Candidates: making WGA events memorable

[sandlanders]

If you are elected to the WGA board, the first WGA event that you will be working on will be the WGA campout at Mirror Lake in May. Many newer cachers attend the campouts and the picnics, but they don’t join the WGA, even as “quiet” members. While cachers may interact at the events, many seem to want to go off caching rather than take part in the event activities that the WGA has planned.

What would you like to see at the campout and at other WGA events that will let cachers know that the WGA does more than hold events that feature a whole bunch of new caches to search for?

[Valarie Butrymowicz]

Hi sandlanders, I have in the past have just mainly volunteered my time at checked in, helping geocachers getting signed up for a log attend at a event and worked in the store selling T-shirts, Pathtags and Geocoins and other miscellaneous item to help raise money for WGA. I also just like going around talking and meeting/making new Friends and seeing old friends too. It is always a pleasure to catch up with those that you do not get to see to often unless happening to see them at a event.

[labrat_wr]

Caching is what cachers do, so it is often difficult to figure out what activities would keep the masses in and around the shelters when we hold the events. There is also such a large age range and other social/physical factors that can keep some from participating in certain activities. We could always try setting up some kind of tournament that may bring some people in (softball, volleyball, fishing, washers, horseshoes, etc). Maybe a bingo game with geoswag for prizes.

I do believe that some of these things could keep some folks nearby and foster additional socialization though, the caching part will still be the draw for those who have traveled greater distances to be somewhere new. As long as the WGA can encourage meeting and interacting with new people, the mission is in line.

The WGA does attempt to offer social times and kids activities at the main meeting location for the events near mealtime (lunch and/or dinner). They also do attempt to have some necessary facilities/equipment available nearby. Often it is the location that dictates what is or is not available.

Disclaimer : Always answering to a higher power.

[kungfuhippie]

Unfortunately, I think the situation is not going to go away as most people want to get out and find caches or boost their numbers and events almost always come with new caches.

One thing I would like to see is maybe some short ‘workshops’ on various caching topics; camo, puzzle-solving, hosting events, etc. Maybe let the members have some input on what they would like during the planning phases of events.

Another item that would personally interest me is a designated coin/tag/sig item trading area. This would allow the crazy coiners among us an area to congregate and share our goodies with others.

[CommanderUSN]

Most cachers learn from someone else or just jump in and start on there own. I think some sort of education class at events would be good for newer…and even older cachers. I would especially like to see a presentation on “Caching Etiquette” as I think it is (unfortunately) needed. Another class could be a “how to” class on placing caches and yet another could be a “blue question mark” corner to get hints on some of the devious puzzles out there.

[Averith]

Events will always be mainly about finding caches in a new area for most people. Finding new activities for attendees to participate in may help some. Some ideas might be training courses on various caching topics, or some sort of games, or contests.

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