Announcing the November Geocacher of the Month

The earned, never for sale, Geocacher of the Month geocoin (sun flare optional)
The earned, never for sale, Geocacher of the Month geocoin (sun flare optional)

This blog post is perhaps the perfect way to wrap up an amazing year in the world of geocaching. We’re announcing the featured Geocacher of the Month for November. Each of the nominees is already a winner, with a prize package headed their way. The nearly 800 comments from supporters of the three nominees are a must-read for anyone feeling a little bit down, or who doubts the impact one person might have on their community. The comments are a testament to the giving nature of geocachers.

All the nominees contributed to their local communities and inspired the worldwide community. Each will receive special recognition for their contribution to the global adventure of geocaching. Before naming the Geocacher of the Month, Geocaching HQ  reviews community input and blog comments. Each comment is read. This was one of the most difficult decisions for Geocacher of the Month in the history of the program.

A geocacher from an island with just 1,100 geocaches stood out. She’s found most of those geocaches on Puerto Rico and united a community to explore the world around them through geocaching, hosting Event Caches and leading by example.

Janizy has been named the 2013 November Geocacher of the Month. One geocacher who commented wrote, “Of all the events that have had the opportunity to participate, my favorite was the Geoweekend Camping in Adjuntas (GC4FPJC), organized by Janizy. She, along with her colleagues, saw to it that all who attended passed unforgettable moments. During that weekend I spent spectacular days. There was everything, varied activities for adult geocachers and for geocacher kids. They were days of doing interesting stuff and share what we like: Geocaching! My vote is for Janizy!”

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Janizy – November 2013 Geocacher of the Month

Janizy will receive the earned, never for sale, collector’s edition Geocacher of the Month Geocoin, along with a Geocacher of the Month hat and a certificate acknowledging his contribution, signed by two of the founders of Geocaching.com.

If you know an outstanding geocacher who should be considered for the honor, send an email to geocacherofthemonth@geocaching.com

Every nomination must include the following items and abide by the following guidelines:

  • Your name, the name of your nominee, their username
  • A picture of the nominee
  • Description (200 or more words) explaining why he or she deserves to be the Geocacher of the Month

Please inform your nominee that you have submitted them for the award. Nominations for Geocacher of the Month are accepted at any time.

Congratulations again to Janizy  for being recognized as the Geocacher of the Month for October.

Geocaching Connections: Associations and Clubs

GeocacherTypeQuiz_Badges_vFINAL2_SocialButterflyFour eyes see more geocaches than two. Many hands fumbling under benches, in nooks, and crevices are more likely to make the grab. A difficult puzzle is solved more easily with combined brain power. If you took our Geocaching Quiz and learned you are a Social Butterfly, chances are that you know the advantages that come with geocaching in a group.

 But finding someone to go geocaching with can sometimes be difficult, especially when just starting out. Luckily, there are geocaching organizations and associations all around that world that connect geocachers to other local geocachers, strengthen the local and global geocaching community, help beginners get into the game, and so, so much more.

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New Video: Geocaching Etiquette

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Never be embarrassed again when asked if you put the fork on the right side of the geocache or the left. Become a geocaching etiquette champion after watching this quick, fun Geocaching Etiquette video. You’ll develop good trading habits, learn all about trackables, what to do around muggles and more. Watching the video is a great way to add a new confidence and joy to your geocaching adventure in just two minutes.

To help those new to geocaching, share your etiquette tips below in comments or on the Geocaching Facebook page.

DIY Geocaching Swag

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One of the first rules of geocaching involves the matchbox cars, the bouncy balls and the lady bug erasers staring up at you from the bottom of the geocache. That’s geocaching SWAG – or Stuff We All Get. Geocachers trade swag by replacing items in the geocache with something of equal or greater value.

Now you can spread geocaching joy by leaving a trail of customized, do-it-yourself swag in geocaches. Geocachers often leave signature items in each geocache they find. The customswag might be a signed playing card, a crocheted finger puppet, identical erasers or __________ (insert your amazing idea here). Each piece is a sign to other geocachers that you visited the geocache. It’s a great way to build community. Leave a recognizable piece of swag and you will become known by yourswag. Think of it, you could be “Origami Guy” or “Ladybug Lady” or ___________ (‘Insert your amazing idea’ Person”).

Share your ideas for personalized geocaching swag below in comments or on the Geocaching Facebook page.

 

Shop Geocaching for the Holidays

MailerImage_120213_HolidaygiftGuide_vFINAL_BlogThis holiday season one Geocaching gift will smile back at you as it travels the world, heck it might even wave. It’s the poseable and adorable trackable LEGO™ geocacher. Each LEGO™ geocaching adventurer features the Geocaching logo and a unique tracking code.

Launch the geocaching game piece on a mission to explore as it bounces from geocache to geocache and track the entire journey on Geocaching.com. It might even be tempted to take a trip the most favorited geocache in Germany, near  LEGOLAND® Berlin.

The trackable LEGO™ geocacher is one of dozens of holiday gift ideas available for U.S. orders through Shop Geocaching and orders outside through U.S. through our International Retailers.

Happy Holidays from all of us at Geocaching HQ.