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Geocaching With Kids Teaches Map Skills
One of the latest phenomena in GPS technology combines a high-tech scavenger hunt, coordinates, mapping, and tourism into one game called geocaching. A hand held hiker's GPS, cell phones with GPS enabled technology, or other gadgets with mapping capabilities are used to mark a single "waypoint." These waypoints might mark a monument, large volcanic rock, a state park, or a hidden treasure like a buried seashell or hidden trail. Waypoints are then uploaded online to sites like www.geocaching.com for other GPS enthusiasts to download and embark on a unique scavenger hunt.
A spirited game of geocaching can also teach your kids about mapping and coordinates and incorporate a game of hide and seek with waypoints and hidden treasure. Kids can learn how important maps really are, and how each spot on the planet has a single fixed coordinate that can be accessed by anyone. It also might teach adults a thing or two about directions, too.
After familiarizing yourself with the basics of a GPS device and reading through your product directions, even young kids will discover that its easy to mark a waypoint with a just a few clicks. It's a similar process to programming a cell phone and GPS' are generally intuitive to handle and incorporate a user-friendly menu.
Getting Started
Families can create a series of waypoints to mark that bench overlooking the beach, a favorite restaurant, or an old lighthouse and upload them to geocache websites to share with other travelers and GPS enthusiasts. Anyone with a GPS unit can use those coordinates to locate your cache and join the fun. If you want to hide treasures like seashells or a special keepsake, it's important to practice low-impact principles and hide only environmentally friendly objects that won't compromise a park's policy on litter or harm the planet.
Begin by purchasing an inexpensive GPS on eBay, at an outdoor retailer, or borrow one from a friend. You can also see if your cell phone already offers GPS capabilities. Geocache Navigator or the geocaching iPhone application is a good place to start. Next, organize a test game in your own backyard, a local park, or favorite outdoor spot before setting off on your next vacation. Once you're ready to start geocaching, send out half of the family to hide the treasure so the other half can do the seeking. Then take turns with the GPS and see what you discover. You can also mark popular attractions and natural wonders with a waypoint and let your family go on a group scavenger hunt.
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