Banned Books Week Scavenger Hunt

Yesterday boasted perfect weather for running all over the UCLA campus. That's just what three teams of chapter members did 

in honor of Banned Books Week. Teams were comprised of a blend of first and second year students competing for Banned Books swag and bragging rights.

The purpose of this event was threefold. First, the chapter announced its mentor/mentee pairings, a program designed to support 

first year students within the department by pairing them with second year students with similar career aspirations. Chapter members had a chance to bond while completing tasks such as dressing as Captain Underpants in the student store, sanitizing hands at the student health center, and locating or reading aloud from banned books in campus libraries and book stores. 

A second planned outcome was familiarizing first year students with essential buildings on campus. For instance, teams were asked to visit our sister department in Moore Hall and get a graduate student from the Department of Education to let them write "I read banned books" on their hand. 

A final benefit of this scavenger hunt was introducing students to ALA's annual Banned Books Week. Each clue in 

the scavenger hunt was tied to a "Banned Fact" in order to increase awareness of censorship and commitment to intellectual freedom. 

Teams scored points by texting photo messages of each accomplished task to headquarters. This tech savvy approach ensured that the campus facilities would remain clean and organized and guaranteed some amusing photo keepsakes of the event! 

The three teams were neck and neck throughout the two-hour competition. All three teams completed the 13 clues successfully. The final winner, Team Awesome, won by a mere two points acquired through bonus points assigned for creativity!

If you missed this incredible event, have no fear - we'll be hosting thrilling mentor/mentee social events every other month throughout the year!