That's what geocaching is all about: It's a free, real-world game in which players use a GPS-enabled mobile device to navigate to a specific location — maybe even the local park — to find a hidden container, or "geocache," that another player placed. The geocache contains a logbook to sign and very often a real treasure, perhaps a small trinket or toy. You can take the item with you as long as you replace it with another item of the same or greater value.
There are more than 5 million players (or geocachers) worldwide, and many kids are getting in the game (with adult assistance). The high-tech scavenger hunt itself is enticing enough, but they get to trade small treasures to boot.
Sierra Filucci of Common Sense Media says she "struck gold" when she figured out a way to blend outdoor activity, exercise and the iPhone for her iPhone-obsessed son. Filucci shares tips for folks who want to give geocaching a try in the February 6 Huffington Post article "Nerding Out in Nature: One Smart Phone. Two Kids. Tons of Fun. She writes, for example, "Non-geocachers are called 'Muggles,' as in the non-wizards in Harry Potter's world. If you see Muggles during your hunt, you should act normal, and don't let them catch on to what you're doing. (Kids LOVE this part.)"
Geocaches are hidden all over the world. You can read about how the whole phenomenon started here. It's an interesting story.
No comments:
Post a Comment