Just putting my two cents in but...
I really feel like the first two on the list (scavenger hunts and kidnappings) can be some of the most events during pledging.
Personally, I look forward to those sort of things...
The key here, however (and this was touched upon earlier) is not to let it get out of hand. Our Chapter has made mistakes before w/ events like that, and we've learned from them. For instance, if car accidents are a problem or a danger during kidnappings (and let's face it... the car chase is sorta inevitable
), then simply not allow the use of cars during the games. For scavenger hunts, don't put things on the list which are just a bad idea, i.e. stop signs, girls' bras, and other things that could just really get you into trouble. Honestly, if you can plan these events responsibly, it makes all the difference between a "risky" event and a safe and fun one.
Oh, and having the class plan it's own service project or fundraiser is a good idea too. I like to think of all my pledge classes like a mini-fraternity. They are learning about Brotherhood and working together and orgainzing things, and at the same time, they are assimilating into the larger fraternity: our Chapter. By having them plan and organize things of that nature, they began to understand and are better prepared to deal w/ all the problems that can arise in the ACTUAL fraternity. Pledging is a lot like a "practice run" in that sense.
But hey, that's just my opinion... anyone else out there feel the same?