Welcome to the Middle of Everywhere!
In recent years, Marion County West Virginia has become a haven for geocachers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. With expansive parks, rich history, and delicious food (did someone say pepperoni rolls?!), Marion County really is in the Middle of Everywhere. With three exciting and challenging geocaching trails released thus far, we cachers in the Mountaineer Area are dedicated to raising the bar regarding cache quality. Whether that is building elaborate gadget caches, designing enjoyable experiences for players, or simply working with tourism professionals to enhance the adventure, a lot goes into making a quality cache experience. So, join us on July 1, 2023, in Marion County for a weekend of fun to learn how you can raise the geocaching bar, one cache at a time! To boot, you'll get a special souvenir just for attending this event!
Seminar Schedule
This seminar-style event will be hosted by Troopbiz and consist of three segments, each totaling about 45 minutes. Feel free to stay and attend each presentation, or just visit during the ones that interest you. Bring a notebook and a pen as you'll want to take notes on all the great information being showcased! Water and light snacks will be provided.
10 a.m. - Doors open!
10:15 a.m. - How to create memorable experiences with your geocaches.
As cache hiders, we often put a lot of thought and energy into the where and the how of placing a new cache, but have you ever taken a step back to think about the who or the why? We'll discuss how to build a proper cache page, how to use geocaches to tell a story, and going beyond the 'traditional' experience.
In this breakout session, you'll learn:
- Selecting a location that geocachers actually want to visit and best practices for obtaining permission, placing, and maintaining your cache.
- How to guide geocachers on an adventure using multis, wherigos, and adventure labs to tell a story. This includes discussing what information to provide on the cache page and when using multiple stages is the most effective option.
11:15 a.m. - How designing puzzles can actually make you a better solver.
It's no secret that I love puzzle caches, but did you know there are unwritten rules that you should follow when publishing a geocaching puzzle? I sure didn't when I started caching! After showcasing the fundamentals of crafting an enjoyable experience, we will dive deeper into the techniques of how to write a good geocaching puzzle. Who knows, designing puzzles can actually make you a better solver!
In this breakout session, you'll learn:
- What information needs to be on a mystery cache page including false coordinates, disclaimer, flavor text, and puzzle.
- The founding principles of puzzle construction such as key, order, and solution.
- Helpful tips and tricks such as indexing, alphabetizing, and looking for geocaching's "magic" numbers.
12:15 p.m. - Q & A with Francis Scott Key, the Maryland Reviewer!
Ever wonder what it is like to be a reviewer? Enjoy an exclusive peak behind the curtain with Maryland Reviewer Francis Scott Key. We are honored to have such great reviewers in our local area that tirelessly keep the game going. Thanks for all you do!
In this breakout session, you'll learn:
- What are the most important rules to consider when placing a geocache?
- What to include in a reviewer note for the quickest chance at publication.
- Learn what it is like to be a geocaching reviewer!
NEED HELP?
There is a lot happening this weekend and we are excited to host the geocaching community in Marion County again for the fourth year in a row. If you have any questions about geocaching in the area or need specific information about things to do and places to stay, don't hesitate to send me a message through my geocaching profile. I'm happy to help!
There is also a lot of great information available on the MarionCVB website. A link will be available for details regarding this event weekend when items are finalized.