Geo-caching- Brownies and Juniors
Available as download here
Girl Scout Council of Central New York, Inc.
Created and designed by: (Troop #224- Bronze Award)
Hannah Bevilacqua, Amanda Brownell and Amanda Verone
Geo-caching started as a high tech game of treasure hunt. If you like to go treasure hunting you'll like geo-caching, but before you go, complete some of our requirements to earn a badge. Before going out on the hunt, pack food, water and a first aid kit. Also, pack a few other things and bring some friends and an adult. This makes it more fun and safe too! If you need a G.P.S. unit, contact the Girl Scout Promise Center. Units are available for rent. Have fun and watch out for Geo-caching spies, but don't worry, I haven't seen any yet.
“While Satellites are linking, Girl Scouts are thinking !”
To earn this Brownie Try-it, you must complete requirement # 2 and do 3 more requirements of your choice.
· To earn this Junior badge, you must complete six of the twelve requirements.
1. What does it mean?
Find out what G.P.S. stands for and write it down. A long time ago, what did people use to find their way? Tell someone or your troop what you learned.
2. Geo.com (part A)
Before going geo-caching, you should visit www.geocaching.com or another similar web site. Before doing this requirement, complete the cyberspace pledge form found below.
Cyberspace Safety Pledge
Traveling through cyberspace can be fun, but like any trip you take you have to "Be Prepared" for unforeseen things. So, read this before you go any further. Then discuss it with your parent or guardian.
Girl Name _____________________ Date __________
Parent/Guardian _____________________ Date __________
Geo.com (part B)
Learn about 2 of the things listed below:
a) Travel bugs
b) What is a cache box?
c) What things do you need for geo-caching?
d) Open 2 caches near your home by entering your zip code and state.
3. Decode Me
If you like to decode clues, try this. Use the decryption key to decode the following message. Then make your own message using the same decryption key.
Decryption Key:
A B C D E F G H I J K L M
N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
(Letter above equals below and vice versa)
Example: A=N, B=O, C=P
juvyr fngryyvgrf ner yvaxvat tvey fpbhgf ner guvaxvat
4. Stay Safe
Make your own mini first aid kit to take along while you go treasure hunting.
Things you will need:
· An empty film canister
· Bandage
· String or yarn (long enough to go around your neck)
· Small package of first aid cream or ointment
· Two beads
· A gauze square
·
Instructions:
1.) Poke a hole in the lid and bottom of the film canister
2.) Pull the string through the holes, but do not tie. Close the lid. String on the beads, one on top of the lid and one below the bottom of the canister. Tie the ends of the string into a knot.
3.) Place in the canister the first aid items (you might have to roll them tightly).
4.) Cap the canister and get Geo-caching.
5. Model a Motto
Many geo-cachers use the saying "cache it in, trash it out". This means, simply bring an extra bag with you when you go caching and help remove trash at the same time. Girl scouts also has a similar motto" Leave it better than you found it". Be a role model for this Girl Scout motto.
List two (2) more things you can do to follow our motto while geo-caching.
6. Make Your Mark
Geo-cachers usually create a fun code name and a special mark to use when they write in the logbooks found in the cache boxes. You can create your own code name and your own stamp to use when you go geo-caching or when writing to your friends.
You will need an inkpad and a stamp.
To make your own stamp, you can use a new rectangular eraser. Then draw out your own design on one end of the eraser. Ask an adult to carve out it out using a sharp knife.
Remember to use your new stamp when you write in the logbooks.
7. Box it up
Have fun creating your own cache box and hiding it, but be sure to record the way points or co-ordinates for it so it can be found later. With an adult follow the directions included with the G.P.S. unit to enter the waypoints of your new cache box.
To make your own special cache box, you will need:
1. A tight-sealing plastic container, for example a large Rubbermaid container.
2. A small notepad to let people log in what they took and what they put in your box
3. A couple of pens to use to write in your log book
4. A large Ziploc bag to keep the log book and pencil or pen dry
5. A few small toys (like McDonald's toys) or small unused trinkets lying around your house.
6. you could include some Girl Scout swap items, things from local places in your area, such as museum or zoo pencils, pins or key chains (usually these things are free giveaways)
8. Go, Go, Go!
Learn how to use a GPS unit. Each unit will have instructions for this. After visiting the web site for geo-caching, locate a cache near you. Enter your coordinates (waypoints) into your unit.
Find a friend and go get that cache!
Remember to write in the logbook what you took and what you put in.
9. Search and Find
Look for the hidden words in this word search. You can find them across, down, backwards and diagonally.
B S Q W A V V G P D L M P G P O S C A B D F Z N L
R T V W N Y S R O A E I O P U Y Z L M P H R M I Q
L D G T U P A N T R O S Q S L M T U V W X D N Z T
T H O N T O T N E L V O R P W R Y C D U X K W V T
R Q F U N C T E S Y N I N W Y B S C A M S O K W Z
N X T H M W G N T Y U I G I T W N S O T O E I T E
M T Q O R T U L M I G T E C H N O L O G Y A L G E
S R Q U R O B V D I L S S O W E M H A T A B C D E
D E Q N K N I D L M O L P A M A H I D D E N Q H R
H A N N A H E A N E T H E A M A N D A S R L C M N
B S R T U I V S A H L M O T S T M Y S T E R Y A S
G U O O D A A S M C E D I S A R F R A N A K T W Z
N R E V E Z R T Z A N O Q R T S L M O E L Z L Q N
D E T A N I T M A C L S A R L R A B S C D E Z Q T
SATELLITE TREASURE GPS
HIDDEN CACHE SEARCH
TRAVEL BUG MYSTERY TECHNOLOGY
HUNT LINKS FUN
If you liked this badge, try one of these junior badges:
First Aid
Finding your way
Hiker
Computer Fun
Discovering Technology
Girl Scout Council of Central New York, Inc.
Created and designed by: (Troop #224- Bronze Award)
Hannah Bevilacqua, Amanda Brownell and Amanda Verone
Geo-caching started as a high tech game of treasure hunt. If you like to go treasure hunting you'll like geo-caching, but before you go, complete some of our requirements to earn a badge. Before going out on the hunt, pack food, water and a first aid kit. Also, pack a few other things and bring some friends and an adult. This makes it more fun and safe too! If you need a G.P.S. unit, contact the Girl Scout Promise Center. Units are available for rent. Have fun and watch out for Geo-caching spies, but don't worry, I haven't seen any yet.
“While Satellites are linking, Girl Scouts are thinking !”
To earn this Brownie Try-it, you must complete requirement # 2 and do 3 more requirements of your choice.
· To earn this Junior badge, you must complete six of the twelve requirements.
1. What does it mean?
Find out what G.P.S. stands for and write it down. A long time ago, what did people use to find their way? Tell someone or your troop what you learned.
2. Geo.com (part A)
Before going geo-caching, you should visit www.geocaching.com or another similar web site. Before doing this requirement, complete the cyberspace pledge form found below.
Cyberspace Safety Pledge
Traveling through cyberspace can be fun, but like any trip you take you have to "Be Prepared" for unforeseen things. So, read this before you go any further. Then discuss it with your parent or guardian.
- I will not give out personal information such as my address, telephone number, parents'/guardians' work address/telephone number, or the name and location of my school without my parents'/guardians' permission.
- I will tell an adult right away if I come across any information that makes me feel uncomfortable.
- I will never agree to get together with someone I "meet" online without first checking with my parents/guardians. If my parents/guardians agree to the meeting, I will be sure that it is in a public place and bring my parent or guardian along.
- I will never send a person my picture or anything else without first checking with my parents/guardians.
- I will not respond to any messages that are mean or in any way make me feel uncomfortable. It is not my fault if I get a message like that. If I do I will tell my parents/guardians right away so that they can contact the online service.
- I will talk with my parents/guardians so that we can set up rules for going online. We will decide upon the time of day that I can be online, the length of time I can be online, and appropriate areas for me to visit. I will not access other areas or break these rules without their permission.
Girl Name _____________________ Date __________
Parent/Guardian _____________________ Date __________
Geo.com (part B)
Learn about 2 of the things listed below:
a) Travel bugs
b) What is a cache box?
c) What things do you need for geo-caching?
d) Open 2 caches near your home by entering your zip code and state.
3. Decode Me
If you like to decode clues, try this. Use the decryption key to decode the following message. Then make your own message using the same decryption key.
Decryption Key:
A B C D E F G H I J K L M
N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
(Letter above equals below and vice versa)
Example: A=N, B=O, C=P
juvyr fngryyvgrf ner yvaxvat tvey fpbhgf ner guvaxvat
4. Stay Safe
Make your own mini first aid kit to take along while you go treasure hunting.
Things you will need:
· An empty film canister
· Bandage
· String or yarn (long enough to go around your neck)
· Small package of first aid cream or ointment
· Two beads
· A gauze square
·
Instructions:
1.) Poke a hole in the lid and bottom of the film canister
2.) Pull the string through the holes, but do not tie. Close the lid. String on the beads, one on top of the lid and one below the bottom of the canister. Tie the ends of the string into a knot.
3.) Place in the canister the first aid items (you might have to roll them tightly).
4.) Cap the canister and get Geo-caching.
5. Model a Motto
Many geo-cachers use the saying "cache it in, trash it out". This means, simply bring an extra bag with you when you go caching and help remove trash at the same time. Girl scouts also has a similar motto" Leave it better than you found it". Be a role model for this Girl Scout motto.
List two (2) more things you can do to follow our motto while geo-caching.
6. Make Your Mark
Geo-cachers usually create a fun code name and a special mark to use when they write in the logbooks found in the cache boxes. You can create your own code name and your own stamp to use when you go geo-caching or when writing to your friends.
You will need an inkpad and a stamp.
To make your own stamp, you can use a new rectangular eraser. Then draw out your own design on one end of the eraser. Ask an adult to carve out it out using a sharp knife.
Remember to use your new stamp when you write in the logbooks.
7. Box it up
Have fun creating your own cache box and hiding it, but be sure to record the way points or co-ordinates for it so it can be found later. With an adult follow the directions included with the G.P.S. unit to enter the waypoints of your new cache box.
To make your own special cache box, you will need:
1. A tight-sealing plastic container, for example a large Rubbermaid container.
2. A small notepad to let people log in what they took and what they put in your box
3. A couple of pens to use to write in your log book
4. A large Ziploc bag to keep the log book and pencil or pen dry
5. A few small toys (like McDonald's toys) or small unused trinkets lying around your house.
6. you could include some Girl Scout swap items, things from local places in your area, such as museum or zoo pencils, pins or key chains (usually these things are free giveaways)
8. Go, Go, Go!
Learn how to use a GPS unit. Each unit will have instructions for this. After visiting the web site for geo-caching, locate a cache near you. Enter your coordinates (waypoints) into your unit.
Find a friend and go get that cache!
Remember to write in the logbook what you took and what you put in.
9. Search and Find
Look for the hidden words in this word search. You can find them across, down, backwards and diagonally.
B S Q W A V V G P D L M P G P O S C A B D F Z N L
R T V W N Y S R O A E I O P U Y Z L M P H R M I Q
L D G T U P A N T R O S Q S L M T U V W X D N Z T
T H O N T O T N E L V O R P W R Y C D U X K W V T
R Q F U N C T E S Y N I N W Y B S C A M S O K W Z
N X T H M W G N T Y U I G I T W N S O T O E I T E
M T Q O R T U L M I G T E C H N O L O G Y A L G E
S R Q U R O B V D I L S S O W E M H A T A B C D E
D E Q N K N I D L M O L P A M A H I D D E N Q H R
H A N N A H E A N E T H E A M A N D A S R L C M N
B S R T U I V S A H L M O T S T M Y S T E R Y A S
G U O O D A A S M C E D I S A R F R A N A K T W Z
N R E V E Z R T Z A N O Q R T S L M O E L Z L Q N
D E T A N I T M A C L S A R L R A B S C D E Z Q T
SATELLITE TREASURE GPS
HIDDEN CACHE SEARCH
TRAVEL BUG MYSTERY TECHNOLOGY
HUNT LINKS FUN
If you liked this badge, try one of these junior badges:
First Aid
Finding your way
Hiker
Computer Fun
Discovering Technology