Using Technology To Get Outside – Geocaching!
If you have never heard of geocaching, it is essentially a massive outdoor treasure hunt, using GPS and a smart device to locate thousands of hidden ‘caches’ or boxes all over the world! It has been around for a little while now, but it has never been more popular.
Technology often gets a bad reputation for putting a stop to children playing and exploring outdoors, but this is certainly a great way to combine both, along with some other fantastic educational and developmental benefits.
To get started all you need is a GPS enabled phone and the (free) Geocaching app. From there it's just a case of scanning your local area for caches, then setting off on a treasure hunt! The caches themselves vary from large boxes, to tiny film canisters and even fake rocks with hidden compartments. Often the caches contain a small trinket to take away and most have log books to sign to record your find. If this all sounds like fun, please have a read of some of the websites linked here for a handy starters guide!
A great guide to geocaching with small children - https://smallerexplorer.co.uk/geocaching-with-kids-a-short-guide
Top tips for getting started - https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/watch/lets-go-club-geocaching
The official geocaching website - https://www.geocaching.com/play
The official geocaching app - https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id329541503
If you have any questions about this, or any other aspect of computing, please do not hesitate to get in touch!