FAQ: Your New Geocaching Message Center

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We’ll be the first to admit it: contacting other geocachers hasn’t always been the easiest thing to do on Geocaching.com. We heard your feedback and that’s why we’ve created the brand new Message Center beta.

With this new feature, you can send and receive messages from Geocaching.com. It’s still in beta testing, which is why we’d love your feedback for the final release. After you send a few messages, fill out this survey and tell us what you think.

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Why did you create the Message Center?

We know that geocaching is better when players communicate with each other so we wanted to make that easier. The challenge, after all, should be in the adventure and not in the tools you use. So what are you waiting for? Reach out to a geocache owner for a hint or plan a weekend outing with your best geocaching buddies! We’re considering this a beta product meaning we’re still in the process of taking feedback and improving. So be sure to tell us what you think by taking this survey.

Message Center beta on the Geocaching Intro app

 

Why is Message Center not available in the paid Geocaching app?

We’ve made the decision to direct our app development resources toward the Geocaching Intro app to create an introductory geocaching experience on mobile that can be unlocked into a full geocaching experience with Premium membership. This decision was made in response to the many requests from our players to include a full geocaching mobile experience with Premium membership.

Additionally, the Message Center is a social feature intended to be used by all geocachers. To ensure a great social experience, we believe it’s essential that this feature be accessible to all by providing it to basic members in the free app.

Can I hide conversations or block geocachers from Message Center in the app?

At this time, it is not possible to hide conversation or block geocachers from the Message Center in the app. You can do so from the Message Center beta on Geocaching.com. Please note that if you hide a conversation or block another player on the web, those messages will still appear in the mobile app. (Although you will not receive any further messages if another player has been blocked.)

Is this functionality important to you? Be sure to tell us what you think in this survey. And remember, the new Message Center for mobile is a beta product, meaning that it will continue to improve as we receive feedback from geocachers like you. So stay tuned as we add even more awesomeness to this new feature!

Message Center beta on Geocaching.com

 

How do I find the Message Center?

You can access the Message Center at any time by selecting the envelope icon in the upper right corner of Geocaching.com.

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How do I send a new message to another player?

So this is pretty cool. Start typing a player’s username into the search bar. Select their name from the list of suggested usernames. Then send them a message!

SendNewMessagetoPlayer

I want to delete a message. How do I do that?

We do not currently allow players to permanently delete a message. You can, however, “Hide Conversation” which will cause the message thread to disappear until the next time you start a conversation with that player.

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How can I block another player from messaging me?

With the new Message Center, you have the option to block another player. The other player will not be able to see that you have blocked them. Hover over the player’s username, click the red circle with the line through it and follow the prompts to block the player.

BlockMessageCenter

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Will Message Center be available in the Geocaching Intro app?

Absolutely! We will be launching a beta version of Message Center in the Geocaching Intro app for both iPhone and Android in the near future. So yes! You’ll be able to talk with your fellow geocachers on the go.

 

Will I now receive updates about Found It logs and Instant Notifications through the Message Center?

No! Game-triggered emails like Found It logs, Instant Notifications, and Trackable logs will continue to be sent to the email address associated with your Geocaching account.

I want (or don’t want) to receive notifications about new messages to my email. How do I set this up?

You can turn on/off email notifications for new messages in your Account Settings. Just be sure the check in to the Message Center or mobile app from time to time to see if you’ve missed anything from your fellow geocachers.

Does this mean you’ll be taking away the old Send Email to User page?

Nope! This page will continue to exist for the foreseeable future and is the best way to contact your local Community Volunteer Reviewer. However, we hope that you’ll find the Message Center to be the best way to communicate with your fellow geocachers!

More questions? You’ll find answers in the Geocaching Help Center.

Tools Of The (CITO) Trade

Germany's Frühjahrsputz am Kemnader See 2015 CITO group photo
Germany’s Frühjahrsputz am Kemnader See 2015 CITO group photo

Cache In Trash Out®, also known at CITO, is an ongoing environmental initiative supported by the worldwide geocaching community. Since 2002, geocachers around the world have been dedicated to improving parks and other cache-friendly places. Through these volunteer efforts, we help preserve the natural beauty of our outdoor resources.

Geocachers around the world celebrate International Cache In Trash Out Weekend annually by hosting and participating in CITO events in their local area. Events might be focused on litter clean-up, removal of invasive species, revegetation efforts or building trails. Together, we make an enormous positive impact. Did we mention that we also have a bit of fun while we’re at it?

The 13th Annual Cache In Trash Out Weekend is scheduled for April 24-27, 2015.  So it’s time for you to roll up your sleeves. But what should you bring? What should you do? And my goodness, WHAT SHOULD YOU WEAR? Don’t worry steadfast geocachers – we gotcha covered!

Lackeys Cindy, Carly, and Annika CITO up a storm
Lackeys Cindy, Carly, and Annika CITO up a storm

If you’re hosting a CITO, make sure to have:

  • A well stocked first aid kit
  • Directional signs so people can find the CITO location
  • Garbage bags – lots and lots of garbage bags
  • More garbage bags
  • Extra work gloves to protect hands
  • Necessary tools such as shovels, buckets, rakes, etc.
  • Water and snacks
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Safety vests for high-traffic areas
  • A lanyard for your whistle, camera, GPS, or any other gear you may need within reach
The Geocaching CITO Host Kit includes: 10 Official CITO Trash Bags 1 CITO Vest 1 Pair CITO Work Gloves 1 Standard Lanyard 1 Lanyard Pen 1 CITO Geocoin- Gold 5 CITO Trackable Tags
The Geocaching CITO Host Kit includes:
10 Official CITO Trash Bags, 1 CITO Vest, 1 Pair CITO Work Gloves, 1 Standard Lanyard, 1 Lanyard Pen, 1 CITO Geocoin- Gold, 5 CITO Trackable Tags. The Kit includes some items for getting the job done, as well as some very sought after give-a-ways for your guests.

If you’re attending a CITO:

Definitely dress for the weather, and for the area you’ll be working. For example, if you plan to clear blackberry bushes, shorts probably aren’t your best choice. Always bring work gloves, water, snacks, sunscreen, plus any tools that might come in handy like a grabber, shovel, or rake. Pro tip: labeling your tools with your name and phone number is a great idea in case your tools get mixed up during the event.

Tools of the (CITO) Trade
Tools of the (CITO) Trade

What about CIRO (Cache in, Recycle Out)?

Did you know that blue is the new green? Recycling bags are for anything that we can reuse, so make sure to bring some recycling bags to pick up those discarded water bottles, beer/soda cans, and the like. We found 50 bags selling on Amazon (30-gallon capacity) for about $20.00.

Signal is a fan of Cache In RECYCLE Out
Signal is a fan of Cache In RECYCLE Out

Treat yourself:

You’ve worked hard. You smell like sweat and garbage. You’ve taken good care of Mother Earth. How about treating yourself to something pretty like a CITO Geocoin, Travel Tag, patch, pin, or a fresh T-shirt?

treats
All these CTIO-licious items can be found in our shop at shop.geocaching.com

Make it a daily habit:

Why wait for a special event? How about you always bring an extra bag or two, and help keep Mother Earth happy whenever you’re out searching for that next smiley?

CITO whenever the opportunity arises - Cheers!
Why wait? CITO whenever the opportunity arises!

Will you be attending or hosting a CITO event this year? Tell us about it in the comments below!

2.5 Weeks Left Until CITO Weekend 2015

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CITO Weekend is Coming Up! Find an Event and Earn Your Souvenir.

CITO (Cache In Trash Out®) Weekend is coming up soon! On April 24–27, geocachers around the world gather at events to clean up natural areas, plant trees or remove invasive species and earn a souvenir. If you’re planning on creating your own event, remember that all events must be submitted at least two full weeks before the event date.

For those planning on attending an event and earning your souvenir, check out the Event Calendar or new geocache search to find CITOs near you. Make sure to mark your ‘Will Attend’ to let the event organizers know you’re coming.

Find a CITO Event Near You

In Case You Missed It: Journey to the Center of the EarthCache

On April 1, we released a short documentary video featuring a group of brave geocachers as they journeyed to the most difficult EarthCache in the world. Their trip was nothing short of incredible. If you haven’t seen it, watch it here.

Ready to join the team? Show your HARDCORE EARTHCACHER pride with a t-shirt and sticker from Shop Geocaching.

Das CITO-Wochenende naht! Nimm an einem Event teil und erhalte dafür ein Souvenir.

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Nur noch zweieinhalb Wochen bis zum CITO-Wochenende 2015

Bald ist CITO-Wochenende! Vom 24.-27. April treffen sich Geocacher aus aller Welt bei Events, um die Landschaft zu säubern, Bäume zu pflanzen oder eingewanderte Arten zu entfernen und ein Souvenir zu bekommen. Falls Du ein eigenes Event planst: Denke daran, dass alle Events zwei Wochen vor dem Event-Datum eingereicht werden müssen.

Wenn Du vor hast, an einem Event teilzunehmen und Dir Dein Souvenir zu verdienen, solltest Du im Event-Kalender nach CITOs in Deiner Nähe suchen. Logge Deinen Teilnahmewunsch, um die Event-Veranstalter über Deine Teilnahme zu informieren.

Such nach einem CITO-Event in Deiner Nähe.

Falls Du es verpasst hast: Die Reise zum Mittelpunkt des EarthCaches

Am 1. April haben wir eine kurze Dokumentation über eine Gruppe mutiger Geocacher und ihre Reise zum schwierigsten EarthCache der Welt veröffentlicht. Die Tour war einfach unglaublich. Sieh Dir das Video hier an, falls Du es noch nicht gesehen hast.

Bist Du bereit, dem Team beizutreten? Zeige mit dem T-Shirt und Aufkleber aus dem Geocaching-Shop, dass Du ein stolzer HARDCORE-EARTHCACHER bist.

 

Oh, the huge manatee! — Bubbles! (GC1VQ12) — Geocache of the Week

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Aww. Hugs for Bubbles. Photo by geocacher lorriebird
Aww. Hugs for Bubbles. Photo by geocacher lorriebird

Geocache Name:

Bubbles! (GC1VQ12)

Difficulty/Terrain Rating:

1.5/1

Why this is the Geocache of the Week:

It’s been said that the best part of geocaching isn’t what you find, but who. And while out geocaching, you never know who (or what) you’ll meet. In the case of the Geocache of the Week, you’ll meet Bubbles, a giant manatee that likes to dress up for different holidays.Who knew manatees were so stylish?

What geocachers have to say:

“Found this morning. Bubbles had her Easter hat on. How cute! Thanks sheppardnik for bringing us here. We took several pictures with Bubbles.” – Livingourdream 2

“Great place for a cache and great photo op. Found the cache and posed for a quick pic with Bubbles. This one gets a favorite from us. TFTC” – Grand Illusion Crew

“How cute is this for a geocache!? Love it!” – HelloSweetie

 

Photos:

I never knew there were Irish manatees. Photo by geocacher jkandkt
I never knew there were Irish manatees. Photo by geocacher jkandkt
Rabbitee? Manabbit? Either way, here's Bubbles. Photo by geocacher Teachbs65
Rabbitee? Manabbit? Either way, here’s Bubbles. Photo by geocacher Teachbs65
Bubbles is ready to party. Photo by geocacher safechrisLaurie
Bubbles is ready to party. Photo by geocacher safechrisLaurie

 

What’s your best we-met-while-geocaching story? Tell us in the comments.

Continue to explore some of the most engaging geocaches around the globe. Check out all the Geocaches of the Week on the Geocaching blog. If you would like to nominate a Geocache of the Week, just fill out this form. Thanks!