Geocaching: High Tech Hide And Seek

Geo-caching is a high tech game played all over the world. Since it's inception in the year 2000, it has spread to over 100 countries on all seven continents, including Antarctica. Equipped with GPS devices, adventure seekers try to locate hidden containers (caches) outdoors, in sometimes remote locations, and then share their experiences online. It is a strong community of people of all ages and can often be a family affair. As of now, there are over 900,000 geo-caches throughout the world.

To play, you must go to http://www.geocaching.com/ and sign up. Then, enter your zip code or address and find the caches that are closest to you. If you have never done this before, it is probably best to start with a few simple ones until you are more familiar with the game. Once you have found a few that you are interested in, get your GPS out and track them down! When you have found one, open it and take out the logbook and any small trinket that may be there. Sign the logbook and return it to the cache and keep the trinket. Make sure that you return the cache to the exact location where you found it. After you are finished with your treasure hunting, share your experiences online. If you have photos, even better.

To place your own cache for other players, add the logbook and a trinket (optional), and record the coordinates. Then post these and any other clues to a site listing. Other players will get the coordinates from the site and the fun begins.

A typical cache is a small waterproof container which contains a logbook and sometimes a small toy or trinket. The trinkets can be anything from small cache buttons to pocketknives and whistles. Most players have a personalized swag or cache bag to keep their trinkets in and they also sell ones that are especially for children. Kids may also enjoy temporary cache tattoos, patches, and wristbands. In addition, it is recommended that players carry geocaching trash bags as this is an earth friendly, green activity. This is a fun activity for the whole family and the skills obtained may serve your children well into the future.