Cat-eye Hike for Family Reunions or Parties
One of the most requested activities at our family reunions is a Cat Eye hike. You do a Cat Eye hike in the dark so it’s a perfect activity for a “camping” family reunion. We have also done cat eye hikes in apartment complexes and residential areas. We’ve done cat eye hikes with family reunions, girls camps and for kid parties. It’s a fun activity but does take some time and thoughtful strategy to set up.
How to Organize a Cat Eye Hike
This hike is best done when it is very dark. Cut cat’s-eye shapes (squares work fine too) from reflective tape, available in the Family Reunion Helper store. Another product you might want to consider is “Trail Tacks”. They are basically just thumb tacks with a reflective paint on the top. They are visible for up to 200 yards and are great for sticking into wooden fences etc. You will probably want to use a combination of the two products- tape and tacks. Just be considerate of others when you set up the hike- you don’t want to be shinning flashlights into peoples windows or causing damage with reflective tape or tacks.
It is best to set up your hike the night before guiding groups on the hike. Put cat eyes on markers or apply cat eyes to index cards and then use the cards to mark the trail. We like to set up our hikes the night before the cat eye hike is scheduled.
How to Set Up a Cat Eye Hike
When making the trail, place the eyes in such a manner that you can see only one more set of cat’s eyes from the location of one set. Hikers will shine their flashlights on the first set of eyes and then run to the second set of eyes where they will shine their flashlights around the area until they locate the next set of eyes. They will continue searching for eyes and following their path until they arrive back at camp.
If you have a large group, instead of a mass start, send groups of ten or so at a time. You can group hikers as children, teenagers and senior citizens. Every participant will need a flashlight- you will want to remind your family members to bring a flashlight on your reunion invitation.
If camping, have S’mores for hikers when they complete the hike.
