Woodland Treasure Hunters Blog

If you’re an adventurer at heart, enjoy Dungeons & Dragons, or have always dreamed of embarking on a real-life treasure hunt, Jon Collins-Black has crafted the ultimate experience for you. With his book, There’s Treasure Inside, Collins-Black has set a unique challenge: uncover five treasure chests worth over $2 million hidden across the United States. Here’s everything you need to know about this thrilling endeavor.

The Story Behind the Treasure Hunt

Jon Collins-Black, a California-based entrepreneur, philanthropist, and early Bitcoin investor, was inspired by his love for puzzles, history, and adventure. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he decided to create something extraordinary to bring joy and curiosity to people’s lives. Over five years, he meticulously curated valuable treasures, turning his vision into reality.

Collins-Black’s treasure hunt is more than just a quest for material riches; it’s a journey that celebrates the human spirit, curiosity, and the joy of discovery.

THANK YOU Jon Collins-Black for the time & investment you’ve made to create this real-life game for us to play!

What’s Inside the Treasure Chests?

Each of the five treasure chests contains a mix of rare and valuable items designed to captivate treasure hunters and collectors alike:

• Historical Artifacts: Items linked to iconic figures like Pablo Picasso, George Washington, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and Amelia Earhart.
• Precious Metals and Gems: Rare gems, including a Colombian emerald, and a fourth-century BCE Greek gold laurel.
• Cryptocurrency: A Casascius Bitcoin adds a modern twist to the treasure.
• Unique Collectibles: Rare sports memorabilia, shipwreck treasures, and even a collectible Pokémon card.

These treasures are not just objects of monetary value but hold deep historical and cultural significance, enriching the experience of those who uncover them.

How to Participate in the Hunt

The key to finding these treasures lies within the pages of There’s Treasure Inside. The book serves as both a guide and a storybook, filled with:

• Clues and Puzzles: Intricate riddles and maps leading you closer to the treasures.
• Historical Narratives: Stories tied to the treasures, providing insights into their origins.
• Guidelines: Clear instructions to ensure participants can safely and ethically join the hunt.

You can purchase the book from major retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and independent bookstores. Be careful about buying from 3rd parties- there’s counterfeit copies out there.

Important Guidelines

• Accessibility: The treasure chests are located in safe, public areas within three miles of a road.
• No Digging Required: The treasures are not buried and are placed in accessible locations.
• Family-Friendly Adventure: This treasure hunt is designed for participants of all ages, encouraging exploration and discovery.
• Safety First: There are no dangerous activities or extreme physical challenges involved.

Why Join the Hunt?

Collins-Black’s treasure hunt is about more than material rewards. It’s an opportunity to:

• Connect with history and culture.
• Engage in an exhilarating adventure.
• Bond with friends and family through a shared quest.
• Experience the joy of solving puzzles and exploring new places.

Even if you don’t find a treasure chest, the journey itself promises to be deeply rewarding. Here’s a post about why my family joined the hunt!

About Jon Collins-Black

Jon Collins-Black is an innovative entrepreneur and one of the early adopters of cryptocurrency. Based near Los Angeles, he’s a dedicated family man with a passion for creating unique experiences. His goal with There’s Treasure Inside is to spark joy, curiosity, and a sense of wonder in people around the world.

Here’s a closer look at some of his interests that have influenced this remarkable quest:

• Pokémon: Collins-Black has included rare Pokémon cards in his treasure chests, reflecting his love for collectible items and games that have captured the imagination of millions worldwide.
• Children’s Book Author: Collins-Black authored Our Unbreakable Thread: A Family’s Generations, a touching narrative about family connections across generations. This reflects his creative storytelling and passion for inspiring others through written words.
• Musician: Known for his musical talents, Collins-Black incorporates rhythm and creativity into his pursuits, further showcasing his diverse range of interests.
• Dungeons & Dragons (D&D): His love for this fantasy role-playing game is mirrored in the treasure hunt’s quest-like elements, fostering creativity and problem-solving.
• Forrest Fenn Influence: Collins-Black’s treasure hunt takes inspiration from Fenn’s legendary Rocky Mountain treasure, celebrating the spirit of adventure and discovery.
• Ready Player One Influence: Drawing from the futuristic, puzzle-solving themes of Ernest Cline’s novel, Collins-Black’s treasure hunt invites participants into a real-world version of an epic quest.
• Japan: His appreciation for Japanese culture and art is subtly reflected in the global influences seen in his treasure collection.

Treasure Hunting Terms to Know

• Gunter: A term popularized by Ernest Cline’s Ready Player One, referring to participants in a treasure hunt, particularly one involving technology or puzzles.
• The Secret: A book published in 1982 by Byron Preiss that launched a treasure hunt involving twelve buried treasures across North America, each linked to a poem and painting.
• Casascius Bitcoin: A physical representation of Bitcoin, often used as a collectible or token in modern treasure hunts.
• Puzzle Box: A container that requires solving a puzzle to access its contents, often used in treasure hunts to enhance the challenge.
• Geocache: A hidden container that participants locate using GPS coordinates, similar to treasure hunts in the real world.
• Cryptocurrency Clue: A modern twist in treasure hunts where clues are encoded or involve digital currency elements.
• Waypoint: A location used as part of a journey or hunt, often marked by a clue or significant item.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or new to treasure hunting, Jon Collins-Black’s treasure hunt offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience. With over $2 million in treasures waiting to be discovered, the hunt is a celebration of history, imagination, and the thrill of the chase.

Grab your copy of There’s Treasure Inside and start your adventure today. Who knows? You might just uncover one of the greatest treasures hidden in the United States.