Geocaching and Homeschooling

Geocaching and homeschooling naturally go together.  Especially when you want a family friendly activity that will get everyone out in nature with *something* to do.  From the Geocaching website: “Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. The basic idea is to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, outdoors and then share your experiences online. Geocaching is enjoyed by people from all age groups, with a strong sense of community and support for the environment.”

My husband, Kelly has been geocaching since 2001.  We went more often when Ham (6) was a toddler.  Ham is 23 months in this picture.  Then we had Wingman and slowed down a bit.  I am looking forward to geocaching more this year.  Geocaching does require a GPS but young children can play with a compass and learn several items on ”A Formidable List of Attainments for a Child of Six.”

To know the points of the compass with relation to their own home, where the sun rises and sets, and the way the wind blows.  To describe the boundaries of their own home. To describe any lake, river, pond, island within easy reach. To be able to describe three walks and three views.  To mount in a scrapbook a dozen common wildflowers, with leaves (one every week) ;to name these, describe them in their own words, and say where they found them.  To do the same with the leaves and flowers of six forest trees.  To know six birds, by song, color and shape.

This is a view from our Elk Camp.  Many caches are in wilderness areas too.

Geocaching is not a race, unless you want the credit for a “first to find,” so families can make a day of it.  Many geocaches are hidden in area parks and along hiking trails.  You will be surprised where they are hidden, even all around town!  Each geocache should include a short description and is also rated for the type of terrain and difficulty to find.

 

Often other geocachers will host events and this is a nice way to get to know people who share this hobby. Another fun aspect to geocaching is hiding new caches. We have created and hidden many caches.  It is fun to make containers from natural materials such as hollowed out sticks or old bird nests.   Ham is at the age where he would like to help hide one.   I will post when we go geocaching again.

Ham (25 months) finding plenty of leaves, sticks and some bugs too.

***Editing to add this blog by a homeschooling geocaching family — Geocaching with Datrucks Crew @ blogspot.