1. Geocaching Merit Badge 2014 Mountain Dominion District COLD RUSH
3/31/2017
Geocaching Merit Badge 2014 Mountain Dominion District COLD RUSH
Troop 1 Princeton, WV

2. 3/31/2017
The Plan for Today
What is Geocaching? Safety How to Find a Geocache Mapping: GPS, UTM, Compass How to Hide a Geocache Geocaching Terms CITO Leave no Trace Geocaching Game

3. 3/31/2017
What is Geocaching?
“Geocaching is a sport where you use a multi billion dollar satellite system to locate a rubbermaid containers in middle of the woods.” ~~ Anonymous

4. What is Geocaching? Nature meets Technology
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What is Geocaching?
Nature meets Technology
GPS (Global Positioning Device)
Maps
Hidden Containers
Latitude/Longitude
Friends and Family Time
geocaching.com
Adventures
FUN with your Troop

5. History of Geocaching GPS was developed by the US Dept of Defense
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History of Geocaching
GPS was developed by the US Dept of Defense
May 1st, 2000 the Government made these GPS signals available to the public
Removing “Selective Availability”
On May 3rd, Dave Ulmer hid a 5 gallon pail out in woods in Oregon
Called “The Great American Stash Hunt”
The first finder, Jeremy Irish, created geocaching.com to document geocaches
Today over 1 Million are hidden around the world
Removing “Selective Availability”
“The Great American Stash Hunt” – to test the accuracy of new system
GPS technology is used in surveying, geology, hiking, environmental research, air and sea travel, etc.

6. Global Positioning System (GPS)
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Global Positioning System (GPS)
What does a GPS Do?
Tells you where to go
Tracks where you have been
Stores maps: topo, trails, street
Stores coordinates (waypoints, points of interest)
Communicates with Satellites out in space
GPS will time the signals of these satellites to calculate your position.
Satellites continuously transmits data that indicates it’s time and location

7. How does it work? Three Segments Space Control User
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How does it work?
Three Segments
Space
24-30 satellites orbit around the earth at an altitude of about 12,550 miles
Transmits position, orbit and location, and altitude
Control
Satellites are tracked by US Air Force Monitoring Stations scattered throughout the US.
Ground stations will send navigation updates to the satellites
User
GPS
Uses data from satellites to calculate user’s position, altitude and other data

8. How does it work? To sum it all up:
3/31/2017
How does it work?
To sum it all up:
The GPS uses the time it receives the signal from the satellites to determine location and altitude
The GPS only needs to receive data from 4 satellites to determine location. The more received, the better the accuracy

9. Interference and Accuracy
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Interference and Accuracy
Interference: Factors that prevent GPS from receiving information from satellites
Weather
Buildings
Trees
Canyons
Takes longer for GPS to receive satellite signal
No GPS is 100% Accurate
Most GPS units will get you within 20 feet of a Geocache
Use “Geosense” when hunting for a cache

10. How to use a GPS Get to know your GPS before you head out
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How to use a GPS
Get to know your GPS before you head out
Where is the Enter button, move up or down, zoom in or out, find the menu, turn on backlight
How to switch between the map and the compass
Check battery levels
“Mark” a Waypoint
A waypoint is a location entered in your GPS
“Find” a waypoint (location) or point of interest
Edit/Change coordinates
The Compass
The arrow will not move until you begin to move

11. 3/31/2017
GPSr Demonstration

12. GPS Safety How to NOT get lost or run into barriers:
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GPS Safety
How to NOT get lost or run into barriers:
GPS “where to crow flies”
Always look at a map of area first to determine your best route
Obstacles: rivers, streams, swamps, cliffs
Always carry extra batteries
Mark your car or trailhead
Have map and compass

13. Map and Compass Why should you bring a Map and Compass with you?
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Map and Compass
Why should you bring a Map and Compass with you?
GPS batteries go dead
Satellite signal is not good
Accidently enter in the wrong coordinates
TIME FOR QUESTIONS….

14. How to Determine Coordinates
3/31/2017
How to Determine Coordinates
The globe is comprised of vertical and horizontal lines called: Latitude and Longitude
Latitude (parallels)
Horizontal lines around the globe
North to South position between the poles
North Pole is 90 degrees north
South Pole is 90 degrees south
Longitude (meridians)
Vertical lines around the globe
East to West
0 degrees = Prime Meridian and goes through Greenwich England.
Latitude: how far north and south you are
Longitude: how far east and west you are

15. Latitude and Longitude
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Latitude and Longitude

16. Latitude and Longitude
3/31/2017
Latitude and Longitude
Each degree is divided into 60 minutes
Each minute of latitude and longitude = 60 seconds
Format used for Coordinates:
Degrees, Minutes, Seconds
Coordinates at Baldy Mountain at Philmont are
N ’ 45’’ W ’ 48’’
Geocaching.com and most GPS uses different format: Degrees and Decimal Minutes
Coordinates above would read:
N W

17. Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM)
3/31/2017
Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM)
Rectangular grid-based map overlay
Divides Earth into 60 zones
Each zone = 6 degrees of latitude
20 Latitude bands, each 8 degrees high
Each band is lettered from C to X (no I or O)
Ends at 84o N Latitude
“Easting” – measured from central meridian
“Northing” – measured from the equator
Always read coordinates East and then North

18. 3/31/2017
UTM

19. 3/31/2017
UTM
To use the UTM grid, you can place a transparent grid overlay on the map to subdivide the grid, or you can draw lines on the map connecting corresponding ticks on opposite edges. The distances can be measured in meters at the map scale between any map point and the nearest grid lines to the south and west. The northing of the point is the value of the nearest grid line south of it plus its distance north of that line; its easting is the value of the nearest grid line west of it plus its distance east of that line (see fig. 2).
On maps at 1:100,000 and 1:250,000 scale, a full UTM grid is shown at intervals of 10,000 meters and is numbered and used in the same way.

20. UTM Excercise Questions or Break….. 3/31/2017
Resource: maptools.com UTM Exercise, topo maps and overlay tool
Questions or Break…..

21. Types of Geocaches Traditional Multi-Cache Puzzle Virtual Earthcache
3/31/2017
Types of Geocaches
Traditional
Multi-Cache
Puzzle
Virtual
Earthcache
Event
Letterbox
Wherigo
Webcam
Benchmarking
Waymarking
Briefly explain each type.
Letterbox/Letterbox hybrid: has a stamp, NOT swag
Wherigo: game using cartridges you download from wherigo.com, virtual video game

22. Geocache Sizes Micro Small Regular Large
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Geocache Sizes
Micro
Nano, film containers, magnetic key holder
Typically only a logbook
Small
Sandwich size lock-n-lock, decon containers, small peanut butter container
Can fit logbook, pencil and small trade items
Regular
Ammo can, large lock-n-lock, think “shoebox size”
Large
5 gallon pail, big wooden box

23. Terrain and Difficulty
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Terrain and Difficulty
Terrain Rating: 1-5 stars
Steep terrain, water, cliffs
Paved trail
1 star would be wheelchair accessible
5 star may require special equipment
Difficulty Rating: 1-5 stars
Nano up in a pine tree (5)
50 gallon garbage can (1)
1 star would be super easy, 5 star is evil

24. Attributes What to expect at cache location
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Attributes
What to expect at cache location
Is parking available? Can you bring your dog?
Do you need special equipment (boat, scuba gear)
How long will it take? Is cache available at night?
Kid Friendly?
Stealth Required?
Do I need to watch out for ticks or poisonous plants?

25. Internet Safety Obtain parent permission and follow the rules
3/31/2017
Internet Safety
Obtain parent permission and follow the rules
Never give out your , phone number or other personal information
Never open or files if you don’t know who sent it
Tell a parent if you see or receive anything that makes you feel uncomfortable
Never agree to meet with anybody you meet online
Don’t share passwords
Don’t believe everything you read online
Obey the laws

26. Getting Started Step 1: Research Step 2: Safety Step 3: The Hunt
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Getting Started
Step 1: Research
Step 2: Safety
Step 3: The Hunt
Step 4: The Actual Find

27. Step 1: Research Sign up for free account on Geocaching.com
3/31/2017
Step 1: Research
Sign up for free account on Geocaching.com
Click “Hide and Seek a Cache”, enter a zip code
Select the Geocache you want to find
Pay attention to distance, difficulty, terrain, type and size
Enter coordinates in your GPS device
Look at map of area to determine your best approach
In the city, use a city map
In rural areas, use a topographic map

30. Preparing to Geocache What to take with you GPS Extra batteries
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Preparing to Geocache
What to take with you
GPS
Extra batteries
Cache page
Water
A buddy
Trinkets to trade with
Pen/Pencil
Bug Spray
CITO bag
Sense of Adventure

31. Step 2: Safety Bring a buddy
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Step 2: Safety
Bring a buddy
Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back
Carry a compass, whistle and first aid kit
Dress for weather and terrain
Be aware of your surroundings
If it’s hunting season, wear blaze orange

32. Step 3: The Hunt Mark your car and/or trailhead Stay on the trail
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Step 3: The Hunt
Mark your car and/or trailhead
Stay on the trail
Watch your Footing
Use your GPS compass to lead you towards the cache
Slow down when you get to about 300 feet
Once you get to about 30 feet, start your search
Sometimes it helps to just put the GPS away and use your “geosense”

33. Step 4: The Actual Find Once you find it, write about it in logbook
3/31/2017
Step 4: The Actual Find
Once you find it, write about it in logbook
Use your geocaching name (handle) and date
Take something, Leave something
Only take a trackable if you intend on moving it
Trackables are Geocoins, Travel Bugs and tracked on Geocaching.com
Put Geocache back, better than how you found it
Many times, geocaches “move” or camo disappears
Make sure lid is on tight
Log it on Geocaching.com and share your experience.

34. Hazards Poisonous plants Sunburn Heatstroke Hypothermia Woodticks
3/31/2017
Hazards
Poisonous plants
Sunburn
Heatstroke
Hypothermia
Woodticks
Mosquitoes
Holes in the ground
Uneven terrain
Disorientation

35. Hiding a Geocache Read the guidelines on Geocaching.com
3/31/2017
Hiding a Geocache
Read the guidelines on Geocaching.com
Many parks and cities have special rules
Same steps as finding:
Step 1: Research
Step 2: Safety
Step 3: The Hunt
Step 4: The Actual Find

36. Step 1: Research Where would be a good place to hide a Geocache?
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Step 1: Research
Where would be a good place to hide a Geocache?
Geocaches must be .10 miles (528 feet) away from others.
Think “Where would I like to FIND a Geocache?”
Hide Geocache where there will be minimal risk to the environment

37. Step 2: Safety Geocaches must be safe to get to
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Step 2: Safety
Geocaches must be safe to get to
If on private property, obtain permission
Geocaches are not allowed near railroads, bridges, school property or military bases

38. Step 3: The Hunt Make sure coordinates are accurate Supply a hint
3/31/2017
Step 3: The Hunt
Make sure coordinates are accurate
Supply a hint
Write “Geocache” on outside of container
You want to be sure Geocachers can find your hide

39. Step 4: The Actual Find Be sure to use a watertight container
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Step 4: The Actual Find
Be sure to use a watertight container
Lock N Locks
Ammo Cans
Decon containers
Do not use: “gladware”, they do not hold up to Minnesota winters
Put a “Cache Note” in the geocache
This can be printed off Geocaching.com
Put logbook in a plastic baggie
Leave the pencil out, they tend to poke holes in the baggie
Load the cache up with swag
Do not put in food, fireworks, or other dangerous materials

40. Submitting your Geocache
3/31/2017
Submitting your Geocache
Go to Geocaching.com
On “Hide and Seek” page, click on the Online Form
Complete all information on the form and Submit
Add Attributes
Volunteer reviewers will review your listing
If there are questions, they will you
If no questions and all guidelines were followed, they will publish your new Geocache on Geocaching.com
Wait for that first Geocacher to log the “FTF” (First to Find)

41. 3/31/2017
Maintain it!
When you hide a Geocache, you are obligated to maintain it
Read the logs that geocachers will send you
They will let you know if your Geocache is “wet” or the logbook is full
If you get a few “DNF” logs (Did Not Find), you may want to check to see if the geocache has been “Muggled” (a non-geocacher may have found it and removed it)
When you visit the area, make sure environment around isn’t being damaged in anyway
If you can no longer maintain, you need to “archive” and remove the geocache

42. Leave No Trace Follow 7 Leave No Trace Principles
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Leave No Trace
Follow 7 Leave No Trace Principles
Plan Ahead and Prepare
Check weather, be safe, follow land policies, know how to use GPS
Travel and Cache on durable surfaces
Stay on the trail, avoid creating new “geotrails”, avoid sensitive areas
Dispose of Waste Properly
Cache in, Trash Out
Leave What you Find
“see it as it is, leave it as it was”

43. Leave No Trace Minimize Campfire Impacts Respect Wildlife
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Leave No Trace
Minimize Campfire Impacts
Typically doesn’t apply with Geocaching, but know area regulations
Respect Wildlife
Never leave food in a geocache
Dogs on a leash
Observe wildlife from a distance
Be Considerate of other Visitors
Yield to those on a trail
Avoid loud noises
Do not trespass

44. CITO Cache In Trash Out DIPO
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CITO
Cache In Trash Out
Always carry a bag with you to pick up trash on your way out
CITO Event: Group of geocachers getting together to clean up a park or other geocaching friendly area
DIPO
Dog in Poop Out: make sure you clean up after the dogs

45. 3/31/2017
Make CITO Containers

46. Geocaching Game!! 3/31/2017 Plan Ahead Obtain Permissions
Set up the Game: hide geocaches before folks arrive, load coordinates
Explain the game, leave no trace and the rules
Play the Game
Debrief (explain to Scouts steps taken to setup the game)
Clean up area and collect the Geocaches

47. Geocachers Creed When placing or seeking geocaches, I will:
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Geocachers Creed
When placing or seeking geocaches, I will:
Not endanger myself or others
Observe all laws & rules of the area
Respect property rights and seek permission where appropriate
Avoid causing disruptions or public alarm
Minimize my and others' impact on the environment
Be considerate of others
Protect the integrity of the game pieces
..Not Endanger Myself or Others: Like any outdoor activity, geocaching involves some inherent risk and many geocachers enjoy manageable risks. Minimize inordinate risks. When creating a cache, describe any hidden dangers and, if possible, arrange the hunt to minimize these dangers. When seeking a cache, know your limitations and be aware of your surroundings. Don't attempt anything beyond your abilities.
A cache you own, or one you're trading out of, could be found by children or even a prisoner work crew - consider the location of the cache and those likely to find it when deciding what to leave as a trade item.
...Observe All Laws and Rules of the Area Don’t break the law or rules of an area, or encourage others to do so, when placing or seeking a cache. Don't leave illegal items in a cache.
...Respect Property Rights and Seek Permission Where Appropriate Check if permission is required before placing a cache on private property, and respect the landowner's wishes. Check if public land has a geocaching policy and respect existing policies. Promptly remove your cache if the land manager or steward asks. Do not damage, or interfere with the function of, buildings, structures, or signage.
...Avoid Causing Disruptions or Public Alarm Don’t place a cache near schools or government buildings unless the administration and staff are fully aware of the placement. Use caution where children play. Parents are understandably concerned when strangers are near their children.
Don’t place a cache near critical infrastructure that might be considered a terrorist target, or create a cache that could be mistaken for a terrorist device (e.g. a pipe bomb).
...Minimize My and Others' Impact on the Environment Follow Leave No Trace ethics whenever possible.
When seeking a cache, practice "Lift, Look, Replace" - put all stones or logs back where you found them. Leave the area as you found it or better (e.g. pick up litter). Obtain the best possible coordinates for your cache to reduce unwarranted wear on the area. Recheck and correct your coordinates if finders report significant errors. Do not abandon a cache. If you stop maintaining a cache, remove the container, archive its listing and explain the disposition of the cache in your archive note, or put it up for adoption or rescue. If you de-list a cache on one host, but keep it on another, make sure you mention this in the archive note to prevent rescues of active caches.
...Be Considerate of Others Treat other geocachers civilly - in the field, in the forums, or wherever your paths may cross. Don't spoil the hunt for others - allow them to experience the cache as its owner intended. Avoid leaving tracks to the cache. Do not disrupt the cache area or mark the hiding spot. Minimize giving unsolicited clues that reveal the cache (i.e. "spoilers"). Don't provide any hints if the cache description asks you not to. In all other cases, be cryptic or encrypt any hints or spoilers you enter in online logs. Edit your log if the cache owner requests that you remove spoilers. Promptly alert the owner of any issues with their cache. Make minor repairs if you can, it will save the owner a trip.
Cache owners appreciate feedback - write an online log, send an , or otherwise let the owner know about your experience with their cache. Only place caches you can maintain and respond promptly to problem reports. If you exchange trade items, trade kindly: Consider what future finders would like and leave something equal to or better than what you take. If you place a traveling item into the game, attach a tag that describes its goal, so that others can help it along. If you pick up a traveling item with a tag describing its goal, move the item toward its goal if possible. Contact the owner if you hold a traveling item for more than a couple of weeks or so. Obtain permission from the originator before copying unique themes and techniques, adding to an existing series of caches, or placing a cache close to another.
...Protect the Integrity of the Game Pieces The owner entrusts you to not damage or jeopardize the cache. Try to ensure the cache is ready for the next finder and is as good as or better than you found it. Make sure the container is properly closed to prevent the contents from getting wet or destroyed. Be inconspicuous in retrieving, signing in, and replacing a cache to avoid vandalism. Put the cache back where you found it and hide it well. Don’t move a cache - if you suspect the cache is not in the intended spot, hide it the best you can and alert the owner as soon as possible. Don’t collect traveling items meant to stay in the game. This is tantamount to stealing. Don’t tamper with or involve a game piece in "alternate" games without the owner’s permission.

48. Resources www.geoscouting.com www.geocaching.com
3/31/2017
Resources
References:
Geocaching Merit Badge Handbook

49. Ed Evans, Assistant Scoutmaster Princeton Troop 1 304-673-2969
3/31/2017
Contact Information
Ed Evans, Assistant Scoutmaster
Princeton Troop 1