Geocaching – In this day and age, while technology rules the roost, getting our kids outdoors can be difficult. Surfing the Web on Ipads, “connecting” with friends through social media apps on smartphones, or (if you’re old-school) playing games on Xbox or PlayStation, often takes preference over getting out, running around, rolling on the grass, and jumping in the pool.
I for one don’t like seeing my kids stuck inside when they could be enjoying the great outdoors and making memories. I have nothing against technology, however, I do feel that there needs to be a balance between incorporating it into our daily lives alongside good old-fashioned Gross-Motor activities.
If you’re with me on this, then I have an idea to share with you… Geocaching!
What is Geocaching?
Geocaching is an increasingly popular, fun, and healthy activity for all ages. And families can get involved together. I don’t mean to sound like an expert, I’m not… I’ve only recently discovered this gem (I know, I live under a rock). But stick with me, I really think this is a lovely idea for families.
This increasingly addictive sport includes 3 of the most amazing concepts. Technology, adventure, and nature. Now what child wouldn’t love that? Participating members use GPS and other navigational techniques to hide and seek-out containers called geocaches at specific locations which have been marked by coordinates.
It’s basically a treasure hunt on steroids!
How To Go Geocaching
The idea around this “sport” consists of using your handheld GPS to guide you to a specific destination where you will find a hidden container (cache). Once this container has been found, you log your visit into a logbook and trade one of the hidden treasures with your own. These exciting finds can range from painted rocks, giving bracelets to any kind of swag really.
Geocaching An Outdoor Sport?
This seems to be the perfect way to get children outside and in turn, entertain the entire family. You can even hide your own caches, send your coordinates to the website and get others to hunt them down. Some of these hidden gems contain a simple log that you mark once found (take a pencil) and others contain what is termed “SWAG” – little trinkets. Some expect you to solve a riddle or puzzle, and others keep you looking by sending you to dozens of other “hideouts”
The excitement and possibilities are endless.
Children can replace the SWAG with their own little toys, puzzles, and riddles. I just love the idea of a family treasure hunt, running around, curiosity growing, excitement brewing and in turn learning about and using technology in this innovative way!
Geocaching In South Africa
I think the first rule would be to always go in a large group. Scout out the area, and make sure it’s safe before adventuring into the unknown. South Africa boasts many beautiful parks that have become involved with geocaching.
I do, however, think that this could really be a wonderful experience, especially for families to enjoy together.
There are many websites that encourage us to learn more and give ideas as to where one can go geocaching.
Geocaching Acronyms
BYOP -Bring Your Own Pen
CITO – Cache In Trash Out – Geocachers dedicated to cleaning up parks and hiding caches.
DNF – Did Not Find
FTF – First To Find
LPC – Lamp Post Find – A cache hidden under a lamp post.
SWAG – Stuff We All Get
TB – Travel Bug – A trackable item with a unique code that is carried from cache to cache.
TFTC – Thanks For The Cache
TNLN – Took Nothing Left Nothing
TOTT – Tools Of The Trade
What is your opinion on Geocaching? I’d be interested to know!
I’m all for kids being outdoors and exploring and breathing in fresh air. I’ve never heard of Geocaching before. Thanks for sharing these links – will check it out.
MIND.BLOWN!! I feel like I’ve just been schooled lol!
Sounds like a lot of fun. Interesting
I think this is a great way to bring technology and the outdoors together as one I think it’s a great and fun concept.
Love Geocaching!
This is a favourite pastime of Bean and I. I touch on it too in How to REALLY up your dad game along with a few other indoor and outdoor activities including Rock Hunting – where you decorate and hide/find/rehide rocks. When you find one, take a photo and tag it on social media so their creators can see how they’ve travelled – #DynamicDadRocks are ours. Typically we do both at the same time for a great day out!
We love love doing this – it is so much fun hunting and then finding things – we have also got into rock painting too which is well worth a try :-)
#ThatFridayLinky
This is something I’ve been meaning to try with our girls. I must try it during these summer holidays.
#ThatLinkyFriday
Once again another activity to add to the list for when my kids get a little older. Can’t wait. #ThatFridayLinky
I have a bunch of friends who do this with their kids – it’s free and so much fun!
This looks a fab activity will be checking it out Thank you for linking to #Thatfridaylinky please come back next week
Fun! My sons have done some geo-caching here in Maine, and while it creeps me out a little bit to think about them creeping around under bridges or other strange places, it sounds like good family fun.
This is just starting to take off near me. I would love to try this out. #globalblogging
I’ve been wanting to try it but with my children’s inability to find even their shoes. . . I’m afraid they would never find anything.
My kids used to love to go geocaching. It is such a fun activity for the whole family. Maybe I can take my grandkids. Thanks for the reminder!
I really want to do this – we went on a GPS scavenger hunt once – it was so much fun!
It’s such a fun way to get the kids out and active! #globalblogging
Ooh this seems really fun – especially as my kids love treasure hunting and trails etc. I might look into this for the summer holidays x #GlobalBlogging
Back from #globalblogging
Jacqui, this sounds awesome, and I just want to learn more about this in our area! We have thousands of hiking trails that this can cover! What a hoot! Thank you, lovely! xoxo #globalblogging xoxo
Geocaching certainly has consumed our family. It’s great to get outdoors and explore new places. #GlobalBlogging
I keep meaning to do this with the youngest , seems great fun and a good way to get the kids out and about!!
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