What is Geocaching?
An Overview of the Rules, Equipment and Safety of Geocaching.
Geocaching (pronounced GEO-cashing) is an international game played with a G.P.S. unit , or G.P.S. equipped cell phone, through the website geocaching.com. It involves finding “treasure” - caches consisting of at least a logbook, and sometimes small trinkets. These caches are located around the globe, outdoors, in public places.
Rules of Geocaching
As with any game, Geocaching has rules. They are designed for safety of participants and caches, to promote the health of the environment, and to comply with local laws. According to Geocaching, the rules are very simple:
- Take something from the cache
- Leave something in the cache
- Write about it in the logbook
Geocaching also says that certain things shouldn’t be in a cache: “Explosives, ammo, knives, drugs, and alcohol shouldn't be placed in a cache. Respect the local laws. All ages of people hide and seek caches, so use some thought before placing an item into a cache.
Food items are ALWAYS a BAD IDEA. Animals have better noses than humans, and in some cases caches have been chewed through and destroyed because of food items in a cache. Please do not put food in a cache. “
Respecting the local laws includes respecting property boundaries. In the United States, caches are not to be placed on government property or in airports. If caches are found to be fenced in, players are expected not to cross the property boundary, and to report it to the owner of the cache using the cache listing on the site.
Cache Etiquette
In order to make caching a pleasant experience for all the players, cachers are expected to use some cache etiquette when playing. Cachers are asked not to move caches, or to reveal the location of the cache to “muggles”- bystanders in the area who aren’t playing. This help to ensure that caches don’t go missing and other players can find them. If a player is unable to find a cache, they are asked to log the cache as “not found”. Cachers are also asked to log damaged caches and missing or full log books. Players should not take an item form a cache unless they replace it with a similar item.
Preparing for Geocaching
Cachers should prepare for their trip by wearing hiking boots, long pants, a hat, and should bring an appropriate jacket for the time of year. Cachers should take someone with them, and notify someone of the time they are expected to return. Players are asked to be aware of their surroundings to avoid dangerous wildlife and injury. Cachers will also find it helpful to mark their car as a waypoint on their GPS to ensure they can return to their vehicle. When choosing a cache on the site, it is important to note the difficulty level, in order to set goals within your abilities.
Equipment Includes a GPS Unit or GPS Cell Phone
Some basic equipment is recommended for all cachers to ensure their safety. A small backpack or two is helpful for carrying the group’s equipment. At a minimum it should contain:
- GPS unit or GPS equipped cell phone- ensure batteries are fully charged, the unit works, you are familiar with how to use your G.P.S., and spare batteries are available
- Water for each person
- Sunscreen and Insect Repellant- although these may have been applied at home, it is important to bring extra in case sweat or rain removes it
- Basic hiking First Aid supplies- check with a local sporting goods store, or a local scouting troop for help.
- Trinkets- dime store toys or other inexpensive gifts
- Pen or Pencil
With proper preparation and safety in mind, Geocachers of any age will have a great time seeking treasure in the outdoors.
