This document provides information about geocaching and the requirements for earning the Geocaching merit badge. It explains key terms like waypoints, logs, caches, and difficulty ratings used in geocaching. The summary discusses safety hazards and first aid when geocaching and how to properly plan activities using GPS with the buddy system. Rules of geocaching etiquette are outlined, including never burying caches and following Leave No Trace principles. Steps for finding a first cache including researching online, safety preparations, using a GPS to hunt, and logging the find are described. The Global Positioning System and how GPS and maps differ is explained.

1. Geocaching
•1

2. Geocaching Merit BadgeGeocaching Merit Badge
Merit Badge CamporeeMerit Badge Camporee
• Do you have a completed Blue Card?Do you have a completed Blue Card?
• Are you in the right class?Are you in the right class?
• Do you have a Workbook?Do you have a Workbook?
Chuck VohsChuck Vohs
41 Linda Drive41 Linda Drive
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
(717) 385-2570(717) 385-2570
fuzzie@vohslaw.comfuzzie@vohslaw.com

3. Requirement #3
3. Explain the following terms used in3. Explain the following terms used in
geocaching: waypoint, log, cache, accuracy,geocaching: waypoint, log, cache, accuracy,
difficulty and terrain ratings, attributes, trackable.difficulty and terrain ratings, attributes, trackable.
Choose five additional terms to explain to yourChoose five additional terms to explain to your
counselor.counselor.
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4. What is Geocaching
“Geocaching is a sport where you use a multi
billion dollar satellite system to locate
rubbermaid containers in middle of the woods.”
~ Anonymous

5. What is Geocaching?
Nature meets Technology
•GPS (Global Positioning Device)
•Maps
•Hidden Containers
•Latitude/Longitude
•Friends and Family Time
•geocaching.com
•Adventures
•FUN FOR ALL

6. History of Geocaching
• GPS was developed by the US Dept of Defense
• May 1, 2000 the Government made these GPS
signals available to the public
• On May 3, 2000, Dave Ulmer hid a 5 gallon
pail out in woods in Oregon “The Great
American Stash Hunt”
• The first finder, Jeremy Irish, created
geocaching.com to document geocaches
• Geocaching was originally similar to the 160-
year-old game letterboxing, which uses clues
and references to landmarks embedded in
stories
• Today over 1 Million are hidden around the

7. Geocache Types
• Traditional
• Multi-Cache
• Puzzle
• Virtual
• Earthcache
• Letterbox
• Wherigo
• Webcam
• Benchmarking
• Waymarking
• Event

8. Geocache Sizes
Micro: Nano, film containers, magnetic key holder
•Typically only a logbook
Small : Sandwich size lock-n-lock, small peanut
butter container
•Can fit logbook, pencil and small trade items
Regular: Ammo can, large lock-n-lock, “shoebox
size”
Large: 5 gallon pail, big wooden box

9. Terrain and Difficulty
Terrain Rating: 1-5 stars
•Steep terrain, water, cliffs
•Paved trail
•1 star would be wheelchair accessible
•5 star may require special equipment
Difficulty Rating: 1-5 stars
•Nano up in a pine tree (5)
•50 gallon garbage can (1)
•1 star would be super easy, 5 star is evil

10. Attributes
• What to expect at cache location
• Is parking available? Can you bring your dog?
• Do you need special equipment (boat, scuba
gear)
• How long will it take? Is cache available at
night?
• Kid Friendly?
• Stealth Required?
• Do I need to watch out for ticks or poisonous
plants?

11. Requirement #1
1. Do the following:1. Do the following:
a.a.Explain to your counselor the most likelyExplain to your counselor the most likely
hazards you may encounter while participating inhazards you may encounter while participating in
geocaching activities and what you should do togeocaching activities and what you should do to
anticipate, help prevent, mitigate, and respond toanticipate, help prevent, mitigate, and respond to
these hazards.these hazards.
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12. Potential Hazards
• Anticipate & Prevent
• Mitigate & Respond

13. Hazards
• Poisonous plants
• Sunburn
• Heatstroke
• Hypothermia
• Ticks
• Mosquitoes
• Holes in the ground
• Uneven terrain
• Disorientation

14. Requirement #1
1. Do the following:1. Do the following:
b.b.Discuss first aid and prevention for the types ofDiscuss first aid and prevention for the types of
injuries or illnesses that could occur whileinjuries or illnesses that could occur while
participating in geocaching activities, includingparticipating in geocaching activities, including
cuts, scrapes, snakebite, insect stings, tick bites,cuts, scrapes, snakebite, insect stings, tick bites,
exposure to poisonous plants, heat and coldexposure to poisonous plants, heat and cold
reactions (sunburn, heatstroke, heat exhaustion,reactions (sunburn, heatstroke, heat exhaustion,
hypothermia), and dehydration.hypothermia), and dehydration.
c.c.Discuss how to properly plan an activity thatDiscuss how to properly plan an activity that
uses GPS, including using the buddy system,uses GPS, including using the buddy system,
sharing your plan with others, and considering thesharing your plan with others, and considering the
weather, route, and proper attire.weather, route, and proper attire.
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15. First Aid and Prevention
• Cuts & Scrapes
• Snakebites
• Insect Stings
• Tick Bites
• Poisonous Plants
• Sunburn
• Heatstroke
• Heat Exhaustion
• Hypothermia
• Dehydration

16. Requirement #1
1. Do the following:1. Do the following:
c.c.Discuss how to properly plan an activity thatDiscuss how to properly plan an activity that
uses GPS, including using the buddy system,uses GPS, including using the buddy system,
sharing your plan with others, and considering thesharing your plan with others, and considering the
weather, route, and proper attire.weather, route, and proper attire.
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17. Proper Planning
• Bring a buddy
• Tell someone where you are going and when
you expect to be back
• Carry a compass, whistle and first aid kit
• Dress for weather and terrain
• Be aware of your surroundings
• Wear blaze orange during hunting season

18. Requirement #2
2. Discuss the following with your counselor:2. Discuss the following with your counselor:
a.a.Why you should never bury a cache.Why you should never bury a cache.
b.b.How to use proper geocaching etiquette whenHow to use proper geocaching etiquette when
hiding or seeking a cache, and how to properlyhiding or seeking a cache, and how to properly
hide, post, maintain, and dismantle a geocache.hide, post, maintain, and dismantle a geocache.
c.c.The principles of Leave No Trace as they applyThe principles of Leave No Trace as they apply
to geocaching.to geocaching.
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19. Geocaching Rules and Etiquette
Rule No. 1: Keep Safe
•Stay far away from road traffic and railroad
crossings.
•Don’t place a cache higher than 6 feet or require
any dangerous climbing to reach it.
•Don’t require Scouts to swim to reach the cache.
•Public caches are often magnetic containers
stuck onto electrical switch boxes.
•Common sense says to avoid these as well!
•Always enforce the buddy system.

20. Geocaching Rules and Etiquette
Rule No. 2: Respect the Environment
•Never bury a cache in the ground
•Avoid sensitive ecosystems. Place caches so
that they can be reached by existing trail access
•Don’t place caches in archaeological or historic
sites
•Don’t deface any object, natural or manmade
•Don’t hide caches in lightpost bases, sprinkler
heads, etc

21. Geocaching Rules and Etiquette
Rule No. 3: Respect Private Property
•Get permission from land managers to use parks,
Scout camps, etc., for your events
•It is unlawful to put caches on National Park land
or national wildlife refuges
•Local laws and policies vary so check with any
relevant agency before placing caches
– Caches in or near military installations are not allowed
– Caches are not allowed on elementary and secondary schools
– Avoid possible targets for terrorist attacks, including highway
bridges, dams, government buildings, and airports

22. Geocaching Rules and Etiquette
Rule No. 4: Be a Positive Ambassador for
Scouting
•As with all else we do, cache using the Scout
Oath and Law.

23. Geocaching Rules and Etiquette
• Practice cache-in-trash-out (CITO). Always
carry a trash bag and remove litter along your
route.
• Follow Leave No Trace guidelines in the natural
environment.
• Be careful of the area around the cache—don’t
trample the ground, rip up sprinkler heads, etc.,
in your frenzy to find the cache.
• Follow all laws and regulations. Never enter
private property without permission.
• Write an entry in the logbook at the cache.

24. Leave No Trace
• Follow 7 Leave No Trace Principles
1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
• Check weather, be safe, follow land policies, know how to use
GPS
1. Travel and Cache on durable surfaces
• Stay on the trail, avoid creating new geotrails, avoid sensitive
areas
1. Dispose of Waste Properly
• Cache in, Trash Out
1. Leave What you Find
• “See it as it is, leave it as it was”
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25. Leave No Trace
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
• Typically doesn’t apply with Geocaching, but know area
regulations
5. Respect Wildlife
• Never leave food in a geocache
• Dogs on a leash
• Observe wildlife from a distance
5. Be Considerate of other Visitors
• Yield to those on a trail
• Avoid loud noises
• Do not trespass
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26. Geocaching Rules and Etiquette
• Cache items are there for fun and for trade
• Try to leave something of equal value to what
you take for yourself
• Respect other visitors around the area

27. Requirement #4
Explain how the Global Positioning System (GPS)Explain how the Global Positioning System (GPS)
works. Then, using Scouting’s Teaching EDGE,works. Then, using Scouting’s Teaching EDGE,
demonstrate the use of a GPS unit to yourdemonstrate the use of a GPS unit to your
counselor. Include marking and editing acounselor. Include marking and editing a
waypoint, changing field functions, and changingwaypoint, changing field functions, and changing
the coordinate system in the unit.the coordinate system in the unit.
N 39 46.263 W 076 40.929N 39 46.263 W 076 40.929
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28. Global Positioning System
What does a GPS do?
•Tells you where to go
•Tracks where you have been
•Stores maps: topo, trails, streets
•Stores coordinates (waypoints, points of interest)
•Communicates with satellites in space

29. How does GPS work?
• Space
– 24-30 satellites orbit around the earth at about 12,550 miles
– Transmits position, orbit, location, and altitude
• Control
– Satellites are tracked by US Air Force Monitoring Stations
• Ground stations send updates to the satellites
• User
– GPS
– Uses data from satellites to calculate user’s position, altitude and
other data

30. How does GPS work?
• GPS uses the time it receives the signal from
the satellites to determine location and altitude
• The GPS only needs to receive data from 3
satellites to determine location.
• The more received, the better the accuracy

31. GPS
Interference: Factors that prevent GPS from
receiving information from satellites
•Weather
•Buildings
•Trees
•Canyons
•Takes longer for GPS to receive satellite signal
•No GPS is 100% Accurate
•Most GPS units will get you within 15 - 25 feet of
a Geocache

32. Requirement #5
5. Do the following:5. Do the following:
a.a.Show you know how to use a map and compassShow you know how to use a map and compass
and explain why this is important for geocaching.and explain why this is important for geocaching.
b.b.Explain the similarities and differences betweenExplain the similarities and differences between
GPS navigation and standard map reading skillsGPS navigation and standard map reading skills
and describe the benefits of each.and describe the benefits of each.
c.c.Explain the UTM (Universal Transverse Mercator)Explain the UTM (Universal Transverse Mercator)
system and how it differs from the latitude/longitudesystem and how it differs from the latitude/longitude
system used for public geocaches.system used for public geocaches.
d.d.Show how to plot a UTM waypoint on a map.Show how to plot a UTM waypoint on a map.
Compare the accuracy to that found with a GPSCompare the accuracy to that found with a GPS
unit.unit.
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33. Maps & Compass
Why should you bring a Map and Compass with
you?
• GPS batteries go dead
• Satellite signal is not good
• Enter in the wrong coordinates

34. How to Determine Coordinates
The globe is divided into vertical and horizontal
lines called: Latitude and Longitude
•Latitude (parallels)
– Horizontal lines around the globe
– North Pole is 90 degrees north
– South Pole is 90 degrees south
•Longitude (meridians)
– Vertical lines around the globe
– East to West
– 0 degrees = Prime Meridian; goes through Greenwich, England

35. Latitude and Longitude

36. Latitude and Longitude
• Each degree is divided into 60 minutes
• Each minute of latitude and longitude = 60
seconds
• Format used for Coordinates:
– Degrees, Minutes, Seconds
– Coordinates at Baldy Mountain at Philmont are
– N 360 37’ 45’’ W 1050 12’ 48’’
• Geocaching.com and most GPS uses different
format: Degrees and Decimal Minutes
– Coordinates above would read:
– N 36 37.750 W 105 12.800

37. Universal Transverse Mercator
(UTM)
• Rectangular grid-based map overlay
• Divides Earth into 60 zones
– Each zone = 6 degrees of latitude
• 20 Latitude bands, each 8 degrees high
– Each band is lettered from C to X (no I or O)
– Ends at 84 degrees N Latitude
• “Easting” – measured from central meridian
• “Northing” – measured from the equator
• Always read coordinates East and then North

38. UTM

39. UTM

40. Requirement #6
Describe the four steps to finding your first cacheDescribe the four steps to finding your first cache
to your counselor. Then mark and edit a waypoint.to your counselor. Then mark and edit a waypoint.
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41. Four Steps to finding your 1st
Cache
• Step 1: Research
• Step 2: Safety
• Step 3: The Hunt
• Step 4: The Actual Find

42. Step 1 : Research
• Sign up for free account on Geocaching.com
(Requirement #7)
• Click “Hide and Seek a Cache”, enter a zip
code
• Select the Geocache you want to find
– distance, difficulty, terrain, type and size
• Enter coordinates in your GPS device
• Look at map of area to determine your best
approach
– In the city, use a city map
– In rural areas, use a topographic map

43. Preparation for Geocaching Trip
• GPS
• Extra batteries
• Cache page
• Water
• A buddy
• Trinkets to trade with
• Pen/Pencil
• Bug Spray
• CITO bag
• Sense of Adventure

44. Step 2: Safety
• Bring a buddy
• Tell someone where you are going and when
you expect to be back
• Carry a compass, whistle and first aid kit
• Dress for weather and terrain
• Be aware of your surroundings
• Wear blaze orange during hunting season

45. Step 3: The Hunt
• Mark your car and/or trailhead
• Stay on the trail
• Watch your footing
• Use your GPS compass to lead you towards the
cache
• Slow down when you get to about 300 feet
• Once you get to about 30 feet, start your
search
• Sometimes it helps to just put the GPS away
and use your geosense

46. Step 4: The Actual Find
• Once you find it, write about it in logbook
– Use your geocaching name (handle) and date
• Take something, leave something
• Only take a trackable if you intend on moving it
– Trackables are Geocoins, Travel Bugs and tracked on
Geocaching.com
• Put Geocache back, better than how you found
it
– Many times, geocaches “move” or camo disappears
– Make sure lid is on tight
• Log it on Geocaching.com and share your
experience.

47. Requirement #8d
d.d. Explain what Cache In Trash Out (CITO) means,Explain what Cache In Trash Out (CITO) means,
and describe how you have practiced CITO atand describe how you have practiced CITO at
public geocaches or at a CITO event. Then,public geocaches or at a CITO event. Then,
either create CITO containers to leave at publiceither create CITO containers to leave at public
caches, or host a CITO event for your unit or forcaches, or host a CITO event for your unit or for
the public.the public.
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48. CITO
• Cache In Trash Out
– Always carry a bag with you to pick up trash on your way out
• CITO Event: Group of geocachers getting
together to clean up a park or other geocaching
friendly area

49. Requirement #9
9. Plan a geohunt for a youth group such as your9. Plan a geohunt for a youth group such as your
troop or a neighboring pack, at school, or yourtroop or a neighboring pack, at school, or your
place of worship. Choose a theme, set up a courseplace of worship. Choose a theme, set up a course
with at least four waypoints, teach the players howwith at least four waypoints, teach the players how
to use a GPS unit, and play the game. Tell yourto use a GPS unit, and play the game. Tell your
counselor about your experience, and share thecounselor about your experience, and share the
materials you used and developed for this event.materials you used and developed for this event.
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50. Caches in Shrewsbury, PA
geocaching.com
Patches
•N 39° 46.852 W 076° 40.204
•geocaching.com/geocache/GCZ5PK_patches
A Trolls Treasure
•N 39° 45.595 W 076° 39.816
•Take a Load Off
•N 39° 45.157 W 076° 40.753

51. Caches in Shrewsbury, PA
geocaching.com
Railroad Ballfields
• N 39° 45.397 W 076° 42.014
St.Pat’s Lucky Hat
• N 39° 44.977 W 076° 40.883
Bolt of Lighting
• N 39° 46.242 W 076° 42.872

52. Caches in Shrewsbury, PA
geocaching.com
TROOP 90 Scout House
•N 39° 46.154 W 076° 40.551
Fishing Permitted
•N 39° 44.327 W 076° 37.412
Fishing Buddy
•N 39° 49.725 W 076° 38.441
Historic Shrewsbury
•N 39° 46.151 W 076° 40.799