How to go geocaching

Finding the time to participate in outdoor activities is a challenge for students.  Fortunately, opportunities are all around to incorporate outdoor exercise into daily routines.  Geocaching is a fun, relatively inexpensive way to do just that.

According to geocaching.com, “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.”  You can find these hidden in the base of a lamppost or in the parking lot of places you shop on a regular basis.  Other popular spots include park benches and bushes.   Here are the basics of what you need to get started.

1.)   Create a free account at Geocaching.com:  Creating this account will allow you to look up the list of the closest caches to your location.

2.)   A GPS enabled device:  For smartphone users there is the geocaching GPS enabled app available for a onetime fee on both the android and the iPhone.  The app will show a map of your location and the location of the cache.  A GPS enabled device is essential to the game.

3.)   Other tools:  You will need a pen or pencil to sign the logbook that is inside the cache.  Other tools will depend on where the cache is located.  Read the description given on the cache’s webpage.  The description will let you know if you need to climb a tree, go on a long hike or wade in water.

4.)   Safety first:  Geocaching can be dangerous.  When possible, bring a friend.  I personally have a geocache called Hotel For Cats, where I instruct people to not visit the location at night.  The cats living nearby will probably shy away from you.  However, the raccoons living there might not take too kindly to your intrusion.  If frightened or if they are worried about their young, they could attack.  Good rule of thumb:  Well-lit store parking lots are your best friend.  Wooded areas at night can cause quite a fright!

5.)   Be respectful:  Do put the cache back where it belongs.  Do sign the log and share your story on the geocaches personalized webpage.   Feel free to bring a bag to pick up any trash.  Follow all applicable laws such as trespassing signs.  Above all, have fun, and take advantage of the hundreds of geocaches within walking distance of our dorms here at Wright State.

Watch the video below to see what students think about geocaching.