An event – opinions – please!

[LDove]

😀 Ecorangers and I are meeting with the Chamber for West Bend soon. They are very excited to try to promote geocaching in this area. As a cacher, what would draw you to an event in an area which you have probably already cached in? What types of things would you like to do at the event or see happen there? Would you like food, prizes? Temp caches, permanent caches? Please help us plan this to draw the most people with what you would find fun for you and your family.

[EnergySaver]

My 2 cents …

Temp Caches: since West Bend has a lot of interesting character and a variety of features, how about some temp hides that are real unique (stuff that wouldn’t work for a regular hide), but still outside so they have the “feel” of traditional caches, but with some zip and surprise.

Strong socializing opportunities: a “base” location where you can hang out and chat if you want, but also make the temp hides in large clusters so you don’t have to drive much/often, but instead can walk with others doing caches as you go.

Food: food is always good, but if you have a common “lunch time” try to pick a location where we wouldn’t be packed in like sardines (I suspect this would be the biggest challenge).

… we look forward to what you come up with … have fun doing it.

[rogheff]

I have a question about the temp cache thing that Wisconsin gets blasted about so much in the forums.

What’s the purpose of the temp caches? If you’re going to the trouble of hiding caches, why not make them permanent?

[TyeDyeSkyGuy]

@rogheff wrote:

What’s the purpose of the temp caches? If you’re going to the trouble of hiding caches, why not make them permanent?

GOOD FREAKIN’ POINT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Lostby7]

@rogheff wrote:

I have a question about the temp cache thing that Wisconsin gets blasted about so much in the forums.

What’s the purpose of the temp caches? If you’re going to the trouble of hiding caches, why not make them permanent?

I agree. Even 5-6 new caches within say 6-7 miles of a central point would be great. I wont even bother hunting down temps anymore, but listed caches, ya sign me up for those. Also as this location is already so filled with caches, not a whole lot of people have it totally cleared out anyway.

I would love to see a scavenger hunt or other fringe event tied to it as anything even a bit different is good. Oh and did I mention place 5-6 new cache in the area (and list them the day after the event).

Swag is always good too….gotta love good swag; nothing that is FTF based though as that gets old very fast fighting for that distinction and whatever prize goes along with it….make the prizes (if any) random.

[EnergySaver]

Good points …

I bet there are very few cachers that have gotten the majority of the West Bend caches, it is very cache rich there. Give us something else to do or eat :roll:, maybe a few new pre-release caches … we’ll come.

Regarding the comments of others about temp hides … I have to agree they don’t attract me either like they use to, EXCEPT if they are something real interesting that a regular cache can’t handle (ie. blinking lights or something that jumps out at ya, etc.) for the novelty factor.

Disclaimer: I still think temp hides in general work well for “training” new cachers at Caching 101 events, as you can put them close together to a “caching experience” with less time/distance/travel.

[Team Hemisphere Dancer]

The only temps I would find is if they were part of a road rally/amazing race type of an event that everyone was doing for a time or prize at the end.

Otherwise temps don’t really thrill me too much. I enjoy the socializing aspect of events a whole lot more. Besides as everyone else has mentioned, West Bend is full of caches to search out.

[LDove]

😀 Thanks so much for the imput so far! Great! I think the temp caches are good from the standpoint that new cachers, cachers with disabilities, families with small children, etc… have easy access. We are working really hard to come up with locations here that are not already taken and could be converted to permanent caches right after the event. A scavenger hunt type idea would be great – good for the kids, etc… and all in one spot – will put that in the consideration pile along with all the other great ideas – PLEASE – keep them coming. Tami and I really want this to be successful and we are very grateful for any input our fellow Wisconsin geocachers can provide.

Another ?? would you buy a West Bend Wisconsin geocoin or pathtag if it were available?

[Astro_D]

I always like things that have a historical significance too them. Maybe a history tour of the West Bend area via caching?

[Lostby7]

@AstroD-Team wrote:

I always like things that have a historical significance too them. Maybe a history tour of the West Bend area via caching?

Or possibly hold more than one type of tour around the area….a history tour, a playground tour, a lamp-skirt tour…you get the point. Perhaps you could score swag for each tour you complete. I know my kids sure would like the playground tour….and me I sure do like to see lampskirts for some reason.

[LMcGisme]

Some ice breaking activities that get cachers to mingle and meet others would be nice, like that bingo game where you need find people that meet a specific criteria to fill in the square (cacher that has done a 5/5 cache, cacher who drove more that 100 miles to the event, etc.). Otherwise cachers who know each other will naturally group together to chat and new comers will find it harder to break into the group.

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