Geocaching is a real-world scavenger hunt where individuals look for hidden log books and treasure boxes in public places using clues and GPS coordinates. Geocaching improves map and navigation skills, encourages creative thinking and problem solving, and gets kids and adults alike outside together to explore their world from a different point of view.
Objectives
Youth will:
- Learn the basics of Leave No Trace principles when in natural areas
- Discover a new appreciation for the natural world while honing their observation skills
- Understand the basics of GPS coordinates and how to follow compass directions
- Have fun while discovering pre-hidden “treasures” in public places and logging their finds
4-H Geocaching Curriculum
Available from the extension office or online.
None published on Shop 4-H at this time.
Washington 4-H Records, Forms, and Guides
For youth members
Coming soon!
For adult helpers and club leaders
Coming soon!
Helpful Resources
Activity Ideas
Explore map-making and map reading in this paper-and-pencil activity.
Discovering Geocaching Members Manual – 4-H Canada, Manitoba (PDF)
Orienteering – University of Minnesota Extension
Youth learn how to read a topographic map and navigate with a compass through 4 lessons on reading a topographic map, understanding the compass, using the compass in the field and navigating an orienteering course.
Washington Specific Reference Material
Washington State Geocaching Association
The Washington State Geocaching Association (WSGA) is a nonprofit recreational club supporting geocachers and geocaching across the state of Washington. WSGA promotes social and recreational activities for geocachers, and works with land managers to ensure support for geocaching on park lands. We currently have seven chapters and more than 250 members across Washington State.
WSGA exists to:
- Promote geocaching as a fun, family-oriented outdoor activity that increases awareness and appreciation of the environment and our parks and trails.
- Provide opportunities for participants to enjoy geocaching and to socialize with other geocachers.
- Educate park systems and land managers about geocaching and its benefits.
- Increase awareness and support of geocaching through interaction with other outdoor groups and the public.
- Encourage low-impact geocaching and promote stewardship of our natural resources.
- Support “Cache In Trash Out” activities to help maintain parks and trail systems.
Searching for a new activity? Try geocaching – Yakima Herald-Republic
Other Reference Material
From 4-H Programs
4-H Outdoor Adventures: Geocaching the 4-H Way Complete Lesson (YouTube video)
Learn how to Geocache the 4-H Way with University of Kentucky 4-H Agent, Anna Meador. This this video, she covers what is geocaching, how to get started and what to expect on your geocaching adventures.
From Higher Education Institutions
From Related Organizations, Journals, and Professionals
The official geocaching website and app. The site features GPS coordinates that can be loaded to a handheld GPS unit as well as clues, maps, and other user comments to help you find the caches. A free account allows for logging of found caches as well as saving others for future finds.
What is Geocaching? – Geocaching.com (YouTube video)
How to choose the best caches for kids – Geocaching.com
Now that you have learned how to get your kids outside with geocaching, make sure the caches you find are fun for them. Putting in time to plan your outing is a worthwhile investment in future family outings. Here are five tips on how you can select the best caches to make your kids’ caching trip a success!
Geocaching: Your Ultimate Beginner’s Guide
The 7 Principles of Leave No Trace
The 7 Principles of Leave No Trace provide an easily understood framework of minimum impact practices for anyone visiting the outdoors. The Principles can be applied anywhere — from remote wilderness areas, to local parks and even in your backyard. Each Principle covers a specific topic and provides detailed information to empower you to minimize your impacts.
The 7 Principles are well-established and widely known but not static. Leave No Trace continually examines, evaluates, and reshapes the Principles and conducts research to ensure that they are up to date with the latest insights from biologists, land managers, and other leaders in outdoor education.
How do GPS Coordinates Work? – HowStuffWorks (YouTube video)
So you’ve seen those location-tagging numbers on maps and GPS devices before, but do you actually know what they mean? Brainstuff is here to fill you in.
- Kits, Projects, and Activities from National 4-H
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Interested in exploring the outdoors, but don’t know where to get started? Our 4-H Camping Backpack Bundle contains our popular Classic Backpack, compass, utility knife and bandanna – which will help get you started for your next adventure.
There are a few non-negotiable items that every outdoor adventurer must have. This is one of them. Complete with a fanny pack, utility knife and compass – this essential kit consists of the basic essential outdoor survival items every young explorer will need.
Whether you need to carry your phone and wallet from home to work, store your pocket tools and compass during a weekend hike, or keep a pack of sunscreen and some tissues handy for your next family trip, this mini fanny pack is perfect way to keep all of your essentials in reach.
Stainless Steel Compass with Clover Engraving
You’ll never lose your way with this outdoor compass. This compass is made from stainless steel with a laser engraved 4-H logo. Easy to read rotating compass bezel allows accurate directional headings. Makes a great gift for your favorite adventurer.
Mini Carabiner Keychain w. Flashlight & Compass
This handy carabiner includes a twist-on flashlight and a compass. Perfect for your outdoor 4-H events, camps, and programs.
Summer Adventures Outdoor Activity Bundle
This pack includes Level 1 Forestry Curriculum: Follow the Path and Level 1 Outdoor Curriculum: Hiking Trails.
Youth will explore different types of trees and tree parts, characteristics of different forests, what forests need to grow and thrive and the different products people get from trees and forests.
Hiking Trails includes shelter selection, Leave No Trace camping skills, outdoor cooking and environmental awareness and appreciation.