Geocaching is a modern day treasure hunt game that uses a GPS receiver to find given coordinates. The coordinates point to the location of a box or container, also known as a cache. The cache comes in different shapes and sizes and may contain a logbook and pencil plus tradable items.
Just like any other game or sport, geocaching comes with a set of rules and guidelines to follow if you want to get the best out of the game. There are certain guidelines to remember and followed when you’re finding a cache or planting one.
When you are the one planting the cache or container, you must remember to secure a permit from the property owner, whether it’s a public or private property. National parks will never allow geocaching at all. This is because it may affect or tamper with the environment. You should also ensure that no caches are misplaced. As a cache owner, you must also be responsible with the quality of posts to the cache listing. If there are any bogus, inappropriate or counterfeit information on the log you must remove them.
Cache owners are also required to visit their cache once in a while. You should check if it’s still in good condition. Do not take for granted when people say that the cache needs maintenance or if it is damaged, or worse, missing. You have four weeks to fix the cache. Just let the people not to search for it until the problem is addressed. It is also important to communicate with your reviewer.
All physical cache containers must have a logbook and a pencil. Cachers or the seekers need to log or record their visit. You can even put tradable items, if the cache container is big enough to hold them. Make sure that the items are family-friendly. Do not include ammunitions, fireworks, drugs and alcohol. Never put food or beverage as well since these will spoil.
Cachers or the seekers, on the other hand, must conduct themselves in an orderly fashion. If you are a cacher or seeker, ensure that you do not harm the environment when you look for the cache container. You should also put back the container exactly where and how you found it. Be considerate of the people who will find the cache container next. It is also a cacher’s responsibility to let people know if a cache is misplaced. And also, do not forget to log on after you’ve found your cache and share your experience with others.
Other geocaching guidelines include:
- Cache listings must not contain solicitations of any kind – whether for religious, charitable or social agendas. It should always remain an enjoyable hobby.
- Caches posted as commercial will not be published. It should not have advertising or marketing promotions, contain business links, have a company logo or name of a commercial product.
- Geocaches are placed for a long period of time.
- Geocaches should be in place before enabling the listing.
Geocaching is a really fun sport or family activity if participants, owners and seekers alike, keep the simple guidelines in mind and exercise them.