beyond just drawing the blinds! Do your best to make the room pitch black.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please know your own limits and be safe!

2) Prepare your food.

There are two options here! You could prepare the food yourself, OR EVEN BETTER, have someone else prepare it for you! This might be a great time to order takeout!

IMPORTANT NOTE: Know your limits and be safe! Set your food at the table BEFORE you turn out the lights! We also suggest avoiding sharp knives.

3) Dine in the dark!

4) Reflect on your “dark dining” experience in the comments below by answering the following questions:

• Tell us about your preparation for dining in the dark. Did you travel to a restaurant? If not, how did you ensure your room was as dark as possible? What precautions did you take to keep yourself safe?

• Who did you dine in the dark with? What did you eat, and who prepared the meal? What did you think of the food?

• Describe the experience of eating in the dark? What were the drawbacks of eating without sight? What were the benefits?

Blackout Micro Objective - Art - 50

Quest Scouts inspires your to squeeze the most out of life while collecting real-life, physical badges. 

Objective:

Create "Index Card Art" inspired by the provided prompt.

Details:

This micro objective is part of our ongoing series, "index card art." We chose index cards for two reasons. First, index cards are inexpensive and readily available. We don't expect that it will be difficult for any of you to procure an index card. Second, many who don't consider themselves "artists" tend to stress about creating or sharing art. Using an index card instead of a sketch book lends itself to silliness. Have fun with the prompt! We're not looking for perfection, just a good time. You can save your index cards and look back at them over time, or throw them away. The choice is up to you!

1) Gather your supplies. You'll need an index card (4x6 or 5x7) and something to draw with. (Pencil, pen, markers... you get the point!)

2) Interpret the prompt below to make your index card art.

Lights Out

3) Take a photo of your art and share it on Instagram or Twitter with the tag #QuestScouts. Alternatively, you can also share your art in our Facebook group.

Blacokout - Media - 150

Objective:

Watch and review any modern day black and white movie.

Details:

When you think of black and white movies, you most likely think of the classics. But did you know that they’re still producing black and white movies today?

1) Choose any black and white movie that debuted in or after 2000. (Google “modern day black and white movies” and you’ll be presented with plenty of options.

2) Watch you chosen black and white.

3) In the comments below, tell us:

• What movie you chose.

• How many stars (out of four) would you award your movie? (0= No redeeming qualities, 4= Best movie ever!)

• Why do you think the director chose to present the film in black and white? Do you think the film benefitted from this artistic choice?

Blackout - Games - 150

Objective:

Play a tabletop game where some (or all) of your hand is hidden.

Details:

In most games, the player holds their cards toward themself, so that they can see them. Did you know there are games that turn that concept on its head? In some games, the other players can see your hand, but you cannot!

1) Choose a game in which some (or all) of your hand is hidden. (Meaning you can’t see your cards!) You can choose from the suggestions below, or identify a game that fits the description on your own. (We’re sure there are more out there that we don’t know about yet!)

HIDDEN HAND GAME SUGGESTIONS

Note: Links in green bring you to a Board Game Geek description. Clicking on each game image will bring you to Amazon.*

Hanabi. In Hanabi, you must cooperate as a team to put on an amazing firework display. Hold your cards facing AWAY from yourself, so that your teammates can see them but you cannot. Exchange clues with the goal of collectively placing cards on the table in the correct order.

Abracada…what? Settle down with the family for a game of deduction and spell casting. The catch? Only the players in from of you can see what spells you hold. Pay attention to their “magic words” and you just might have a chance!

Note: This game is currently out of print, but there are plenty of reasonably priced copies on ebay!

2) Grab some friends and play the game you chose!

3) Post a photo that documents your gameplay on Instagram or Twitter with the tag #QuestScouts. Alternatively, you can also share your photo in our Facebook group.

*We encourage you to reach out to your community before buying new games! However, if that's not an option, clicking on any of the game images will bring you to an Amazon page. If you use our links, Quest Scouts gets a very small kick back. (Super small, but every bit counts!) So, if you're going to buy online anyway, consider using our links!

Blackout - Find - 300

Objective:

Search for a hide* that requires darkness to be found.

Details:

Have you ever found a “night cache” (geocaching) or “night box” (letterboxing) before? They are hides that are designed to be found at night! Often times they utilize flashlights, reflective surfaces or UV lights to facilitate a grand adventure in the dark.

1) Like most find objectives, you can choose to search for either a geocache or a letterbox. If you’re unfamiliar with the nigh-time versions of these hobbies, you can read about night caches here. (If anyone knows of a resource that discusses night boxing, please let us know so we can include it here!)

2) Identify a hide you’d like to search for. We know that this type of hide can be few and far between, which is why we made it worth 300 points!

3) Grab a buddy and let others know where and when you’ll be searching. Darkness adds extra need for safety precautions, so please don’t go it alone and make sure others know where you’ll be!

4) Make the find!

5) Document your adventure with a photograph and post it on Instagram or Twitter with the tag #QuestScouts. Alternatively, you can also share your hide in our Facebook Group.

6) Tell us about your adventure in the comments below! What geocache/letterbox did you find? (Provide GC/AQ number if relevant.) Did anything interesting happen while you were searching?

*A "find/hide" can be either a geocache or letterbox. Not familiar with either? Watch this video by Groundspeak, the #1 lister of geocaches or read about letterboxing from Atlas Quest.

Blackout - Photography - 150

Objective:

Utilize a long exposure to "draw" with light on your image.

Details:

1) Obtain a non-camera phone. Camera phones are great for on the fly photography, but for this objective you’ll need a camera that both has a flash and allows you to manipulate your photos exposure time.

2) Watch this great Light Painting Tutorial from Indie Hack. (Above) If you’ will be using a cell phone, follow up with How To Light Paint With A Cell Phone Camera. You may also want to spend some time familiarizing yourself with the camera you’re using.

3) Using the tips you learned from the above video(s), take your photo. In fact, take a bunch of photos! The more photos you take, the more likely you are to get something you’re proud of.

4) Choose your best light painted shot and post it on Instagram or Twitter with the tag #QuestScouts. Alternatively, you can also share your photo in our Facebook group.

Blackout - Travel - 300

Objective:

Go on a trip that you're completely "in the dark" about until the last minute.

Details:

That’s right! It’s time to go on vacation! The catch? You won’t know where you’re going or what you’re doing there until you’re well on your way!

1) Choose a length of time for your trip. Will you go on a week long vacation? A weekend getaway? A shorter day trip?

IMPORTANT: In order to qualify for this objective, your trip must be at least eight hours long.

2) “Hire” a trip planner. Enlist a close friend or family member that you trust to plan your trip for you. Choose someone that both knows you well and who is good at planning. After all, they’ll be responsible for your trip itinerary! Explain this objective to your planner and make sure they know to keep the trip’s destination and itinerary a surprise.

Alternatively, you could hire a company that specializes in planning surprise vacations.

3) Go on your trip!

5)  Share a photo taken while on your trip and post it on Instagram or Twitter with the tag #QuestScouts. You can also share your experiences in our Facebook group.

6) In the comment section below, answer the following questions:

• Who planned your trip?

• Where did you go?

• How long did you go for?

• What did you do while there?

• Did you have a good time?

• How did you feel about no knowing your destination prior to being on your way there?

• Would you go on another “mystery trip” in the future?

Mongo Micro Objective - Photography - 50

Quest Scouts inspires your to squeeze the most out of life while collecting real-life, physical badges. 

Objective:

Take a photo of garbage that conveys a message about consumption.

Details:

1) For our Mongo photography objective, we looked at Seven Days of Garbage from Greg Segal. Segal’s work conveys a message about waste and the American consumer. For this micro objective, we want you to take a photograph of garbage that conveys a message about consumption.

Your photo’s message can be, but doesn’t have to be, immediately obvious. Keep in mind that this is a low point micro objective, so we’re not expecting anything too extravagant. (Feel free to blow our minds if you’d like though!)

2) Share your photo on Instagram or Twitter with the tag #QuestScouts. Alternatively, you can also share your photo in our Facebook group.

3) After you post your photo, leave a comment below stating that you have completed this micro objective.

Mongo Micro Objective - Research - 50

Quest Scouts inspires your to squeeze the most out of life while collecting real-life, physical badges. 

Objective:

Watch Boyan Slat’s TedTalk, then figure out “Where Is He Now?”

Details:

1) DO NOT READ THE COMMENT SECTION BELOW before finishing this objective.

2) Watch the 2012 Ted Talk given by then 18 year old Boyan Slat.

2) A lot has happened since 2012! Spend 15+ minutes learning about Slat. Try to take in information from multiple sources.

3) In the comments below, tell us what you learned!

• Where is Slat now?

• What do you think of him and his work?

4) Please refrain from looking at other Scout’s comments before posting your own. There is a lot of information about Slat our there- and some of it is conflicting! Comparing what you found with others should be an interesting exercise in internet research.

Mongo - Media - 150

Objective:

Watch one of the garbage themed documentaries from the list provided.

Details:

1) Watch one of the garbage themed movies or documentaries listed below.

2) Let us know which you watched and what you thought of it in the comments below.

Garbage Warrior

The Clean Bin Project

Waste Land

No Impact Man

Plastic China

Wall-E (Not a documentary, obviously… Snuck this in here in case you’re not feeling up to a heavier film.)