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How To Geocache

Geocaches are an easy and affordable (sometimes free!) way to promote stewardship and conservation in your community. Geocaching is like a global treasure hunt. Cachers (those who hunt for Geocaches) sign-up either online at www.geocaching.com or on the Geocaching App and search their area for hidden objects (registered Geocaches) that are logged on a map. These Geocaches can be located at certain important areas like look-out points, walking trails or historical monuments, or they can be hidden at important places to the Cacher. Typically they share information about the the point of interest.  Here's how to get started:

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  1. Set up an account at www.geocaching.com. There is an option to pay for a premium membership, but a free account will allow you to hide geocaches. A free account will let you access most information, but not everything. A premium membership allows full access, but is not required to Geocache.
     

  2. Read about Geocaching 101
     

  3. Time to hide your first geocache. Choose a place that you would like to draw visitors to, like a nature trail or an interpretive sign. You can buy geocaches, or use any small, waterproof container - film canisters or plastic tupperware work well. Place a log book or paper inside, so geocachers can sign their names. A geocache cannot be buried, but it should be hidden well enough to be a bit of a challenge! Take the GPS coordinates using a smart phone or a GPS unit.
     

  4. Follow the instructions online to submit your geocache for review. If it is approved, it will be listed online and geocachers searching in the area will be able to find it!
     

  5. Make sure to maintain your geocaches. Check your online account to see if it is being found or has been reported missing.
     

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SAM has a Geocaching Network of Traditional and Earth Caches currently set up across Newfoundland and Labrador. Have you found any of EHJV_Stewardship/SAM_Stewardshhip's Geocaches? We have 11 published hides that can be found in the following communities: St. John's, Portugal Cove-St. Philips, Winterland (2!), Gambo, Indian Bay, Gander, Steady Brook, Flower's Cove, Mary's Harbour, and Wabush!

Types of Geocaches

There are several types of Geocaches, each identified on the map by the corresponding symbol. You can review all the Geocache types here. Here are the main types of Geocaches you will see on your map:

Traditional Geocache
This is the original type of geocache and the most straightforward. These geocaches will be a container at the given coordinates. The size may vary, but at minimum, all of these geocaches will have a logbook. Larger containers may contain items for trade and trackables.
Multi-cache
These geocaches involve two or more locations, with the final location being a physical container with a logbook inside. There are many variations, but typically once you’re at the first stage, you will receive a clue to the whereabouts of the second stage. The second stage will have a clue for the third, and so on.
Letterbox Hybrid Cache
Letterboxing is another form of treasure hunting that uses clues instead of coordinates. In some cases, the letterbox owner has made their container both a letterbox and a geocache and posted its coordinates on Geocaching.com. These types of geocaches will contain a stamp that is meant to remain in the box and is used by letterboxers to record their visit.
Mystery/Puzzle Cache
The "catch-all" of geocache types, this type may involve complicated puzzles that you will first need to solve to determine the correct coordinates. Mystery and Puzzle Caches often become the staging ground for new and unique geocaches that do not fit in another category.
Earthcache
An EarthCache is a special geological location people can visit to learn about a unique feature of the Earth. EarthCache pages include a set of educational notes along with coordinates. Visitors to EarthCaches can see how our planet has been shaped by geological processes, how we manage its resources and how scientists gather evidence. Typically, to log an EarthCache, you will have to provide answers to questions by observing the geological location.
Event Cache
An Event Cache is a gathering of local geocachers or geocaching organizations. The Event Cache page specifies a time for the event and provides coordinates to its location. After the event has ended, it is archived.

Action: Geocaching

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