Generation Next

Recently, I had the chance to assist with doing the one thing that brings me the most pleasure in Geocaching...teaching children how to play the game.  I will not include the name of the school or teacher or any of the children for the sake of privacy and protection of the kids.

I was overjoyed when I discovered that, at least in this area, Geocaching has become a normal part of the yearly curriculum when learning about satellites and the solar system.

Gary, the local technology educator, hid 15 geocaches around the school (though, sadly, there were quiz questions inside rather than SWAG) and turned all 20 kids loose with a pre-loaded Garmen eTrex 10 and a prayer.

The kids then spent the next hour and half (almost all successfully) in finding those 15 caches and answering the questions inside. 

All of the containers were typical 8 oz lock and locks, so it was not all to difficult most of the time.  It was more about the fun of introducing the game to a new generation (who, to be honest, are already technology driven) and broadening their minds to fun and creative ways to spend more time outside.

Combining exercise with a child's natural curiosity to hunt is a no-brainer.  Throw in the fact that they get to use some cool electronic gear all by themselves, and it went over just as awesomely as you might have expected!

I have lost count of how many groups and kids I have taught how to play the game, but that is a moot point.  Seeing that moment when the light bulb comes on and it falls together for them is the most incredible moment ever and is one of the driving forces behind why I continue to love this game so much. 

A big thank you to the teacher for allowing me to be a part of the festivities and believe me when I tell that I definitely got more back than I could have given. This was Awesome!!