recommendation for cub scout den

[kimsmuga]

Hi There,

We’ve taken my son geocaching a few times (just using a free iPhone app from Geocaching.com) and thought it would be a great outing for his cub scout den (8 very energetic 2nd graders).

I was wonder if anyone had some good locations in or close by Madison. We’d love to have a spot where there could be several caches, best of all would be if they were along a path or trail.

Also I was looking for some advice on how best to prepare. I think we can get it so they all (or most of them) would have smart phones, this would also be great if they wanted to do more geocaching on their own). What is a good free (or inexpensive) easy to use app that would be available for android and iPhone? And is there anything that the devices owners (ie the parents) would have to do before the outing?

Finally, has anyone set up an activity like this and are there any helpful suggestions to make sure everyone goes home happy (I’m thinking of doing the course without the children first to make sure there’s some good stuff and so we have an idea where the caches are). Any other dos or don’t?

Thanks so much,
Kim

[JimandLinda]

When instructing young cachers on how to hunt, it is best to place some temporary caches yourself, then take them out to find them. It seems that permanent caches have “issues” after a new group seeks them. Best to see who’s interested and who’s not before you continue to do downloads and advanced geocaching practices.

If I teach a group, I teach it with a GPS, to show the accuracy of the unit. It’s also the way the game was meant to be played, kinda like baking cookies from scratch, rather than buying the frozen cookie dough!

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[2CraziesMSN]

Welcome, I know the bike trails in cottage Grove and Verona have alot.

[rcflyer2242]

you can get a hold of me. I am the geocaching councilor for the Glaciers Edge. I have helped many Boy scouts earn their merit badge and brought many a cub scout out on caching adventures. We can set something up out at Lake Farm park or one of the many other places available. Also the Scout office has a dozen hand helds that you can check out if they are available.

[gotta run]

I would take rcflyer up on his offer.

What we have done with a Cub Scout group is start with the basics: every point on a map of the planet can be marked by invisible lines of latitude and longitude, so everywhere you are standing is literally “X marks the spot.” Then, set up a basic orientation with the GPS where they aren’t looking for a hidden object. In other words, make the waypoint something big and visible like a picnic shelter. Have them start and walk toward the shelter while watching what the GPSr does.

Once they get that done, they can start looking for caches, and they should be temporary caches. Stock each one with Scout Swag or even candy.

On the Left Side of the Road...

[Barry Butrymowicz]

If you are going to take them out to find caches that are not temporary, take them away from their home area, like others have said a bike trail. If it is not near their home, they will be less likely to “revisit” and take, damage, etc.

[galaxyfinder]

I know that this post is a couple of months old, but another option would be to work with a local Troop. We had a couple of Boy Scouts that were working on there Geocaching Merit Badge, they set up a trail of caches for our local Pack and worked with the Cub Scouts and parents to explain and help. It turned out well and a great way to get to introduce the Cubs to a Troop.

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