Kids today seldom spend their day outdoors because of gadgets such as their mobile phones, laptop computers, computer tablets and many more. One way to encourage kids to spend their day engaging in physical activities outside the home is through geocaching. Parents should invite their kids to go geocaching, a new, fun outdoor activity that combines hiking and the use of technology. To go geocaching, geocachers need to use a GPS device to hunt for caches left by other geocachers or scouts.
Kids are not likely going to agree to go outdoors for a hike which is why inviting them to geocache, a high-tech treasure hunt, is a good idea. Kids will find geocaching irresistible because it involves the use of cool gadgets to hunt for caches. After trying basic geocaching a few times, kids can try more advanced versions of geocaching like multi-step puzzles, and trackable traveling objects like geocoins and travel bugs. These new activities will ensure that kids will not lose interest in geocaching.
Geocaching is an activity where participants aim to find hidden objects or containers through the use of a handheld global positioning system (GPS) device. Today, there are over 600,000 registered geocaches hidden around the world. Geocaching newbies will be surprised by how many caches are hidden in areas near their location. For starters, geocaching with kids can be a simple outing where easy-to-find caches are to be discovered. After a few geocaching activities, families can venture to multi-step lessons in GPS technology, map-reading and geography. Geocaching is also an educational activity because it is closely linked to regional history. Because many caches are hidden by children, other children will surely find discovering caches very appealing. Another good thing about geocaching is that it is a good scouting activity. Geocaching involves orienteering and other outdoor skills.
Starting on geocaching is easy. All that is needed by participants is a mapping handheld GPS receiver. Part of the fun of geocaching is learning how to use a GPS receiver with kids. Once a participant already knows how to use a GPS device, the next step is to visit geocaching websites such as Geocaching.com and registering for a free account. After registering, participant can look for caches through various parameters, such as postal codes and keywords. When providing cache descriptions, be sure to include a significant amount of details such as coordinates, type of cache and its description, as well as terrain ratings. Other clues and tips on how to find the cache may be included as well.
Kids today are experts at technology so they will do well in geocaching. Younger kids should be assigned an easier cache to discover. As they gain experience in geocaching, they can be assigned to discover more advanced terrains. To make sure that kids will enjoy geocaching, parents can provide small gifts or treats as prizes for every successful find.