If this is your first time geocaching then this will be your first ever find! You are also officially no longer a "muggle" - the geocacher's term for those that don't know about the hobby! You must endeavour to be stealthy and not get caught by muggles, so that caches are left undisturbed.
First, read this page before you set off, then hit Navigate and head off to the coordinates. Your phone or GPS device should get you within 10m of the hidden cache, in "geo-speak" this is called "ground zero" or "GZ" for short. We will explain the terms as we go along so that they don't seem strange next time you encounter then.
This first cache is a regular sized container, which means it has room for items to trade know as "swag" ("stuff-we-all-get") - usually small toys, key-rings, foreign coins, badges etc. Kids love it, but there are some rules we all abide by to keep it fun for everyone…
SWAG Rules
1 - If you take anything from a cache then you should replace it with something of similar or higher value, it is not fair on other cachers to take without trading.
2 - NEVER put anything edible in a cache such as sweets or chewing gum. It can attract animals. It is also best to avoid anything that might leak (e.g. bubbles) or get damp easily, such as cardboard items.
3- Trackable items have a code that can be tracked on the Geocaching website - these items are not souvenirs to keep, they should be moved on to another cache or may have a "mission" that they are trying to fulfill. If you find one of these it is probably best to leave it for a more experienced cacher to take until you are more familiar with the game.
You are looking for a lunchbox style container hidden in a camouflage bag. Look under "Hint" for a clue. BE STEALTHY! You don't want to attract attention if you can help it so be on the lookout for "muggles"!
When you find the geocache...
1 - Sign your geocaching name and the date in the logbook - this is a larger logbook so you can also write a little about yourselves if you like - where you are visiting from, if this is your first time geocaching etc. Don’t waste space or start a new page unnecessarily.
2 - Swap some swag if you want to
3 - Replace everything in the container, secure the lid and put it back in the camo bag
4 - Discretely re-hide the container where you found it so that it can't be seen
5 - Log a "Found It!" on the Geocaching app and get a smiley on the map - congratulations! Ready for number 2?