Geocaching-Let’s Go Outside Noreen Poor

What is geocaching? Geocaching is an outdoor recreational activity in which participants find hidden objects with the assistance of global positioning system (GPS) units. The first geocache was hidden in the woods near Portland, Oregon, in May 2000; the geocache consisted of a 5- gal bucket filled with interesting kitsch such as a VHS tape, a Ross Perot book, and a can of beans. See website for video: https://www.geocaching.com/geocac he/GCGV0P_original-stash-tribute- plaque 2/16/2018 PASSAGE Workshop, Daytona State College

Where is geocaching? There are millions of geocaches, and certainly one near you. This map shows the geocaches near Daytona State College. You can find the location of geocaches by logging into Geocaching.com. 2/16/2018 PASSAGE Workshop, Daytona State College

What’s in a geocache? Two types of geocaches, physical and virtual Physical geocaches (see goody bag) Have a GC number, A container, and A log to be signed as evidence of your visit A size, difficulty, and terrain rating A set of geocoordinates (lat/long or UTM). Geocache details such as when last found, site conditions, and hints are available at geocaching.com. Not located any closer than 0.10 mile. Not buried…but they can be in hollow logs, covered by leaves, hanging from trees, hidden in metal poles, etc. 2/16/2018 PASSAGE Workshop, Daytona State College

2/16/2018 PASSAGE Workshop, Daytona State College

So what’s a virtual geocache? Like a physical geocache, a virtual geocache will have a geocache number, as well as ratings for difficulty and terrain. The participant follows the direction of the geocache owner to document the visit through photographs or by answering questions. An Earthcache is an example of a virtual geocache, and is a learning opportunity. There is one near this campus (handout). 2/16/2018 PASSAGE Workshop, Daytona State College

What to do with your find! Once you find a geocache, you can log it into the geocaching.com database, which tracks your accomplishments and awards you with icons. You can also purchase physical objects to reward your accomplishments (see goody bag). There is no cost to join geocaching.com, BUT for an annual fee you can log “premium” caches and have access to more services. 2/16/2018 PASSAGE Workshop, Daytona State College

To hide or sponsor a cache or an event, follow the steps given at geocaching.com 2/16/2018 PASSAGE Workshop, Daytona State College