Why Geocaching?

      I have my students participate in geocaching for the same reasons that I geocache. While this activity offers a great deal of educative value, it delivers much more. When students begin to use geocaching, they apply principles of math, geography, science, and logic to a real problem. Solving the puzzle of locating a geocache is an exciting, hands-on way to use these tools. Furthermore, geocaching is enriching beyond the cerebral. It has other important, lasting effects on learners.

Meeting Psychological Needs

      Each of us is faced with the ongoing challenge to support our individual psychological needs. In equal measure, we must each have a sense of freedom, fun, power, and belonging. Recognizing these needs in the classroom setting is as important as recognizing our students' need to read. Helping them fill those needs is a challenge. The sport of geocaching is a fantastic way to do this.

Getting Outdoors

      In an age where more and more activity takes place indoors, any opportunity to get outside should be considered. Just as getting exercise and fresh air are important, developing a sense of place by exploring the local terrain is also of great value. The late naturalist, Rachel Carson, believed that experiencing nature was as important as learning about it, particularly for children.

"If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder...he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in.

"Exploring nature with your child is largely a matter of becoming receptive to what lies all around you. It is learning again to use your eyes, ears, nostrils and finger tips, opening up the disused channels of sensory impression."

      Geocaching is a puzzle to solve, a brain teaser, a hidden treasure. It exercises our body and our mind. Perhaps most of all, geocaching is fun. Having fun is a need for all of us, whether we are adults or children.