How to set up a Detecting Challenge for Kids
If you have several lightweight metal detectors at home you could organise a challenge for your kids and their friends.
It is a great alternative to sporting challenges or other outdoor activities like geocaching, and it is also possible to hire a detector for the weekend. Here are our 10 tips to make the challenge a success.
1. Make sure snacks are on hand (or feed kids first if it is a party game)
Kids need to fuel up so they can concentrate on the challenge and not get distracted by hunger (or other kids getting hungry).
It makes the experience easier to manage.
2. Establish the rules for detecting and make sure everyone understands how to play fair (and take turns with detectors)
Go through the rules for the challenge and explain there are some targets that have been set up beforehand.
Explain what to do if someone gets hurt, who has the first aid kit, if someone looks like they are wandering off etc.
3. Bring 1 or 2 patient adults as helpers
Bringing helpers mean that some of the kids want to walk with an adult and get help with the detector. More parents mean it is easier to watch that no-one runs off etc.
If you are in a public park you need more parents who can remind them of the rules and stop things getting out of control.
If there is an argument taking turns with the detector then it could be damaged by accident etc.
4 Pick a location and put out some targets (old coins, pull rings, badges, metal washers) to find and a prize with a metal object attached (for a party)
You need to have a cheat sheet and write what is hidden where and the ‘competition judge’ can remove any hidden targets afterwards.
5. Ensure you have kid-sized metal detectors
Ensure you bring shorter and lighter detectors, that are easier to carry for children. better to use a $250-500 detector in case potentially damaging extensive gear if there is an argument.
Read our review article to see what we recommend.
6. Set the duration of the hunt to be 20-30 minutes
Half an hour is probably enough for a quick challenge or party game for first timers.
7. Taking photos and notes about what you see can encourage kids who don’t have a detector to be involved.
Children like to take notes and record their finds with photos.
8. Swap jobs over so everyone gets a turn with a detector and everyone digs
Ensure that a particular children carries the detector for 5 mins and then another digs and then takes notes etc.
Switch over jobs so everyone gets a turn and there is no one missing out. If you plan some coins etc and help kids feel like they found something then it is more enjoyable for everyone.
9. Bring snacks for kids, wipes and drinks for everyone.
Kids need to fuel up on snacks so they can continue to concentrate on the challenge and not get distracted by hunger.
Yes, this is a repeat of point 1. Bring them snacks and drinks in a backpack.
10. Celebrate the finds afterwards
If this is a party challenge then have certificates or a prize for the winner.
Click to the above banner to view Bounty Hunter models in the Hobby Detectors Store on Catch of the Day
In the following table, I’ll provide you with an overview of some of the best metal detectors for kids (most suitable for women too) on the Australian market.
Comparison Table
Bounty Hunter Junior TID | Bounty Hunter Junior BHJS | Bounty Hunter Tracker IV | Bounty Hunter VLF |
 |  |  |  |
 | | | |
 | | | |
| Bounty Hunter Junior VLF | Cheap |  |
|
| Bounty Hunter Tracker IV | Best value | |
|
| Bounty Hunter Pioneer | Best value | |
|
| Bounty Hunter Quicksilver | Most features | |