Geocaching

[wagionvigil]

One of the newest outdoor games is Geocaching. ALl you nned is a GPS unit a computer and a desire for outdoor adventure. Check it out at
www.geocaching.com
My caching name is Zigadabuzz

[optimist]

Think anyone will be doing any geocaching at the Jamboree?

[wagionvigil]

Not ALlowed Gov Property already checked as I am going down in Nov and wanted to Hide a couple caches there

[optimist]

Seems to me if it was made an "official" activity for participants only there wouldn't be a problem. I'm sure it's having permanent caches and inviting outsiders that they are trying to avoid.

[wagionvigil]

Merit Badge Midway may do something with orienteering.

[wagionvigil]

I have thought of doing some virtual caches and posting them on the yahoo group site.

[dparker]

They had this available at our Council camp this year and I thought it was a great idea. Now if only I could convince my wife that I need to buy a GPS device...

[wagionvigil]

Got Mind off the Geocaching web site under 120.00 Gecko 201 That was a year ago

[wagionvigil]

GO to www.backpacker.com
They are offering some GPS units under 100.00

[optimist]

Before I buy a GPS, I'd like to learn more about them. Does anyone know of a web site that gives information about useful features, provides comparisons, and/or makes recommendations on GPS units?

[wagionvigil]

www.Geocaching.com is one
www.Backpacker.com has a section just for GPS

[West]

Yep, like it or not the 'yuppie compass' is here to stay. And we ought to be teaching the scouts how to properly use one (things like, you still need to bring a map, and knowing how to use a compass. I didn't much care for the GPS until I became the advisor for a group of seascouts who did a lot of sailing on Lake Superior, you learn the good points quick in that situation.

[OldGreyBear]

use of a GPS is covered in the Land Navigation elective in the Venturing Outdoors Program, A word of note, a GPS can tell you where you are witout a problem, helping you get to another spot on the other hand still requires topo reading skills, IMHO

[Chief J]

A Troop Committee Member is very into geocaching. I have gone with him on a couple of treks and found it very enjoyable. During a recent outing he took my wife and daughter out and now they are hooked. We have started to introduce this into Troop outings.

I don't see how you can go wrong, the technology gets the Scout's interested. And I agree, a GPS will tell you where you are, but getting to where you want to go still requires Land Navigation skills.

Chief J

[wagionvigil]

Geocaching will be part of the Jamboree, See the Jamboree Forum

[Mick Scouter]

Looks like another thing to look into.

[teepeeayy]

On a recent trip to Fredericksburg, VA, we took a few boys caching. Its great fun. Do some research at geocaching.com. Lots of information in the forums.

[Mick Scouter]

I need to investigate more on this topic. It kind of reminds me of the intoduction of calculators in the mid 1970's. The calculator was available but the student can't use it because they need to understand the principles behind math. You still need to know the math tables just like you still need to know how to use a compass.

[wagionvigil]

It is not a replacement for good compass work. Anyone that caches and does not also take a compass is a fool. It is fun, it is in most cases easy. It gets people out in the woods. It will be offered at the Jamboree

[Mick Scouter]

I agree and I will use my previous analogy if you do not know how to add, subtract, multiply or divide and the calculator batteries die! Where would you be?