Can you follow map directions? Do you have a GPS device? Here’s a fun outdoor activity to do with your kids. Take them geocaching!
Geocaching is a “high-tech” treasure hunting game enjoyed by people of all ages around the world. The idea is to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, using GPS technology and then share your experiences online.
The Rules:
- If you take something from the cache, leave something of equal or greater value.
- Write about your find in the cache logbook.
- Log your experiences at www.geocaching.com.
Tips for Geocaching with Kids:
Select the cache carefully. Read the cache description to get an idea of what you’re looking for or do a search for a cache using the key words “kids”, “children” or “family”. Callaway Gardens, for example, has a number of caches. For a complete list, go to www.geocaching.com and search on ZIP code 31822. All of the caches within the Gardens begin with the pre-fix “Callaway Gardens.”
Check the comments by other geocachers before you go. See if there are any unusual things near the site such as rough terrain, poison ivy, snakes, mud or heavy underbrush growth.
Be prepared. Bring a little first aid kit with band aids, Neosporin and other common necessities for cuts and scrapes. Take plenty of water and snacks. You’ll also want a pen or marker to write with, some stickers or trinkets to leave in a larger cache, a notebook and any other necessities your family may need.
On the Net:
http://eduscapes.com/geocaching/kids.htm
http://www.geocachingkids.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geocaching
