Geocaching MB is a Reality

[smtroop168]

I got my new Scoutgear catalog today. Does anyone know if the GEOMATE JR. ($70) is worth it and would it suffice for the Geocaching MB required stuff?

[wagionvigil]

I got my new Scoutgear catalog today. Does anyone know if the GEOMATE JR. ($70) is worth it and would it suffice for the Geocaching MB required stuff?

Is that the one with preloaded caches?
If it is, NO if you cannot load waypoints. you must be able to enter cooordinates and waypoints.

[smtroop168]

I got my new Scoutgear catalog today. Does anyone know if the GEOMATE JR. ($70) is worth it and would it suffice for the Geocaching MB required stuff?

Is that the one with preloaded caches?
If it is, NO if you cannot load waypoints. you must be able to enter cooordinates and waypoints.

"Preloaded with 250000 geocaches covering all 50 states"

You can add a GEOMATE JR UPDATE KIT for $25 more to build your own database.

[wagionvigil]

OK for 140.00 you can get an etrex legend Or 100+ a gecko

[RWSmith]

There was a discussion sometime back (maybe a year, or so) where recommendations were made. I think it was pretty much Wagionvigil's expertise -- maybe a couple of others with comments/questions. I searched the site; but, didn't find much. So, let's start one:

A Good GPS for Geocaching MB (or Scouting Activities)....

[RWSmith]

Geocaching MB wiki page: http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Geocaching

Link to workbook with finalized requirements: http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Image:Geocaching.pdf

Note (not complaining, just a note): Req. 8c states, "....following the guidelines in the Geocaching merit badge pamphlet. ...", which is not out, yet. (The requirement previously said to follow the guidelines at http://www.geocaching.com.) So, IDK how that's playing out, at the moment. Anybody?

[smtroop168]

Nothing new on the Geocaching MB pamphlet or earn date in scoutnet. Inventing is up and running though. Maybe the MIT guys figured out scoutnet and the guys out in the field are still trying to find the GPS coordinates of the National office.

[PaulSWolf]

Does the Inventing badge have an ID# in Scoutnet? If so, can I assume its the next in sequence - 144?

[smtroop168]

Does the Inventing badge have an ID# in Scoutnet? If so, can I assume its the next in sequence - 144?

I would guess so but don't know for sure but it is in Internet Advancement. Geocaching is not.

[WeeWillie]

Geomate really restricts you to geocaching. My experience is that geocaching enthusiasm wanes quickly. Better to get a GPS that you can use for hikes, canoe trips, etc. At the $140-160 range you can get a generic GPS that you can up and down load waypoints, routes and caches. Easy GPS is free software that allows you to save GPX info and print them out to a topo map.

I recommend Garmin or Delorme. Magellan has lost its focus on hand held GPSs. I have a Triton 400.

Research

Ask other SMs to bring in their GPS to Rount Table.

Go to geocaching.com create an account and select Forums. There is all sorts in topics to help.

[lifescoutforlife]

They said the book and badge would be out the 2nd quarter and we are 1/2 way through the 3rd, any idea when its going to happen?

[lifescoutforlife]

Anyone know when this will be official? My son is very close to finishing all the badges and has the requirements done for this one since they officially said scouts could work on them starting 4/12/2010.

[smtroop168]

Anyone know when this will be official? My son is very close to finishing all the badges and has the requirements done for this one since they officially said scouts could work on them starting 4/12/2010.

It is an official MB right now and can be entered into Internet Advancement. What Badge you can buy is still a mystery.

[PaulSWolf]

It is an official MB right now and can be entered into Internet Advancement. What Badge you can buy is still a mystery.

Have they assigned a Scoutnet Number for it, and if so, what number?

[smtroop168]

It is an official MB right now and can be entered into Internet Advancement. What Badge you can buy is still a mystery.

Have they assigned a Scoutnet Number for it, and if so, what number?

Sorry I don't know but I would assume it's the next one? 145? Inventing was 144. Scouting Heritage 143.

[lifescoutforlife]

BSA Advancement ID#:TBD
Requirements last updated in: 2010
Pamphlet Stock Number: TBD
Pamphlet Revision Date: 2010


This is what http://usscouts.org/mb/geocaching.asp says

[PaulSWolf]

BSA Advancement ID#:TBD
Requirements last updated in: 2010
Pamphlet Stock Number: TBD
Pamphlet Revision Date: 2010

This is what http://usscouts.org/mb/geocaching.asp says

I know that, of course. I'm the one that prepared that page. That's why I asked.

Sorry I don't know but I would assume it's the next one? 145? Inventing was 144. Scouting Heritage 143.

Until I get an official answer on what number is assigned in Scoutnet and Internet Advancement, I don't want to post a guess. The requirements for Geocaching came out before Inventing and Scouting Heritage, if my memory is correct, yet those got 143 & 144. For all we know, Robotics may become 145 and Geocaching may become 146. So I'll leave the number as TBD (To Be Determined). Same for the Pamphlet Number, of course.

Both Geocaching and Robotics had booths at the Jambo Merit Badge Midway. Robotics had a black & white image of the proposed badge on the patch they were giving away.

[lifescoutforlife]

So I can sign boys off that have completed the requirements for the badge ( with todays date) and then they just wait till the badge comes out so they add it to thier sash ?

[PaulSWolf]

So I can sign boys off that have completed the requirements for the badge ( with todays date) and then they just wait till the badge comes out so they add it to thier sash ?

For Geocaching, Yes. That's right. For Robotics, they haven't released the final requirements yet, so that will have to wait until next April.

[lifescoutforlife]

Thank You!!!!