The Fervent Treasure (yes, it's a real treasure)

A Treasure Has Been Hidden

There’s something special about a good treasure hunt.

For many of us, the idea brings back memories of adventure stories and movies where a group of friends follows clues, explores unfamiliar places, and slowly pieces together a mystery. It’s the kind of adventure that invites curiosity, teamwork, and a little bit of imagination.

When we created the Fervent Treasure Hunt, our hope was to capture a bit of that spirit.

In a world where so much of life happens through screens, we thought it might be refreshing to offer something simple. We wanted to create an opportunity for youth groups, families, and friends to experience a small adventure together. Some real Goonies kind of fun. A chance to share ideas, explore the outdoors, and enjoy the excitement of the search. Maybe it becomes an afternoon outing for a family. Maybe a youth group spends an evening trying to decipher the clues. Or maybe a few friends decide to see where the trail might lead.

Somewhere nearby, a small copper round has been hidden. The person, friends or family who finds it will be able to claim the full treasure which includes 5 ounces of silver, copper rounds, cash, old coins and a few other small curiosities gathered for the occasion.

The clues to the token’s location are contained in the poem “Where the Fervent Seek.” Like any good riddle, its meaning may not be obvious at first, but patient readers may begin to see the path hidden within the words.

So gather some friends, bring the family, and see where the trail might lead.

After all, the best adventures are the ones shared.

Where the Fervent Seek

These old boroughs favor the bold,

If you would seek what waits untold.

Escape their lights and winding ways,

Begin the path that patience pays.

Past humble towns that fade from sight,

Till iron fingers pierce the sky’s blue light.

When timber spans what once ran free,

And passage narrows deliberately—

Go not where wheels are bid to cease,

But slip between and walk in peace.

Let painted marks of others fade;

Seek quieter steps that time has made.

Where others have come and gone,

Walk straight toward the water’s tone.

Stand briefly where the gray extends,

Then turn where smaller current bends.

Descend where earth shows rooted scars,

Held fast between two wooden bars.

Below, where scattered stones lie thin,

And midstream keeps a wooded kin

Find serpent roots that clutch the ground,

And waters meeting without sound.

Cross lightly where the lesser feeds,

Toward twin who lean like parted reeds.

When mossed giants frame the air,

And fallen limbs an X declare,

Stand firm and let your left eye climb

To weathered sentries marked by time.

Two ancient forms from hillside grown

One guards what copper calls its own.

Bring proof bright and round,

And greater treasure shall be found.

Treasure Hunt Guidelines

To keep the hunt fun and fair for everyone, please keep these guidelines in mind:

• The hidden token is outdoors and accessible without digging, climbing, or moving large objects.

• The location can be reached by foot from a publicly accessible area.

• The treasure is not hidden on private property that requires trespassing.

• Please respect nature, the area you are exploring, and anything you encounter along the way.

• If you believe you have found the hidden copper round, take a picture of its hiding place, hold onto it, and contact us through the website to confirm your discovery.

• We will periodically release hints in the groups section of this website. In order to see them, you will need to be a site member.

• In order to claim the prize the person who finds the token will need to post in the group section. In order to post, you will need to be a site member. This will minimize the chances of someone randomly finding the copper round and claiming the prize.

• Becoming a site member is free. You can put any information you would like in your member profile. We don't share or sell your information. This just allows us to know who we are all talking with and in this case helps ensure (but does not guarantee) one of our church families is able to claim the treasure.