Hey, I’ll dive right on in! Every cacher in the state should become a member – how’s that for ambition?

Personally, I see the great benefit that caching can be to education. What a wonderful way to get kids in touch with nature – whether through their schools or other activities like Scouting.

What event introduced me to geocaching? A 20 stage, progressively harder set of geocaches set up at Scout camp. The last 3 phases were underwater. I was about 5 minutes into the video and wanted to go find caches! I immediately saw the good things that could come from using geocaching in my Scouting program!

Think of all the teachers using books to describe trees and geology. If only they knew…..

Edited to add: This is the first winter that I haven’t gained 25lbs from sitting on my behind – I give ALL the credit to geocaching.

I would like to see all geocachers in WI. as members. But I have seen that some cachers don’t seem to like to talk about caching much. For instence, I meet up with other cachers at work related events. Very few words, if any, seem to be shared regarding geocaching.

WOULD I like to see all WI cachers as memebers on WGA? Yes
Will I promot WGA and get new members? Yes

How did I hear about Geocaching? Funny, this is the second time I have been asked that question today:
A long time ago, I would say 1993 maybe 94 or right around there. I was at my parents house watching LOCAL TV. Twin Citys 4, 5, 9 and 11. Cant recal what channel I was watching, but I think that it was some kind of news. They started talking about Geocaching. THE SEED WAS PLANTED. 10 years latter, I had a pritty good job and decided to buy my first GPS. The girlfriend at the time said that I would never use the thing, but agents her wishes I got it. It was the Etrex Legon.
I then went to the library and did a serch through dogpile com. (gps treasure hunt). I think GC.com was the first one that came to the serch.
My first cache was called Across the River. Located down in MO. I found it after about a 20 to 25 min. serch. After that, tried doing it every chance I get.
Geocaching made me get the internet at home. Love it….. Like I saw on somones post a while ago: “You know Geocaching is a lifestyle when you would rather forget your walet then your GPS.”

Whether a WI geocacher is a member of the WGA or not, the WGA represents allWI geocachers. It is an obvious true benefit to being a member as you get to help shape Wisconsin’s Geocaching Future. As is evident in this election, the members are having a real say in what is happening to this organization. The more active members we have, the better.

Education is a key priority, not just for law enforcement, but to all governing authorities of our “playgrounds” — Park and Rec Departments, County Park Commissions, Local Sportsmans Clubs, Private Organizations, City Councils, Town Boards, etc. With the creation of a Community Education committee, one of the first tasks will be to devote time and energy to creating literature that can be sent out or used in presentations to the community.

I think the one thing that surprises many folks when they first meet other geocachers is the wide range of demographics represented. Reading posts written by someone behind a username is completely different than meeting the wide range of individuals already involved. I don’t feel we need to “recruit” or bring in any particular demographic. Through Education, the activity will grow within the ranks of those interested and the WGA will continue to grow in WI.

I learned of geocaching in January of ’03 from an email newsletter “This is True” by Randy Cassingham. I didn’t have the resources to get my first GPSr until October of ’03. I’ve been hunting Tupperware and ammo cans ever since.

Hard to give a different answer than those already posted before me.

Education and Promotion go hand in hand.

We need to have term “Geocaching” seen as a positive. We are fortunate enough to have a number of positive stories in the news (in larger cities, such as Milwaukee) and on Public TV. It is unfortunate that many do not watch Public TV, therefore end up learning about Caching via a negative story, such as the suspected Bomb or the dreaded Appleton Alderman story. The more education we can get out there for that general public as well as education for the beginner cacher, the more growth and Promotion of the sport/hobby we should see as well as a growth in the WGA.

I would invite and encourage all cachers and Non-cachers to come visit ther WGA website, to learn more about Geocaching and the WGA itself. Just another reason we all need to remember to speak freely but fairly in the forums. Negative comments may be seen by Non-caching eyes.

{An added note: I want to say that it has been pretty exceptional in the forums for some time. It’s nice to see that we can all have indepth discussions like adults. I want to thank everyone for your efforts! It makes it a very pleasent place to visit} 🙂

Opps.. almost forgot about how I learned about Geocaching. Well… back in 2004, I had picked up a copy of “Wisconsin Trails” magazine and there was a small article about the sport. Can’t remember.. was that GrouseTales, FlushingGrouse or Buy_the_tie in that story?! Guess it doesn’t matter… `cause I got hooked!!! I remember after reading it I called up my caching buddy, Digital Dan, and asked “Hey… what do ya think?? Does it sound like something of interest?” Next thing you know, we both bought GPSrs and the race began. LOL