Choosing activities for school classes can be a challenge. On the one hand, they should be educationally valuable, but on the other hand they should also be fun and strengthen the sense of community. One activity that fulfils all these criteria is a Foxtrail. But what exactly is a Foxtrail and why is it so recommended for school classes?
What is a Foxtrail?
A Foxtrail is a unique mixture of scavenger hunt, sightseeing and outdoor escape game. Participants have to follow clues, solve puzzles and complete tasks in order to follow Fredy Fox’s trail. With over 70 individually designed trails in Switzerland, Foxtrail makes the most of the unique geographical features of each location.
The trails are designed to challenge both mentally and physically, encouraging teamwork and creativity. In this regard, we recommend Foxtrail for ages 10-12 and up.
1. promotion of teamwork
A Foxtrail forces participants to work together. Each group has to make decisions together, coordinate and utilise the strengths of each individual member to solve the puzzles. This not only promotes cooperation, but also strengthens trust and cohesion within the class.
2. convey learning content in a playful way
Many Foxtrails are themed and can therefore convey specific learning content. Whether it’s historical and cultural facts, geographical knowledge or scientific phenomena – the puzzles and tasks are designed to impart knowledge in a fun way. Pupils often absorb information better when they are actively involved and can apply what they have learnt directly.
3. promotion of problem-solving skills
During a Foxtrail, students are constantly faced with new challenges that require creative and logical solutions. This not only promotes critical thinking, but also the ability to tackle problems in a structured way and to develop and try out different solutions.
4. exercise in the fresh air
Another great advantage of a Foxtrail is the exercise in the fresh air. At a time when children and young people are spending more and more time indoors and in front of screens, every opportunity to exercise outdoors is valuable. Physical activity not only promotes health, but also improves concentration and general well-being. Many of our trails lead along breathtaking Swiss lakes or through the mountain regions of Central Switzerland, Graubünden and Valais.
5. discovering your own surroundings
Foxtrail often takes its participants to fascinating, lesser-known corners of cities and regions. These adventures allow students to explore familiar places in a completely new way. Even locals discover new facets of their surroundings.
6 Unique experiences in special places
A key aspect of Foxtrail’s discovery concept is the opportunity to create unique experiences by providing access to places that are otherwise difficult or impossible to reach. Thanks to partnerships with cultural institutions such as museums and castles, Foxtrail enables exclusive tours of these sites as well as access to secret passages, bunkers and underground tunnels.
7 Immersive and interactive stations
The stations on a Foxtrail are physically installed and designed with great attention to detail. They offer a variety of interactive elements that enrich the experience and appeal to all the senses. This makes for an immersive experience and turns every trail into a unique adventure.
8. customised team events
Foxtrail offers customised team events that are perfectly tailored to the needs of each group. The Foxtrail team takes care of all the planning and organisation so that teachers can sit back and relax. From customised routes to special start intervals or shortened trails – everything is designed to make the experience optimal and stress-free.
Large groups can easily be split into smaller groups at Foxtrail, with up to 6 participants in a team. Groups of more than 6 people split up into several start times. Large groups of up to 150 people can start within an hour, skilfully spread over several trails in a city.
9. integration of public transport
Many Foxtrails include the use of public transport such as buses, trains or boats. This enriches the experience and enables seamless transport. Special means of transport such as the Marzilibahn in Bern or the Rotsee ferry in Lucerne / Ebikon enhance the Foxtrail experience and enable a multifaceted discovery of the surrounding area.
10. reliable support through online help
If students get stuck on a trail, they can access Foxtrail’s online help at any time. There they receive valuable tips or even the solution for a post or the correct route. This ensures that nobody gets lost and that the fun of the puzzle is maintained.
Conclusion
A Foxtrail is an excellent way to offer school classes a varied, educational and entertaining experience. The combination of teamwork, problem-solving tasks, exercise and exploring one’s own surroundings makes a Foxtrail an unforgettable experience that goes far beyond the traditional classroom. It is an activity that inspires both teachers and pupils and can have a lasting positive impact on the classroom climate and motivation to learn.