Team Sadjo Geocaching

A small screw-style cache

The boys and I have started Geocaching. Geocaching is a world-wide scavenger hunt where you take GPS coordinates and some hints and look for caches (containers) hidden somewhere. Larger caches sometime contain items to trade (if you remove something you must place something of equal or greater value into the cache) while others are just big enough to hold a log you can sign.

Geocaching can be done for free with a free app on your phone and a free membership from Geocaching.com website. If you want to step up your fun and enjoyment you can get the paid app for $9.99 and a premium membership from the site for $30 per year.

We have found caches at waterfalls, in the woods, underneath lamppost skirts in parking lots, in key boxes attached to guardrails and behind loose bricks in outside walls of structures.

Both Kallsen and Parker have enjoyed caching and Joseph even joined me and Parker to find a couple of caches recently. Sara Beth has even enjoyed caching with us some of the time. She (and Kallsen) like the Park & Grab caches. Those are the ones that are normally located in a parking area of a business or just a few feet from where you can park your car. Parker likes the ones that require a journey (small hike) to get to the location and the actual searching once you get close to the hiding spot.

Caching is inexpensive and can lead to great learning experiences. While we were in Charleston recently we discover several located at different historical landmarks and even found some 'virtual' caches. Those are where you are directed to a certain place and then you have to find some information on the actual site and email the answers to earn the 'find'. It makes learning fun for the kids (and me) and really made the trip to Charleston more fun.