Geocaching

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Many years ago, kids would run around parks and play in bush areas alone. Then parents became scared for their unsupervised kids and didn't allow them to run around by themselves and so they started becoming unhealthy by staying indoors.

Now kids are going back into parks and bushland, but their parents are now joining them. They are searching for something that is now hidden in these areas.



All over the world, including right here in Perth, are thousands of containers hidden. Inside these containers there are treasures to be found. Not gold doubloons but little things like pencils or plastic objects.

The reason for this quest is called , which is a worldwide activity that kids of all ages are joining in. The object is to find as many hidden geocaches (containers) as you can using a GPS (Global Positioning System).

My son starting participating in this activity, after completing a PEAC course on geocaching. They worked together with Nature Play WA on a project to encourage kids to play outdoors more.

He has found over 40 locations and is the proud owner of 2 sites himself.

Basically, the game works by keying in GPS coordinates, that you get from the world map. Then you go outdoors and try to locate these sites. Once you find the hidden container you write your user name on the pad provided. Usually there is a small item that you exchange, these have no real value just a small token for the next person to claim. Containers can be any size and can be hidden in any public open space or bush area.



You can also be the owner of a site, if you are the first to hide a container there and record the co-ordinates on the Geocache site.

Parents are happy again because their kids are happy, playing outdoors in a safe supervised environment. All you need is a GPS to get started. Search your suburb on the Geocache map page and see how many geocaches you can find.



If you travel overseas, you can search for sites as well. There is no limit to the number of sites to find as new sites are being added daily.

So get going outdoors now.

#western_australia
#outdoor
#fun_things_to_do
#free
#family
#adventure
%wneverywhere