10 Exciting Outdoor Trivia Games to Boost Your Brain and Body in 2024

Oct 14, 2024 | Backyard Games | 0 comments

Table of Contents

Introduction

Did you know that combining physical activity with mental challenges can improve cognitive function by up to 20%? That’s right! Outdoor trivia games are not just fun; they’re a fantastic way to keep your mind sharp and your body active. In this article, we’ll explore 10 exciting outdoor trivia games that will have you and your friends laughing, learning, and moving in the great outdoors. Get ready to turn your backyard or local park into a thrilling arena of knowledge and adventure!

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1. Trivia Treasure Hunt: Combine Clues and Questions

You ever try combining the brainy fun of trivia with the thrill of a treasure hunt? Let me tell you, it’s an experience that takes outdoor games to a whole new level. The first time I set up a trivia treasure hunt, I learned a lot the hard way, but boy did we have a blast.

Start by choosing a theme for your hunt. Whether it’s pirate adventure or a detective mystery, a strong theme ties everything together and makes the trivia questions feel more immersive. I went with a “lost world” theme once and sprinkled in challenges related to ancient myths. Kids and adults alike were running around like Indiana Jones!

The next step is crafting your clues. You’ll want a mix of trivia questions and physical challenges. For the trivia part, keep it engaging. Questions should be relevant to the theme but diverse enough to cover a range of interests. Include some easy questions to keep everyone motivated, but throw in a few head-scratchers to get those competitive juices flowing.

Hiding spots are key to the treasure hunt’s success. Don’t just think bushes and rocks; think vertically! I remember hiding one clue in a treehouse. The look on the hunters’ faces when they realized they’d have to climb to their next destination was priceless. Use landmarks like benches or garden statues. Just make sure to keep a map of the hiding spots—I’ve been on the wrong end of a scavenger hunt with no clues about where I stashed things before.

Incorporating physical challenges is the cherry on top. Not only does it make the hunt more dynamic, but it also keeps energy levels high and adds a bit of good-natured exhaustion. Relay races between clue points or mini-obstacle courses with ropes or balance beams can really ramp up the excitement. Watch out, though: balance is important. You wouldn’t want someone twisting an ankle just trying to reach that next hint.

I’ll admit, the first treasure hunt I organized was not perfect. We had complicated clues that needed decoding—and not in the fun way. Remember, it’s all about balance: too easy and it’s boring, too hard and it’s frustrating. You pick up a knack for reading the crowd with practice.

Oh, and a quick tip! If you have a diverse group, mix in auditory elements like clues that need sound-based interpretation, or even language riddles for a bilingual flair. The more senses you can engage, the better the experience.

Seriously, putting together a trivia treasure hunt doesn’t have to be rocket science, but it can be pure gold for those participating. Adding the element of surprise, a little sweat, and a sprinkle of trivia magic can create memories that’ll last a lifetime. So, grab some friends or your family, pick a cool location, and give it a whirl. You might just find yourself a bit addicted to the creative chaos.

2. Nature Trivia Trail: Learn While You Hike

There’s something magical about hitting the trails with a purpose. My latest venture into this was creating a Nature Trivia Trail. It’s a fun way to combine learning with the physical benefits of a good ol’ hike. Here’s how you can jump on this bandwagon and get your own trivia trail started!

First things first, picking the right trail is key. I once made the rookie mistake of choosing a trail that was way too complicated, and I spent more time figuring out where I was supposed to be going than enjoying the trivia. A beginner-friendly trail that has a good mix of diverse flora and fauna is ideal. This reminds me of the serene Cedar Creek Trail, not too far from my hometown. It is beginner-friendly, has absolutely stunning wildflowers, and the sound of the creek flowing beside you makes it all the more thrilling. These types of trails make the whole experience much more enjoyable and interactive.

Selecting questions requires a little bit of creativity—and some trial and error, as I learned. Opt for trivia that captures the imagination and gets people curious about the little things they often overlook. Here’s an example: “Which plant is known to only bloom at night?”. Incorporating questions like this not only enlightens hikers but also inspires them to stop and smell the roses—literally.

Incorporating plant and animal identification into the game can make it even more engaging. I remember this one time, I had a group out on a moderate trail near Ridgeline Peak. Our trivia question prompted the group to identify a bird call. To our surprise, what we thought was a simple sparrow turned out to be a song of a more elusive warbler. A friend of mine, a bit of a bird enthusiast, had quite the laugh at our expense. Lessons learned!

Another tip—keep it challenging but not frustrating. Definitely learn from my experience, where I had questions so tough that it left us scratching our heads instead of enjoying the scenery. Balancing the difficulty keeps everyone in high spirits and makes the trivia actually fun. Trust me, the feeling when someone solves a tough question is rewarding—you’ll see smiles and high-fives all around!

Now, don’t forget to pack a few supplies. Bring a notebook to jot down observations or keep a running score. What I found helpful was using a simple app that lets everyone input their answers on the fly. Plus, this means less paper—and that’s great for nature. Also, I love carrying a compact field guide. It has saved my geeky soul more than once by accurately identifying a random plant or critter along our stops.

And hey, don’t be too hard on yourself if things go a bit awry. Nature is unpredictable. Once, I set up this awesome trivia section about amphibians only to find the pond dried up! Adaptability is your friend. When you embrace the unpredictability—because, truth be told, that’s the beauty of nature anyway—you’ll find these trails become more than just physical journeys. They turn into memory-making adventures. Cheers to that!

3. Trivia Frisbee: Toss, Catch, and Answer

You know, back in the day, we used to think trivia games were only for cozy indoor settings, right? Sitting around a table, with snacks in hand, firing off random factoids. But let me introduce you to Trivia Frisbee, the game that pulls you off the couch and into the great outdoors, combining brain teasers and a bit of athleticism. It’s kind of like traditional trivia got a new pair of sneakers. When my family first tried it, we quickly realized it wasn’t as simple as it seemed, but boy, was it a lot of fun!

Here’s how it works: You gather your favorite group of people, preferably folks who don’t mind a little competition. Everyone forms a circle or semi-circle if your crowd is small—say, three to five people works just fine. Then, you decide on a trivia category, like movies from the 90s or capitals of the world. The game kicks off when someone tosses the frisbee to another participant. Whoever catches it has just five seconds to answer a trivia question related to the chosen theme. If you get it right, you score a point, simple as that. Miss it, and it’s up for grabs in the next toss. Sounds easy, right? Not when you’re out of breath from running and trying to pull out random knowledge nuggets from your brain.

One thing I learned the hard way, during our first run, was how important it is to balance trivia categories with physical skills. For example, my friend insisted we use “ancient world history” as the theme. Let me tell you, running to catch a frisbee while recalling facts about Mesopotamia? That’s the kind of challenge that makes you rethink your life choices. A smarter plan might have been using something lighter, maybe food trivia (who doesn’t love a good hamburger fact?) or something seasonally relevant like summer sports.

Now, variations in Trivia Frisbee can accommodate different group sizes and skill levels, making the game adaptable for everyone. If you’ve got a big group, consider holding a mini-tournament where teams face off. It’s like sports meets trivia night—and trust me, watching someone run circles while trying to name all seven dwarfs from Snow White can become a highlight reel in itself. For more advanced players, integrating movement patterns or even adding a time limit for the entire game can spice things up and keep the energy high.

My advice? Don’t underestimate the thrill of trying to catch a flying disc while mentally reciting prime numbers. It’s easy to get carried away with the physical activity and forget about the trivia component altogether. But hey, we’ll just call that part of the learning curve. What’s crucial is to keep it fun—after all, nobody’s getting a degree from Trivia Frisbee. But you might just walk away with a lot more laughs and maybe even a little better hand-eye coordination.

4. Outdoor Trivia Relay Races: Knowledge on the Run

Oh man, I gotta tell you, outdoor trivia relay races can be a blast — they’re truly knowledge on the run! If you haven’t tried this yet, imagine a mix of classic trivia with a dash of energetic relay races. Trust me, it’s a great way to engage both the brain and the body. You get to test everyone’s general knowledge while urging them on with some physical challenges. I once set up a course for a family reunion, and it was pure chaos but in the best way possible!

First things first, setting up the course is key. You can use a spacious park or even someone’s backyard, depending on the number of participants. Mark out the relay course with cones or any makeshift markers you can get your hands on. The layout can be as zany or straightforward as you like: zig-zag paths, circular routes, whatever gets the heart racing! I found out the hard way that clear directions are crucial—during our first run, a team took a wrong turn and almost ended up in the neighbor’s yard! So, define your track well.

Now, let’s spice it up with those trivia questions. I split them into categories like history, sports, and movies to keep everyone on their toes. The twist here is to incorporate physical tasks between trivia stations. A quick dash, a hula hoop challenge, or a bean bag toss can work wonders. It keeps the energy high and makes sure that every participant gets a chance to shine, no matter their knowledge prowess. I once mixed things up with a mini obstacle course where you had to crawl under a rope after each question—it was a hit but also a bit messy. Lesson learned: keep it fun, but don’t go overboard!

What I love about this game is how adaptable it is. You can adjust the complexity of the trivia questions to suit different age groups. For little ones, simple questions paired with hopping or skipping challenges are fantastic. For adults, you can ramp up the difficulty and the physical exertion. And if you’re like me, you might even throw in a surprise question that requires team negotiation. It can be seriously amusing watching everyone try to reach a consensus while out of breath!

A big tip: always keep the trivia questions broad but accessible. Multiple-choice options for some questions keep it fair. Some folks struggle under pressure (and those blank stares when someone doesn’t know the capital of Sweden—classic!). And hey, a quick insight I got from my experiences—always have a stack of extra questions on hand. Teams tend to speed through them faster than you think.

In the end, watching teams cross the finish line with giant smiles and high-fives all around is the cherry on top. It’s a great reminder of how a bit of creativity can double up the fun in our everyday trivia games. So, embrace the silliness, roll with unexpected hurdles, and most importantly, enjoy the camaraderie!

5. Geocaching Trivia: High-Tech Outdoor Quiz Adventure

When I first heard about geocaching trivia, I thought, “Why didn’t I think of this earlier?” Giving a digital twist to a classic treasure hunt, this activity combines the cerebral thrill of trivia with the physical chase for geocaches. If you’ve ever spent an afternoon geocaching, you already know the rush—like combining a scavenger hunt with hide-and-seek, but on steroids. Adding trivia? Even better. It turned an ordinary walk in the park into a full-blown adventure.

The essentials for this high-tech quiz escapade? First off, download a geocaching app—I prefer Geocaching HQ because it’s user-friendly and has a massive database of caches worldwide. You’ll also need a good GPS device or a smartphone with reliable GPS capabilities. Trust me, you don’t want to be out in the wilderness struggling with a weak signal. Been there, done that, missed the cache. Remember to bring along a fully charged power bank. Once, I ran out of battery right as I was on the verge of discovering a particularly tricky cache. Talk about a cliffhanger!

Creating your own geocache trivia challenge adds a whole new layer of excitement. Start by concocting trivia questions related to the theme of the cache location or something you’re passionate about. A little creativity goes a long way. For instance, on a whim, I hid a cache near a river and came up with fish-related questions. Some folks excelled, some not so much—lots of fishy puns thrown around for good measure. Embedding multiple-choice questions can be a great way to stump your fellow geocachers. The trick is to make the questions challenging yet fun to encourage engagement and conversation.

Now, finding the perfect spot to hide your geocache is crucial. Ideally, choose a location with a bit of significance but not overly obvious. I once hid a cache in a local historical park under a bench with a quirky past. People loved reading about it and solving trivia related to it—but, alas, not all my hiding spots have been brilliant. Like this one time, a cache was too exposed and got ransacked by squirrels. Now that’s a tough spot to explain to fellow geocachers.

In my experience, the pitfall with geocaching trivia is overthinking it. My first attempt had too many layers and questions. People just want to have a good time and stretch those brain muscles—not recite an encyclopedic entry. So keep it lighthearted and engaging. And here’s a hot tip: when folks get the trivia right, consider adding a little reward—maybe a unique token or a handwritten note. Personal touches like that create lasting memories.

Ultimately, geocaching trivia is all about the journey and the joy of discovery. It might not always go to plan—like getting lost, or finding out someone ‘collected’ all the treasures—but that’s the nature of adventure, isn’t it? So embrace the unpredictability and enjoy every moment. Happy hunting!

6. Trivia Scavenger Hunt: Find Objects, Answer Questions

Alright, let’s dive into the absolutely delightful world of organizing a Trivia Scavenger Hunt that’s bound to tickle the imagination while getting everyone moving. This is one of those perfect outdoor games where intellect meets physical adventure. Have you ever tried coaxing a group of friends or family members away from their screens with a promise of fun trivia and exploration? If not, you’re in for a treat.

The first step in crafting your Trivia Scavenger Hunt is designing a list that dances between easy and challenging. Think of it as creating a playlist—if it’s packed with too many obscure tunes, you might lose your audience’s attention. Start by weaving in relatable trivia questions that are intriguing yet don’t require a PhD to answer. For example, if you’re running this thing in a park known for its old trees, you might ask, “What’s the average age of an oak tree in this park?” Meanwhile, they’re tasked with finding a leaf from one of those very trees. This turns a simple stroll into a learning adventure, and who doesn’t love a little devil-may-care dash of knowledge?

Tip: Incorporate local landmarks and historical tidbits into your hunt. Once I slid a question about a quirky sculpture downtown into the game, asking participants who the artist was. The catch? The answer was on a small plaque nobody noticed unless they were really looking. Watching them scamper around and spot these hidden gems was laugh-out-loud delightful. Plus, these trivia bits create a sense of discovery, making participants slow down and notice the world around them.

Mistakes? I’ve made a few. Like the time I made the list way too ambitious, thinking my friends would appreciate a challenge straight out of “Jeopardy!” Spoiler: they didn’t. They ended up phoning a friend—a.k.a. Google—for every other question. After that, I learned to test-run the questions myself or even better, get a fellow enthusiast to preview them. Don’t be afraid to adjust the difficulty based on your audience. If you’ve got kids involved, double down on fun facts and decrease the difficulty level. Remember, the goal is entertainment, not frustration.

And about those local landmarks—don’t underestimate the power of a little historical trivia. You’d be surprised what you learn about your own hometown. A simple question like, “What year was the main street bridge constructed?” adds an educational twist. Plus, integrating community tidbits into your questions not only boosts the learning factor but also increases the ‘aha’ moments that everyone secretly loves.

In creating this blend of quiz and exploration, it’s crucial to have some flexibility. Everyone’s going to interpret clues differently, and that’s part of the thrill. Reward creative answers, not just the correct ones. It’s amazing how a little ingenuity can turn an ordinary afternoon into something extraordinary.

And, hey, don’t stress too much over being perfect. The point is to have a good time, reconnect with nature, and maybe discover something new about your surroundings and yourself—without the help of a digital assistant!

7. Outdoor Trivia Obstacle Course: Test Body and Mind

Picture this: a sunny Saturday afternoon, a group of friends, and what was supposed to be a “chill” outdoor trivia obstacle course. Spoiler alert: it was anything but chill. It all started when we decided to set up an adventure where our trivia obsession meets our love for obstacle courses right in my backyard. I learned quite a few things that day; mix together some trivia questions and physical tasks, and you’ve got yourself a recipe for sheer chaotic fun.

Creating an outdoor trivia obstacle course isn’t too hard, but you do wanna balance the physical and mental stuff. We started by drawing up a game plan — literally! A little bit of planning can prevent things from going haywire, or so I thought. You begin by mapping out your space and selecting obstacles that are safe but challenging. Think about easy-to-move items, like cones for zig-zag runs or ropes for a hopscotch grid. These obstacles should get the heart racing just enough without turning the yard into Wipeout.

Then you bring in the trivia. This is where it gets juicy. Scatter trivia checkpoints throughout the course, where participants have to answer questions before they can move to the next section. We used laminated cards with a dry erase marker — reusable and non-messy. You could ask questions like, “What’s the capital of Australia?” or “Name the largest mammal?” It was fascinating to watch friends trying to balance speed with brain power. And let me tell ya, seeing my best friend doing a crab walk while trying to recall the periodic table is a memory I’ll forever cherish.

Now, let’s not forget safety first, folks. Make sure you clear out any sharp objects and arrange the course so it doesn’t involve climbing unstable surfaces. My mistake? Not considering the weather forecast. Halfway through, rain decided to join the party. Slippery grass is no joke; folks were sliding around like penguins on an ice rink. We had a good laugh but, on hindsight, always check the forecast or set up tarps for shelter.

If I had to do it over, I’d probably double-check the difficulty of the trivia questions. Some were too easy; participants zoomed through those sections and didn’t get the brain workout we hoped for. The key is finding that sweet spot where they’re scratching their heads a little while still having fun. And you know, sometimes you gotta step back and say, “Hey, good enough.” Trying to make it perfect misses the point — it’s about the experience, and usually, what makes your group laugh hysterically later.

In the end, everyone left muddy, a bit smarter, and grinning ear to ear. So, roll up those sleeves and dive into creating your own trivia obstacle course. It’s a puzzle for the body and the mind, and you’ll be the hero of the neighborhood — or at least the backyard. But, hey, just remember to triple-check the weather, alright? Cheers to trivia and obstacles!

8. Trivia Capture the Flag: Strategic Knowledge Warfare

Have you ever played Capture the Flag and thought, “You know what this needs? A brain workout”? That’s how Trivia Capture the Flag was born—or at least how I stumbled into it. The first time I tried this with my neighborhood crew, we took the classic game’s frantic fun and added the twist of quick-witted trivia challenges. I’ll be honest, it didn’t all go smoothly. At first, it was a madhouse of shouts and confusion, which led me to realize that there needs to be some basic structure for this to work. Here’s how you can up your game with some strategic knowledge warfare.

First things first: the basics. Just like regular Capture the Flag, you set up two team zones with a neutral area in between. But here’s the twist—each time a player is “tagged” in enemy territory, they don’t just get sent to “jail.” Instead, they’re asked a trivia question. This is where things get spicy. I decided to cater questions to everyone’s favorite school subjects. Let me tell you, watching my buddy Adam struggle over a historical date was pure gold, especially since he’s always gloating about how much he knows about history.

When it comes to strategy, it’s all about balance. It’s not just a matter of who’s the fastest runner anymore; it’s about who’s the sharpest thinker. I’ve watched some folks use the trivia challenges to their advantage, sending in a player they knew could easily answer questions to distract the opponents, meanwhile sneaking in behind to grab the flag. Over time, you’ll find out who’s got the trivia chops versus who’s the fastest on their feet. That kind of strategic play blew my mind at first. Who knew that a game could be this smart and active at the same time?

Variations are endless with this concept. For small groups, we sometimes engage in a mini-version in a local park area. Instead of a wide field, you can have a circular setup with stations where players answer questions to pass through. It adds an intensified layer of pressure when space is tight, and there’s nowhere to hide after a wrong answer. For larger crowds, we incorporate “safe houses,” where tagged players go to answer a series of questions under a time limit before being released. This ups the ante because while you’re holed up thinking, others might be creeping closer to the flag!

Reflecting back on our many game days, I still chuckle at the moments when a well-timed trivia question turned the tide of the game. Like the time we stumped my fiercely competitive sister with a question about pop music. She’s never been more frustrated, which is saying something! So, if you’re looking to inject some cerebral excitement into a physical game, Trivia Capture the Flag is your ticket. It’s a great way to see who knows their stuff—and who, honestly, needs to hit the books.

9. Outdoor Trivia Charades: Act, Guess, and Learn

When it comes to Outdoor Trivia Charades, let me tell you, it’s one of those activities that can turn a simple backyard hangout into a day of belly laughs and learning. And trust me, I’ve seen it work wonders—there’s something absolutely hilarious about watching your uncle try to mime a prancing gazelle. But the real beauty of this game lies in its blend of charades and trivia, offering a delightful mix of action, guesses, and knowledge.

Now, let’s talk about setting the stage. First off, choose your outdoor charades topics wisely. Nature-themed charades are always a hit. Think about animals, adventurous activities like rock climbing, or environmental concepts like “photosynthesis”—although miming that could be, well, interesting to say the least. Once, during a gathering in the park, I made the mistake of choosing a rock as a topic. I stood there frozen, hands drooping, hoping they’d get it. It took them ages—but hey, laughter erupted, so it wasn’t a total loss!

Engaging all players in the action is crucial in keeping the vibes high. Start by splitting into teams. Each team gets a designated time limit to act out their trivia clue. Here’s a tip: avoid overly complex topics; keep them within the range of everyone’s knowledge and expertise. Make sure everyone’s got a chance to participate because the energy of this game comes from its inclusivity. I’ve noticed that kids particularly shine in this setting—likely because they have no inhibitions flailing their arms to mimic a soaring eagle!

Incorporating trivia questions into charades gives players a chance to learn something new. Before you start miming away, say the trivia question and hint at the answer through your actions. For example, if your trivia question is, “What mammal can’t jump?” you might start hopping around and then suddenly halt, with puzzled gestures until your teammates howl, “Elephant!” It’s not just funny; it’s educational too. Make those trivia questions about your local environment for a community-focused twist—ideal for those backyard BBQs with the whole neighborhood.

To keep things spiced up, set some rules like having a ‘charade-off’ for tougher clues. Watching grown-ups compete in ridiculousness is extra fuel to the fun battery pack. Another sprinkle of advice: have props readily available. Leaves, sticks, or anything lying around can provide a fantastic visual cue. I recall one occasion where a makeshift antler from twigs made the deer charade a slam dunk!

Remember, the goal is not to be perfect but to connect, laugh, and learn. And if you end up laughing so hard you don’t quite finish the game—like my family often does—that’s a victory all its own. So, gather your friends and family, grab your hats and sunscreen, and dive into Outdoor Trivia Charades—a game that’s less about skill and more about creating moments and memories.

10. Water Balloon Trivia: Splash and Learn

Ah, who doesn’t love the simple joys of a water balloon? Mischief and mayhem wrapped in a thin, rubbery package. But here’s a twist: make it educational with Water Balloon Trivia! This game is a hoot and a half, particularly on those scorching summer days when everybody’s craving a splash of fun and a bit of mental exercise. It’s like learning in disguise hidden under the refreshing plunge of a water balloon.

So, here’s how you get started: first, fill a hundred or so water balloons. I know what you’re thinking! That’s a lot of balloons. But trust me, once the game gets rolling, they disappear like hotcakes. If you’ve got kids around, make them earn their screen time by filling them. Once ready, gather your crew—friends, family, whoever you can persuade with the enticement of both trivia challenge and the potential for hilarity.

The setup is half the fun. Divide players into teams – two is fine, but three or four? Even better. Have everyone stand in a circle to add a social touch, which keeps things lively and interactive. Now, each team will take turns answering trivia questions. They can span any category imaginable: history, geography, pop culture (a personal favorite), or a mix of them all!

If a team answers correctly, they choose another team to hit with a water balloon. The fun part? You have to toss ’em gently. No pelting; it’s water balloons, not dodgeball! However, when the chosen team’s mark misses (you’d be surprised at how tricky aiming can get), everyone will have a good laugh, and let’s be honest, the person who got wet will be secretly thankful for the cool-off.

The beauty of this game is its adaptability. In a hotter climate, freeze some balloons overnight for a chilly surprise, just not too cold; it’s meant to be fun, not torturous. During a cooler season, swap out water balloons for soft foam balls or even beanbags, and turn trivia pauses into a hop or a skip instead of a splash. Once, in autumn, I tried using those little bags of rice tied in balloons—less splash but somehow just as giggle-inducing.

Admittedly, the logistics can get a smidge chaotic if you don’t establish some rules. Clearly demarcate play areas and set a “no aiming for the face” policy to avoid any unwanted nosefuls of water. And be sure to play in a space where wetness isn’t an issue—nothing ruins a day like a soggy couch or splattered electronic!

Every time I play this with my kids, I’m amazed by the fierce competitiveness trivia ignites. They’ve sneakily started curating trivia questions themselves, trying to stump us adults. With some snacks on the side, perhaps watermelon slices or popsicles, the energy just doesn’t seem to fade.

Sure, setting it up can test your patience, like that one time I accidentally dropped an entire bucket of filled balloons before even starting—splash town without the trivia! Live and learn, right?

In closing, Water Balloon Trivia has a knack for bringing together everything that’s great about summer afternoons: laughter, learning, and that delightful element of surprise. Happy splashing!

Conclusion

Wow! Who knew learning could be this much fun? These 10 outdoor trivia games are sure to provide hours of entertainment while keeping your mind sharp and your body active. Whether you’re planning a family reunion, a team-building event, or just a fun day out with friends, these games offer something for everyone. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your thinking cap, put on your running shoes, and head outside for some trivia-filled adventures! Remember, the more you play, the smarter (and fitter) you’ll become. Let the games begin!

Sam Ferguson

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