What Is Geocaching?

The word geocache [GEE-oh-cash] comes from two words. The first is the prefix geo, meaning "Earth". The second is cache which is a safe place for hiding or storing something. It can also be the thing which is hidden. For example, the batch of nuts that a squirrel hides for winter is her cache. Your computer keeps the Internet files you are using in a cache.

So a geocache is something that is hidden somewhere on Earth! It is a new word created for the hobby geocaching. People gather up a few little odds and ends and put them in a watertight container. Then they hide it outdoors somewhere, record the coordinates using their GPS receiver, and post the coordinates on the Web.

What is a GPS receiver?

The initials GPS stand for "global positioning system". GPS uses a series of 24 satellites that orbit Earth, several ground stations, and GPS receivers which you can carry. When you stand outdoors with your receiver turned on, it will receive radio signals from four (or so) of the satellites which are flying about 11,000 nautical miles overhead. By receiving signals from these satellites, the GPS receiver is able to calculate your location on the planet using longitude and latitude coordinates. Coordinates look like this: N 47° 41.026 W 122° 11.038. At the bottom of this page is information about purchasing a GPS receiver. The photo at left is from The Aerospace Corporation. They have a very helpful web site describing GPS.

What's the story behind "geocaching"?

The first geocache was hidden on May 3, 2000 when the GPS signal was drastically improved for consumers. Previously, civilians were limited to accuracy of an area the size of a football field. The removal of "Selective Availability" brought the accuracy down to six feet! It became possible to pinpoint a container hidden in the woods. Within months, the sport was expanding on the web and geocaching.com, the clearing house for most of the geocaching community, was created. You can read more about its history at that site.

Where are the geocaches?

Geocaches are hidden all over. Later, when you go to the geocaching web site, you'll be able to find geocaches in your area. There are thousands of them all over the world! Usually, they are hidden on public land or on private land with the permission of the land owner. The geocaches are hidden well enough that people who aren't looking for them usually don't happen to find them. Some geocaches are easier to get to than others. The watertight containers are usually a cubic foot or smaller.

Who put the geocache there?

Geocaches are hidden by other geocachers. They get the container and the first few items to put inside. They choose the hiding place and record the coordinates, which are then posted on the geocaching.com web site. Hiding a geocache usually means that you have to check on it once in awhile to make sure it is still there and intact. After you have tried geocaching, you and your family may want to make one yourselves!

What is in a geocache?

A geocache can have all sorts of things in it. Generally, there are small items of little value. When you go geocaching, you take items to trade with the geocache. For example, you might find a geocache that has a CD, a Hotwheel car, trading cards, and other stuff. You might choose to take the car and leave a kazoo. The general rule is, if you take an item, you leave an item. Most geocaches also have a log book where you record the date and your name (or code name--most geocachers have a code name just for fun). Some geocaches even have a camera so that you can snap a picture of yourself. Never take the camera.

Where do I get a GPS receiver?

Getting a GPS receiver is not too tricky, and relatively inexpensive. You can get a nice one for under $100. You can find one at some sporting goods stores or order it online from REI or Amazon.com. The Garmin eTrex pictured at left fits in your hand and is a very nice unit. Similar units are made by Magellan.

How to get started

This information is from the geocachingkids.com web site.