Andy Camper

GeoCaching

Build It

Build a GeoCache

If there isn’t a cache near you, why not start your own? Go to geocaching.com and enter your Postal or zip code to find the closest one.  It’s easy to get started – all you need is a waterproof container, a small spiral logbook and about 10 items for trading to get the cache stated.  The loot doesn’t have to be expensive or elaborate.  Buy some stuff at your local dollar store or make your own.  It’s not the loot that makes it fun…it’s getting there.  Think of the loot as a reward for someone who finds it.  Here are some simple guidelines for building and hiding your cache. 

Getting started

Your medium sized container should be a weatherproof box or bucket that will stay dry in the rain and stand up to cold or hot weather.  Tupperware or Rubbermaid ones are a good choice. It only has to be big enough to hold your logbook and a few (10) small trading items.  Make sure your loot is safe for anyone to handle, including small children. Never put food in your cache because it can attract wild animals that can destroy it or pose a danger for your treasure hunters. A lot of the geocachers add zip lock and plastic bags to their cache to make sure things stay dry.  If you have a travel bug to add, that’s a great way to get your cache noticed online. One last thing, remember to put a pencil not a pen for the logbook and maybe a pencil sharpener. Pens never seem to work when you need them! 

It’s also a good idea to put a “Stash Note” in your cache. This note will explain what it is for non-geocachers and give them instructions on how to join the game if they wish. Here’s the official “stash note” from geocaching.com. 

Where to hide it

A good hiding place is one that’s not too far off the beaten track but that will be a bit of a challenge to get to or a really neat spot that you think people need to see. A short hike from a public road is a good idea. Make sure you have permission from the landowner to place it on their property. Many public places like National Parks have rules about placing caches there.  It is illegal in the US to place a cache in a National Park.  Parks Canada has special guidelines on how to place caches on their sites. Don’t place a cache in an area like the edge of a cliff that would pose great danger to anyone who searches for it. High traffic areas and other public areas may not be a good idea either. Check with an adult to make sure your hiding spot is safe and appropriate. 

How to register and maintain your cache

Once you have a container ready and a good place to hide it, log on to Geocaching.com and submit your cache for approval. Volunteers review your cache before it gets posted. 

With so many people searching for your cache it’s important that you make sure you maintain it so others can continue visiting your site. Remember that caches are intended to be placed in an area permanently and should never be moved or removed unless there’s new safety concerns or the site is no longer is appropriate. In this case, remember to notify Geocaching.com so they can update their site. Remember to take the coordinate 2 times. Just to make sure they are correct. 

Let’s get outside and try something new - Happy caching!