Learning how to use a GPS unit is not nearly as hard as people think it is. Yes, it takes a bit of brainpower but it's more a matter of finding a reason why you want to learn.
This past weekend I worked with two 4-H clubs to teach the kids how to use a GPS unit and then went on the hunt for some geocaches. Learning to use a GPS is a whole lot more fun when it includes hunting for hidden treasures.
G. and L. were my class assistants and they were a big help, not only during the class, but helping me prep for it. L. helped me with the GPS screen explanations and G. wrote an information page about how the game was played. I needed to make sure I broke down the information in a way that would make sense to my students (who ranged in age from 6 - 17) by having kids who know the game help me plan the class.
I thought I'd share the info here for those who really want to learn to geocache and don't know how a GPS unit works (and because I talk about this game frequently and many of you have told me you have no idea what I'm talking about ;-)
With each class, I gave each small group of kids a GPS unit (an older etrex unit we borrowed from the 4-H office) and a small ring of cards with information on scrolling through screens on the GPS, finding waypoints (coordinates where geocaches are located) and how the GPS guides you to a waypoint.
This is really just a quick snapshot of how a GPS unit works (and the newer units screens are slightly different) but it was enough information to get all the kids I worked with this weekend -- who had little to no GPS unit experience -- out in the woods finding geocaches (ones I planted for the class so no worries experienced geocachers on me giving up any real secret locations!).
Geocachers use the compass screen to follow the arrow to the geocache as well as the distance you are currently from it. The trick about using the unit's compass is that it points to the direction of the cache, not necessary the way you should actually hike to it. Following the trail and GENERAL direction of the compass arrow is the safest way to find your hidden treasure.
I also taught some of the kids in my classes how to MARK their own waypoint. Several 4-H projects these kids are working on require them to make their own maps and highlight particular points on that map.
If you've never played the Geocache game before, here is G.'s (she just turned 12) explanation.
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1. What is Geocaching?
It is a game you play with a GPS to find hidden treasure.
2. How do you play?
First you go on to www.geocaching.com to look for geocache coordinates. You need those to find the hidden treasure. Once you see a cache you want to enter it in to the GPS unit. The coordinates are called waypoints.
3. How do you find a cache?
Now you drive to the trail where the cache is hidden and turn on your GPS. Find the nearest waypoints on your GPS and look for the name of the cache on your waypoint list. Then you click on it and you will see a screen that says “go to.” Click on that button. That button will show you a compass. The compass will tell you how far the cache is and the arrow will tell you which direction to walk to find the cache.
4. What do you look for?
The GPS will only lead you to within 30 feet of the cache. Once you get to 30 feet you start looking for the cache. You look for sticks that are stacked together or rocks that the cache is hidden under. Once you find it you open it and put your name in the log book so people know you have been to the cache. And then you can have a toy. You can take one but you have to leave one too. You can not take a toy and not give the cache one. Once you are done with your trade you put the book and geocache back the way you found it. Then you come home and log on to Geocaching.com and post that you found the cache.
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I also added this bit of info to her explanation of the game ...
Every geocacher should sign the log book found in a geocache w/their screen name and practice their geocacher short-hand.
TFTC = Thanks For The Cache
TNLN = Took Nothing Left Nothing
And I offered a bit of advice on one of the quirky things that can happen to GPS units while out in the 'field.'
If your GPS unit screen goes blank (not uncommon with these well-used units from Extension Office), try to turn off the unit and then turn it back on. If that doesn’t work, take off the back cover (a metal hook that you turn to remove cover) and take out the batteries. Then put the batteries back in and replace the cover. This should reset the unit.
The kids I worked with had a good time geocaching and many wanted to go out and find some 'real' geocaches next time.
What appeals to the kids most of all I think is that they can use a GPS unit, something not that many people know how to do yet. And that gives them a self-esteem boost and opens up a whole new 'secret society' of people hunting for hidden treasure.
Here's a few resources about geocaching if you're interested in playing the game.
Getting started geocaching
Guide to purchasing a GPS unit to play the game
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