Are you excited for the geocache contest, but don’t know how to start? Read on and get the run-down on this exciting activity.
In a nutshell: Geocaching is a treasure hunting game for people of all ages and skill levels. Participants look for hidden ‘caches’, or containers, using GPS coordinates. Geocaching is a worldwide game so caches could be hidden literally anywhere.
How to play: Geocaching is a large community, so you are best off going straight to geocaching.com and perusing their website. You’ll have access to a map, informational videos, and the official app that you can use to geocache.
The app is really user friendly, kind of like GoogleMaps. It’s free to use on the easy level, and you can search for geocaches according to your location. Once you click ‘start’ on a geocache, the compass will take you right there. There are also notes on what to expect, amenities and potential hazards. But you don’t have to use the app. GPS coordinates are available on the website for every cache listed. You can simply type them into your GPS or smartphone maps app.
Caches come in all shapes and sizes. The first cache I found was the size of my pinkie finger, magnetized to the back of a road sign! So this is a game for the observant eye.
When you’ve found a cache, there will be a paper log inside it for you to sign. You can sign this log and/or sign it electronically via the app! It is literally just a click of a button away. The goal for many geocachers is to get as many logged finds as possible – making it competitive.
Sometimes there are trinkets inside the caches or trackables (a trinket with a GPS trackable code linked to it). A general rule of thumb for geocachers is to leave behind something of equal value to what you took. If you take a trackable, you are responsible to pass it on to another cache. This is a fun way for geocachers to see how far their community spreads!
What makes Sunrise Corner’s geocache challenge different? There are 13 caches in the contest, but only 12 are listed on geocaching.com See our downloadable poster for coordinates. Each cache is attached to a larger monument that is themed to its location, making them easy to find. It’s perfect for family. There are also trinkets in the cache, but these are for you to take – they don’t need replacing. The contest starts September 1, 2017 – but you can start geocache any time you want!
Troubleshooters:
The cache is damaged, wet or missing.
A. Contact the owner of the cache! There will always be contact information online or in the log.
B. Check your coordinates if it appears to be missing. The coordinates will sometimes only take you within a couple feet of the cache. If you don’t look around, you may never find a small cache.
C. If you’re a serious geocacher, you’ll probably have extra logs, pens and paper along with you to replenish an empty cache. It’s very appreciated when you do.
What if I’m not connected to the internet when I’m geocaching?
A. Geocaching.com’s app is quite functional out of service if you start geocaching in service. Of course, you’ll need to make sure you have data on your smartphone.
B. Invest in a GPS unit and enter the coordinates in manually.
How do I win the contest?
A. Sunrise Corner will give away a backpack to the first 100 people to find all 13 caches. All you have to do is take a picture of yourself and the monument and send all 13 to info@sunrisecornermb.ca (preferably all at once).
B. To enter the draw for the grand prize, post a picture of you and a monument on social media with our hashtag #sunrisegeocache. The draw will make place November 1, 2017
For more information about geocaching, watch this helpful video!