What is GISH? Only the Greatest International Scavenger Hunt, Ever.

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What is GISH?

Have you ever heard of GISH? It’s essentially one large worldwide internet scavenger hunt that has been going on for ten years now and was created by Misha Collins (Castiel from Supernatural). But, what is GISH?!

Well, it’s not very easy to explain at all. But, if you participate, you’ll definitely find yourself saying “it seemed like a good idea at the time” at least once. And, way more than once if you’re doing it right.

GISH stands for Greatest International Scavenger Hunt. And, was formerly known as GISHWHES (Greatest International Scavenger Hunt the World Has Ever Seen). Try to say that ten times fast.

This year, 2020, is my 2nd year participating in GISH. I’m very slowly getting the hang of it. I have a lot of anxiety and I’m a terrible procrastinator … and it turns out I have ADHD which I got diagnosed with between last year and this year and it makes a whole lot more sense why I am the way I am – a perfectionist and a procrastinator. That being said, I definitely was more excited for this year and got more involved ( at least towards the end of the week ).

Here’s GISH’s official description:

• GISH is the Greatest International Scavenger Hunt, a game played in over 100 countries each year.
• GISH is the weirdest combination of all of the best things — creativity, compassion, courage, and some WTF for good measure.
• Play with your best friends or people who will definitely become your best friends and/or accomplices. (Bail money 100% not guaranteed.)
• Complete fun, wildly creative GISH challenges on our app or join our annual Hunt for a shot at the Grand Prize — an all-expense paid adventure with your team somewhere amazing (probably on Earth).

How Does GISH Work?

Every year at the beginning of August, GISH drops the list of upwards of 300 items on a Saturday morning. No one knows the list until then and then you and your team (9-15 people) have a week to rack up as many points as possible.

There is, of course, a winning team that takes a trip somewhere, but in reality, it isn’t really about winning.

There are some rules – some serious, but most not serious at all. Take a look at the commandments if you don’t believe me.

Why Participate in GISH?

By the end of the week, you’ll feel more creative, inspired, and motivated to make the world a better place. That’s right. GISH isn’t just about having fun and doing weird things or creating unreasonable pain and suffering. At the core, it’s about making the world better whether that be planting trees, donating meals to people in need, or fundraising for a number of different causes.

I can’t share photos or the list items from this year until it’s officially over, but here are some photos and list items from previous years!

If you’re still really confused, you can watch this video. Which may or may not confuse you more.