What is "Scav"?

Fancy shoes. And a witch in the trunk. Not anything your guidance counselor promised you when you talked about coming to the University of Chicago. But there you have it. One of the experiences that helps fashion and intensify Hooverlove each year is Scav Hunt. Scav Hunt began way back before you were born. Over 4 days in May, teams from across the University of Chicago campus collect items, perform tricks, assemble objects, build nuclear reactors (no, really!), and drink lots and lots of coffee (or Red Bull or Pepsi) just to keep going. Hoover, although forced by architecture and higher-level organizational decisions to be part of Max Palevsky, asserts its independence each year by fielding its own Scav Hunt team. Hoover Lounge is transformed, with tarps and duct tape and discarded pizza boxes, into the nerve center of our determined effort to out-point far larger, better funded teams.

By the way, the image above is a Scav participant's effort to fulfill one of the requirements of item number 23 from the 2008 Scav list:

"Toto, I don't think we're in Kansas any more." No, but you will be before the end of the day. At 9:00 AM Thursday in Hutchinson Courtyard, present your team of Wayward Sons: Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Cowardly Lion, and the Bat. They must be ready to travel over the rainbow in a flying house featuring a storm cellar door, chimneyed roof, picket fence, and the legs of that wicked witch you just ran over. Although if you happen to own a yellow Buick Roadmaster you can just use that, and follow it. Follow follow follow follow follow the yellow Buick Roadmaster. Boat leaves at 9:30. . . or maybe you don't want to see the second largest ball of twine on the face of the Earth, which is only fourteen short hours away? [& points. All Road Trip items requiring photo- or videographic documentation must include a member of the Wayward Sons in full costume or no points will be awarded.]

We didn't win last year. Or even do that well. Largely because we couldn't assemble a team for the road trip portion of the Scav Hunt. But this year will be different! You'll be here! Bring your ruby slippers.