What is Compass & Lantern?

Compass & Lantern Expeditions was founded by passionate treasure hunters who believe adventure should be accessible to everyone. We create immersive treasure hunts that combine exploration, storytelling, puzzles, and real-world discovery, giving participants unforgettable experiences in their own communities. While every hunt has only one winner, every participant has the opportunity to experience the excitement of the journey. Our mission is to inspire curiosity, encourage exploration, and bring people together through challenging, family-friendly adventures. Whether you're an experienced treasure hunter or a first-time explorer, your next great adventure begins with Compass & Lantern Expeditions.

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Why are we doing this?

Because adventure should be accessible to everyone. Compass & Lantern Expeditions was created to bring fun, exploration, and unforgettable experiences to local communities through immersive, real-world treasure hunts. ​Proceeds from book and PDF sales are reinvested directly into future expeditions, helping us launch new Zones, create larger hunts, improve prizes, and expand the adventure to more communities. Every purchase helps support the growth of Compass & Lantern Expeditions and brings us one step closer to sharing the thrill of discovery with treasure hunters everywhere.

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What are we searching for?

Participants are searching for an official Compass & Lantern treasure coin. A picture of the coin can be found on our homepage. Each treasure coin is secured inside a protective clear container and hidden in accordance with all Compass & Lantern rules and guidelines.

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What is the treasure?

Each hunt features a cash prize associated with the discovery of the treasure coin. Prize amounts may vary between zones and hunts. As Compass & Lantern grows, future prize values may increase. 

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If I find the treasure coin, do I get to keep it?

Absolutely! The treasure coin is yours to keep. Each coin contains a unique serial number on the back that is required to claim the associated prize.

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How do I claim the treasure?

If you discover a treasure coin, contact Compass & Lantern at: treasureseekers@compassandlantern.net. Your email must include:

• The serial number that is located on the back of the coin

• Your full name

• Contact information

• Any additional information requested during the verification process. *Only a book/PDF purchaser can claim the treause

• 1099 Tax form will need to be completed prior to receiving awarded prize

• All claims will be reviewed and verified before a prize is awarded

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How is ownership verified?

To be eligible for a prize, the claimant must be a registered book/PDF purchaser of the corresponding hunt. Compass & Lantern reserves the right to verify purchase records before awarding any prize. Possession of the coin alone does not guarantee eligibility for a prize.

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Can I share by Book/PDF?

You may share your book/PDF with your direct teammate(s) participating in the expedition; however, it may not be shared with anyone else or distributed through any other means. Each book/PDF contains a unique, identifiable watermark that allows Compass & Lantern Expeditions to verify the original owner.

Unauthorized sharing outside of your designated team undermines the integrity of the expedition and diminishes the experience for all participants. Protecting your copy helps preserve the challenge, fairness, and value of the hunt for both you and Compass & Lantern Expeditions.

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Will I be taxed on the treasure?

If required by federal or state law, winners may be required to complete tax documentation before receiving a prize. Any applicable tax reporting requirements, including IRS Form 1099 reporting, remain the responsibility of the winner.

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Can I remain anonymous if I win?

Yes. Compass & Lantern respects the privacy of all participants. We will never publicly release your identity without your permission.

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Why is the hunt provided as a PDF instead of a printed book?

Our PDF format allows every participant to receive the hunt simultaneously, ensuring a fair and equal starting point for all players regardless of location. Printed editions may be considered in the future.  

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What happens if I join after a hunt has already started?

No problem! Participants may join an active hunt at any time. Once your purchase is completed, your hunt materials will be delivered as soon as possible.

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Will Compass & Lantern provide additional clues?

Our goal is to create challenging and rewarding hunts that can be solved using the materials provided. Our goal is to have all treasure(s) found within 3-4 months of the start date.  If a treasure remains unfound for an extended period of time, Compass & Lantern may release additional clues. Should additional clues be issued, all registered participants will receive the same information at the same time.

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Are the treasures buried?

No. Compass & Lantern treasures are never buried. Participants should never dig, disturb the environment, damage property, or alter the landscape while searching. Our treasures are hidden, not buried.

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Can anyone participate?

Yes! Anyone may participate in a Compass & Lantern hunt regardless of where they live. You do not need to reside in the same state or zone as the treasure hunt.

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Are the hunts dangerous?

No. Participant safety is a top priority. Treasure locations will never require climbing dangerous terrain, entering hazardous areas, swimming, rappelling, or engaging in risky activities. Some hunts may require walking and light to moderate hiking, but treasures will always be placed in publicly accessible locations. Participants are responsible for their own safety and should exercise reasonable caution while searching.

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Will all Texas zones be available at the same time?

Initially, hunts will be released one zone at a time. Our long-term goal is to operate all Texas zones simultaneously, providing year-round opportunities for treasure hunters across the state.

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What happens when a treasure is found?

Once a treasure is claimed and verified, the hunt will officially conclude. Additional hunts and future adventures will be announced through our website and official communication channels.

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Will Compass & Lantern expand into other states?

Yes. Texas is our starting point, but we hope to expand into additional states as Compass & Lantern continues to grow.

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Is there a time limit to find a treasure?

No. Hunts remain active until the treasure is successfully located and verified. Ideally, a zone hunt would not last more than 3-4 months without being found.

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Can I receive a refund if I do not enjoy the hunt?

No. Due to the digital nature of our products, all purchases are final and non-refundable.

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Can I form a team?

Absolutely! Participants are welcome to work together. However, Compass & Lantern will award the prize only to the verified claimant. Any arrangements regarding prize sharing are solely the responsibility of the participants involved.

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What happens if someone finds the coin accidentally?

Only verified participants who meet eligibility requirements may claim a prize. (Must be a verified book/PDF purchaser). Compass & Lantern reserves the right to verify all claims and determine eligibility before awarding any prize. If a coin is found accidentally, it will be replaced and the hunt will continue. 

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Will the same coin be used in future hunts?

No. Each hunt will feature its own unique treasure coin and serial number.

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Will the back of the coin be shown publicly?

No. The back of the coin, including the serial number, will never be displayed publicly. This helps protect the integrity of the claim process.

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If I win, can I participate again?

Absolutely! Previous winners are welcome to participate in future hunts.

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Do I have to live in the zone where I am searching?

No. Participants may search in any available zone and may participate in multiple active zones at the same time.

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Can Compass and Lantern Change the Game/Rules?

Yes. Compass & Lantern reserves the right to modify, update, suspend, postpone, or cancel any hunt, rule, procedure, prize amount, website content, or participation requirement at any time and for any reason.

While we do not anticipate making significant changes after a hunt has launched, unforeseen circumstances may arise that require adjustments to ensure participant safety, preserve the integrity of the hunt, comply with legal requirements, or address situations beyond our control.

Examples may include, but are not limited to:

• Safety concerns at or near a treasure location

• Changes to public access, park regulations, or property restrictions

• Natural disasters, severe weather, or environmental hazards

• Fraudulent activity, cheating, or attempts to compromise a hunt

• Technical issues affecting hunt materials or communications

• Legal or regulatory requirements

If a material change is necessary for an active hunt, Compass & Lantern will make reasonable efforts to notify all registered participants through our website, email communications, or other official channels. Participation in any Compass & Lantern hunt constitutes acceptance of all current rules, terms, and conditions, including any future updates or modifications.

Our goal is always to provide a fair, enjoyable, and transparent experience for all participants while protecting the long-term integrity of the hunts.

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Will Compass and Lantern Respond to My Emails or Social Media DMs?

We will do our best to respond to questions when appropriate; however, communication regarding active expeditions will be kept to a minimum to ensure a fair experience for all participants.  We are happy to assist with legitimate inquiries and will always respond to treasure claim submissions (can only be done via email).  We will not respond to emails requesting hints, asking us to confirm or deny a potential solve, verify a location, interpret clues, or answer questions that could provide an advantage in the hunt. Our goal is to maintain the integrity, fairness, and challenge of every Compass & Lantern Expedition. We appreciate your understanding and wish you the best of luck on your adventure.