Let's start with the basics: what exactly is geocaching? Geocaching is essentially a community-driven treasure hunt. To get started, you will have to download the geocaching app or create an account on geocaching.com (both options are totally free). Once you've created an account, you can put in your zip code or the location of a park or other place you'd like to explore and see what is hidden nearby. Hidden things are called "caches" and each is rated to indicate the level of difficulty in terms of terrain and hiding spot. This is a very useful feature for those just starting out or who are geocaching with kids. In addition to the rating feature, the app also has a great built-in GPS that will help lead you to the cache. Not only is geocaching fun,  but it's also a great way to improve your map interpreting skills.  

Once you locate a nearby cache, you can open it up and see what's inside. Here's where the few simple rules come in: 

1. Geocaching is a treasure hunt, so if you open a cache up and want to take something, you must leave something in the cache in its place. 

2. Each cache should contain a logbook. Write about your adventure in the logbook!

I would recommend always taking a buddy on your geocaching adventures. Sometimes the caches are hard to find, be patient and have fun trying to crack the treasure map. We wanted to focus on geocaching this week because we think its a fun way to explore places you may think you know very well. You might be surprised to see that there are geocaches in places you pass by every day. Maybe you'll even start hiding caches of your own! Getting outside and being intentionally mindful is important, but so it getting outside and having a fun adventure!

There are tons of people who know more about geocaching than I do so please take a look at the articles and resources below before you head out on your first hunt.