Geocaching – that high tech game of hide and seek – isn't just for adults. "I'm booorrrred", a refrain that all parents dread…especially during the family vacation! Let's face it, it isn't easy keeping the kids entertained all day long and how about some time for you too. So why not get creative and break out the GPS for the kids.
Kids these days tend to grasp the intricacies of electronic devices like we used to grasp kicking a beach ball or throwing a Frisbee. Set up a course around your cottage or campsite with treasures hidden in each place. You can make the course as long or short as you like but it will keep idle minds active for quite awhile, especially when you know just what treasures will pique their interest. Here are a few suggestions that will make it a bit easier:
- Let the age of your kids determine the length and complexity of the course.
- Pre-program all the waypoints and show them how to navigate from one to the other.
- Choose an area that is relatively free of biting insects.
- Give them a list of things they will find at each set of coordinates.
- Encourage them to use navigational terminology like coordinates, waypoints, etc.
- Be sure the last set of coordinates is your home base…we just want them busy for awhile and want them to find their way back home easily.
- Give them a set of clues for each cache and, again, let their ages determine how well hidden the caches will be.
- Give them some questions to answer about each location that will help them learn about the outdoors
Make his a fun experience and you'll not only get the kids active but they will be learning about our great Southern Ontario outdoors at the same time. Have a safe and happy summer season wherever you are in Southern Ontario.
©Lloyd Fridenburg - 2010
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