Category: Learn

Whether you’re about to find your first geocache or your ten-thousandth, you’ve come to the right place to learn more about the game.

/ Alex

Find the Right Geocaching Party for You

Word on the street is, Mega-Events are the best thing since sliced bread

 

These geocaching parties of 500+ people offer more than a meet-and-greet of other geocachers—though that’s bound to happen too. Mega-Events are more like a celebration of all facets of the hobby we love. Often centered around a theme (ahem, *Pirates*), Mega-Events happen all over the world and are a must for every geocacher. Find one near you.

Geowoodstock
Were you there? Can you find yourself? GeoWoodstock XII.
Living in or visiting Germany? You'll never be short on awesome events.
Living in or visiting Germany? You’ll never be short on awesome events.

Not sure if Mega-Events are your thing?

 

Geocaching HQ’er Chris (Rock Chalk) discusses his experiences at four Mega-Events this past year, and you can be sure that no two Mega-Events are alike.
 By Chris Ronan

I’ve had the good fortune (and the necessary vacation time) to attend four Mega-Events in 2014. I’ve found Mega-Events to be much like any geocaching event in that they reflect the personality and geocaching style of the host community. However, they’re larger than typical events, as an event must have 500+ attendees to achieve Mega-Event status.

At this time last year, I had no idea what a Mega-Event was about, or whether I’d enjoy attending. Perhaps my experiences might be useful as you peruse the list of upcoming Mega-Events around the world.

 

S*W*A*G’s Yuma Mega #11
Held in Yuma, AZ, this was my first Mega-Event. I lived in Kansas at the time, so this was a wonderful mid-winter break from Midwestern winter. It was my first experience with Lab Caches, which took me on a great tour through the area. There’s a great variety of caching around Yuma—from power trails such as the Arizona Star Geo-Art and the S*W*A*G Geo-Art to higher-terrain hiking and climbing caches.

Logbook at the S.W.A.G. Yuma Mega event.
Logbook at the S.W.A.G. Yuma Mega-Event.

 

MOGA 2014
Unlike the Yuma Mega-Event, MOGA is held in a different place each year. The 2014 version took place in Athens, OH in late March. The perfect time for a road trip from Kansas! MOGA was where I experienced my first and only geocaching competition. The organizers took a different approach to Lab Caches, but they were just as enjoyable as what I’d seen in Yuma. The area offered a wonderful variety of geocaches. MOGA 2015 will be held in Jackson, MO, less than two hours from St. Louis.

A map-style logbook at the MOGA Mega-Event.
A map-style logbook at the MOGA Mega-Event.

Geowoodstock XII
Geowoodstock XII was held just 30 minutes from St. Louis, in the historic river town of St. Charles, MO. The immediate area is more urban than Yuma or Athens, which meant yet another different style of caching. Fittingly, the Lab Caches focused on the area’s amazing history. Speaking of history, GeoWoodstock XIII is to be held in Boonsboro, MD. I could talk for days about all the great caching in that area, but definitely don’t miss the Wherigo at Antietam National Battlefield. It’s one of my favorite caches ever!

If you're lucky, you might see Signal at a Mega event.
If you’re lucky, you might see Signal at a Mega-Event.

3IEE
Shortly after joining the staff of Geocaching HQ, I took a weekend to enjoy my first international Mega-Event in Duncan, British Columbia. 3IEE was a complete departure from my previous three Mega-Events, as it focused on EarthCaches. I’m no geology genius, but I walked away feeling like even I might be able to construct an enjoyable EarthCache, thanks to the many educational opportunities at the event. The Lab Caches introduced me to the beautiful Cowichan Valley. And, of course, I nabbed my first Canada caches, which were very cool!

At the International EarthCache Mega-Event!
At the International EarthCache Mega-Event!

I’ve had the chance to meet geocachers from around the world and enjoy very different geocaching experiences in some neat places. In fact, I’ve already booked another vacation to sunny Arizona for S*W*A*G Yuma Mega Event #12 on February 8, 2015. See you there!

/ Carly /

How to Claim a Geocaching FTF (First to Find)

 

Ping! That’s the sound of your phone or email notifying you when a new geocache is published nearby. Grab your geo-bag, gps device, and get moving… you want to be the FTF (First To Find).

 

Discovering new geocaches before anyone else. Image by @gc_steph
Discovering new geocaches before anyone else. Image by @gc_steph

 

Why would I want to be FTF?

Being FTF on a geocache is an exciting experience. You get to discover the newly published geocache prior to everyone else in the community and you get to brag about it 😉 . On many occasions, geocache owners will leave a small gift for the first geocacher to discover their cache. Prizes? Heck yes!

 

Photo by @officialtinysuperman
Photo by @officialtinysuperman
Cash prize! Image by Instagrammer @ruznuz
Cash prize! Image by Instagrammer @ruznuz

 

How do I set up instant notifications to let me know when a new geocache is published (only applicable to Premium Members)?

You can custom build notifications under Premium Member features.

  1. Go to the Add Instant Notification page
  2. Name the notification
  3. Choose a cache type to monitor (e.g. Traditionals, Events, etc.)
  4. Choose the types of logs you want to see (if you are just looking for newly published caches, choose “Publish Listing”)
  5. Set the location (central point) and distance (around that point) you want to watch.
  6. Check the email listed in the “Send to” drop-down menu. (If you would like to send Instant Notifications to an alternate email,you will need to manage your email addresses first.)
  7. Check “Enable Notifications”.
  8. Select “Create Notification” and you are set!

For addition information on Instant and Text Notifications please go here.

FTF! Image by @driftsolo
FTF! Image by @driftsolo

 

 

How can I add FTF to my statistics?

Geocaching.com does not have a feature that showcases FTFs, as Geocaching HQ does not regulate or manage FTFs. However, many geocachers use outside statistics-generating sites such as GSAK.net or MyGeocachingProfile.com to display their FTFs on their profile pages.

 

Now go and search, young grasshopper. 

Young grasshopper
Young grasshopper

 

How will you celebrate your first FTF? Pancakes?

FTF Pancakes
FTF Pancakes posted using #geocaching @Guwisti

 

 

/ Eric Schudiske /

Give a World of Adventure

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MailerImage_11172014_Activity_Kit_vFINAL_blog

Give a World of Adventure in a Geocache Container

The holidays are approaching and with the Geocaching Action and Discovery kit, you can inspire the spirit of adventure in kids. The Explorer’s Guide to Geocaching Activity Book—exclusive to the kit—guides them through the adventure of geocaching with fun characters, over a dozen activities and more. They’ll have everything they need to find their first few geocaches* as well as hide one of their own.

Give this kit and unlock millions of adventures around the world.

geocaching aad kit 1

geocaching aad kit 4

geocaching aad kit 2

Recommended for ages 8 – 12

The Geocaching Action and Discovery Kit includes:

  • The Explorer’s Guide to Geocaching Activity Book
  • Clear Ammo Can Container
  • Geocaching Logo Cinch Bag
  • Rock Geocache Container
  • Micro Geocache Container
  • Nano Geocache Container
  • Log Pencil
  • Small Logbook
  • Wooden Nickel
  • Geocaching Logo Patch
  • Geocaching Logo Bracelet

*Download of a free iPhone, Android or Windows Phone app required for outdoor geocaching.

notify me

 

/ Eric Schudiske /

New Challenge: Leave Your Keyboard at Lunch – Find a Geocache

Before lunchtime geocaching, and after lunchtime geocaching
Before lunchtime geocaching, and after lunchtime geocaching

Ready, set, lunch break geocaching

by: Bri Suffety

You should remember one thing, your keyboard won’t miss you if you leave for lunch. It never does. If you don’t share that dry sandwich, and unfulfilling old piece of fruit with your keyboard, it’s going to be alright. In fact, it probably needs a break and so do you, enter: Geocaching.

School is back in session, the weather is still begging you to get outside and geocache.

Much like the recess bell, lunchtime at the office is a much anticipated moment of our day. However, all too often it gets pushed aside for meetings, workouts or altogether forgotten with a just you, a sandwich and your desk. Ready for something that might make you gasp? Why not take your lunch break back?

There's a whole world to explore through geocaching
There’s a whole world to explore through geocaching

5 easy ways to shake up your midday break and earn a smiley along the way

 

  • Walk that Way. Pick a geocache within walking distance. Even if you come up empty you can still got to stretch your legs, get some fresh air and exercise a little DNF (Did Not Find) pride. Can you say win win situation?

  • Fun Run. Already grabbed all of the geocaches within walking distance? Need to squeeze in a workout in? Find a geocache you can run or bike to; you’ll have a reason to push yourself to go further or faster and you can’t forget the glorious reward of a new find. Look at you multitasking!

  • How far can you go? Want something a little more adventurous? See how far away from your office you can get. Jump on a bus and stare out the window as you travel into uncharted territory. Allot ⅔ of your break for travel time and ⅓ for finding the geocache and exploring. You might even discover a hidden park or your new favorite food cart.

  • Make a Date. Lunch can be a great time to catch up with friends or your significant other. Next time you’re looking to schedule a lunch date, pick a restaurant with a geocache nearby. You can grab it while you wait or use it as an excuse to walk off your lunch. Invite your date to help. Yes, even if they’re are a muggle; you never know who geocaches and who may be become your new caching partner.

  • Outsmart the weather. Weather isn’t cooperating? Use your time to savor your meal, create a space for yourself mentally and solve that puzzle cache that has been on your to-do list all summer.

The antidote to lunch at your desk
The antidote to lunch at your desk

Set aside your excuses; a busy schedule doesn’t have to be a roadblock. You can spare at least one lunch break this month to go out, stretch your legs and up your geocaching game. Are you up for the challenge?

Do you have a lunchtime geocaching adventure to tell? Share your stories in the comments.

 

 

/ Paige Edmiston /

FAQ: Your New Geocaching Account Settings

Screen Shot 2014-10-13 at 10.37.40 AMHow do I access my Account Settings?

See that gear icon in the upper right corner? Click it! You will be magically transported to the new and improved Account Settings tabs page.

What happened to my avatar/profile photo?

To make life just a little bit simpler, we’ve combined the Avatar and Profile images into one image (to rule them all, ahem) that will display universally across Geocaching.com. In other words, your current Avatar image will become the one image displayed on Geocaching.com and will be referred to as “Profile Image.” Going forward, we will not store images other than the current Profile image. This means that when you upload a new image as your Profile photo, the previous image will no longer be saved on Geocaching.com.

Where did all my stored Profile/Avatar images go?

Profile/Avatar images stored prior to the Account Settings redesign will be available via the link next to your current Profile image. We suggest that you download these images from Geocaching.com as we may discontinue storing them in the future.

How can I display larger images on my Profile now that the Profile image only supports smaller sizes?

You can add larger images to your Bio box, located under the Profile Information tab. You will need to use HTML and use <img> tags. Example: <img src=”[Insert image URL]”>

Where should information like my name, address, and occupation go, now that it’s removed from the new Account Settings page?

To make Account Settings as easy to use as possible, we’re going for simplicity. You are still welcome to display your name, address, occupation, and whatever else you like on your Profile (as long as it’s appropriate of course!). You can do so in the Bio box.

Where can I customize my Geocaching.com experience to my location and language?

Under the Preferences tab, you can select your preferred language, time zone, and distance units. We’ve added many more time zones and date format options so you can localize your geocaching experience wherever you are in the world. Note: We removed the Daylight Savings Time checkbox, as the time zones now automatically account for this.

How can I edit my publicly displayed statistics?

Great question. You will now be able to edit statistics as they appear on your Public Profile directly from http://www.geocaching.com/my/statistics.aspx.

What happened to List Newest in [state]?

Our Account Settings page no longer supports this feature. We are working hard to improve other features on the website that will be able to serve up this information more efficiently. In the meantime, you can go to the Advanced Search page, select “By Country/Province”, and then select the country and province of interest to you. You can bookmark the results to have easy access to the same search. Link to Advanced Search: http://www.geocaching.com/seek/nearest.aspx

Why can’t I see my GPS listed anymore?

We have not updated the “Your GPS” section for quite some time. If you would like to see reviews about a GPS or smartphone, there are many other websites out there that specialize in providing this content.

How do I add friends on Geocaching.com?

You will still be able to add/remove/view friends from the “View Your Friends” link on http://www.geocaching.com/my/default.aspx and “Your Friends” located under “Quick View”

Can I update my Account information from my mobile device?

Shucks, we’re glad you asked. And the answer is: YES! The Account Settings tabs page was designed to look great in a mobile browser.

I don’t want to see other players’ profile images in geocache logs. How do I turn them off?

Under the Preferences tab, you will need to uncheck the box “Show other geocachers’ profile images in logs.”

Other noteworthy changes:

  • Basic members can now change their Forum title
  • Removed Online Presence and Instant Messenger
  • Removed Forum Signature and Profile previews
  • Removed ability to toggle off Recently Viewed Caches

View in German.