You’re never too old to go on a treasure hunt! Geocaching is a fantastic way to get active, be in nature, spend some quality family time, and have a whole lot of fun!

Head over to geocaching.com for tips, finding your local geocache, logs, and so much more!

*Disclaimer* Time in nature has not been cancelled, but we must be responsible to help everyone stay safe and healthy! Here are some guidelines to follow while exploring your community:

• Stay home if you have been traveling or do not feel well. Here is a great resource if you are quarantined. This will help you find people in Manitoba who are willing and able to help you while quarantined. Help Next Door Manitoba
• Go out with your family, but practice social distancing with other groups.
• Stay within your community. Please do not travel to other communities.
• Stay off play structures in parks and schools.
• Social Distancing can be easier in rural communities because we live farther apart from each other. If you live in a condo or apartment, please follow the guidelines provided to you to ensure you keep your social distance from you neighbors.

What is Geocaching?

Geocaching is an outdoor treasure hunting game, but instead of using an old, tattered map with a big ‘X’ on it, you use GPS devices. Set in your local geocaching coordinates and track down the geocache to find unique treasures!

Types of Geocaching

There are 16 different kinds of geocaching that are still used today! Here are the three most common geocaches that you can find right here in the Eastman.

Traditional Geocache

The most popular and common type of geocache. This type includes a container at selected coordinates that holds a prize. For some, you can even trade for the item inside with something of even or greater value. Most locations have a logbook so you can mark down that you successfully found the geocache.

Mystery or Puzzle Cache

If you want to make geocaching a little harder, than consider a Puzzle Cache. This kind involves different levels of puzzles that you must complete before to figure out the coordinates of the geocache.

Multi Cache

This type includes multiple geocaching locations, with the last location containing the geocache container. Usually each location holds clues as to where the next location is.

Rules for Geocaching

Some of these rules may be unwritten, but still important note, especially if you are just beginning your geocaching adventure!

• If you take the “prize” from the geocache, leave an item of equal or greater value. Please note: Some geocache finds are not meant to be taken or traded. Know the rules of the geocache before you head out
• Use the logbooks at geocache locations and on websites like geocaching.com
• Be thoughtful when posting photos! Don’t spoil the fun for other geocachers by posting every detail of the geocache location
• Dress appropriately. You’ll be spending your day in the elements and out in the wilderness, so wear the right shoes and pack extra layers
• Try to leave the location as you found it. Half the fun is the search for the geocache itself, so leave everything as you found it as to not leave clues where it is

What you will Need for Geocaching

Before you set out for your adventure, here are some things you should bring with you!

• GPS/smartphone. This is essential for geocaching! Also consider bringing extra batteries and/or charger
• Bring SWAG (Stuff We All Get). If you plan on taking the item in the geocaching location, you must leave something of equal or greater value. But don’t worry! Just bring some fun nicnacs or toys to replace it
• Bring snacks and plenty of water
• Sunscreen
• Bug spray
• Proper outdoor gear
• TOTT (Tools of the Trade). Consider bring along a flashlight or penlight, a mirror, magnet, and pocketknife.
• First aid kit