Searching for buried treasure is a pastime that has been enjoyed for millennia. Something about the thrill of pursuit keeps young men and boys filled with anticipation as they pursue lost riches. Whether they search for gold, jewels, or trinkets the common link between treasure hunters throughout history has been their love for adventure. However, today’s explorers can enjoy their sport in a far more wholesome arena – one that incorporates adventure, intelligence, and modern technology in the form of GPS tracking – the world of geocaching.
Geocaching was born in 2000 when GPS technology became commonly available to the public. Thrilled by this new availability, tech-savvy outdoorsmen opened their minds to the possibility of creating a family-friendly activity that would utilize not only the body, but also the mind. The first cache was created in Beavercreek, Oregon on May 3, 2000, by a man named Dave Ulmer. Since that day, more than 1.4 million geocaches have been established all around the world. More than 5 million people are involved in this activity – a testimony to its ever-growing popularity.
People of all ages are now enjoying geocaching. Children enjoy the hunt for buried “treasure” while dads relish the idea of utilizing the latest and greatest GPS tracking devices to locate exact coordinates on a plane. Thus, unlike many modern sports, geocaching is actually an activity that the entire family can enjoy together. Even mom can get in on the action while enjoying family time in the great outdoors.
Following a geocaching trip, aficionados can go online to access records affiliated with their recent finds. The discovered trinkets may be recorded, along with information about the history of the cache. The use of GPS tracking makes it possible for geocachers to not only locate caches, but also to track the path of trinkets across the globe. How’s that for an educational family activity? A whole new dimension is added to the activity as technology becomes a living part of the experience.
Like the sport itself, geocaching societies are now becoming increasingly popular. One such society was recently founded in Hazleton, Pennsylvania. Organized by John M. Smith of Butler Township, the Greater Hazleton Geocaching Society offers local geocachers the opportunity to congregate with fellow sportsmen and discuss the ins and outs of their favorite game. Geocaching societies have been instrumental in the establishment of a worldwide community of like-minded gamers. Across the globe a sense of togetherness is fostered as people work together in pursuit of adventure.
Article Written by Janice Grover
