Go find a Geocache!

To begin this post I would like to explain what a geocache is. Geocaching.com describes it as a real life treasure hunt and honestly I couldn't put it any better. You use a GPS to find the general location than search for the "cache" that could be smaller than a penny to larger than a tackle box.

 

Geocaching.com is the place to visit to find all
about geocaching and make your own account!

To me geocaching means great family time. It means using teamwork to use the GPS (walking in circles sometimes) and then when you find the general area it turns into an outright dash to find the cache. Honestly it does feel like finding treasure even when some of them are just a tube with a piece of paper to write your name on. It also doesn't have age limitations. As long as a child gets the idea of looking they are capable of finding. They rank the difficulty of caches on the website so you can easily take a 4-5 year old and trust me the feeling of finding a cache is amazing (and makes you feel like a child yourself). I have also used this as an activity when I was a counselor. I had teenagers who barely participate in other activities running around the camp looking for caches I had personally created and really interacting with other campers on their team.

 

Geocaching also means getting outside. Caches are supposed to be certain distances away from eachother and are also supposed to take you "somewhere". It mostly means that you are taken to parks or nature centers but sometimes there are really great geocachers that know how to teach you while you are on your journey. Either way you either get to go someplace new, go for a nice walk, stop and visit the playground, or at the very least get some fresh air.

 

How to begin a geocaching journey!
1. Make your geocacher account (read up on the "rules")
2. Find a few geoaches in the same general area with varying difficult. In the beginning pick on the easy side. Write down the coordinates and if you think you need the clue write that down too.
3. Get your GPS device and head out the door with family or friends. :)
4. Walk around (hopefully not in circles) until you find the correct coordinates.
5. FIND THE TREASURE!
6. Replace the cache to the same spot you found it.

 

This shows a small geocache. They can get smaller!
There is also micro caches
which are smaller than a dime. Source

 

Some tips:

• Starting on the easy side boosts your confidence and honestly introduces you to "how far" your cache might be from the coordinates.
• Honestly its not the same unless you bring a companion, bring someone with who might be skeptical trust me they will get in on the game REAL quick.
• When you start thinking some of the caches are too easy. Look for ones in your area with the most stars. This usually means that they are pretty creative and makes it much more difficult for you.
• Next time you plan a trip (road trip, camping trip, family vacation) look ahead for some caches you might want to find. What a great way to spend some family time together while away from home.

 

Good luck & have fun caching!
Let me know how your adventures go and make sure to let other people know how fun caching is! :)