Winter Caching Games! Event Cache

Welcome to Texas version of Winter Caching Games!  

The date on this event is for the windup, which is currently posted and may change depending on participation. The windup is scheduled to start at 11:00 am (wrapping up by about 12:30pm) on Sunday, March 12th, 2017. The date, time, and location are subject to change once we have a confirmed number for reservation. 

Anyone may log a will attend on this event without any participation in the "Games"

Any photos associated with a TASK have nothing to do with attending the event and are not a requirement for attending the final wind up on March 12th.

This is 60 days of game ending with an event. The games will be commencing on the 12th of January at 12:00 am and ending on March 12th 11:00 am at the posted coordinates in a final wind up gathering. By posting a note initially before the end of the day 11:59 pm January 12th that you are participating in the games lets us know you are playing. 

Scoreboards - updated as the game goes on

Scoreboards updates will be found in the Image Gallery

The Winter Caching Games is a fun competition to get you caching.  Designed for all cachers, the objective is to complete any twelve (12) Tasks during the 2 months that the game runs.  

Please note that this is not a race.  Tasks have higher or lower points assigned to them.  Read the Task requirements carefully and choose wisely.  You are seeking points, not completing the Games first; although there is danger in waiting too long.  Even if you don’t get the high score, a strategic approach may still result in a prize.

 By posting a note initially before the end of the day 11:59 pm January 12th that you are participating in the games lets us know you are playing. 

In order to claim a smiley for this event, you must either: 1) Complete 12 Tasks, 2) Attend the wind up event, or 3) Both. *** To clarify you do not have to participate in the games to attend the event******

To qualify, all caches are limited to those located in Texas.  If you are one of the prize winners, we will make every effort to accommodate pickup/delivery; however it is ultimately your responsibility to collect your prize.

If you have questions about whether a cache is acceptable for a Task, please contact us via Geocaching Messages or email.  We will do our best to be prompt with replies, but we make no guarantee of speediness (depending on time of day and/or work schedule).  Lateral or creative thinking is encouraged for the Games, so we will make every effort to accept sideways logic. 

If we require further clarification of any claimed Tasks, We will be contacting you either via the Geocaching Messages or email.  Failure to reply within a reasonable timeframe may result in your Task being removed from the scoreboard.  We will not do this lightly, but it may happen.

Rules

Short Version

• Claim 12 Tasks in 2 months (January 12 through March 12, 2017). 

• Using the “Write Note” feature on this cache page, report your claims with Task Number, GC Code (multiple if required), Points Claimed, and any Task specific requirements within 7 days of fulfilling.  

  • Some Tasks have an outright points value stated, while others are dependent on the cache found.  Some offer positive points, negative points, or the cacher’s choice between them.  Claimed point values must be stated on the Note, and cannot be edited.

• Watch for Bonuses. 

• Photos are encouraged.  If required, it will be stated in the Task requirement.

Full Rules

1. Game runs from 12:00am Wednesday, January 12th through to 11:59pm Sunday March 12^th, 2017.

2. Register in this thread to let us know you're playing; the sooner the better.  Event attendees can register up to the day of. 

     This will also help determine where the wrap up event is held, as the venue          will likely depend on crowd size.

1. Fulfill any 12 of the Tasks listed below after the start of the game.  To complete the Game, exactly 12 Tasks must be logged. 

2. Caches you claim for the game must be logged on www.geocaching.com during the time frame of the game.  No previous or late finds will be allowed.

3. Tasks must be claimed within 7 days of finding the cache and before the conclusion end of the game (Task 17 is exempt from being claimed within 7 days, but must be claimed prior to the conclusion of the Games). The post must clearly state which Task is being claimed, the GC Code of the cache (multiple if necessary), the Points being Claimed, and how the cache meets the requirement (if necessary).  Post your claims as Notes on this event page.

4. Caches found as part of these games must be published before the start of the game on January 12^th, 2017. Any Task that requires new cache(s) to be placed (physical or event) does not fall under this rule.

5. Tasks that require caches to be hidden must be published prior to 11:59pm March 12^th, 2017.  Please plan accordingly, and do not leave this to the last minute.  By placing a geocache as part of these Games, you agree to follow all the guidelines set out by www.geocaching.com in owning a geocache.

6. Each Task must be claimed on a cache previously unfound by you.

7. Each Task must be claimed against a different cache, unless the requirement states otherwise.

*****Exceptions: Task 24 and the Challenge.

1. Tasks, Bonuses, and Challenges can only be claimed once per geocaching login (single person or team of cachers).  Multiple claims against the same Task, Bonus, and/or Challenge by the same geocacher will be rejected. 

          ******Exception: If the first claim of this Task was rejected, it can be attempted again. 

1. Once Tasks, Bonuses, and Challenges are claimed, you may not substitute another.

2. Points vary by Task, Bonus, and Challenge; these are clearly defined below.  Some give participants a choice in point value, therefore you must clearly state the point value (including positive or negative) when you are claiming the Task. Once claimed, your point values cannot be changed.

3. There will be multiple prizes for the players who complete the games.  All will be awarded to players who have completed 12 Tasks.  Prizes will be for Highest, Lowest, and Closest to Average.  Other prizes will likely be available, and we will update as information is available.

4. In the event of a tie score, the earliest score will be used as the tiebreaker. 

5. No "arm chair" caching is permitted.  You can only use caches that you found, signed the log, and logged on www.geocaching.com on the same day (or within reason).  Claiming a cache that you found months ago and just got around to logging is not permitted in the Games.  

6. Multi-player teams would be more than 1 person using the same name, with or without the other members present. All members of multi-person teams must meet the qualification of the Task, and must be present when claiming the cache.  It is likely OK if the other member(s) of your team are in the vehicle (except in the case of Task #11).  However, if one member of your team members is in a different country or is “home with the kids”, and others are claiming caches for this game, then that is not allowed.  This rule applies to all Tasks, Bonuses, and Challenge.

**********Spouses, etc., that occasionally cache with the primary cacher are exempt from this rule. However, these individuals (let's call them Squibs for the JK Rowling fans out there!) will not be considered Muggles either. If there is any confusion, please let us know.

1. New Tasks may be added to the list as the game goes on.

2. We, Team Winter Jazz, will administer the game and our decisions are final. we reserve the right to provide clarifications to the rules at any point during the game.

3. The best rule for last: Have fun!

Tasks

Tasks may only be claimed once per participating geocaching login (single player, or multi-player team).

1. Cache with a Muggle: 5 points

• Log any physical cache with a person who has never gone geocaching before.  This person must not be registered on www.geocaching.com before the beginning of the Games.  Your cache log must indicate that you were caching with your Muggle friend, and contain a picture of the 2 of you while geocaching.

2. Make a new caching friend: 5 points

• Log any physical cache with a geocacher you have never cached with before.  This person must have been registered on www.geocaching.com prior to the beginning of the Games.  Both caching logs must reference the other geocacher.  The other geocacher does not have to be participating in the Games to qualify.  Your Task Note must contain the name of the other geocacher.

3. Group Caching: 5 points

• Go caching with a minimum of 3 other geocachers (minimum group size is 4).  These geocachers must have been registered on www.geocaching.com prior to the beginning of the Games.  All caching logs must reference the other geocachers.  The other geocachers do not have to be participating in the Games to qualify. Your Task Note must contain the names of the other geocachers.

4. Bridge the (Age) Gap: 5 points

• Log any physical cache with a person who is at least 20 years different in age.  This person can be a Muggle or a geocacher.  Geocachers do not have to be participating in the Games to qualify.  Your log must indicate who you were caching with, and contain a picture of the 2 of you while geocaching.  If the gap is close, be prepared to provide proof of age!!

  • If you are a multi-person team, only 1 member of the team can be used for the age difference.  Example: Dad (35) and Child (8) who both use the same geocaching name would not qualify for this Task.  Bringing Muggle Uncle (40) would qualify for this Task, since Child and Uncle are more than 20 years apart in age.

5. Cache with a ‘Noob’: 5 points

• Log any physical cache with a geocacher who had less than 50 finds prior to this “team up”.  This geocacher must have been registered on www.geocaching.com prior to the beginning of the Games.  Both caching logs must reference the other geocacher.  The other geocacher does not have to be participating in the Games to qualify.  Your Task Note must contain the name of the other geocacher

6. Kid Cache: (D+T) points

• Log any physical cache that displays the "Kid Friendly" icon attribute.

7. Wheelchair Friendly Cache: (D+T) points

• Log any physical cache that displays the “Wheelchair Friendly” icon attribute

8. Into the Dark: (2+D+T) points

• Log any physical cache that displays one or both of “Night Cache” or “Recommended at Night” icon attributes.

9. Teamwork: (3+D+T) points

• Log any physical cache that displays the “Teamwork Required” icon attribute.

10. Field Medic: (1+D+T) points

• Perform field maintenance and log any physical cache that displays the “Maintenance Required” icon attribute.  Log must describe steps taken to perform the maintenance (replacing container, replacing logbook, or restocking the swag inside).  

11. Take a stroll: (2+D+T) points

• Log any physical cache that displays either the “Medium Hike (1-10km)” or the "Long Hike (10km+)" icon attribute.

• Please note Rule 16 for any multi-person geocaching teams.

12. Happy Anniversary: (2+D+T) points - your choice of positive or negative

• Find a cache on its "Hidden On” anniversary, regardless of what year it was placed.

  • Example: Cache states the date it was hidden on was January 11.  Finding this cache on January 11, 2017 will qualify you for this Task.

13. 582 or 1053 Cache: (2+D+T) points - your choice of positive or negative

• Log any cache (see exceptions below) where the numbers 582 or 1053 appear in the given order anywhere in the co-ordinates (as published) to claim this Task.  The numbers can run across the latitude & longitude.  The numbers do not need to appear consecutively, but they need to appear in sequence.

  • Example: N 29° 13.934 W 098° 57.882 would qualify as the numbers 582 appear in order, even though they are not consecutive.

• Exceptions: Multicache (intermediate and final) waypoints, and Unknown (Mystery/Puzzle) caches do not qualify.  All other cache types will qualify.

14. Sunrise or Sunset: (D+T) points

• Log any physical cache that you find at sunrise or sunset.  Please post a picture of yourself with the sunset or sunrise at the cache location.

15. Dozen Finds Day: Calculation: (4 + Highest D + Highest T) - your choice of positive or negative

• Find exactly 12 caches in a calendar day (midnight to midnight)

  • Scoring example: Find 10 caches of 1.5/1.5, 1 cache of 5.0/1.0, and 1 cache of 1.0/5.0 – therefore 4+5+5=14 (either positive or negative)

16. Cache with D/T Combination of 7: 10 points

• Log any cache (of any type) where the sum of the Difficulty and Terrain totals exactly 7. 

  • Qualifying examples: D=3.0 & T=4.0, D=2.5 & T=4.5, D=5.0 & T=2.0, etc.

  • Non-qualifying examples: D=3.0 & T=3.5, D=4.0 & T=2.5, D=3.5 & T=4.0, etc.

17. Spelling Bee: Calculation: (4 + Highest D + Highest T) - your choice of positive or negative

• Find a total of 10 caches, using the first letter of the Cache Name to spell “SHAMROCK”.  

• Does not qualify: Caches that start with Numbers or Symbols;

• This Task is exempt from Rule 5's statement of claiming within 7 days of finding the cache. You can take the entire Games to spell " SHAMROCK ", but you must claim the Task prior to the conclusion of the Games.

18. Mysterious Task: 6 points

• Find exactly 3 Mystery/Puzzle caches during a single calendar day (midnight to midnight).  Other cache types may be found during the same calendar day, but only 3 Mystery/Puzzles can be found in order to claim this Task.

19. Series Cache: (D+T) points

• Log any one cache (of any type) that is part of a series.  The cache title must clearly illustrate that it is part of a series.  It does not have to be a Multicache, or a multi-part Challenge in order to qualify.  

20. Multicache: (2+D+T) points

• Log any Multicache that has a minimum of 3 steps (posted coordinates, mid-point, and final location); there can be more than 3, but not less.

21. Unloved: 5 points

• Log any physical cache that has not been found in the preceding 90 days.

22. Turn that Frown Upside-Down: 5 points

• Log a find on a physical cache that you have previously logged a "Didn't find it" on.  Your DNF must have been logged and dated before the start of the Games.  Your Task Note must include the date of your earlier DNF.

23. Fancy Dress: (3+D+T) points

• Log any physical cache, and post a photo of you dressed in attire which directly relates to the cache's theme.  Be creative; don’t wear normal clothes and try to make the theme fit.

24. Active Streak: Calculation: 0.5 points per day, for a maximum of 10 points - your choice of positive or negative

• Find a minimum of 1 cache per day to create a streak of consecutive days.  Maximum streak that will qualify for this Task is 20 days (10 points); Minimum streak is 1 day (0.5 points)

• This Task is exempt from Rule 9; streak caches can be claimed for other Tasks.

25. Host an Event: 4 points - your choice of positive or negative

• Your event must be listed on www.geocaching.com, and must be published before the Games end.  Your event can take place after the Games ends.

• Note: According to geocache guidelines, Event Caches should be submitted no less than two weeks before the date of the event, so please plan accordingly.  Also, please ensure you give adequate time for the cache reviewer to publish your hide.

26. Hide a Large Traditional Cache: 5 points

• Hide a large traditional cache.  A large container is described on Groundspeak as being “a minimum of 20L (around 5 imperial gallons)”. 

• Your geocache must be listed at www.geocaching.com, and must be published before the end of the Games.  Points cannot be claimed until the cache is published.  Please ensure you give adequate time for the cache reviewer to publish your hide.

27. Make Things Mysterious: 8 points

• Hide a minimum of 3 Mystery/Puzzle caches.  A Mystery/Puzzle cache is described on Groundspeak as being “a geocache where the listed coordinates are not where the cache is placed”.  This could require a puzzle to be solved, a beacon to be found, etc.  Challenge caches would also meet the requirements for this Task. 

• Your geocaches must be listed at www.geocaching.com, and must be published before the end of the Games.  Points cannot be claimed until the caches are published.  Please ensure you give adequate time for the cache reviewer to publish your hides.

28. Become Friendlier: 8 points

• Hide a minimum of 3 caches with the attribute of “Recommended for kids”.  These caches should be easily found by children regardless of location.

• Your geocaches must be listed at www.geocaching.com, and must be published before the end of the Games.  Points cannot be claimed until the caches are published.  Please ensure you give adequate time for the cache reviewer to publish your hides.

29. Push the Limit: 5 points

• Hide a cache (any type) outside of any city limits. 

• Your geocache must be listed at www.geocaching.com, and must be published before the end of the Games.  Points cannot be claimed until the cache is published.  Please ensure you give adequate time for the cache reviewer to publish your hide.

30. All By Myself: 5 points

• Hide a physical cache (any type) where the next closest physical cache coordinates are a minimum of 1 mile away. 

• Your geocache must be listed at www.geocaching.com, and must be published before the end of the Games.  Points cannot be claimed until the cache is published.  Please ensure you give adequate time for the cache reviewer to publish your hide.

Bonuses

There will be both Weekly and Monthly bonuses.  Any bonuses will be posted prior to the start of the active time period – We will be aiming at getting them posted the evening before.  Each participating geocaching ID may only claim each bonus once.

Weekly bonuses will be Wednesday to Tuesday.

 The first will start January 11th.

• Weekly Bonuses will be your choice of -1, 0, or +1 points, to help you with your desired strategy in the Games!

•  

Week 1 – January 12-18

• CITO at 3 cache locations. Post the GC code in your note and a photo of you with your 3 different CITO loot. For Cache owners you may post a cache maintenance log with a different CITO photo for the same game points as a find.

• This bonus must be claimed prior to 11:59pm on January 17.

•  

Week 2 – January 19-25

Choose one of the national days from this website to celebrate and post a photo of the theme ****  http://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/january/

• This bonus must be claimed prior to 11:59pm on January 24.

•  

Week 3 – January 26-31

• Choose a memorable milestone cache story and share it as a note. Include a photo of this milestone if you can but it isn’t required for your score.

• This bonus must be claimed prior to 11:59pm on January 31.

•  

Week 4 – February 1-7

• For the love of the game. Pre Valentine caching find a cache that starts with the letter V or has a heart theme or has been published in this week Feb 1-7 of any year including this year.

• Week 4 bonus Must be claimed prior to 11:59pm on February 7.

   

  Week 5 – February 9-16 Where is the kid in you? It's Paper Bag Princess/Prince week. Any cache find (still published before the 12th of January) with a photo of you with a paper bag over your head. Decorate it any way you like. Keep it plain. With holes to see.. without holes to see. Any way you like... let your inner child play. Point value for this Bonus is 7 points + or-.

   

  Week 5 bonus Must be claimed prior to 11:59pm on February 16.

   

  Week 6 – 17 - 23 February 2017 Hail to the Chief! It's President’s Day week. Find any cache that starts with the letter P or has a patriotic theme or has been published in this week 17 thru 23 February of any year including this year. Point value for this Bonus is 3 points + or -. Week 6 bonus must be claimed prior to 11:59pm on February 23.

Monthly bonuses will be from the 12^th to the 31^st  and 1^st to the 28^th of each month respectively.  The first will start January 12th.

• Monthly Bonuses will be your choice of -3, 0, or +3 points.

• We really like the bonus …….we will make a donation to the Food Bank, donate a food or a coat to those without one, or anything else you can think of. Post a note that you made some sort of contribution; elaborate as you see fit.

• This bonus can be claimed once (per participant) between January 11^th- February 28th, 2017. Claims must be submitted prior to midnight on February 28^th,2017

Challenge

• Quite strategic with some calculated risk thrown in.

• This Challenge may only be claimed once per participating geocaching login (single player, or multi-player team), and no substitutions/replacements will be allowed once claimed.

• This Challenge is exempt from Rule 9: your Challenge cache can be claimed for another Task.

• Overview:

  • Log a physical cache, and receive Challenge Bonus points based on specific air temperature ranges in degrees Fahrenheit (Challenge Bonus point values can be your choice of positive or negative):

    • 75 F and above: 1 points

    • 60 to 65 F: 3 points

    • 55 to 60 F: 7 points

    • 50 to 55 F: 13 points

    • 50 F or colder: 25 points

  • This is the WINTER Caching Games after all!  So biggest bonuses go to the heartiest of cachers (or the craziest!!).

  • Please note that the temperature ranges above are referencing Air Temperature, not Wind Chill nor Humidex

• Your Challenge Note must include both:

  • A screenshot of the temperature (weather app, website, thermometer, etc)

  • A photo of you at the cache (try to at least pretend to look happy with us!)

• This Challenge must be claimed within 48 hours of logging the find.  No going out at 30F on January 12^th, and waiting until February 28^th to claim – that is the calculated risk portion of the Challenge!

• As with all Tasks and Bonuses, this Challenge can only be claimed once.

The Monthly Bonus Challenge for February is SUPPORT THE BLUE This challenge will run from February 7 to 11:59 pm March 7th.

The challenge is to connect with a Police Officer, a Sheriff, Constable and post a photo of them and you to the log of this event.

There are 2 point values to be earned. Only 1 of the choices may be claimed.

1st choice Photo with you and the Officer, Sheriff or Constable not necessarily at a cache 10 points + or -

2nd choice Photo with you and the Officer, Sheriff or Constable with a cache. 20 points + or-

Here is the key to this..... The cache can be one you own, one you have already found or a new one that you've not found before although the rule of the game still applies that the cache must have published before the Winter Games began January 12** And just to clarify this photo requirement is only for the games and has no bearing on attending the final event but is required for points