INTERNATIONAL GEOCACHING DAY
International Geocaching Day on the third Saturday in August encourages people to get outdoors and participate in a phenomenon called geocaching.
In case you’re wondering what geocaching is, it’s sort of like a treasure hunt. However, in this case, the hunters use GPS-enabled devices, including cellphones. In other words, it’s a modern-day spin on the practice of letterboxing. Just like with treasure hunting, people followed clues. The clues led them to a small weatherproof box containing a notebook and rubber stamp.
During a geocaching event, participants use GPS coordinates to locate a geocache at a specific location. The geocache is a hidden container that’s usually waterproof. Inside, hunters find a logbook and pencil along with an assortment of items. Those who find the geocache sign the logbook and then put it back exactly where they found it. That way, the geocache will be found by the next person. If someone takes an item from the geocache, courtesy requires they replace it with something of equal or greater value.
When signing the logbook, geocaching encourages participants to write a thoughtful log describing their memorable experience. Some people choose to include events that took place when trying to find the geocache. Others leave a photo or a riddle for the next finder to solve. The whole point of geocaching is to get outside and enjoy some good ol’ fashioned fun.
HOW TO OBSERVE #InternationalGeocachingDay
Get out an experience geocaching. One way is by signing up on the official geocaching website. Other ways to participate include:
- Go for a walk and enjoy being outdoors
- Organize your own treasure hunt or geocaching event
- Learn about the Global Positioning System (GPS)
- Discover and explore a new place
INTERNATIONAL GEOCACHING DAY HISTORY
In 2000, Matt Stum coined the term geocaching. He joined the two familiar words geo (meaning earth) and caching to describe hunting and finding hidden objects on the earth. That year, Dave Ulmer of Beavercreek, Oregon placed the first-ever geocache on May 3rd. In its beginning stages, only experienced GPS users did geocaching. Eventually, after the development of the geocaching website, the stash-hunting community exploded.
The first-ever International Geocaching Day was held in 2011. It is now celebrated by millions of geocaching enthusiasts around the world.
Dates
20 August 2022
19 August 2023
17 August 2024
16 August 2025
15 August 2026
21 August 2027
19 August 2028
18 August 2029
17 August 2030
