Tag: Souvenirs

/ Paige Edmiston /

Maker Madness Event Center

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Click on the map to find a Maker Madness event near you!

Whether you’re a Social Butterfly or a Nature Lover, a Stats Geek, Traveler, or Puzzler (take the quiz and find out your geocacher type), it’s time to say thank you to a geocache maker near you. From March 28 – April 7, geocachers around the world will join together to celebrate the people in their community who make geocaching possible. We call this celebration Maker Madness.

Every geocacher who logs an “Attended” at a registered Maker Madness event will earn a Maker Madness souvenir.

Take a look at these tips for hosting an event that will have your guests inspired to go forth and create their own magical geocaching experiences:

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Maker Madness Souvenir Image

1.) Think ahead. The best geocaches are not just thrown together willy- nilly.  They are a labor of love that take time and careful planning. The same should apply to your Geocaching Event. Do you need to make reservations for a venue? Do your guests need to bring their own creative supplies? Keep in mind that you have to submit your Geocaching Event at least 14 days prior to your Maker Madness celebration, which means that Monday, March 24th is the cut off date for your online submission. You will also want to submit the Maker Madness registration form as soon as your event is published.

2.) Think collaboration. Geocaches are a gift to the community. It’s time to get the community together to give back to those who make geocaching tick. To maximize the number of geocachers at your event, check to see if there is already another event published in your area. If there’s already an event, be a team player! See if you can help the event host with planning their event.

3.) Think education and inspiration. Are you an accomplished geocache maker? This is your chance to share your mad skills and big brain with your fellow geocachers. Incorporate a class or workshop into your event to show others how you implemented your best creations, or teach them the very basics of geocache making. Imagine what it would be like if every one of your guests walked out of your event inspired to make their own awesome creation. Imagine all of the cool, new geocaches to find!

4.) Think celebration.  We heart geocache makers and we know that their local (and world) communities do too. If you yourself are not a maker, this is your chance to celebrate your favorites! Organize an event to show your appreciation, showcase their geocaches, and maybe even ask them to share a few of their best tips and tricks with all of their fans who attend the event.

We hope that these tips will help you to spread your creative geocaching juices, inspire a new generation of awesome hiders, honor your favorite makers, and (let’s hold nothing back) make your event the very best Maker Madness bash ever.

A few things to remember:

  • Dates: March 28 – April 7
  • Don’t forget to register your event after it has been published by a reviewer. Events that are not registered will not qualify for a souvenir.
  • You can check to see if your event or an event you are attending has been officially registered here.
  • Share photos and stories from your event with us on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Instagram.
  • And don’t worry – special Maker Madness GeoCoins, Tags, Trackable Patches, and T-shirts coming soon to Shop Geocaching!
/ Paige Edmiston /

Geocache Maker Inspiration

Get your geocache building tools ready. It’s time to become a geocache maker. First things first. Check out this video to learn the basics of geocache hiding:

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Now, are you ready to take your geocache to the next level? You’ll need to learn the magic formula for creating an unforgettable experience: innovative container + inspiring location + powerful storytelling. Check out these 7 tips and tricks for making the ultimate geocaching experience:

1. Think everyday, household items. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to make an innovative geocache. Simple latches (like child locks!) and magnets can go a long way towards building a cool container.

Another geocache by Herr Potter, "Horse Heaven"
A geocache by Herr Potter that uses child proof drawer latches.

2. Make sure the location matches the container. A tupperware container is awesome if it brings you to an inspiring location; it’s less awesome if it brings you to a parking lot. You can make up for a less exciting location by using a container that requires some brain power to open or is itself a work of art.

3. Don’t forget the geocache page!  A person’s geocaching experience begins the moment they open a geocache’s page. Tell a fun, fictional story or use the geocache page to teach a history or science lesson. Make sure the necessary information, including coordinates, is accurate.

4. Geocaching needs a planet. So let’s take care of the earth! Read these 6 tips for hiding an environmentally friendly cache.

5. Ask for permission. While it may not be as exciting as making an innovative container or discovering the perfect location, asking permission before placing a geocache is essential to creating a quality geocaching experience. You wouldn’t want geocachers to have a negative run-in with a property owner who isn’t aware of your geocache!

6. Think longevity. Geocaches can live for a very long time, but this requires some tender, loving care. Take the D2W quiz to see if your geocache is made for life, and make sure to follow up on Needs Maintenance logs posted by other geocachers. No one likes a soggy logbook.

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See step-by-step instructions to recreate some of the world’s coolest geocaches.

7. Look to others for inspiration. There’s a lot of creativity out there in the geocaching universe. To get your own creative juices flowing, check out the Creative Hides on our Geocaching Pinterest page to see what geocachers around the world are doing. Then check out these step-by-step instructions to learn some of world’s greatest makers’ secret ingredients to building a world-class geocache:

Geocache on the Rocks by Fogg

A SHOCKING Cache by WVTim

Schrader’s Ode to Dayspring by Herr Potter

You’ve read the tips. You’ve seen the photos. Now you’re ready…. Go forth & create!

Are you a geocache Maker? Tell us about your most creative hide in the comments below.

 

 

 

/ Derek H /

I <3 Geocaching Inspiration

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Get ready for a test of a new way to explore through geocaching on February 3. It’s an experiment and we’d love to hear what you think once you’ve played or created a new I <3 Geocaching Lab Cache. Whether you create a trek through nature, a romantic quest or even a trip guided by robots, the I <3 Geocaching beta-test is a new way for Geocaching Premium members to experiment with what might be part of the future of geocaching.

Beginning February 3, Geocaching Premium members can take part in the beta-test by using the Lab Cache creator  to craft a one-of-a-kind adventure for someone special. (Hint: It can even be indoors.) Each I <3 Geocaching Lab Cache will be a personalized, temporary Lab Cache meant for just one person.

This new test is different than normal geocaching and is open to all sorts of creative interpretations. To help get you started in creating a cool adventure, here are a few ideas we put together:

 

1. Say thanks to your favorite geocaching buddy.

It’s no secret that geocaching is better with friends, so why not use this opportunity to say thanks to your favorite partner-in-find. This could work by having your Lab Cache lead them to the outside of their favorite movie theater. In the description, you can leave a clue like, “Check under the bench outside.”  You could hide a typical geocache that contains two tickets to that movie they’ve been wanting to see. And don’t forget to include the find code inside, too. When they enter that in the web app, they’ll see a picture and your thank you. Who knows, maybe they’ll even have an a Lab Cache created to say thanks to you, too!

 

2. Make it really special.

Just like any other day, your loved one wakes up and heads to the coffee maker for their morning pick-me-up. Except this morning, there’s the URL to your Lab Cache with the words, “I can’t wait to see you!” When they open the Lab Cache on their phone, it leads them to the park where you two first met. Upon arriving, they see you sitting there with a delightful picnic waiting for them. And if you want to make it really special, maybe the find code is “MARRYME?” (No pressure.)

 

3. Create an all-day adventure.

We all know someone who thrives on adventure. For them, you could create something like a multi-stage puzzle cache. It begins by leading them to their favorite rock climbing crag and has the clue “Head to the top.” Once there, they find another clue: “It’s time to go for a hike, visit the top of the hiking trail we enjoy.” After safely rappelling from the rock climbing route, they’ll head to your favorite hiking spot and make their way to the top of you favorite trail, only to find another clue: “Now it’s time to get wet. Grab your kayak and paddle out to that spot we swim in the summer.” Your friend will paddle out to the floating platform to find a fluffy bunny, some balloons and of course, the find code to your Lab Cache. Epic!

Ready to begin? Click on this Premium Member link to start your limited time, single use Lab Cache: http://www.geocaching.com/iheartgeocaching/

An I <3 Geocaching Lab Cache is easy to create. You’re only bound by your imagination, a Find Code and, of course, local laws, regulations and just common sense. Need more info? Check out the I <3 Geocaching FAQ.

Tell us your creative ideas in comments below.  You might help inspire a once-in-a-lifetime experience for another geocacher.

 

/ Derek H /

I <3 Geocaching FAQ

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Welcome to I <3 Geocaching. Premium Members can experiment with one Lab Cache during this test.

 http://www.geocaching.com/iheartgeocaching/

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What is I <3 Geocaching? For the month of February every Premium Member will be able to hide one personalized, temporary geocache for one person. Once the geocache is found and logged by one account it is automatically archived. Choose your personal geocaching adventure, and its recipient wisely…check out this blog post for ideas.
 
What is a Lab Cache? A Lab Cache is an experimental and extremely rare geocache type. These geocaches are a way for us to innovate and test new ideas to make geocaching even better. By creating and finding a Lab Cache, you’re helping shape the future of geocaching.
 
Does my I <3 Geocaching personal Lab Cache have to involve a container? Are there other limitations (multis, etc.)? Not necessarily, and are you ready for this? Your personal geocache can even be indoors, even in your house! The person you share this geocache with will need to discover a code to unlock the find. Looking for some inspiration? Check out this video.
 
Will a geocaching community volunteer be reviewing my geocache before it’s published? Your personal geocache, is just that, personal. A community volunteer will not be reviewing your personal geocache. Continue to follow all laws, local regulations and just common sense when placing your personal geocache.
 
How do I preview my personal geocache creation? By visiting the link generated at the end of the building process you can view the geocache as your friend will see it. Be careful not to test the Find Code with any account but the one you used to build the cache since these Lab Caches can only be found once.
 
How do I share this personal geocache with my intended friend? Simply copy the link generated at the end of the personal geocaching building process… and share it with your player.
 
Do I earn a smiley if complete a Lab Cache? Yes – when you find a Lab Cache you earn a find and smiley. Congratulations.
 
Does a Lab Cache effect the statistics on my Geocaching profile page? The short answer is, “It will in the future.” The current statistics system does not support Lab Cache finds, but it will in the future. We’ll keep you posted. For even more information check out our Help Center.
 
Does my hide count go up if I create a I <3 Geocaching Lab Cache? Not yet. In the future, we’re planning to roll Lab Caches into your hide count at the same time we reflect Lab Cache activity on your statistics profile.
 
Who can view the Lab Cache I create? Anyone who knows the URL address of your Lab Cache can see it, so be careful who you share it with!
 
I want others to play the geocache I created, how do I share it with them? I <3 Geocaching is meant for one special person. This is a free test of a potential new feature. You may be able to create personal geocaches in the future in a very similar way.
 
My personal geocache was accidently logged by (a tester, another friend, an alien) how do I reset it? Unfortunately there’s no way to reset your hide. Once the find code has been entered by another geocacher, it is automatically archived.
 
If I become a Premium Member during the month of February will I be able to create one for a friend? Yes
 
How do I share my story of the awesome hide/find? Join the discussion on our inspiration blog post or join us on Facebook.
 
Why can only 1 person log my Lab Cache? I <3 Geocaching is a test, and as a test, we’re limiting the scope. So take your time creating and playing. You have until the end of February to complete an I <3 Geocaching Lab Cache.

 

Interested in even more information about I <3 Geocaching check out an expanded FAQ on our Help Center.

Ready for some I <3 Geocaching inspiration? Check out this blog post and share your ideas for an amazing I <3 Geocaching Lab Cache.

Have you completed creating a I <3 Geocaching Lab Cache?

Help us improve next time around.

Click here to take a quick survey

Have you finishing playing a I <3 Geocaching Lab Cache?

Help us improve next time around.

Click here to take a quick survey 

 

/ Eric Schudiske /

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.