New Delhi: International Geocaching Day is celebrated every third Saturday in August, which falls on August 17. It is a day dedicated to engaging in outdoor activities. People of all ages come together to celebrate the hiding and finding of geocaches worldwide. Every year, an increasing number of individuals join the pursuit of geocaches, an enjoyable and rewarding activity. The thrill of discovering a geocache is always accompanied by the excitement of the surprise it holds.
What is Geocaching?
According to National Geographic, geocaching is a popular global treasure-hunting activity that involves searching for hidden caches, which are concealed containers holding various items. Participants, known as geocachers, use GPS devices to locate these hidden caches based on coordinates provided online by the cache hiders.
Each cache typically consists of a waterproof container, a logbook for geocachers to sign when they find the cache, and sometimes small trinkets or geocoins. Geocoins are metal medallions made by geocachers or organisations and are often found in caches as collectables.
Geocaching is an outdoor activity that encourages exploration and appreciation of the environment.
The activity has specific guidelines to ensure safety and environmental protection. For instance, caches are not buried but are hidden in plain sight at specific coordinates. They are also located at a safe distance from railroad tracks.
Over time, geocaching has grown in popularity and evolved to include organised events and diverse types of caches. While virtual caches, which did not involve physical items, are no longer allowed, various geocaching events organised by state and local parks, focusing on historical, seasonal, or environmental themes, are now available.
International Geocaching Day is celebrated every third Saturday in August (Photo credit: Jürgen Wiesler/imageBROKER/Getty Images)
Types of Geocaching
Traditional Cache
A simple geocache containing a log sheet is located at the posted coordinates.
Multi-Cache
It includes at least one stage in addition to the final container. It gathers information leading to the next stage or final container.
Mystery Cache
Players may need to solve a puzzle or use a unique tool to reveal the next waypoint or final coordinates.
Earth Cache
It teaches about how geolplanet processes have shaped the planet. Players answer geoscience questions by observing the coordinates.
Letterbox Hybrid
It uses clues instead of coordinates to guide players to the cache container. It always includes a stamp for letterboxing.
Event Cache
Gathering of local geocachers or geocaching organisations at a specified time and location.
Cache In Trash Out Event
An environmental initiative to clean up and preserve natural areas focuses on litter clean-up, removing invasive species, planting trees, and building trails.
Mega-Event Cache
The event will have 500+ people attending, offering a day of planned activities.
Giga-Event Cache
The event will have 5000+ people attending, including planned activities, and will attract geocachers worldwide.
Wherigo Cache
GPS-enabled adventures guiding players to a physical container.
Geocaching HQ Cache
The official Geocaching HQ Cache is inside the Visitor Center at Geocaching Headquarters.
GPS Adventures Maze Exhibit
Travelling exhibit teaching about GPS technology and geocaching through interactive science experiences.
Adventure Lab
Location-based experiences allow players to explore and learn through stories and interactive experiences.
Geocaching HQ Celebration
Large events are held every ten years by Geocaching HQ to celebrate the most significant anniversary of geocaching.
Geocaching HQ Block Party
An event with 500+ people in attendance was held to celebrate a milestone year and strengthen the geocaching community.
Community Celebration Event
Specially designated community gatherings were held during significant milestone years in geocaching.
Geocaching is a popular outdoor activity enjoyed worldwide. Participants use the Geocaching app or a GPS device to locate hidden containers known as geocaches. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
