← Ages 12 and up

Escape Box

Lock a prize in a box. Solve five linked puzzles, and each one gives you a number of the code. Can you open it before the clock runs out?

Problem-solving
Teamwork
Logic
Bible skills

“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” Matthew 7:7

Escape in progress

The lock

A real lock This screen

Numbers in the code

3 4 5

Puzzles

The code

Make one up Use my lock’s code

Your lock’s code

The hidden card A clue to where you’ll hide it

Write a short clue to the hiding spot. The team gets the clue; you hide the card.

Write the clue in code For an extra challenge, the clue uses the same Caesar shift as the cipher.

Time

20 minutes 30 minutes 45 minutes

Options Hints cost a minute Each puzzle has two hints. Taking one knocks a minute off the clock. Mix up the order Any puzzle can give any number of the code. Each one says which number it is. Sounds Clicks on the keypad, a buzz for a wrong code and a fanfare when it opens.

You’ll need

A box with a 3, 4 or 5 number lock, or an envelope and tape
A prize to put inside
A Bible, paper and pens
A game master who sets it up and knows the answers

Escape Box

Game master only

The code

Copy this onto paper

Game master

Ready to escape?

Hints

Game master only

Players, look away from the screen!

Paused

The clock has stopped. Game master, press Resume when everyone’s ready.

Time’s up!

So close! Keep going to finish the puzzles (the clock counts the extra time), or stop and see the code.

Is the box open?

Only press yes when the lock has really opened.

“Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.” Ecclesiastes 4:9

How to play

Game master

Choose the lock and the puzzles, then tap Build the puzzle pack. Keep this screen to yourself.
Set the lock to the code, put the prize in the box and lock it. No lock? Tape an envelope shut and let this screen be the lock.
Print the puzzles, or copy them by hand. Hide the number card where your clue says.
Lay the other puzzles face down with a Bible, paper and pens, then start the clock.

The team

Solve each puzzle. Every answer is one number of the code, and each puzzle says which number it is.
Stuck? Tap Hints. Each puzzle has two.
Put the numbers in order and open the lock before time runs out!

For mixed ages

Younger players are great at finding the hidden card and helping with the riddle.
Readers can race to find the Bible verse; maths fans take the maths puzzle.
Split up to work on different puzzles, then come back together for the code.

Play safe

Hide the card where everyone can reach it safely: no climbing, and nowhere near the stove.
Only lock up a prize, and keep the code written down in case a lock sticks.

Keys on a computer

Enter presses the main button. Game master: P prints, C copies, A shows the answers.
On the clock: type the code with 0 to 9 and Enter, Backspace deletes, H hints, P pauses.