Get Ready!  Get Set!
Go! ...GeoCache!

Question: What do you get when you mix the traditional games of Hide-and-Seek and Scavenger Hunt with modern technology?  Answer: GEOCACHING!

GeoCaching is a family friendly way to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise with your kids while engaging their brains. The word GeoCache (pronounced GEE-oh-cash) is made up of two words: geo-, meaning Earth, and cache, meaning a safe place to store or hide valuables.

Geocaching is quickly becoming a world-wide phenomenon. Enthusiasts of all ages can now be found in over 200 countries. There are thousands of caches all over the world. Just go to GeoCaching.com and search by zip code, state or country. You may be surprised at how many caches are near you!

Just what is GeoCaching, you may ask? In the simplest terms, individuals and organizations set up caches and share the locations of the caches on the Internet for others to find. Using a GPS unit, or Global Positioning System, you enter the location coordinates to find the cache. The cache usually will contain a logbook to record you were there and any variety of small items of little value such as toys, games, trading cards, maps or anything that will fit. All that is asked is that if you take something, be prepared to leave something in its place!

You will need one piece of technology to get started, a GPS. A GPS device uses satellites to triangulate your position on the earth's surface. Coordinates are usually given in Longitude and Latitude and are accurate within 6 to 20 feet. Prices for GPS units can range anywhere from $100 to $1,000, depending upon their capabilities. However, even the most basic unit can get you where you want to go.

Once you have your GPS unit, all you need is a cache to find! Go to GeoCaching.com and find one near your home. All caches are rated on a scale of 1 to 5 for both difficulty (how hard the cache is to find) and terrain (mostly level ground is a 1). Families should start with caches that have a 1/1 to 2/2 rating.

Follow your GPS coordinates as close to the cache as you can go by car. Then it's time to park and hit the trail to hike the rest of the way! Remember that the GPS will get you within 6 to 20 feet of the cache's actual location. Sometimes the cache descriptions will include clues for your final steps, too. It takes a little patience, but the kids will have a great time running around looking for the hidden treasure!

More Activities

• Bring a nature guidebook and learn about plants and flowers along the way.
   
• Hide a cache in your yard or a nearby park and leave written clues for your kids.
   
• Let your kids make their own hiking snack from fruit snacks, nuts, raisins, and chocolate candies.
   
• Teach your kids more about Global Positioning Systems and in what other ways they are useful.
   
• Take along a camera to record your journey.
   
• Help your kids create and hide a cache for others!

We're not sure who wrote this description.  It was sent to us via email.  Thank you to whoever
did write it for their accurate description and ideas for sharing the sport with family.