With summer break in full swing, low-cost, spontaneous opportunities for adventure are at a premium. One great way to combine treasure-hunting, adventure, problem-solving, and connection with other adventurers around the world is to join the millions who enjoy Geocaching.

Geocaching is an outdoor activity involving using GPS coordinates to find hidden containers or “caches” in various locations worldwide. Geocaching can be a fun and interactive way to explore new areas and discover hidden treasures. Whether done in the neighborhood, a forest, a bustling downtown, or in a foreign country, geocaching is a wonderful way for families to explore new territory, or rediscover areas they have passed by for years. Following clues and GPS markers, participants will go on excursions of varying levels of difficulty, to find their way to a hidden spot where a reward awaits in the cache.

When the cache is found, the geocacher is expected to honor three basic rules:

1. Take something from the cache.
2. Leave something in the cache.
3. Log your visit to the cache.

Ready, Set, Geocache!

Excitingly, hundreds of geocaching sites are likely within your reach, and participating doesn’t cost a dime! Here’s what you need to get started:

• A GPS device or a smartphone with GPS capabilities.
• A Geocaching app or website membership.
• A pen or pencil.
• Small items for trade-in caches. (see FAQ link below)

Embarking on a Geocaching Treasure Hunt

Here’s how the adventure unfolds. One or more players download a geocaching app or join a geocaching website like Geocaching.com. Utilize the app or website to find nearby geocaches using GPS coordinates and hints from fellow geocachers. Once you’ve signed the logbook and traded items if you desire, don’t forget to return the cache and log your find on the geocaching app or website. Check out this comprehensive FAQ provided by California Parks and Recreation for a smooth start to your geocaching journey.

Elevate Your Geocaching Experience

Once your group or family is comfortable with how it works, different members can accept the challenge to elevate their Geocache game, with specialized geocaching:

• Discover geological features with Earthcaching: Instead of hunting for a physical container, Earthcaching uses GPS to guide adventurers to sites of interest where they can learn about unique geoscience features or aspects of the earth. An Earthcache will also include a set of educational notes and GPS details to find the location.
• Elevate your next vacation by including a GeoTour. This geocaching focuses on treasure-hunting at special attractions (historic sites, parks, museums). The official GeoCache site say GeoTours “combine geocaching and travel…GeoTour Hosts highlight the best of the best from their destination…[including] interactive maps, [using] the official Geocaching® app while on location.”
• Gamify the geocache experience with Wherigo – a location-based adventure game that uses GPS coordinates to guide players through a virtual storyline)

The great thing about geocaching is that, with very little planning and expense, families can be ready for adventure wherever they are. Each excursion is an opportunity for families to problem-solve together, explore familiar or new places, and strive towards a shared goal. If you’ve already tried geocaching, we’re eager to hear about your favorite adventure!

About TLC

The Lincoln Center for Family and Youth (TLC) is a social enterprise company serving the Greater Philadelphia Area. Among its five divisions, TLC offers School-based Staffing Solutions, Mobile Coaching and Counseling, and Heather’s Hope: A Center for Victims of Crime. These major programs are united under TLC’s mission to promote positive choices and cultivate meaningful connections through education, counseling, coaching, and consulting. For more information, go to: TheLincolnCenter.com/

About the Author

MaryJo Burchard (Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership) is co-founder and principal of Concord Solutions, a Virginia-based consultancy firm focused on helping leaders and organizations thrive while facing major disruption. Concord Solutions offers consulting, coaching, training, research, and keynote speaking surrounding trauma-informed leadership and assessing and building change readiness, trust, and belonging.