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Difficulty:
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Size: 
(regular)
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in our disclaimer.
This was placed after the wolf/ bear cub scout camp by Swag Dragon of pack 4 den 3.
This is a 50 cal ammo can and starts out with some patches and a shirt for the first to find.
Enjoy the hunt.
Geocaching Merit Badge—Revised Requirements 4/9/2010
1. Do the following:
a. Explain to your counselor the most likely hazards you may encounter while participating in geocaching activities and what you should do to anticipate, help prevent, mitigate, and respond to these hazards.
b. Discuss first aid and prevention for the types of injuries or illnesses that could occur while participating in geocaching activities, including cuts, scrapes, snakebite, insect stings, tick bites, exposure to poisonous plants, heat and cold reactions (sunburn, heatstroke, heat exhaustion, hypothermia), and dehydration.
c. Discuss how to properly plan an activity that uses GPS, including using the buddy system, sharing your plan with others, and considering the weather, route, and proper attire.
2. Discuss the following with your counselor:
a. Why you should never bury a cache
b. How to use proper geocaching etiquette when hiding or seeking a cache, and how to properly hide, post, maintain, and dismantle a geocache
c. The principles of Leave No Trace as they apply to geocaching
3. Explain the following terms used in geocaching: waypoint, log, cache, accuracy, difficulty and terrain ratings, attributes, trackable. Choose five additional terms to explain to your counselor.
4. Explain how the Global Positioning System (GPS) works. Then, using Scouting’s Teaching EDGE, demonstrate the use of a GPS unit to your counselor. Include marking and editing a waypoint, changing field functions, and changing the coordinate system in the unit.
5. Do the following:
a. Show you know how to use a map and compass and explain why this is important for geocaching.
b. Explain the similarities and differences between GPS navigation and standard map reading skills and describe the benefits of each.
c. Explain the UTM (Universal Transverse Mercator) system and how it differs from the latitude/longitude system used for public geocaches.
d. Show how to plot a UTM waypoint on a map. Compare the accuracy to that found with a GPS unit.
6. Describe the four steps to finding your first cache to your counselor. Then mark and edit a waypoint.
7. With your parent’s permission*, go to www.geocaching.com. Type in your
zip code to locate public geocaches in your area. Share the posted
information about three of those geocaches with your counselor. Then,
pick one of the three and find the cache.
*To fulfill this requirement, you will need to set up a free user account with
www.geocaching.com. Ask your parent for permission and help before
doing so.
8. Do ONE of the following:
a. If a Cache to Eagle series exists in your council, visit at least
three of the locations in the series. Describe the projects that each
cache you visit highlights, and explain how the Cache to Eagle
program helps share our Scouting service with the public.
b. Create a Scouting-related Travel Bug® that promotes one of the
values of Scouting. "Release" your Travel Bug into a public
geocache and, with your parent’s permission, monitor its progress
at www.geocaching.com for 30 days. Keep a log, and share this
with your counselor at the end of the 30-day period.
c. Set up and hide a public geocache, following the guidelines in the
Geocaching merit badge pamphlet. Before doing so, share with
your counselor a six-month maintenance plan for the geocache
where you are personally responsible for the first three months.
After setting up the geocache, with your parent’s permission, follow
the logs online for 30 days and share them with your counselor.
d. Explain what Cache in Trash Out (CITO) means, and describe how
you have practiced CITO at public geocaches or at a CITO event.
Then, either create CITO containers to leave at public caches, or
host a CITO event for your unit or for the public.
9. Plan a geohunt for a youth group such as your troop or a neighboring
pack, at school, or your place of worship. Choose a theme, set up a
course with at least four waypoints, teach the players how to use a GPS
unit, and play the game. Tell your counselor about your experience, and
share the materials you used and developed for this event.< BR>
Geocaching Rules and Etiquette for hiding and seeking caches Rule #1: Safety Boys are likely to be excited about finding the cache and may or may not use common sense to get to it, so take care that you don’t place a cache that in any way leads them into a dangerous situation. This includes the following obvious NO-NOs: bullet Stay far away from road traffic and railroad crossings bullet Don’t place a cache higher than 6 feet nor require any dangerous climbing to reach it bullet Don’t require Scouts to swim to reach the cache bullet Public caches are often magnetic containers stuck onto electrical switch boxes. Common sense says to avoid these as well! bullet Always enforce the Buddy system Rule #2: Respect the environment bullet NEVER bury a cache in the ground (you can place a pile of sticks or rocks over it however) bullet Avoid sensitive ecosystems – remember that they will make a beeline for it, and trample vegetation in the vicinity. Place caches so that they can be reached by existing trail access. bullet Don’t place caches in archeological or historic sites bullet Don’t deface any object, natural or manmade bullet Many geocachers hide small caches in light post bases, sprinkler heads, etc. These should be avoided so the boys don’t tear things apart looking for a “fake” one. Rule#3: Respect private property bullet GET PERMISSION from land managers to use parks, Scout camps, etc for your events bullet Do not put caches on National Park land, National Wildlife refuges, etc. These are currently not allowed. Local laws vary so check with any relevant agency before placing caches bullet Caches in or near military installations are not allowed bullet Caches are not allowed on elementary and secondary school property bullet Avoid sites that could be deemed potential or possible targets for terrorist attacks. These include but are not limited to highway bridges, dams, government buildings, and airports. Rule#4: Be a positive ambassador for Scouting As with all else we do, cache using the Scout Oath and Law. Cache to Eagle Guidelines If you set up any Cache to Eagle sites, there are special guidelines you should use; bullet ALL the above guidelines must be followed bullet You cannot ask for donations or advertise for any specific unit and/or Council bullet Eagle project sites should be in good repair and represent a significant effort. A project like repainting a building may begin to look “weathered” after a short time and should be avoided.. bullet TALK TO YOUR REVIEWER. Communication is always the key to success.
Additional Hints
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