I know, I know, you can go geocaching all year long. I have to admit I am a fair weather geocaching kind of gal. Last year was our first experience with geocaching and I quickly added it to our routine nature walks. It added an extra layer of learning and adventure that especially appealed to my son who was beyond the age of sitting on a large rock and drawing the trees. However, my little girls love the adventure also. I was especially surprised how my 8 year old enjoyed learning navigation. Since, I get lost going around the block, I may need her mad skills.
Have you considered adding in geocaching to your homeschool experience? It is simple to do! You just need a GPS or an app on your phone to get started. Simply sign up at Geocaching – The Official Global GPS Cache Hunt Site for a free account and access to geocaches in your area. You can pay for a premium account but I suggest holding off on that for awhile. You will not be disappointed with the free account, especially if you are just starting out.
What to Bring
- Pen or pencil to sign logs.
- SWAG to put in the cache container if you decide to remove a SWAG item. The type of item will depend on the type of cache. However, most items are simple like party favor type things, dollar store little toys or hot wheels. I have seen temporary tattoos, plastic kid jewelry, a tiny bag of buttons, and little animal toys. Fun, inexpensive and family friendly items are what is expected. Etiquette dictates leaving items worth the same or more than you take. You do not have to leave any items if you do not take items. Once, I left some quarters because I was unprepared and my kids really wanted to take a souvenir.
- Bug spray and/or sunscreen
- Work gloves; okay this is not a need but some caches you need to dig for and I am a bit of a whimp.
- Flashlight; not necessary but it may help to have a small one on hand.
- Nature packs: my kids bring their nature books, backpacks, and snacks…the standard nature walk fair. We incorporate the two activities and with two of the kids under 8 it is nice to have snacks and water as we have walked pretty far and searched for some time.
- First aid kit; simple one that contains band aids, antibiotic ointment, bug bite cream, etc. I always forget mine and we pretty much geocache in parks and urban areas anyway.