Geocaching

[Koda]

I havent found much in these forums about geocaching. It's a hobby I just started and I think it would be a great addition to any scout units program. Durring the last couple outings I have been placing caches in the woods and giving each patrol a GPS reciever as a race to see what patrol can find all the caches the fastest. Several caches within 1/4 mile of the campsite keeps them busy for a couple hours (better than capure the flag with less arguing). If your a scout leader that is into the hobby, geocaching is also a way to find some great camping spots on public land. If you want to find out more visit http://www.geocaching.com/

[Fuzzy Bear]

The idea of hiking to find something is fun. Jeeping sounds like hunting done by the rich in England. Across your land we go, tra tra, tally ho, away we go..

[Trevorum]

Koda, I agree! Geocaching is the perfect alignment of outdoor skills and high-tech skills and has lots of fun learning opportunities to offer boys of both stripes.

 

This year, instead of our traditional orienteering campout, we added a geocaching event for the older guys (who had already passed basic map and compass skills). We set up our own course in advance. It was lots of fun and I think our PLC will want to do it again next year, this type with more bells and whistles.

 

As an aside, I like UTM coordinate systems much better than lat/long but that is a matter of taste.

[SR540Beaver]

My son and I do a little geocaching from time to time and it is a blast. We don't get to go as often as we like. A word to the wise if you are hiding a cache. Try to do it in the summer when there is full plant growth. I hid three in the early spring in some great hiding spots. The problem is that now they are almost inaccessable due to dense vegetation and poison ivy. I had to disable them on the internet until I can get to them and move them. My son was pumped to learn that there will be a geocaching event at the Jamboree.