[CarrieO]

I love that there is a state park cache series placed by the WGA in each state park. I feel it brings another level of activity to state parks for people to enjoy. I would need more information on why the state park caches would be archived and replaced, vs keeping up with current caches. Is it because containers are often broken or missing due to high activity in state parks? Is it because long time cachers have “cached out” all the state parks and want new caches to find? Is it a way to keep the state park caches moving around the parks so as to preserve the surrounding habitat from over-trampling? I would be open to listening to more about the reasoning behind it, although, as long as the state park series remains a thing, I guess I’m all for that.

[CarrieO]

I believe I have the potential to be a worker bee. I have not yet been involved in any geocaching classes, cache placement for events, or other activities. I think my location has been somewhat limiting as well as being fairly new to the WGA. As a board member, I would absolutely look forward to becoming more involved in helping with activities in the northwestern portion of WI.

[CarrieO]

This question made me think quite a bit. A balance of $8000 doesn’t seem like a large amount in need of auditing. Is the board transparent with monthly debits and credits? I’m not familiar with an auditing process, but I would think if an outside firm needed to be hired, it would probably cost several thousand dollars, wiping out a large chunk of that balance. I would question why an audit needed to be done and if so, could it be done pro bono by someone with an accounting or finance background or otherwise familiar with the process. If the BOD had internal questions regarding finances, or, if WGA members brought forth concerns about finances, I would listen openly to concerns and try to reach an agreement with the other BOD members.

[CarrieO]

When I first started geocaching, I had already been exposed to it over the previous 10 years thanks to the influence of our good friends Biotreker and Woody1. Even though I thought I knew what I was doing, the very first cache I attempted to find – a simple micro in a street sign hide – I DNF’d. Looking back at that, I would echo what Jacque said about mentoring. I agree that having a cache mentor can be invaluable for anyone just starting out. I would say a strength of mine that would be useful would be the willingness to mentor new cachers. Also, with my history in early childhood education, I have a good report with young children and love to see geocaching through their eyes!  I also think I am naturally a patient and respectful person, and get along well with just about everyone!

[CarrieO]

Geocaching gave me a chance to stay active during a time when there were no other activities happening. It allowed me the chance to meet people I wouldn’t have otherwise met and to share in a hobby with friends I already had. It gave me another opportunity to share an activity with my young grandson and to teach him skills related to finding a geocache. Anyone who’s watched a preschooler try to find a geocache will know what I mean when EVERY bench you pass has to be looked under, or EVERY fire hydrant you pass has to be thoroughly inspected, because there was that ONE time you found a cache there together. I wouldn’t trade that for anything!

I do see geocaching as a long term hobby. I can put as much or as little effort into it as I’d like and find enjoyment from it either way. I’m a shoulder season cacher as I prefer the cool, leafless, bugless days of spring and fall for caching. I’m not in an area where there are a lot of winter friendlies or easy P&G caches, so I tend to back off in the winter and haven’t been terribly active since Thanksgiving; however, I do try to make it to an event if possible, or grab a cache if I’m in a bigger nearby city like Duluth or Superior or Rice Lake for the day. Everyone caches their own cache!

[CarrieO]

Well, my first response was going to be that I would consider myself like an Adventure Lab – an experience that can be anything from slow and easy going to gritty and complicated! But since that wasn’t an option listed in the question, I’ll say Mystery Cache as I can be all over the place. A quiet and subdued introvert one day to a wild and oftentimes erratic enigma the next!

[CarrieO]

I was flattered to be nominated for the WGA board, but really had to give it some thought before accepting the nomination. I haven’t served on boards before, and being a somewhat newer cacher with a passing awareness there IS a BOD, I had to give it some serious consideration about whether or not I had the right stuff. What tipped the scale was that it would be a new experience for me, a chance to learn more about the WGA, and have the chance to (hopefully) make a positive impact in the far northwestern section of WI.

My personal geocaching goals are to cache more on the Ice Age Trail & fill in more WI counties for caches found. I’ve reigned back on trying to hit goals like caching every day or hitting a milestone by a certain date.

I feel I will have the time it will take to reach those goals. I’ve made the decision to not work right now, which has freed up a lot of time to do other activities.

[CarrieO]

I’ve never been one to be argumentative as it’s just not in my nature. I don’t like debate although I understand how important it is to have many different opinions and ideas. If someone, or a majority, has a different opinion than me, then majority rules. I’m also not one to gripe and moan afterwards if an idea doesn’t go my way (not out loud, anyway.)

My experience working closely with others would come from every job I’ve had in my adult life. I’ve nearly always worked as part of a team and find that preferable to working solo. I like collaboration and the sense of accomplishment when the team arrives at a goal.

[CarrieO]

Here are some of my thoughts on board term limits.

Pros:

– Having a fresh influx of faces and ideas

– Prevents burn out – Helps prevent the feeling that “a few people do all the work”

– Encourages participation

Cons:

– It can be difficult finding board members to serve as people may be hesitant to volunteer

– Short or limited terms may mean that members can’t effectively serve or have time to implement ideas

– May lose valuable experience from members who have “been around the block”

[CarrieO]

I would also like to say that the WGA’s communication is great. I especially think the use of social media is done very well. There are always timely posts regarding all the fun things happening from the photo of the month, tips and tricks, lonely cache game, etc.!

I agree with Jeff about rotating events withing the state quadrants but would expand on that by having more ways to educate cachers on ways to set up those events; an “event 101” course, display, or newsletter-style write up.

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