Now here's an outdoors activity we can all get busy with during summer: Geocaching! And whether you're a seasoned pro, or a total novice, this is one family adventure everyone will love getting out and about for. But for those of you who don't (yet) have a Scooby Doo about these fun escapades, then read on for the London for Kidz' beginners guide to Geocaching...
What is Geocaching?
A Geocache or 'cache is a small, waterproof box hidden outside, and the name of the game is to go on a digital treasure hunt, using a handheld GPS to track down the goodies that are inside that box. It's a HUGE worldwide community, so not only will you find some awesome adventures, but you might even find a few friends too.
What equipment do I need?
A handheld GPS (a phone is fine)
Water
Snacks (cos, let's face it, kids need to eat every 2 minutes)
Sunscreen when it's hot
A sense of adventure
A few trinkets or notes to leave in place of the goodies you find.
A pen.
Optional: your dog. Just because they love an adventure too.
How does Geocaching work?
Geocachers seek out hidden 'treasure' guided by a GPS enabled device which in turn uses coordinates, or ‘waypoints’ downloaded from the official Geocaching website. If you have an Android or iPhone, you can also download, for free, the Geocaching app.
No matter where you are in the UK, whether it's on a mountain, at the coast, or in a forest, there are Geocaches hidden the length and breadth of the country. And, in fact, all around the world.
What will I find?
Well, apart from a huge sense of accomplishment, most 'caches will have a log book inside for you to read the messages and leave your own. There are often cool little trinkets that people have left behind to swap too. Just don't forget: if you take a treasure, do replace it with something for the next Geocachers to find.
The treasure might be in a tube like the one pictured above, in a box or in a plastic container, but however the treasure is stashed, do make sure you re-seal it when you're done and place it back where you found it.
And that's it. You're now ready to fire up and go on your first Geocaching adventure!
Like this story? Here are even more ideas for the weeks ahead!
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