From the popular Boys' Life Series, "Let's Go Geocaching" is a great introduction for those who are just discovering the quickly growing pastime of geocaching. Geocaching is sometimes described as a modern-day game of "hide and go seek", where players use a handheld GPS device to seek out and find hidden containers of various odds and ends. Once found, you can sign the logbook you find inside, and you can swap something inside the container with something you bring from home of equal or greater value.
"Let's Go Geocaching" describes the details of beginning geocaching, while explaining them in a manner that children can easily understand. With full color pictures and engaging stories, this book not only introduces children to geocaching, it helps develop their reading skills and love of reading.
The book begins with a basic introduction to geocaching by telling a story of a geocacher seeking out and finding a geocache. The story grabs your attention immediately and doesn't let go until the end of the book. It continues by describing the GPS handheld device, its controls, how it works and how to use it. It even goes into detail about the satellites used in GPS technology and the latitude/longitude system used in geolocation. Again, all explained in a manner in which children can easily understand.
Then it moves on to describing the containers, or "caches", which are the ultimate target. It explains what you should and shouldn't place into a cache and tells you about the different sizes and types of caches available to try and find. Once cache etiquette is explained, they begin to discuss the actual act and art of the hunt. Most of the information about caches and where to find them is found on the Internet. The book gives several resources for anyone to find a sufficient amount of caches all over the world.
It then walks you through a caching expedition, telling you what you should bring with you and how to do all of this as safely as possible. Safety is very important when geocaching and is made evident throughout the book.
The book then pieces everything together with a story of three Scouts going on a geocaching expedition with their Scoutmaster. Cleverly written to keep the close attention of a young reader, the story includes many of the safety practices and how to be prepared for some possible issues that may arise. The book closes with a chapter on how you can create and hide your own cache for others to find.
If you are looking for a way to introduce a child to geocaching, or trying to find a gift to give along with a GPS device, then this is definitely what you're looking for. Geocaching is already a huge hobby of Scouts and outdoor lovers worldwide, and is growing every day. It's inexpensive and tons of fun!
Do you have experience geocaching? Have you ever thought about picking up the hobby? Tell us what you think in the comments section below!
