Thursday, March 8, 2012

Geocaching Adventures




In case you don't know what geocaching is, i'll start with the basics.

What is Geocaching?
Geocaching is a real-world, outdoor treasure hunting game using GPS-enabled devices. Participants navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates and then attempt to find the geocache (container) hidden at that location.

Basically, It's a high-tech treasure hunt that can help engage your kids in the natural world!


We use the Groundspeak's Geocaching Iphone App. It's a $10 app but completely worth it! However, there are other geocaching apps that are free or cheap, but the accuracy and other features of the app we use is amazing.




We also have and use the Geomate Jr. which is a geocache gps device specifically for kids. It's easy to use and it comes preloaded with 250,000 geocaches covering all 50 states (or your country.) Just switch on the Geomate.jr, then follow the distance and arrow to the closest Geocache. It will display the 20 closest geocaches to your location and give you information about the geocache such as cache ID, difficulty, terrain and size, etc. It costs about 70 dollars as I remember. It can be updated to include more geocaches as well. It was an awesome investment in fun!



Geocaching is a wonderful family activity that gets everyone outdoors and working together!
There are a few simple rules to geocaching.


Rule Number One
 If you take something from the geocache you must leave something of equal or greater value. This is the easiest and greatest lesson to teach a young geocacher. It's a lesson in fairness and giving.



We brought along our finders keepers treasures that we made
 and placed them in each geocache we found.




Rules 2 and 3
Record your find in the logbook located in the geocache and
Log your experience at www.geocaching.com.




Now on to our weekend! 
We made the most of the beautiful weather last weekend and went Geocaching.
Because we had both boys with us, we sought out the geocaches close by and with the easiest difficulties and terrain. We found 4 out of the 5 we looked for.




Geocache 1



This geocache was located right by our local recycling center.
 It was placed by a geocacher who wanted to raise awareness about recycling.


L and his Uncle Mike



this one was buried under some leaves.









Geocache 2

This was our 2nd time trying to find this one. We still didn't find it but this area is beautiful.
 This is a gorgeous chapel in the woods!




Geocache 3

This one was a great find because it was easy AND had great loot for kids!












Geocache 4

This one is found on our local animal shelter's property. They place it here to raise awareness about the shelter! It is VERY easy and kid friendly--basically a toy chest!





Geocache 5

This was the first time for my husband to go geocaching with us and he found this one.
Now he's hooked!







Learn everything you need to know about Geocaching  
HERE



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5 comments:

  1. My 2.5 yr old will find things while we are just out and about and bring them to me yelling "mom I found a geo cache" :D

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  2. how cool! we have gone geochaching before but have not encountered a cache filled with cool items! Love it!!!

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  3. I love geocaching! My daughter is only 15mo, so she's not quite to the point where she'll appreciate the hunt, but I' so excited for this experience we'll be sharing together!

    I'm also putting together a cache series that are big containers along a bike path for families with young children. (Let's admit, micro caches aren't that fun for kiddos)

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  4. Finally someone has explained geocaching in easy terms! I love the photos & it looks like you all had some fun doing this. Thanks for adding this to the outdoor play link up, Kierna

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  5. Thorncrown Chapel, right? Beautiful area! We LOVE geocaching!`

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