Geocaching Merit Badge 2016

Geocaching

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Geocaching Merit BadgeGeocaching Merit Badge

Merit Badge CamporeeMerit Badge Camporee• Do you have a completed Blue Card?Do you have a completed Blue Card?• Are you in the right class?Are you in the right class?• Do you have a Workbook?Do you have a Workbook?

Chuck VohsChuck Vohs41 Linda Drive41 Linda DriveMechanicsburg, PA 17050Mechanicsburg, PA 17050(717) 385-2570(717) 385-2570fuzzie@vohslaw.comfuzzie@vohslaw.com

Requirement #3

3. Explain the following terms used in geocaching: 3. Explain the following terms used in geocaching: waypoint, log, cache, accuracy, difficulty and terrain waypoint, log, cache, accuracy, difficulty and terrain ratings, attributes, trackable. Choose five additional ratings, attributes, trackable. Choose five additional terms to explain to your counselor.terms to explain to your counselor.

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What is Geocaching

“Geocaching is a sport where you use a multi billion dollar satellite system to locate rubbermaid containers in middle of the woods.”

~ Anonymous

What is Geocaching?

Nature meets Technology •GPS (Global Positioning Device)•Maps•Hidden Containers •Latitude/Longitude•Friends and Family Time •geocaching.com •Adventures •FUN FOR ALL

History of Geocaching

• GPS was developed by the US Dept of Defense • May 1, 2000 the Government made these GPS

signals available to the public • On May 3, 2000, Dave Ulmer hid a 5 gallon pail out in

woods in Oregon “The Great American Stash Hunt” • The first finder, Jeremy Irish, created

geocaching.com to document geocaches • Geocaching was originally similar to the 160-year-

old game letterboxing, which uses clues and references to landmarks embedded in stories

• Today almost 3 Million are hidden around the world

Types of Geocaches

• Traditional• Multi-Cache• Puzzle• Virtual• Earthcache• Event

• Letterbox• Wherigo• Webcam• Benchmarking • Waymarking

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Geocache Sizes

Micro: Nano, film containers, magnetic key holder •Typically only a logbook

Small : Sandwich size lock-n-lock, small peanut butter container •Can fit logbook, pencil and small trade items

Regular: Ammo can, large lock-n-lock, “shoebox size” Large: 5 gallon pail, big wooden box

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

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?

Requirement #1

1. Do the following:1. Do the following:a.a.Explain to your counselor the most likely hazards Explain to your counselor the most likely hazards you may encounter while participating in geocaching you may encounter while participating in geocaching activities and what you should do to anticipate, help activities and what you should do to anticipate, help prevent, mitigate, and respond to these hazards.prevent, mitigate, and respond to these hazards.

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Potential Hazards

• Anticipate & Prevent• Mitigate & Respond

Hazards

• Poisonous plants

• Sunburn

• Heatstroke

• Hypothermia

• Ticks

• Mosquitoes

• Holes in the ground

• Uneven terrain

• Disorientation

Requirement #1

1. Do the following:1. Do the following:b.b.Discuss first aid and prevention for the types of Discuss first aid and prevention for the types of injuries or illnesses that could occur while participating injuries or illnesses that could occur while participating in geocaching activities, including cuts, scrapes, in geocaching activities, including cuts, scrapes, snakebite, insect stings, tick bites, exposure to snakebite, insect stings, tick bites, exposure to poisonous plants, heat and cold reactions (sunburn, poisonous plants, heat and cold reactions (sunburn, heatstroke, heat exhaustion, hypothermia), and heatstroke, heat exhaustion, hypothermia), and dehydration.dehydration.c.c.Discuss how to properly plan an activity that uses Discuss how to properly plan an activity that uses GPS, including using the buddy system, sharing your GPS, including using the buddy system, sharing your plan with others, and considering the weather, route, and plan with others, and considering the weather, route, and proper attire.proper attire.

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First Aid and Prevention

• Cuts & Scrapes

• Snakebites

• Insect Stings

• Tick Bites

• Poisonous Plants

• Sunburn

• Heatstroke

• Heat Exhaustion

• Hypothermia

• Dehydration

Requirement #1

1. Do the following:1. Do the following:c.c.Discuss how to properly plan an activity that uses Discuss how to properly plan an activity that uses GPS, including using the buddy system, sharing your GPS, including using the buddy system, sharing your plan with others, and considering the weather, route, plan with others, and considering the weather, route, and proper attire.and proper attire.

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Proper Planning

• 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 • Wear blaze orange during hunting season

Requirement #2

2. Discuss the following with your counselor:2. Discuss the following with your counselor:a.a.Why you should never bury a cache.Why you should never bury a cache.b.b.How to use proper geocaching etiquette when hiding How to use proper geocaching etiquette when hiding or seeking a cache, and how to properly hide, post, or seeking a cache, and how to properly hide, post, maintain, and dismantle a geocache.maintain, and dismantle a geocache.c.c.The principles of Leave No Trace as they apply to The principles of Leave No Trace as they apply to geocaching.geocaching.

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Geocaching Rules and Etiquette

Rule No. 1: Keep Safe•Stay far away from road traffic and railroad crossings.•Don’t place a cache higher than 6 feet or require any dangerous climbing to reach it.•Don’t require Scouts to swim to reach the cache.•Public caches are often magnetic containers stuck onto electrical switch boxes.•Common sense says to avoid these as well!•Always enforce the buddy system.

Geocaching Rules and Etiquette

Rule No. 2: Respect the Environment•Never bury a cache in the ground•Avoid sensitive ecosystems. Place caches so that they can be reached by existing trail access•Don’t place caches in archaeological or historic sites•Don’t deface any object, natural or manmade•Don’t hide caches in lightpost bases, sprinkler heads, etc

Geocaching Rules and Etiquette

Rule No. 3: Respect Private Property•Get permission from land managers to use parks, Scout camps, etc., for your events•It is unlawful to put caches on National Park land or national wildlife refuges•Local laws and policies vary so check with any relevant agency before placing caches

– Caches in or near military installations are not allowed– Caches are not allowed on elementary and secondary schools– Avoid possible targets for terrorist attacks, including highway

bridges, dams, government buildings, and airports

Geocaching Rules and Etiquette

Rule No. 4: Be a Positive Ambassador for Scouting•As with all else we do, cache using the Scout Oath and Law.

Geocaching Rules and Etiquette

• Practice cache-in-trash-out (CITO). Always carry a trash bag and remove litter along your route.

• Follow Leave No Trace guidelines in the natural environment.

• Be careful of the area around the cache—don’t trample the ground, rip up sprinkler heads, etc., in your frenzy to find the cache.

• Follow all laws and regulations. Never enter private property without permission.

• Write an entry in the logbook at the cache.

Leave No Trace

• Follow 7 Leave No Trace Principles1. Plan Ahead and Prepare

• Check weather, be safe, follow land policies, know how to use GPS

2. Travel and Cache on durable surfaces• Stay on the trail, avoid creating new geotrails, avoid sensitive

areas3. Dispose of Waste Properly

• Cache in, Trash Out4. Leave What you Find

• “See it as it is, leave it as it was”

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Leave No Trace

5. Minimize Campfire Impacts• Typically doesn’t apply with Geocaching, but know area

regulations6. Respect Wildlife

• Never leave food in a geocache• Dogs on a leash• Observe wildlife from a distance

7. Be Considerate of other Visitors• Yield to those on a trail• Avoid loud noises• Do not trespass

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Geocaching Rules and Etiquette

• Cache items are there for fun and for trade• Try to leave something of equal value to what you

take for yourself• Respect other visitors around the area

Requirement #4

Explain how the Global Positioning System (GPS) Explain how the Global Positioning System (GPS) works. Then, using Scouting’s Teaching EDGE, works. Then, using Scouting’s Teaching EDGE, demonstrate the use of a GPS unit to your counselor. demonstrate the use of a GPS unit to your counselor. Include marking and editing a waypoint, changing field Include marking and editing a waypoint, changing field functions, and changing the coordinate system in the functions, and changing the coordinate system in the unit. unit. N 39 46.263 W 076 40.929N 39 46.263 W 076 40.929

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Global Positioning System

What does a GPS do? •Tells you where to go •Tracks where you have been •Stores maps: topo, trails, streets •Stores coordinates (waypoints, points of interest) •Communicates with satellites in space

How does GPS work?

• Space – 24-30 satellites orbit around the earth at about 12,550 miles – Transmits position, orbit, location, and altitude

• Control – Satellites are tracked by US Air Force Monitoring Stations – Ground stations send updates to the satellites

• User – GPS – Uses data from satellites to calculate user’s position, altitude

and other data

How does GPS work?

• 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

GPS

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 15 - 25 feet of a Geocache

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

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Requirement #5

5. Do the following:5. Do the following:a.a.Show you know how to use a map and compass and Show you know how to use a map and compass and explain why this is important for geocaching.explain why this is important for geocaching.b.b.Explain the similarities and differences between GPS Explain the similarities and differences between GPS navigation and standard map reading skills and describe navigation and standard map reading skills and describe the benefits of each.the benefits of each.c.c.Explain the UTM (Universal Transverse Mercator) Explain the UTM (Universal Transverse Mercator) system and how it differs from the latitude/longitude system and how it differs from the latitude/longitude system used for public geocaches.system used for public geocaches.d.d.Show how to plot a UTM waypoint on a map. Compare Show how to plot a UTM waypoint on a map. Compare the accuracy to that found with a GPS unit. the accuracy to that found with a GPS unit.

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Maps & Compass

Why should you bring a Map and Compass with you?

• GPS batteries go dead • Satellite signal is not good • Enter in the wrong coordinates

How to Determine Coordinates

The globe is divided into vertical and horizontal lines called: Latitude and Longitude •Latitude (parallels)

– Horizontal lines around the globe – 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; goes through Greenwich, England

Latitude and Longitude

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 360 37’ 45’’ W 1050 12’ 48’’

• Geocaching.com and most GPS uses different format: Degrees and Decimal Minutes – Coordinates above would read: – N 36 37.750 W 105 12.800

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 84 degrees N Latitude

• “Easting” – measured from central meridian • “Northing” – measured from the equator • Always read coordinates East and then North

UTM

UTM

Requirement #6

Describe the four steps to finding your first cache to Describe the four steps to finding your first cache to your counselor. Then mark and edit a waypoint.your counselor. Then mark and edit a waypoint.

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Four Steps to finding your 1st Cache

• Step 1: Research

• Step 2: Safety

• Step 3: The Hunt

• Step 4: The Actual Find

Step 1 : Research

• Sign up for free account on Geocaching.com (Requirement #7)

• Click “Hide and Seek a Cache”, enter a zip code • Select the Geocache you want to find

– 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

Preparation for Geocaching Trip

• GPS • Extra batteries • Cache page • Water • A buddy • Trinkets to trade with • Pen/Pencil • Bug Spray • CITO bag • Sense of Adventure

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 • Wear blaze orange during hunting season

Internet Safety

• Obtain parent permission and follow the rules• Never give out your email, phone number or other

personal information• Never open e-mail or files if you don’t the sender• 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

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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

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.

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

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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

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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

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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

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Step 4: The Actual Find

• Be sure to use a watertight container– Lock N Locks– Ammo Cans– Do not use: “gladware”, they do not hold up to Pennsylvania

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

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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 email 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)

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Maintain it!

• When you hide a Geocache, you 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

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Requirement #8d

d.d. Explain what Cache In Trash Out (CITO) means, and Explain what Cache In Trash Out (CITO) means, and describe how you have practiced CITO at public describe how you have practiced CITO at public geocaches or at a CITO event. Then, either create geocaches or at a CITO event. Then, either create CITO containers to leave at public caches, or host a CITO containers to leave at public caches, or host a CITO event for your unit or for the public.CITO event for your unit or for the public.

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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

Requirement #9

9. Plan a geohunt for a youth group such as your troop 9. Plan a geohunt for a youth group such as your troop or a neighboring pack, at school, or your place of or a neighboring pack, at school, or your place of worship. Choose a theme, set up a course with at least worship. Choose a theme, set up a course with at least four waypoints, teach the players how to use a GPS unit, four waypoints, teach the players how to use a GPS unit, and play the game. Tell your counselor about your and play the game. Tell your counselor about your experience, and share the materials you used and experience, and share the materials you used and developed for this event.developed for this event.

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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

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Resources

• www.geoscouting.com• www.geocaching.com• www.cacheintrashout.com• www.mngca.org

• References:– Geocaching Merit Badge Handbook– http://geocaching.coollibrarian.com– http://egsc.usgs.gov/isb/pubs/factsheets/fs07701.html– http://www.maptools.com/UsingUTM– http://www.geocreed.info/index.html

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Caches in Carlisle, PAgeocaching.com

kachemart•N 40° 10.736 W 077° 13.076

PRINDLEPALOOZA # 1•N 40° 10.851 W 077° 13.052 

Soldier Girl•N 40° 11.851 W 077° 11.276