BSA Geocaching Merit Badge. This was designed to be a 5 day virtual and instructor lead presentation used during the COVID-19 pandemic for scouts. Normally a Merit Badge presentation would not be so detailed nor would it cover and complete many of the actual requirements . Due to the pandemic i opted to make this and opportunity of edutainment (educate and entertain). Day 1 of 5

1. GEOCACHING
Merit Badge
Merit Badge Counselor – JB Murphy – “MURF”

2. SCOUTS BSA – GEOCACHING MERIT BADGE SLIDE SUB-TITLE
Scouts, Geo and his little buddy Cache
Your Merit Badge Counselor
Joseph Bernard Murphy – “MURF”
• Unit Commissioner - Hudson Valley Council, Heritage District
• Committee Member - Pack Unit #4006
• Member of the Order of the Arrow
• Merit Badge Counselor: Geocaching, Aviation and Weather
• Father of three in Cub and Scouting
• Geocacher Name: HandyScoutSmurf
Signal the Frog

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At the end of the camp week you will automatically receive partial credit
for several of the merit badge requirements.
Prerequisites will be reviewed and signed off at the end of the week.
Requirement completions after camp will be completed in Scout Book.
Scouts will have 1 month to complete all requirements with Mr. Murphy

4. SCOUTS BSA – GEOCACHING MERIT BADGE
Recommended Merit Badge Process
1. The Scout develops an interest in a merit badge and may begin working on the requirements.
2. The Scout and unit leader discuss the Scout’s interest in the merit badge.
3. The unit leader signs a blue card and provides the Scout with at least one counselor contact.
4. The Scout contacts the counselor.
5. The counselor considers any work toward requirements completed prior to the initial discussion with the unit leader.
6. The Scout, the Scout’s buddy, and the counselor meet (often several times).
7. The Scout finishes the requirements.
8. The counselor approves completion.
9. The Scout returns the signed blue card to the unit leader, who signs the applicant record section of the blue card.
10. The unit leader gives the Scout the applicant record.
11. The unit reports completion of the merit badge.
12. The Scout receives the merit badge.
SLIDE SUB-TITLE
Hey, we will need to do this virtually in
Scoutbook!
Don’t forget to notify your Scout Master and or
Advancement Chair of your participation of this merit badge.

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There are several modifications required of the merit badge requirements due to this
course being virtual.
These modifications are depicted below and can be found in the google classroom.
While the course has been designed to accomplish specific requirements, modifications
are allowed but will need to be coordinated with the merit badge counselor.
Even though many of the
requirements are covered in this class
you still need to enter your work and
then submit the Worksheet.

6. GEOCACHING MERIT BADGE- REQUIRMENT
REVIEW
SLIDE SUB-TITLE
Indicates that the requirement(s) will be covered and satisfied during the online interaction of the
course.
Indicates that the requirement(s) will be partially covered during the online interaction of the course
but it will also require homework/research/reporting aspects for the requirement completion
All course information must be clearly understood by the applicant/Scout. The applicant/Scout may be
required to demonstrate his or her adequate knowledge of the subject to the Merit Badge Counselor.

7. GEOCACHING
Merit Badge
Session 1

8. SCOUTS BSA – GEOCACHING MERIT BADGE
CONT’D
REQUIRMENTS REVIEW
7.
With your parent’s permission*, go to www.geocaching.com. Type in your city
and state to locate public geocaches in your area. Share with your counselor the
posted information about three of those geocaches. Then, pick one of the three
and find the cache.
* To fulfill this requirement, you will need to set up a free user account with www.geocaching.com.
Before doing so, ask your parent for permission and help.
SLIDE SUB-TITLE
We will do the cache find after we
learn somethings unless you are
already an experienced Geocacher.

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INTRO to GEOCACHING
• Geocaching is a real-world treasure hunt happening right now, all around you.
• There are millions of geocaches worldwide. Geocaches are found in parks, urban areas, forests,
deserts, on top of mountains, underwater — pretty much anywhere you can imagine. There are
probably a few near you right now…
Navigate to Geocaches using:
• The Geocaching APP
• A GPS device
• A geocaching APP from the partners of Geocaching.com

11. SCOUTS BSA – GEOCACHING MERIT BADGE SLIDE SUB-TITLE
INTRO to GEOCACHING
• Geocaching is a real-world treasure hunt happening right now, all around you.

12. SCOUTS BSA – GEOCACHING MERIT BADGE SLIDE SUB-TITLE
INTRO to GEOCACHING
• Geocaching is a real-world treasure hunt happening right now, all around you.

13. SCOUTS BSA – GEOCACHING MERIT BADGE SLIDE SUB-TITLE
INTRO to GEOCACHING CONT’D
Navigate to Geocaches using:
• The Geocaching APP
• A GPS device
• A geocaching APP from the partners of Geocaching.com
Geocaching with an app
1. On your app, select a cache and navigate to it.
2. Once you've found the cache — sign the logbook.
3. Return the logbook and cache to their original location.
4. Share your experience and log your “find”.
Geocaching with a GPS
1. Search for nearby geocaches on Geocaching.com.
2. Download coordinates to your GPS device and navigate to
a cache.
3. Once you've found the cache — sign the logbook.
4. Return the logbook and cache to their original location.
5. Share your experience and log your “find”.

14. SCOUTS BSA – GEOCACHING MERIT BADGE SLIDE SUB-TITLE
GEOCACHING WITH or WITHOUT A GPS
• Geocaching without a GPS is perfectly fine and will work in urban areas with no issues when
starting Geocaching.
• Geocaching with out GPS outside of cell phone tower coverage is not possible. This may limit cache
finds on trails and in the wilderness.
• Phone APPs can use a GPS receiver adapter (older Phones) Newer ones contain a GPS receiver
• The phone APP can be used with AIRPLANE MODE but will require LOCATION SRVICES to be on.
• GPS is slightly more accurate and more responsive.
• Phones will consume more power and deplete their batteries far quicker than a GPS
• Phones may require Maps to be downloaded prior to being used with no internet.
• Phone APP will required to “settle”
START OUT WITH THE APP.

15. SCOUTS BSA – GEOCACHING MERIT BADGE SLIDE SUB-TITLE
HISTORY of GEOCACHING
• Two important dates in Geocaching history
• September 1, 1983 – Plane crash that gave Americans GPS
• May 5, 2000 – Selective Availability

16. SCOUTS BSA – GEOCACHING MERIT BADGE
CONT’D
SLIDE SUB-TITLE
HISTORY of GEOCACHING
• The Great American GPS Stash Hunt
• Dave Ulmer
• On May 3, 2000, Ulmer placed a black bucket in the woods of Beavercreek, Oregon,
near Portland. Along with a logbook and pencil, he left various prize items including
videos, books, software, and a slingshot. He shared the waypoint of his "stash" with
the online community on sci.geo.satellite-nav: N 45° 17.460 W 122° 24.800

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HISTORY of GEOCACHING

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ORIGINS of GEOCACHING
• The term “Geocaching” is derived from Mr. Matt Strum on the GPS Stash
Hunt mailing list, May 30, 2000.
• GEO = for Earth, Geography
• Caching form the word “Cache”
• French word (1791) a Hiding place someone would use temporality.
• Technology term for Memory. Memory Cache in a computer
(Storage)used for quick retrieval of info.
Combine Earth, Hiding and Technology and we have
“GEOCACHING”!

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BIRTH of GEOCACHING.COM
• Geocaching was confined to experienced GPS users.
• Tools were scarce to determine if a cache was near by or even existed.
• Jeremy Irish and Mike Teague
• Launched Geocaching.com on September 2, 2000 with 75 cache listings
• Over 2 million caches created from 2000 to 2013
• Jeremy Irish, Bryan Roth and Elias Alvord
• Geocaching HQ (Grounded Inc, Ground Speak Inc)
• Full time management
• 80 employees
• Global Listing of Geocaches
• Private company, no major investors
Please support the Geocache community and buy the premium APP
and make your purchases from the Geocache.com store

20. SCOUTS BSA – GEOCACHING MERIT BADGE
REQUIRMENTS REVIEW
1. Do the following:
(a) Explain to your counselor the most likely hazards you may encounter
while participating in geocaching activities, and what you should do to
anticipate, help prevent, mitigate, and respond to these hazards.
(b) Discuss first aid and prevention for the types of injuries or illnesses that
could occur while participating in geocaching activities, including cuts, scrapes,
snakebite, insect stings, tick bites, exposure to poisonous plants, heat and cold
reactions (sunburn, heatstroke, heat exhaustion, hypothermia), and dehydration.
(c) Discuss how to properly plan an activity that uses GPS, including using
the buddy system, sharing your plan with others, and considering the weather,
route, and proper attire.
SLIDE SUB-TITLE

21. SCOUTS BSA – GEOCACHING MERIT BADGE SLIDE SUB-TITLE
HAZARDS encountered during Geocaching
• Terrain includes water
• Weather
• Climate Exposure
• Injury
• Lost
• Accidental Trespassing / Police
• Pedestrian and Motor Vehicle Dangers
• Vegetation, Insects and Wildlife
• Muggles! (Game Integrity)
BE PREPARED!

22. SCOUTS BSA – GEOCACHING MERIT BADGE SLIDE SUB-TITLE
HAZARDS – Anticipate, Prevent. Mitigate and Response
• Be Prepared
• Informed
• Review of Weather
• Review and understanding of the area location and terrain
• Proper attire
• Proper Equipment
• Buddy system
• “File” a Geocaching Finding Plan
• Know your limits
Many of the Scouting principals, precautions associated with Hiking and Camping and good old fashion common
Sense will keep you safe while Geocaching.
Scout Hiking / Camping 10 essentials, Outdoor Code, Leave No Trace, Outdoor Ethics, Geocachers Creed and
Etiquette

23. SCOUTS BSA – GEOCACHING MERIT BADGE SLIDE SUB-TITLE
WELL STOCKED GEOCACHING BAG
You never know when the urge to geocache will hit, so keep your geocaching bag ready.
Here is a list of common items you might find in a well-stocked geocaching bag:
SCOUTS SHOULD ALWAYS INCLUDE THE 10 ESSENTIALS
• GPS unit and extra batteries
• Swag for trading
• Extra logbooks and pencils
• Water and snacks
• Flashlight
• Sunscreen
• Bug repellent
• Rain poncho
• Tools of the trade
• First aid kit

24. SCOUTS BSA – GEOCACHING MERIT BADGE
REQUIRMENTS REVIEW
1. Do the following:
(a) Explain to your counselor the most likely hazards you may encounter
while participating in geocaching activities, and what you should do to
anticipate, help prevent, mitigate, and respond to these hazards.
(b) Discuss first aid and prevention for the types of injuries or illnesses that
could occur while participating in geocaching activities, including cuts, scrapes,
snakebite, insect stings, tick bites, exposure to poisonous plants, heat and cold
reactions (sunburn, heatstroke, heat exhaustion, hypothermia), and dehydration.
(c) Discuss how to properly plan an activity that uses GPS, including using
the buddy system, sharing your plan with others, and considering the weather,
route, and proper attire.
SLIDE SUB-TITLE

25. SCOUTS BSA – GEOCACHING MERIT BADGE SLIDE SUB-TITLE
FIRST AID AND PREVENTION DURING GEOCACHING
• Cuts and Scrapes
• Clean the wound: Simple soap and water work fine. In the case of a puncture, you should
remove the item (splinter, thorn, nail, etc.).
• Treat the wound: Typically a small amount of antibiotic ointment or cream will help speed
healing and prevent infection. Be sure you don’t use something that might cause an allergic
reaction. Some skip this step altogether.
• Cover the wound: A clean bandage is all that’s needed for most of these types of injuries, but
absorbent gauze and tape may be needed for larger abrasions. Replace a bandage that
becomes wet, soiled, or bloody.

26. SCOUTS BSA – GEOCACHING MERIT BADGE SLIDE SUB-TITLE
FIRST AID AND PREVENTION DURING GEOCACHING
• Snakebite
Care for a non-venomous snake bite is the same as for any minor wound: wash with soap and
water, apply antibiotic ointment—if you are not allergic—and apply a bandage.
• For all venomous snake bites:
• Get everyone away from the snake.
• DO NOT try to capture the snake.
• Keep the victim quiet.
• Immobilize the injured part of the body.
• Gently wash the bite with soap and water.
• Seek medical care immediately!
• Carry the victim out, if possible, because their reduced activity may slow the spread of the
venom. If attempting to carry the victim delays care, then have them walk.
• DO NOT delay getting the victim to emergency healthcare by taking time to do such things as
cleaning the wound. That can be done on the way to the emergency department.

27. SCOUTS BSA – GEOCACHING MERIT BADGE SLIDE SUB-TITLE
FIRST AID AND PREVENTION DURING GEOCACHING
• Insect Stings
If someone shows signs of a severe allergic reaction, help them get emergency medical attention
and follow the steps in the next section. If they show no signs of a severe reaction, treat the site of
the bite or sting for minor symptoms:
• If the insect’s stinger is still embedded in their skin, remove it by gently scraping a flat-
edged object, such as a credit card, across their skin. Avoid using tweezers to remove the
stinger, since squeezing it may release more venom.
• Wash the area of the bite with soap and water.
• Place a cold compress or ice pack on the area for about 10 minutes at a time to help
reduce pain and swelling. Wrap any ice or ice packs in a clean cloth to protect their skin.
• Apply calamine lotion or a paste of baking soda and water to the area several times a day
to help relieve itching and pain. Calamine lotion is a type of antihistamine cream

28. SCOUTS BSA – GEOCACHING MERIT BADGE SLIDE SUB-TITLE
FIRST AID AND PREVENTION DURING GEOCACHING
• Ticks
• If the tick is attached to the person's skin, remove it immediately:
• Wearing gloves, grasp the tick with clean tweezers as close to the skin as possible to remove the
head and mouthparts. If some mouthparts remain, do not try to remove them, as your body will
expel them naturally.
• Pull the tick straight out gently and steadily. Do not twist.
• Do not try to remove tick with a hot match or petroleum jelly. This could cause the tick to regurgitate
infected fluids into the wound.
• Save the tick in a container of alcohol to show the doctor.
• Wash hands and clean the bite area with warm water and gentle soap.
• Apply alcohol to the bite wound to prevent infection.
See a health care provider immediately if the tick has burrowed into skin or if the head, mouthparts, or other
tick remains cannot be removed.

29. SCOUTS BSA – GEOCACHING MERIT BADGE SLIDE SUB-TITLE
FIRST AID AND PREVENTION DURING GEOCACHING
• Exposure to Poisonous Plants in our area of the Hudson Valley
• Poison Ivy
• Poison Sumac
• Giant Hogweed
• Cow Parsnip
• Wild Parsnip
• Stinging Nettle

30. SCOUTS BSA – GEOCACHING MERIT BADGE SLIDE SUB-TITLE
FIRST AID AND PREVENTION DURING GEOCACHING
• Heat and Cold reactions (sunburn, heatstroke, heat exhaustion, hypothermia),
• SUNBURN - reddening, inflammation, and, in severe cases, blistering and peeling of the skin
caused by overexposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun
• HEATSTROKE - a condition marked by fever and often by unconsciousness, caused by failure of
the body's temperature-regulating mechanism when exposed to excessively high
temperatures
• HEAT EXHAUSTION - a condition of fatigue and weakness, usually with normal body
temperature, resulting from prolonged exposure to heat.
• HYPOTHERMIA - is a medical emergency that occurs when your body loses heat faster than it
can produce heat, causing a dangerously low body temperature.

31. SCOUTS BSA – GEOCACHING MERIT BADGE SLIDE SUB-TITLE
FIRST AID AND PREVENTION DURING GEOCACHING
• Dehydration - occurs when you use or lose more fluid than you take in, and your body
doesn't have enough water and other fluids to carry out its normal functions. If you don't
replace lost fluids, you will get dehydrated.
Signs of Dehydration in Adults:
• Muscle fatigue
• Reduced cognitive processing
• Dizziness
• Confused or dazed states of awareness
• Thirst
• Infrequent urination and dark colored
urine
• Dry mouth
Signs of Dehydration in Children and Infants:
• Easily irritable
• The top of the skull has a sunken soft spot
• Tearless crying
• Dry tongue and dry mouth
• Sunken cheeks and eyes
• Infrequent urination (no wet diapers for
three hours)

32. SCOUTS BSA – GEOCACHING MERIT BADGE SLIDE SUB-TITLE
FIRST AID AND PREVENTION DURING GEOCACHING
• Dehydration – How To Treat
• Individuals who experience mild dehydration can be treated simply by consuming enough
fluids to replace the amount being lost by the body.
• Note: Severe dehydration calls for immediate medical treatment due to the extreme low levels
of water and oxygen in the bloodstream and you should consult medical personnel to act
quickly to avoid damage to tissues or vital organs.*
• How to Avoid Dehydration
• Drink 64 oz. of water daily (4 to 6 cups of water
• Eat foods with high water content – Apples, Cantaloupe, Watermelon, Tomatoes, Oranges,
carrots
• Have regular water breaks when on your Geocache hunts
• Stay hydrated throughout the day to maintain consistent levels.
• Avoid sugary drinks, caffeine as they consume additional water when processed by your body.

33. SCOUTS BSA – GEOCACHING MERIT BADGE
REQUIRMENTS REVIEW
1. Do the following:
(a) Explain to your counselor the most likely hazards you may encounter
while participating in geocaching activities, and what you should do to
anticipate, help prevent, mitigate, and respond to these hazards.
(b) Discuss first aid and prevention for the types of injuries or illnesses that
could occur while participating in geocaching activities, including cuts, scrapes,
snakebite, insect stings, tick bites, exposure to poisonous plants, heat and cold
reactions (sunburn, heatstroke, heat exhaustion, hypothermia), and dehydration.
(c) Discuss how to properly plan an activity that uses GPS, including using
the buddy system, sharing your plan with others, and considering the weather,
route, and proper attire.
SLIDE SUB-TITLE

34. SCOUTS BSA – GEOCACHING MERIT BADGE SLIDE SUB-TITLE
PROPERLY PLAN ACTIVITY
• Buddy System
• Long time used tradition in many scouting activities.
• Sharing your plan with others
• File a “flight plan” with someone to act on your behalf if need be.
• Consider Weather
• Heat Index, rain, Snow, effects of the terrain by the weather
• Consider the Route
• Rural, Urban, Wilderness, Hiking route, Neighborhood, current events at these
locations
• Proper Attire (gear to be included)
• Always dress for success of your adventure.

35. SCOUTS BSA – GEOCACHING MERIT BADGE SLIDE SUB-TITLE
PROPERLY PLAN ACTIVITY
We will be discussing how to properly plan a activity
(Geocaching) using a GPS throughout the length of this course.
There is much more to come!